Rigdon jumping over the defense to score a touchdown in the championship game
Twice in recent years, we’ve posed the question to our audience: “Who is the best Texas high school football player of all time?” In one poll, Ken Hall claimed the title, and in another, Kyler Murray came out on top. They both dominated throughout their high school careers at the highest level. However, if the question is rephrased as, “Who had the best career in Texas high school football?” Grayson Rigdon’s name must enter the conversation.
Grayson Rigdon has solidified his status as one of the most accomplished athletes in Texas high school football history. Beginning his career in six-man football, Rigdon led Strawn High School to a state championship as a freshman, earning both offensive and defensive MVP honors—a rare feat that showcased his incredible versatility on the field.
Transferring to Benjamin High School, Rigdon continued his dominance by securing back-to-back state titles in his sophomore and junior years. During his tenure in six-man football, he amassed a perfect 45-0 record and was a three-time Six-Man Player of the Year. Rigdon set a state record with 17 career touchdowns in state championship games, showcasing his ability to shine on the biggest stage. One of his standout games came in the 2022 state title matchup, where he racked up five touchdowns, leading Benjamin to a commanding victory.
When his father accepted a job at Columbus High School, Rigdon transitioned to 11-man football for his senior season, proving his skills could translate to a more competitive format. He made an immediate impact, rushing for 255 yards and three touchdowns in his debut game against Cuero. Later in the season, he was sidelined early in the game against Hitchcock due to injury, which contributed to Columbus suffering its only loss of the season in a narrow 37-36 defeat.
Over the course of the season, Rigdon accumulated 2,071 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns, leading Columbus to a 3A Division I state championship—the school’s first title in history. His performance in the championship game was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored four touchdowns to guide Columbus to victory and earned MVP honors yet again.
Beyond football, Rigdon excelled on the basketball court, averaging over 40 points per game and earning recognition as a Preseason Small Town All-American. His leadership and competitive spirit extended beyond his individual performances, as he consistently elevated his teams to championship-caliber success in every sport he played.
Rigdon’s achievements across multiple formats of high school football, combined with his athletic prowess in basketball, underscore his exceptional talent and adaptability. From breaking records in six-man football to seamlessly transitioning to 11-man and leading Columbus to a state title, Rigdon has left an indelible mark on Texas high school sports, cementing his legacy as one of the most distinguished athletes in the state’s history.
