Chanhassen senior offensive tackle Owen Linder was named one of 10 finalists for the 2025 Mr. Football Award, recognizing Minnesota’s top high school football player.
The Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA) announced the Elite Ten finalists on November 11, with Linder representing the Northstar South-Gold sub-district in Class 5A.
The award, co-sponsored by the MFCA and the Minnesota Vikings, was presented to Roman Voss of Jackson County Central on Dec. 7.
Linder, who is committed to play at Iowa, was the only offensive lineman among this year’s finalists. The list also includes standout skill position players from across Minnesota, representing classes from 9-Man to 6A.
For Linder, the nomination represents far more than individual achievement.
“This nomination isn’t just because of me — it’s because of all my teammates and coaches who have helped me on this journey,” Linder said. “It doesn’t happen without my teammates and coaches, and for them I am very grateful.”
That sentiment reflects the character that has made Linder a cornerstone of Chanhassen’s football program. The Storm advanced to the Class 5A Prep Bowl this season, where they fell 24-21 to Spring Lake Park. Along the way, Linder anchored an offensive line that helped the Storm compile an 11-2 record while playing one of the toughest schedules in Minnesota. He was also a starter on the 2023 Chanhassen Storm team that won that year’s Prep Bowl.
Linder’s dominance in the trenches was also celebrated beyond the Mr. Football nomination. He was also named to the Star Tribune Strib Varsity All-Minnesota Team, recognition of his elite play throughout the season.
“It’s awesome to be nominated for being one of the top players in the state,” Linder said. “It shows that all the hard work throughout the last couple of years has paid off and also represents the team and the high school as well. I’ve said since I knew I was nominated that this is not just my achievement — it’s our team’s.”
The Mr. Football Award has recognized Minnesota’s top senior since 2004, when Nick Mertens of East Grand Forks became the first recipient. Chanhassen has recent history with the award — Maxwell Woods won Mr. Football in 2023, the same year the Storm captured the Class 5A state championship.
Looking ahead to his collegiate career at Iowa, Linder sees the Mr. Football finalist recognition as both a confidence builder and a reminder of the work ahead.
“I think it will help my confidence level going into college,” he said. “I know I’ll probably be one of the smallest linemen and everyone has been a part of these awards when they were in high school, but just being able to do that and have all the accolades will give me confidence at the next level. But also I know none of it matters when I’m there — it all resets.”
That mindset — grateful for recognition while staying grounded about the journey ahead — captures what has made Linder successful both on and off the field.
The complete list of Mr. Football finalists included players from across the state: Micah Bush (Hills-Beaver Creek), James Engle (Maple Grove), Caleb Francois (Minnetonka), Carson Heimer (Byron), Howie Johnson (Forest Lake), Izaak Johnson (Cretin-Derham Hall), Logan Lachermeier (Minneapolis North), Deron Russell (Waseca), Voss, and Linder.
