Against All Odds, This Small-Town High School Scored A $1M Football Field Upgrade

The votes are in — and one small-town team just pulled off a million-dollar victory.

After an electrifying season that brought in more than 8 million votes nationwide, T-Mobile has named Dierks High School in Arkansas the Friday Night 5G Lights champion — earning a $1 million stadium upgrade that will transform the Outlaws’ home field for years to come.

This year’s competition was bigger than ever, with more than 2,100 schools stepping up for their shot at glory. 450 schools earned $5,000 through $5K Fridays, while 25 finalists each received $25,000 before going head-to-head for the $1 million grand prize. After weeks of daily voting and spirited social challenges, Dierks rose to the top — proving the power of community, connection and small-town pride.

Now in its second year, T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights continues to celebrate the pride and determination that define small-town America. Dierks High School joins Inola High School in Inola, Oklahoma — last year’s grand prize winner — as proof that hard work and heart can turn even the smallest town into a championship story.

More Than a Win: A Total Game-Changer

For more than 20 years, the Dierks Outlaws have played on a field that hasn’t seen a major upgrade — but that’s all about to change.
As this year’s grand prize winner, the school will receive:

• A $1 million field transformation
• A Gronk Fitness weight room renovation
• A consultation with stadium experience experts
• An all-expenses-paid trip to the SEC Championship Game for 16 school representatives
• And a 2026 tailgate celebration to unveil the finished upgrades

“The Outlaws brought their A-game and hustled their way to the top with their unbelievable determination and passion these past few weeks,” said Rob Gronkowski, four-time Super Bowl Champion and Friday Night 5G Lights ambassador. “They showed up big time and now they’ll have the stadium they deserve.”

“Dierks High School showed up in a big way for this year’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest,” said Patrick Mahomes, three-time Super Bowl MVP and Friday Night 5G Lights ambassador. “The energy, the community, the spirit — that’s what Friday Night Lights is all about. I can’t wait to see their well-earned field upgrade!”

How Dierks Won It All

In Dierks — population just under 900 — football isn’t just a game. It’s a way of life.

From creative social challenges to heartfelt pep rallies, students, families and local businesses rallied to make their voices heard — securing nearly 2 million votes for their school.

“This year took everything up a notch, with more schools, more votes and more heart,” said Jon Freier, President, T-Mobile Consumer Group. “We built America’s Best Network to reach communities like Dierks, and they proved what next-level connection looks like when everyone comes together for something bigger.”

That wave of small-town spirit kept building as students used their growing online momentum to rally support from across the state — and beyond. Encouragement poured in from big names including Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, former NFL running back Darren McFadden, comedians Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy, NASCAR racer Austin Dillon, former NFL player and University of Arkansas quarterback Matt Jones and Miss Arkansas Kennedy Holland.

Even Dierks’ youngest residents joined the celebration — kindergarteners shared what winning meant to them in a viral video that captured hearts nationwide.

“I think what makes this win so special is how seen our community feels,” said Paul Ernest, Head Football Coach at Dierks High School. “This win tells our kids that it’s okay to keep dreaming — to keep fighting for those astronaut and rock-star moments. And that’s a beautiful thing.”

Small Towns, Big Spirit

While Dierks took the top prize, it was a record-breaking year for schools across the country.
Runner-up Lebanon High School in Oregon and third-place Dexter Regional High School in Maine will receive $100,000 and $50,000, respectively, for their incredible efforts and community pride.

T-Mobile also introduced a new honor this season — the Team Magenta Fan Favorite Award — recognizing creativity and spirit. Harrisonville High School in Missouri earned the inaugural title and an extra $25,000.

Connecting Communities Nationwide

Through programs like Hometown Grants, Project 10Million and Friday Night 5G Lights, T-Mobile continues investing in small towns nationwide.

Since 2021, the company has expanded 5G coverage by 500,000 square miles, opened 600+ new stores in rural areas and launched new ways to keep communities connected — from T-Mobile 5G Home Internet to T-Satellite with Starlink.

Looking Ahead

This year’s competition once again proved that small-town pride can inspire a nationwide movement — and T-Mobile isn’t slowing down. Building on the momentum of its second season, Friday Night 5G Lights will return in 2026, continuing to highlight the spirit and determination that make communities like Dierks shine.

Congratulations, Dierks High School! The future is bright — and the Friday night lights are shining brighter than ever.

Head to FridayNight5GLights.com to learn how your school can enter next year’s competition, explore upcoming prizes and follow Dierks High School’s exciting upgrades.