Brief Introduction of Zane Flores
Zane Flores is an emerging American football quarterback, currently making his mark with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Known for his impressive high school career where he led Gretna High School to a state title, Flores has transitioned into a prominent role in collegiate football. A highly-touted prospect, he quickly became a focal point for the Cowboys, particularly in the 2025 season, showcasing his skill set and leadership on the field.
Zane Flores Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Profession | American Football Quarterback |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Gretna, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Parents | Mel Flores and Cindy Flores |
| Sibling(s) | Canon Flores (Brother) |
| College | Oklahoma State University (2023–present) |
| Position | Quarterback |
| High School | Gretna High School (Gretna, Nebraska) |
| Net Worth | Undisclosed |
Early Life and Education of Zane Flores
Born in Gretna, Nebraska, Zane Flores grew up in a household with a strong connection to football. His father, Mel Flores, played college football as a tight end at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, providing an early influence on Zane’s athletic path. His mother, Cindy Flores, also holds a role in the family business, Canon Electric Inc., where she serves as treasurer, while his father is the president and owner. Zane also has a brother, Canon Flores, who followed in the family’s athletic footsteps, playing high school football at Gretna and later college football as a wide receiver for the Texas Red Raiders after studying Sports Management at Northwestern University.
Flores attended Gretna High School in his hometown of Gretna, Nebraska. During his high school years, he demonstrated not only athletic prowess but also academic excellence, earning a spot on the honor roll. Beyond the football field, Flores was a multi-sport athlete, participating in basketball and track and field, showcasing his versatile athletic abilities. His commitment to his community was evident through his voluntary work as a coach and referee for a fourth-grade flag football team. He also dedicated his time to organizing youth football and track summer camps, fostering sportsmanship and development in younger athletes.
Zane Flores’s Career
High School Career
Zane Flores began his football journey at Gretna High School, where he quickly distinguished himself. He became the first known freshman to start varsity for the Gretna Dragons, signaling his exceptional talent from an early age. Under the guidance of coach Mike Kayl, Flores led his team to significant success, including a state title in 2021 during his junior year.
In his senior season, Flores guided Gretna to the Class A state championship game, demonstrating his leadership and playmaking abilities. His senior year statistics were remarkable, with 3,117 passing yards and 31 touchdowns through the air, complemented by 274 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Throughout his high school career, Flores amassed over 9,000 passing yards, 82 passing touchdowns, and 29 rushing touchdowns, setting numerous records. He ultimately concluded his high school career as Nebraska’s all-time leader in passing yards with 9,163 and completions with 724.
His impressive high school performance garnered national attention, with Flores being rated as a three-star recruit. Rivals ranked him as the No. 18 quarterback prospect in the 2023 class, while 247Sports recognized him as the second-best player in Nebraska. Flores received numerous offers from Power Five programs, ultimately committing to the Oklahoma State Cowboys over other notable institutions such as Nebraska, Oregon State, Kansas, Kansas State, Pittsburgh, and Washington. He further demonstrated his dedication by early enrolling at Oklahoma State to participate in the 2023 spring practice.
College Career
Zane Flores officially enrolled at Oklahoma State University in February 2023. During his first collegiate season in 2023, he redshirted, meaning he did not see any game action, allowing him to develop within the program. The 2024 season presented a setback when Flores did not appear in any games due to a season-ending lower leg injury, which involved a broken foot and a bone fusion requiring surgery.
Heading into the 2025 season, Flores competed for the starting quarterback position with TCU transfer Hauss Hejny. Although he initially lost the starting job for Week 1, an injury to Hejny early in the game against UT Martin thrust Flores into the role. In his collegiate debut, he completed 13 of 20 passes for 136 yards in a victory. Following Hejny’s extended injury, Flores was named the starting quarterback. His first career start came in Week 2 of the 2025 season, facing a challenging road test against No. 6 Oregon. Despite a difficult outing in that game, where he completed 7 of 19 passes for 67 yards and two interceptions, his coaches expressed confidence in his ability to improve.
Zane Flores Personal Life & Family
Zane Flores maintains a close relationship with his family. He is the son of Mel and Cindy Flores, both residents of Gretna, Nebraska. His father, Mel, is the owner and president of Canon Electric Inc., while his mother, Cindy, serves as the treasurer for the same locally-owned electrical company. Mel Flores also has a background in collegiate athletics, having played football at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Zane’s brother, Canon Flores, also shares a passion for football, having played at Gretna High School and later as a wide receiver for the Texas Red Raiders after attending Northwestern University.
Details regarding Zane Flores’s romantic relationships or whether he has children are not publicly available. He has focused on his athletic and academic pursuits, maintaining a private personal life outside of his professional endeavors.
Awards and Achievements of Zane Flores
Zane Flores’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, particularly during his impactful high school tenure:
- State Title Winner: Led Gretna High School to a state championship in 2021.
- All-State Selection: Recognized as an all-state player during both his junior and senior years.
- MaxPreps Nebraska Player of the Year: Named the 2022 MaxPreps Nebraska High School Football Player of the Year.
- Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year: Received the prestigious Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year award.
- National Football Foundation (NFF) Team of Distinction: Honored as one of 79 prep players nationwide on the 2023 NFF Team of Distinction, an award recognizing academic achievement, athletic accolades, and community involvement.
- National Honor Society Member: Excelled academically, earning membership in the National Honor Society.
- Gretna High School Records: Became the first known freshman to start varsity for the Gretna Dragons. He also holds the distinction of being Nebraska’s all-time leader in passing yards (9,163) and completions (724).
Zane Flores Net Worth and Income
As a collegiate athlete, Zane Flores’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. While college athletes now have opportunities to earn income through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, specific figures for Flores’s endorsements or earnings are not publicly available. He is listed on Opendorse, a platform designed to facilitate NIL deals for athletes, indicating his participation in the NIL marketplace. Oklahoma State University has also made commitments to NIL funding for its athletes. However, a concrete estimation of Zane Flores’s net worth or annual income from NIL deals cannot be provided with currently available public information.
Legacy and Influence
Zane Flores is carving out a legacy as a dedicated and talented athlete with a strong commitment to his sport and community. His “Mr. Cool” demeanor on the field, even in high-pressure situations, has been noted by those around him, suggesting a level of composure beyond his years. His exceptional high school career, culminating in a state championship and setting state records, established him as a significant talent.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Flores’s influence extends to his community. His consistent involvement in coaching and refereeing for youth flag football teams and organizing summer camps demonstrates a commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes. As he progresses in his collegiate career, he holds the potential to be one of the few Power Five quarterbacks to emerge from the Omaha area since 2004, inspiring aspiring football players in his region. His perseverance through injuries and his dedication to his team also exemplify a positive public image and a strong work ethic, contributing to his growing influence in the sports world.
Interesting Facts about Zane Flores
- Known as “Mr. Cool” by those who know him, a testament to his calm and composed presence, especially during high-stakes games.
- His father, Mel Flores, also played college football as a tight end for the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
- He is actively involved in community service, volunteering as a coach and referee for a fourth-grade flag football team every Sunday during the football season.
- Flores has also organized and donated his time to youth football and track summer camps.
- He competed in the Elite 11 Finals, a prestigious competition for top high school quarterback recruits.
- Despite intense quarterback competitions, Flores maintains positive relationships with his fellow quarterbacks, including Hauss Hejny, emphasizing mutual support and competition.
- He overcame a significant lower leg injury in 2024, which involved a broken foot and a bone fusion that required surgery, highlighting his resilience.
Controversies
Zane Flores has largely maintained a clean public image throughout his high school and early collegiate career. There are no widely reported controversies or significant scandals associated with his name. The primary challenge he has faced publicly was a season-ending lower leg injury in 2024, which sidelined him from play and required surgery. This period marked a personal hurdle in his athletic development, but it was a factual event rather than a controversy.
Social Media Presence
Zane Flores actively engages with his audience through social media platforms, providing glimpses into his athletic journey and personal life.
- Instagram: @zaneflores12
- X (formerly Twitter): @ZaneFlores12, with approximately 3.3K followers.
While his Instagram presence is confirmed, specific follower counts are not readily available in public records. He utilizes these platforms to connect with fans and share updates related to his football career.
Final Words about Zane Flores
Zane Flores represents the archetype of a dedicated and promising young athlete. From his record-setting high school career, where he led Gretna to a state title and earned numerous accolades, to his current role as a starting quarterback for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, his trajectory is marked by consistent achievement and resilience. Despite facing challenges, including a significant injury in 2024, Flores has demonstrated a strong commitment to his team and his own development, earning the trust of his coaches and the admiration of his peers.
Looking ahead, Zane Flores has expressed his full intention to remain at Oklahoma State and continue competing for the starting job, aiming to achieve significant milestones with the program. His calm demeanor, leadership qualities, and impressive physical tools position him as a pivotal player for the Cowboys’ future. His ongoing contributions to his community through youth sports also underscore a character that extends beyond the football field, solidifying his legacy as both a talented athlete and a positive role model. As his collegiate career unfolds, Zane Flores is poised to further cement his influence within college football.