SCHUYLER, Neb.— Most 12 year olds are thinking about doing their math homework, this determined Nebraska kid is thinking ahead, about 6 years ahead.

Caleb Hansen wants to go to the University of Nebraska Lincoln to play football.

But, for now he has the hopes of winning Youth Athlete of the Year. A national competition with Sports Illustrated to get recognition and a $25,000 scholarship.

Caleb Hansen came to Schuyler about 4 years ago with one goal in mind.

“He’s always had the passion for it and every time you ask him what he wanted to be, it was D1 football D1 football.” Caleb’s sister and legal guardian Nicole Taylor said, “So I’m like okay I got some work to do.”

Though it hasn’t always been an easy road. Caleb lost his mom to COVID, and he was later diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, ADHD, and anxiety.

Still, he kept going, determined not to let his struggles define him. That’s why he wanted to put himself out there for this award.

“To prove that I can do this type of stuff even though I have my disabilities and the challenges.” Hansen said, “It’s not impossible for really anyone if you try hard enough and you put your mind to it.”

Winning means getting featured in Sports illustrated. But this competition is also about giving back. 

All money raised by voting goes towards two organizations, the v foundation for cancer research and why not you foundation for fighting poverty.

Hansen doesn’t just do football he does track, basketball, and year-round travel soccer. His family says the recognition would be well-deserved.

“To be able to make this dream come true for him.” Taylor said, “To know that yes, he had a lot of struggles earlier on in his days but he didn’t make that be something that was going to stop him.”

Right now Hansen has made it to the quarterfinals and he needs to get first place to move forward. Voting ends September 18 at 7 P.M. Voting can be found here. 

Even though this 7th grader is still young he has big dreams and he knows how special this award is.

“It would mean a lot. It would mean pretty much the world to me,” Hansen said.