Kansas Pregame 6-Man Top 6: Jake Hoopingarner

Kansas Pregame polled 6-Man coaches who voted for the top three seniors they coached against this season. Kansas Pregame staffers then used those votes to develop a Top 6 list of seniors in the classification. Check out a Top 6 capsule below, and find the complete list of Top 6 selections here. For a look back at the Top 8 lists click here for 8-Man I and here for 8-Man II. 

Otis-Bison all-state senior Jake Hoopingarner proved to be an integral part of the Cougars' success during the 2024 season, leading the team to a 6-4 record and a trip to the state quarterfinals before falling to eventual runner-up Cunningham. The Cougars averaged nearly 40 points per game in their victories, with Hoopingarner’s dual-threat abilities at quarterback and prowess in the defensive backfield playing a central role.

Head coach Marc Cowles highlighted Hoopingarner’s leadership style.

"Jake is very unselfish. He tries hard to get his teammates involved. He is a good leader. Quiet, but respected by all. Leads by example," Cowles said.

On the field, Hoopingarner demonstrated exceptional passing ability, among his other tools. 

"Jake is as talented of a thrower at quarterback that I have coached," Cowles said. "He is very athletic and has a great understanding and sense for football." 

This season, Hoopingarner threw for 1,138 yards and 20 touchdowns while completing 56.3 percent of his passes. He also contributed on the ground, rushing for 284 yards and seven touchdowns, and added 36 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and two defensive scores.

Cowles recalled Hoopingarner’s ability to extend plays, often evading pressure and finding open receivers downfield. 

"There is not a single play that comes to mind, but many instances of him keeping passing plays alive with his mobility and then throwing the ball downfield to an open receiver," Cowles said.

Hoopingarner also made his mark on special teams, averaging 24.6 yards on kickoff returns and scoring one touchdown. His contributions helped Otis-Bison secure multiple key wins, including a dominant 65-33 second round playoff victory over 6-3 Marais des Cygnes Valley.

Off the gridiron, Hoopingarner is a standout baseball player and plans to continue his athletic career at the collegiate level with interest from multiple programs, including Fort Hays State and Wichita State.