2026s You Will Soon Know
In this article:
There’s a strong list of 2026 prospects in the state of Illinois that have garnered praise from myself and other media outlets. However, today I wanted to look at the guys who are on the verge of breaking through. Some…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere’s a strong list of 2026 prospects in the state of Illinois that have garnered praise from myself and other media outlets. However, today I wanted to look at the guys who are on the verge of breaking through. Some of these guys made their money at the varsity level, while others got it done at the lower levels. With three more seasons left, these young men clearly have their best football days ahead of them.
As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!
DE: Jacob Alexander, 6’4″ 210, Lincoln Way East
Has long arms, an easy roll of the hips can generate serious power, and displayed a restless motor. His ability to create lockout is seamless and he has the grip strength to initiate a push-pull technique when the time calls for it.
WR: Zachary Washington Zachary Washington 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Wheaton St. Francis | 2026 State IL 6’1″ 165, St. Francis
Saw varsity action as a freshman, and thrived when given his opportunity. On tape, Washington shows great build-up speed, natural hands, explosive jabs at the top of his route, and is a fluid deep ball tracker.
ATH: Johnny Nelson, 6’1″ 175, Oak Park River Forest
A physical runner with excellent body control and the speed to outrun defenders to the corner. Nelson shows good touch, consistent ball placement, and an overall quick set-up.
QB: Owen Lansu Owen Lansu 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Downers Grove North | 2026 State IL 6’2″ 180, Downers Grove North
Lansu has an unshakable confidence to him to go along with the ability to throw off any platform. He has steady footwork inside the pocket, a live arm for vertical shots, and knows how to use his eyes as a weapon to look off high safeties.
WR: Keaton Reinke Keaton Reinke 6'3" | 190 lbs | WR St. Charles North | 2026 State IL 6’2″ 185, St. Charles North
Reinke can climb the ladder & go up and get the football at its highest point. He’s elusive after the catch, can kick the turbos on instantly, has great concentration in traffic, and is an absolute mauler as a blocker.
RB: Niko Kokosioulis, N/A, N/A, Maine South
Production was through the roof this fall, accounting for 1,530 yards and 18 touchdowns. This is a speedy scatback who can run inside the tackles or outside them, has excellent contact balance, and can improvise when not much is there.
LB: Leon Howard Leon Howard 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB East St. Louis | 2026 State IL 6’2″ 220, East St. Louis
Howard saw most of his action at the varsity level on special teams and was an ace in his role. He’s got outstanding size, a built frame, great lateral movement skills, can slip blocks at the second level, and is a forceful striker.
TE: JC Anderson JC Anderson 6'7" | 230 lbs | TE Mt. Zion | 2026 State IL 6’7″ 220, Mt. Zion
This young man has an imposing frame, is a smooth route runner, and has superb body control. He’s strong after the catch, has surprising wiggle for a big man, and has a ridiculous catch radius.
WR: Jacob Harvey Jacob Harvey 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Mt. Zion | 2026 State IL 6’1″ 175, Mt. Zion
Harvey eats up a defender’s cushion quickly and can make something happen after the catch. He’s got deceptive speed, slick change of direction, and takes pride in perimeter blocking.
Other Names to Watch
WR: Oliver Thulin Oliver Thulin 5'10" | 155 lbs | WR Downers Grove North | 2026 State IL 5’10” 155, Downers Grove North
QB: Brady Palmer Brady Palmer 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Wheaton St. Francis | 2026 State IL , 6’1″ 180, St. Francis