ALL-USA Football Team nom Jett Thomalla shines in state title game

Jett Thomalla’s senior season at Millard South was nothing short of historic, capped by a state championship and a commitment to Alabama.

He threw for 3,484 yards and 61 touchdowns, cementing his place as one of Nebraska’s greatest quarterbacks.

Amazingly, Thomalla threw for seven touchdowns in his team's 62-21 state semifinal game win over Omaha Westside and seven more in a 49-0 state championship game victory over Papillion-LaVista South. It was Millard South's second straight state title.

His accomplishments have made him a finalist for the ALL-USA Midwest Football Team, and he is also a nominee for the ALL-USA National Football Team. Both of those teams will be announced in December.

Here is the complete list of finalists for the ALL-USA Midwest Football Team, which includes athletes from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

A Record-Breaking Senior Campaign

Thomalla delivered one of the most dominant seasons in Nebraska high school football history. In his senior year, Thomalla completed 193 of 266 passes (73 percent) for 3,484 yards and 61 touchdowns, while throwing just five interceptions.

His efficiency and production were staggering as he averaged nearly three touchdowns per game and often had contests decided by halftime.

In the Class A state championship against Papillion-La Vista South this week, Thomalla threw seven touchdown passes in the first half alone, leading Millard South to a 49-0 victory and their second consecutive state title. This performance capped a career in which Thomalla amassed 10,253 passing yards and 134 touchdowns across four seasons, losing only five games as a starter. He started four games as a freshman, then 12 each in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons.

He also set Nebraska’s all-time records for passing yards, completions and touchdowns. His back-to-back campaigns of 47 touchdowns as a junior and 61 as a senior are virtually unmatched in state history.

Recruitment Journey to Alabama

Thomalla’s recruitment was as compelling as his play on the field. Initially committed to Iowa State, he flipped to Alabama this summer after receiving an offer from head coach Kalen DeBoer.

At 6-foot-4 and over 220 pounds, Thomalla possesses prototypical size and arm strength, traits that made him a coveted prospect. Ranked as a four-star recruit and the No. 10 quarterback nationally in the 2026 class, he joins Alabama’s No. 3-ranked recruiting class alongside fellow quarterback Tayden Kaawa.

Thomalla’s decision was influenced by his desire for elite competition and preparation for the NFL. His father noted that Alabama offered the best path to challenge himself against the nation’s top talent.

He will enroll early in Tuscaloosa in January, entering a quarterback room that includes Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, both highly regarded NFL prospects.

Personal Resilience and Leadership

Beyond the numbers, Thomalla’s story carries emotional weight. During his recruitment, his mother, Chelsea, was diagnosed with both a pancreatic tumor and leukemia. Her battle and eventual remission became a source of strength for Thomalla, who continued to excel on the field while supporting his family.

His leadership at Millard South was evident not only in his statistics but in the way teammates rallied around him. Wide receivers like Amarion Jackson (50 catches for 966 yards and 16 TDs this season) and Owen Zech (25 catches for 745 yards and 12 TDs) benefited from his precision passing, while head coach Taylor Mendenhall praised the team’s dominance as potentially the best in Nebraska history.

Legacy and Future

Thomalla himself has stated, “I think I’m the best quarterback to ever come out of Nebraska,” a bold claim backed by his record-breaking career. With two state championships, multiple records and a national powerhouse awaiting him, his legacy in Nebraska is secure. For Millard South, he leaves behind a dynasty.

USA TODAY Sports ALL-America Football Teams Return

The All-USA Football Teams are back this year, highlighting the best high school players in five regions (Midwest, East, Southeast, Southwest and West), as well as naming a national team.

The final ALL-American selections are set for December.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: USA TODAY Sports ALL-American nom Jett Thomalla has massive final game