Varsity Breakout Potential: 2026s

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 debuted this week! The more I went through the class the more obvious it became that there are going to be several athletes who make a name for themselves on the varsity field this fall. Athletes who weren't ready or weren't needed to play a big role on the biggest stage, yet. Now these kids are going to be in position to begin to leave their mark and grab the attention of next level coaches. In this article I am going to try and predict those breakout players from the Class of 2026. Let's get it started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["403583"],"_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":"The 6'2u0022 185 lbs freshman made an impact at TE and OLB for the freshman team in 2022. His tape suggests that he could find his way onto the varsity field at either in 2023. TE appears to be open as it looks like the start from 2022 will graduate this June. Petzold would be a reliable option as a receiver. He made multiple tough catches through contact. The hand-eye coordination and concentration will be key to his success as a receiver. Semaji will need to be a great blocker to lock down that TE spot on the varsity level. Pewaukee pounds the rock, so Petzold will need to prove he has the strength to be an impactful blocker under the bright lights. His freshman tape shows that he has the range to make blocks in space and at the second level. Strength to block level one will be the major factor he will need to develop to take the spot.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64139f8abc8ab"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402809"],"_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":"The door is wide open for Christian to make the jump to varsity in 2023. Four of the top five leading receivers for Germantown in 2022 graduate. The void is there to be filled. The 6'2u0022 175 lbs WR looks next up. The long target uses that length to give his QB a big target area. Christian has soft hands that allows him to go get the ball at it's highest point. He is also showing the early signs of impressive body control. Christian is able to twist, turn or contort his body to be able to get his hands on the ball. We could see a big jump from him physically this fall. Not just impact-wise.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64139f8abc920"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["533175"],"_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":"Edgewood has been led by some solid QBs over the past few seasons. They are now going to be looking for a new leader of the offense. I expect the 5'11u0022 155 lbs freshman to get a look. I'm excited to see how the lefty has grown this offseason. On the JV field, Gannon was used on a lot of roll outs. Bagstad was able to show that he has the footwork to be able to deliver those on the move passes with accuracy and touch. Gannon looks good moving in the pocket too. He doesn't panic when he feels pressure and finds the holes to step up through or can escape around the edge. Along with seeing how he grows, it will also be intriguing to see how the arm strength develops. If he puts in the work he can have an impressive career for Edgewood.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64139f8abc983"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["533193"],"_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":"Union Grove is going to be attempting to move on from a lot of talent in the trenches this fall. An athlete that they will need to step up is 2026 DL [player_tooltip player_id='533193' first='Quinn' last='Koepnick']. The 6'1u0022 215 lbs DE is well on his way to developing a poweful frame. He has a quick, explosviie, agile lower body that allows him to move quickly off the edge and through traffic on the edge. Quinn has been putting in the work in the weight room this offseason. Look for a big jump and impact from the underclassman this fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64139f8abc9e4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["700022"],"_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":"The 5'11u0022 170 lbs freshman RB already has varsity experience, but he will be needed in a bigger role this fall. Matthew is the second leading rusher among returning RBs for Badger. Matthew fits what the offense wants him to do really well. He has the speed to stretch the defense horizontally and when he cuts up field he is hard to chase down. The young playmaker sees the field and his blocks well. Matthew also offers a receiving threat out of the backfield. A big bonus is that Matthew is also the kicker and punter. That includes an impressive 70 yard punt in his highlights. Keep an eye on him the next few seasons.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64139f8abca41"} /-->