The Watch List Series: Class of ‘26 Part I
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Even though the first Class of ’26 rankings update was recently published, it’s never too early to look ahead at the next update. After months since the last installment, the Watch List series makes its long awaited return. The Watch List series has been…
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Continue ReadingEven though the first Class of ’26 rankings update was recently published, it’s never too early to look ahead at the next update. After months since the last installment, the Watch List series makes its long awaited return. The Watch List series has been a staple in our pre-ranking update coverage over the last few years, as it’s helped folks discover some of the top newcomers before they make their debuts. Several prospects have been featured during this series, and now it’s the Class of 2026’s turn.
This first group we’re highlighting is a mixture of talent ranging from Class 6A all the way to the 8-Man ranks. These five players just missed out on the initial class update, but don’t be surprised to see them in the next one. Also, be sure to follow along throughout this off-season to see all the potential newcomers.
Johnmichael Fountain – Wichita NW, 6’2”, 205, LB
Starting us off first is Johnmichael Fountain of Wichita Northwest. If folks don’t know about this young man right now, they’ll quickly learn during the ’23 campaign. Fountain was overlooked because of the overall team success the Grizzlies had in 2022, but he quietly had a strong first year on varsity. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound outside backer recorded 46 total tackles, and ended the season as one of the team’s leaders in tackles for loss with 13.5. It’s still early in his career, but he’s on track to become a really special player. Look for him to make significant strides before his sophomore year, and to be one of Northwest’s leading tacklers.
Jamaal Jackson III Jamaal Jackson III 5'8" | 160 lbs | RB Labette | 2026 State KS – Labette County, 5’8”, 160, RB
One of the perks about playing for a smaller school is the opportunity of seeing the varsity field quicker. Even if these prospects have limited playing time, it’s still an experience that will benefit them in the future. Jamaal Jackson III Jamaal Jackson III 5'8" | 160 lbs | RB Labette | 2026 State KS of Labette County was one of the few players from the Class of ’26 that managed to make his varsity debut in 2022. Not only did he earn a role, but he ended his freshman year as the leading rusher for the Grizzlies. Unfortunately though, with Labette County trailing in most of their games, Jackson III didn’t see a full workload. Still yet, he made the most of his 77 carries, as he’d rush for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
Parker Schwarz – Prairie View, 6’1”, 190, RB
Throughout the coverage of this update, folks have learned about backs like Aaron Bohannon Jr., LJ Bowens LJ Bowens 5'8" | 160 lbs | RB Blue Valley North | 2026 State KS , and Brayden Pappas Brayden Pappas 5'7" | 185 lbs | RB Eisenhower | 2026 State KS . But, one unranked running back that hasn’t received enough praise is Parker Schwarz of Prairie View. Schwarz found himself in a similar situation like Jackson III, as he worked his way up the depth chart to become the lead back. However, Schwarz was fortunate enough to see a much higher volume of touches. The freshman nearly rushed for 1,200 yards while averaging seven yards per carry, and hit pay dirt 14 times. He was Prairie View’s top offensive weapon, and his impressive season would earn him a 3A All-State Honorable Mention nod. It will be interesting to see how Schwarz follows up on his breakout year.
Drake Mellies – Jackson Heights, 5’8”, 145, ATH
Next up is a player that might be familiar to some. Drake Mellies of Jackson Heights was first featured in the Prospect Matchup series in Week 2 of the ’22 campaign. At that time, Mellies had just come off a ridiculous varsity debut in Week 1, and he’d go on to be a key player for the Cobras the rest of the season. His all-around play helped the Cobras pick up four wins, and he accumulated over 1,100 yards of total offense during the process. Despite splitting time under center last fall, Mellies still managed to take home a 1A All-State Honorable Mention nod. He’s likely to put up some big numbers if he’s named the full-time starter this season.
Wes Anderson – Frankfort, 5’9”, 155, ATH
The recent update for the Class of ’26 was the first player rankings to feature just one 8-Man prospect. That won’t last long though. Especially when there’s 8-Man players like Wes Anderson. He’s the third prospect featured in this article that picked up an All-State Honorable Mention selection in his first varsity season. It was a roller coaster year for Frankfort, but there were some positive things Anderson can take with him into his sophomore campaign. Anderson helped lead a three game win-streak in the middle of the season, and finished the year throwing for over 1,300 yards with 21 touchdown passes and only four interceptions. If he can improve his completion percentage and become an effective runner, then opposing defenses better watch out.