We tell you everything you need to know about the 2025 Milton High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Eagles this season.
2024 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 15-0
- Points Scored: 660
- Points Allowed: 197
Key Roster Losses
It starts with quarterback Luke Nickel, who became one of the state’s most successful three-year starters, engineering the Milton offense with precision. Though not necessarily considered a true dual-threat QB, Nickel could win games as much with his rushing as his passing ability. He amassed 10,165 yards passing and 107 TDs over the past three seasons. He also ran for 700 yards with 15 TDs on the ground.
There are other major losses from last year’s offense. Gone are the team’s top three receivers in CJ Wiley, Ethan Barbour, and Tristen Payne. In addition to Nickel, Milton also lost its three top rushers in TJ Lester and Kevin Maven-Winchester. Gone are 70 TDs from last year’s Top 4 TD-makers of Payne, Lester, Nickel, and Barbour.
Milton also lost its top tackler in Hayden Tumminia, sack leader in Caleb Bell, and interception leader in Ty Redmond.
Key Players Returning
Yes, Milton lost a lot, but the 2025 locker room is full of talent.
That includes newcomer Derrick Baker, a junior quarterback who transferred this offseason from Florida’s St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
Look for junior running back Sheldon Atchison Jr. and senior running back Bentley Hickman, who transferred to Milton from Homestead High School in Wisconsin this offseason, to get the majority of the carries in the Eagles’ backfield in 2025. They have impressed this offseason.
They have a big, talented offensive line to run behind, including 6-foot-5-inch, 265-pound freshman offensive lineman Landon Ghea, who has just been offered by the University of Alabama.
Three-star defensive back Tristan Lester is back for his senior season and has already committed to Marshall University.
Junior Grant Haviland continues Milton’s streak of fielding premier talent at the tight end position. Gage Lawrence could see time at tight end this season as well as offensive tackle.
What to Expect From the Milton Eagles in 2025
Milton lost a good bit of the key pieces from last year’s undefeated squad, but more than enough talent returns this year to put Reaves and his team right back in the mix for a third straight state championship.
It looks like Baker is good enough to put aside any concerns of losing Nickel at QB, and the offensive line is solid as always, with yet another highly recruited TE in Haviland. Nobody gets more from the TE position than Reaves and his Milton offense.
I don’t expect much fall off, if any, in 2025.
2025 Season Prediction
Look for Milton to go 13-2 and to make a third straight trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Game to Watch
Season-opener on Aug. 14 at Buford
