Incoming 2026 Recruits To Put On Your Watchlist

The incoming Freshman class has some really good talent. That being said, it’s never too early to start looking down the pipe to see what’s coming. Today, we’re looking at some recruits who are going to be fun to watch over the coming years. [player_tooltip player_id="283933" first="Anthony" last="Coellner"] - Carmel - QB - 6’1" 160lbs Coellner has a nice frame already and is developing nicely into it. He’s a workout machine and is always lifting or putting some off-season work in. He throws the ball very effortlessly and it’s got a nice snap to it when he lets it rip. On the field, he’s quick, decisive, and most of the time fairly accurate. He knows where the ball is supposed to go and you won’t catch him holding on to it. He’s got the ability to throw it on a rope or drop it in a bucket. He’s someone who gets better as the game goes on and he gets into the flow of things. When he heats up, he can really start dealing. While he could run more often than he does, he chooses to extend plays with his eyes downfield and looks to deliver the ball. Coellner is a player who drips with confidence in himself and what he can do. He works hard, has the talent, and is just getting started. He’s always working and is going to come in and try to compete for the starting job as a Freshman. While it’s an uphill battle, Coellner has the talent to do so. If he does, watch out. Regardless, in a few years when he’s starting, either way, the program is going to be in good shape. [player_tooltip player_id="320280" first="Ryan" last="Stokes"] - Cathedral - DE - 5’9" 160lbs Stokes is a really good athlete who can do a lot of things for Cathedral moving forward. I do think there’s a chance he primarily develops on JV as a freshman, but even so, he’s going to make plays all over the field. Stokes is a high-motor player who is relentless in his pursuit and understands that sometimes affecting the play is just as good as making the play. Right now, he is a bit lighter and shorter than you like but he’s a Freshman. He’s got incredibly long arms which makes you excited knowing he’s going to keep growing. when he’s coming around the corner, he’s able to bend it enough to win while staying upright and not losing balance. he’s an aggressive player who’s going to take swipes at the ball. Sometimes he’s going to get it out and that ball is his. With his long arms, he’s got strong hands and is able to win 1-on-1s as well. Right now, Stokes is an athlete working on the minor nuances of playing DE at a high level. As his mechanics improve while getting stronger, he’s going to begin to dominate. There’s a lot to like with Stokes and what he offers moving forward and you can expect to see him making plays sooner rather than later. [player_tooltip player_id="320279" first="Hudson" last="Bell"] - Fishers - WR - 5’6" 135lbs Bell is an incredibly hard person to tackle because of how shifty and slippery he is. There are times when it looks like the defender has the angle on him and is going to make the tackle. The next thing you know, Bell makes him miss somehow and is off to the races. Bell is also able to create separation really easily. Whether it’s at the line or down the field, he understands how to use his body leverage to get open. He’s got good hands and once the ball hits them, it isn’t going anywhere. He’s much quicker and faster than people expect, too. Yes, they know he’s shifty but he’s got the quick agility and feet movement down naturally. While right now he is a bit light, he’s someone who could develop into one of the best Slot WRs in the state. He knows how to get open, can catch the ball, and is great after the catch. Anytime he touches the ball he’s a legitimate threat to score. When he returns kicks the other team holds their breath until he’s on the ground, if you get him. He returned a few kicks for TDs last year and you can expect more moving forward. Bell has every tool you could ask for and then some. How far he goes will be up to him but I’m really excited to see what he can do this fall once he hits the high school ranks. [player_tooltip player_id="310990" first="Da’mon" last="Thomas"] - Michigan City - DB/LB - 5’11" 170lbs Thomas is a freaky athlete who was the biggest, fastest, and strongest player on the field just about every time he stepped on the field. Most of the time, it looked like the others were in slow motion around him. Thomas is able to shoot off the ball like he came out of a cannon and get into the backfield as fast as you could want. He’s got long arms and a frame that’s going to keep growing. His arms give him first contact, his strength lets him blow them back, and his speed and athleticism to bend the corner when he needs to and is coming off the edge. He’s versatile so they’re able to move him around so offenses can’t key in on him. Watching his tape, it really felt like the other 8th graders he was going against weren’t much of a challenge and he got bored. He was just so much better than almost every single one of them so he didn’t have much of a challenge. If he doesn’t come in and start as a Freshman, he’s going to have a role on varsity. He’ll see the field somehow because he’s too good. Sometimes tape can take you by surprise and that’s the case here. Thomas has immediately become one of my favorite players in this class and I’ll be ready to see what he can do this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="205473" first="Jamil" last="Stephens"] Jr - Ben Davis - RB/DB - 5’5" 130lbs Stephens is another versatile player who is likely going to do a ton for his High School team. With Stephens, he’s really spent this off-season putting the work in and doing what he needs to in order to be ready for varsity ball. He’s been at camps standing out and that’s where he caught my eye. At the RB drills, his agility really stands out. His tape matches that belief. He’s quick, shifty, and harder to bring down than defenses think. While he’s shorter and lighter than you want right now, he’s got a well-built frame and has a powerful lower body that can churn out some tough-earned yards. He’s got soft hands and can come out of the backfield if needed. At DB, he’s got the speed you want to see. He understands how to stay on their hip and take a shot at the ball at the last second. He’s aggressive and likes to play physically. He won’t be pushed around and will give it right back when he needs to. On the field, the flip switches and that’s what you love to see. Personally, I love guys with an edge on the field. He could return kicks if he wants to as well. It’ll be a good chance for him to be on the field as a Freshman if he doesn’t earn a role. I’ll be curious to see what his fall looks like because he offers a lot and can make plays one way or the other for them. [player_tooltip player_id="339066" first="Charles" last="Mitchell"] - Speedway - WR/CB - 5’6" 135lbs Mitchell played QB last year and is very likely transitioning to WR and CB moving forward because of how good of an athlete he is. When things break down, he’s got the speed to run around and extend the play. He’s got the short-area agility to make guys look silly as they’re falling to the ground and he’s reversing course. He’s a creator with the ball in his hands and that’s why they’re going to want him on the field on day 1. I’m not sure how often you see the starting QB return kicks but you will if you flip on his tape. The best part is he’s as good as there as you’d want a guy to be with the abilities I just described. If he gets a crease, watch out because he’ll be hitting his head on the goal post. If there isn’t a lane, he’ll just start creating new ones as he’s weaving through the defense and getting downfield that way. Physically, he’s a bit raw and the same mechanically at any position he’s likely going to play. But, his athleticism, ability to create, and agility will keep him making plays while the rest of his game catches up. There are certain people that make opposing defensive coordinators hold their breath when they touch the ball and Mitchell is one of them. I’m excited to see what he can do this fall because at the very least, he’ll be returning kicks and you can bet he takes 1 back for 6.