Freshmen With Offers

The Missouri Class of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory with talent across the board at every position that will have colleges coming in and attempting to mine the hot bed of talent that is already starting to rise to the top. In fact, four freshman in the state have already picked up multiple offers, with others in the offing that will surely pick up offers possibly as soon as this spring and summer.   I identified the top prospect who could potentially pick up early offers and made sure to watch them in person. Here is an update on those freshmen who have early offers and what I wrote about them during the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='284039' first='DeZephen' last='Walker'] | RB | 6'0" 190 | Raymore-Peculiar   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/RayPec-vs-Lees-Summit-North-270.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-470256" /></figure>   The speedy Walker lived up to his high value status he developed in middle school and made the most of the opportunies given to him as a high school freshman. There was no doubt from the first play I saw him make that he was destined to be a big-time college prospect. Since then he has picked up offers from Georgia (his first), Tennessee, Oregon, Purdue, Kansas State and Kansas. Here is what I wrote about him following his game against Lee's Summit North.   'A phenomenal freshman prospect who had an electrifying 82 yard kick return for the Panthers only score of the night, and also had 90 yard run called back on a holding penalty, is one of the top freshman in the state of Missouri overall if not the top prospect in it's 2026 class. The 6'0″ 190lb Walker shows elite speed, elusiveness and and playmaker ability when he touches the ball. If he continues on the same trajectory that he has been on since middle school then he will be one of the most heavily recruited prospect in the Midwest if not country by his senior year.'   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='392813' first='Keenan' last='Harris'] | S/OLB | 6'1" 195 | SLUH |   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/SLUH-vs-Rockhurst-209.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-481744" /></figure>   Harris was the top freshman defensive prospects I saw in person all season, which stands to reason that colleges started extending offers to the talented defender so early. Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Penn State, Wisconsin, Iowa State, Oregon, Nebraska and UNLV have all offered already. Keenan will continue to pick up offers and be one of the most heavily recruited prospects in the country at his current trajectory. Here is what I wrote about him during the season. 'Just a freshman, but one of the top freshman in the state of Missouri, Harris already has the physical development of a junior or senior, as well as superior speed and athleticism and an advanced football IQ for his age. He is a top flight playmaker at safety or linebacker and has been racking up double digit tackles for the Jr. Bills, is tied for the team lead in total tackles, as well as being among the leaders in total tackles in the St. Louis Metro area. He has good form and technique, is a sure tackler and loves to hit. He also possesses good cover and balls skills. '   [player_tooltip player_id='402117' first='Jackson' last='Cantwell'] | OT | 6'8" 275 | Nixa   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/Nixa-vs-Joplin-257.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-458157" /></figure>   Jackson lived up to his phenom status as an athlete and schools quickly recognized that once he became the starter at left tackle for the Eagles. So far he has five offers from Missouri (Dad was atrack star and played football there), Kansas, Texas A&M, Kansas State and UNLV. Here is what I wrote following watching his game against Joplin during the season.   'Freshman left tackle [player_tooltip player_id='402117' first='Jackson' last='Cantwell'] will be one of the most heavily recruited players in the class of 2026 in Missouri and most likely nationally. Despite it only being his third start at the position, Cantwell was dominant against upperclassmen all night with both his run blocking and pass protection. He appears to be a natural at LT using his tremendous athleticism at 6'8″ 260 to make up for his rawness and lack of experience. It's amazing to think of what may be as he continues to progress and improves his technique in the coming years. Also a standout basketball player and track athlete, Jackson is nimble, agile and hostile on the football field. He already has great feet and bounce along with his quickness and ability to run, pull or get downfield on block. He uses his hands well and gets off the ball very fast and sustains his blocks. He did a nice job all night protecting his QB and helping his team in the run game put up big numbers. The sky is the limit at this point for him with his potential.'   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='284042' first='Jordan' last='Taylor'] | RB/S | 5'10" 185 | SLUH   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Jordan-Taylor.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-483473" /></figure>   Another big-time freshman RB prospect in the Missouri 2026 class who saw considerable varsity action and caught the attention of colleges was the speedy Taylor, who has already picked up an offer from Nebraska, and is garnering attention from multiple other D1 schools. I look for him to add to his offer list this spring and summer. Especially once he gets out there and showcases his speed and superior athleticm. Here is what I wrote about him during the season.   'Another incredibly talented freshman for the Jr. Bills who will be heard from for the next three years. Taylor saw action on both sides of the ball and while he didn't put up a lot numbers wise you can see the ability waiting to be unleashed. He did have four carries at running back, where I think he will burst on to the scene as one of the top running backs in the area in coming years with his 4.5 forty speed combined with his elusiveness and strength after rushing for 144 yards and 3 touchdowns this year, but he also has the potential to be a top defensive back where he has contributed the most as a freshman with 49 total tackles and a fumble recovery.'

The Missouri Class of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory with talent across the board at every position that will have colleges coming in and attempting to mine the hot bed of talent that is already starting to rise to the top. In fact, four freshman in the state have already picked up multiple offers, with others in the offing that will surely pick up offers possibly as soon as this spring and summer.