2026 Watch List Athletes to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While only freshman, Mississippi has several athletes that have already come on to the recruiting scene. It is too early in these guys' careers to rank them yet, but it is never too early to get eyes on them. Today, we break down the athletes that made our first 2026 watch list. These guys have proven their ability on tape this past season and are bound to be some of the big time names to know by signing day of their senior years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["691278"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A 3 sport athlete at Warren Central, [player_tooltip player_id='691278' first='Teryn' last='Green'] primarily played JV football last season, but looks to be a contributor on the varsity level this coming year. At 6'1u0022 175, Green has a great frame for his age and will only continue to add weight over the years. Positionally, Green played quarterback last season, but has spent time at WR and DB this offseason for his 7v7 squad. Green has good speed for his age and shows the ability to change direction in space. A natural hands catcher at wide out, Green could easily flourish into a contributor at an outside WR spot. As a passer, the rising sophomore has a solid arm, but has stand out rushing ability. It will be exciting to see where Warren Central uses him this year. High potential for a young player out of the 2026 class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64246d0795e14"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["691270"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Contributing on the varsity level as a freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='691270' first='Braeden' last='Gregory'] primarily played running back last season at Magee. At 5'8u0022 165, Gregory is a back with smaller stature, but has plenty of time to continue growing and developing in the weight room. What stands out about Gregory's tape already is his speed. This is the kind of guy that can quickly accelerate and change gears to be a home run threat from anywhere on the field. Although he isn't the biggest, Gregory does a great job at bouncing off contact and breaking through arm tackles. Gregory sets his blocks up well and is a patient runner in the backfield. Rushing for over 470 yards as a freshman, watch for the rising sophomore to build on a great year and be one of the top 2026 athletes in Mississippi this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64246d0795e98"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["691273"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A two way player at WR and DB, [player_tooltip player_id='691273' first='Gavin' last='Howard'] has huge potential to be a stud in the 2026 class. At 5'10u0022 175, Howard already has good size for his future position. The rising sophomore was used all across the formation on offense, taking snaps at wide out, running back, and wild cat quarterback. Howard runs hard and has a bunch of wiggle to him, allowing him to easily turn the corner when he hits the edge. He plays tough and can easily run through contact. This is the kind of player that you can build an offense around for years to come. On defense, Howard spent time at nickel and plays well in space. He does a good job at getting hands on his man and redirecting early on in the route. Howard has natural ball skills that will make him a ball hawk in future seasons. Really high ceiling for the 2026 prospect, excited to watch him this 2023 season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64246d0795f23"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["223933"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Already boasting a sub 11 100 meter time from track, [player_tooltip player_id='223933' first='Aiden' last='Knox'] looks to be one of the most dynamic 2026s at this point in time. Playing freshman ball for Clinton last season, Knox spent most of his time at wide but also returned kicks. As a route runner, Knox is already fluid at the line of scrimmage and can create separation off the ball using his feet. Knox can get in and out of his breaks without a lot of wasted movement and looks to be able to run the full route tree. With his elite speed in hand, Knox can score from anywhere on the field. This is the type of player that can dominate in the screen game or the vertical passing game, making defenses constantly account for him. Expecting Knox to end up as one of the top players in the class and can't wait to watch him on Friday nights this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64246d0795fa0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["691317"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A dynamic player for Northwest Rankin's freshman team last season, [player_tooltip player_id='691317' first='Mickell' last='Smith'] will be a key playmaker on the varsity level for years to come. Playing corner and all around athlete on offense, this is a kid with legit speed in the open field. On defense, Smith has smooth hips and can easily change direction. He mirrors receivers well and can create turnovers using his athleticism. Smith can easily bait quarterbacks into throwing his way, and it usually results in an interception for him. On offense, Smith was utilized all across the formation, but put up most his explosives from the wildcat quarterback position. He has exceptional speed and can turn the corner on any defense, out racing defenders to the end zone. Expecting him to end up as an absolute weapon for Northwest Rankin over the next 3 years and be a highly sought after 2026 player.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64246d079602a"} /-->