2026 Watchlist: Prospects to Recruit ASAP

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For those new to the Prep Redzone Colorado scene and interested in a subscription, use code <strong>WESLEY30</strong> for 30% off your first subscription!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A great way to help an athlete gain attention and raise their prospect value is to attend college camps, have well-structured film, and be a proactive communicator via Twitter, email, text, etc. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the database, claim or create a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/claim-your-profile/">free player profile</a> with Prep Redzone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 has proven to be a potent pool of potential prospects with a depth of talent that will soon flood the world of recruiting. The majority of freshmen are in the very early stages of the recruiting process, many of whom have yet to begin the journey. There is, however, a decent amount of first-year players who have already procured reputations that place them on the next big wave of Colorado's top prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article will highlight six players from the freshman class of 2026 who are on pace to be highly targeted recruits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522704"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSymalla is an exciting running back with excellent vision and outstanding explosiveness. He does a fantastic job finding running lanes and exploiting the creases within the defense. His agile footwork lays the foundation for his shifty cuts and elusiveness, while his acceleration allows him to slip past defenders and quickly get upfield for more yardage. Symalla was the featured back for the Wildcats last season, totaling 628 yards and seven touchdowns in his high school debut.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-644757480280d"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AdrianSymalla12/status/1594916613240885248?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AdrianSymalla12/status/1594916613240885248?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["757121"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eToliver is a two-way player with limitless potential. He earned a starting spot as a varsity strong safety in his first season and was a key contributor during a run to the semifinals. His physicality and competitive mindset give him the ability to play in the box to defend against the run and quick passes, while his overall athleticism enables him to play in coverage and defend against intermediate and deep passes. Toliver is a player who consistently stands out wherever he is on the field, helping to make him a young player worthy of an early investment.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6447574802885"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401304"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eVan Meter is an extremely talented offensive lineman with a significantly high ceiling. He is a center who excels at delivering the snap quickly and accurately before getting into his stance and finding work. He plays with the ideal amount of physicality and nastiness that is expected of a mauling interior offensive lineman. His strength and overall power are impressive, especially for his current size. Even though he is listed at 6 feet in height, Van Meter's frame foreshadows significant growth that will immediately make him a Division I target. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64475748028e3"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Caleb_Van_Meter/status/1589064545842040832?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Caleb_Van_Meter/status/1589064545842040832?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401308"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eGarcia Perez is a player whose size makes him an instant standout off the field, while his quickness and formidable power on the field keep the spotlight on him. The 6-foot-4, 295lbs offensive tackle started on varsity during his freshman season and quickly became a contributing factor for an Eagles team that won the 4A state title. He shows tremendous strength when engaging in big-on-big situations and impressive quickness when tagged as the lead blocker for a run. His ability to fire off the ball in pass protection and use his footwork allows him to get out of his stance and force rushers wide and outside to secure the edge of the pocket. Garcia Perez is a player with a Power 5 ceiling, putting him on track to add to Colorado's list of elite offensive linemen.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6447574802963"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/IsaiahGP65/status/1600525099483947018?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/IsaiahGP65/status/1600525099483947018?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["317906"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOfferdahl is a do-all athlete with the versatility to line up just about anywhere on the field and make plays. As a ball carrier, he scans the field for running lanes before using his acceleration and speed to take advantage of slight creases in coverage, adding to his value as a return man on special teams. When engaging in contact with a would-be tackler, he keeps his legs moving and uses his strength and sheer willpower to break free and gain extra yardage. Offerdahl's talents help him stand out whenever he is on the field, turning him into a must-know player with the potential to be an extensively recruited plug-and-play prospect.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64475748029be"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JackOfferdahl/status/1606857499210317827?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JackOfferdahl/status/1606857499210317827?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["777539"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIrving was one of many young players to enter freshman year with an established reputation coming out of junior high. The electrifying wide receiver has good size on a solid frame with blazing speed and head-turning athleticism. His ability to track the ball and make spectacular catches is a testament to the extensive amount of work he has put toward improving his craft. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIrving is a problematic receiver to cover in one-on-one situations because of his speed and ability to secure contested passes. His physicality and size make pressing him at the line difficult, mixing perfectly with his dynamic route-running skills. Irving's expectations have been high since his time in middle school and he has yet to disappoint, making him a player to watch.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6447574802a1b"} /-->