The quarterback position isn’t just about throwing dimes and tuddys it’s about commanding a huddle, owning the moment, and turning every play into a highlight reel. Ty Hawkins has all of that—and then some. The former San Antonio Johnson phenom, now calling the shots for IMG Academy, has been making waves for years in Texas high school football. If you ask him about this achievement, it’s got ‘star power’ written all over it. Hawkins, with his laser-like accuracy and wheels that could outrun a Texas twister, would like to share it with everyone else.

The SMU Mustangs commit Ty Hawkins, who gave his word to Rhett Lashlee back in July, has officially punched his ticket to the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl, a prestigious nod reserved for the best of the best. When the news broke, Hawkins shared the announcement like a mic drop, reposting the NavyAAB’s Instagram post featuring him on his Instagram story. The official post read, “Representing the 2️⃣1️⃣0️⃣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @tyhawk1ns has committed to the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl #PonyUpDallas 🐎 #NavyAAB.”

For the Supercharged dual-threat prospect and a four-star QB from San Antonio Johnson, it’s not just about the spotlight of being the No. 1 signal caller in Texas. This invite is about putting his roots on the map. “🤞🤞🤞” was his understated caption, but the weight of the achievement spoke volumes. It’s one thing to dominate on your home turf; it’s another to represent your region on a national stage.

He has a resume that reads like a cheat code in a football video game. At San Antonio Johnson, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound gunslinger posted monster stats in his junior year, completing nearly 67% of his passes for 2,235 yards and 25 touchdowns. To add to that, he can bear the load of a run game, as evident by his 2,000 career rushing yards.

Now at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Hawkins is embracing a new challenge—one that’s pushing him in ways even he didn’t anticipate. “The why, honestly, is the competition level, the player development,” Hawkins said to 247Sports, reflecting on his decision to leave San Antonio.

“Everything here I feel like develops you into being more of a pro and having more of the mindset of a pro.” It’s not an easy move for any young athlete, leaving behind familiar faces and a city that cheered his every throw. But for Hawkins, the payoff is clear. “Coming in as a freshman at SMU, being ready from being away from home, stuff like that, all of those factors—I just feel like I made the right decision.”

That decision is already bearing fruit. Less than a month into his tenure at IMG, Hawkins is diving headfirst into a playbook that challenges him to be sharper, faster, and more precise. The move isn’t just about preparing for the Ponies to face the ACC action; it’s about getting ready for the nation’s toughest schedule, where every game feels like a proving ground. It’s also about adapting to the demands of life as a collegiate athlete. “I always feel like being at IMG, I am getting more ready for college next year,” he said. That kind of forward-thinking mentality is why Ty Hawkins could be a cornerstone for Lashlee’s Mustangs.

The Navy All-American Bowl selection among 106 elite HS players is a feather in his cap. The game between the East and West will be hosted at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Call it a homecoming of sorts, and the 4-Star passer will wear that 210 badge with pride.

Ty Hawkins is a ‘hawk’ of an athlete

Ty Hawkins isn’t just a top-rated quarterback with a cannon for an arm. This TCU flip brings a serious athletic pedigree to the table. In high school, Ty Hawkins excelled in multiple sports, earning early offers in baseball and competing in track and field at Johnson. But football has always been the ultimate dream, and now he’s laser-focused on making an impact at IMG Academy before heading to SMU.

“I’m pumped to play on IMG’s national schedule,” Hawkins said. “The games are going to be a blast, and I can’t wait to get out there with my guys. We’ve got a solid squad, and the competition is going to be top-notch.” That schedule kicks off on August 22 against Draper (Utah) Corner Canyon and features heavyweights like Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic, Baltimore St. Frances, and Cocoa (Fla.) High.

Despite the hype, the Florida HS phenom isn’t walking into IMG with a starting job handed to him. He’s ready to earn it. “They’ve set the expectation that I’ll come in, compete, and get reps,” he shared confidently. That’ll change when he shines on Jan. 11 in the Navy All-American Bowl.