5 Early Breakout Candidates For The 2026 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're taking a look at 5 recruits in the 2026 class who could come out and light it up this fall putting their names on the recruitment map.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='649032' first='James' last='Williams'] - Lawrence Central - OL - 6'4" 260lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams is an upcoming recruit who could easily be one of, if not the best, lineman in this class when they graduate. Standing at 6'4", his frame is incredible. Lengthy, elastic arms that seem to reach to the opposite end-zone, and a good center of gravity had him on the field right away. He was at Northrop last year in Fort Wayne, but I believe is set to head to Lawrence Central to start there as well. He started Varsity for Northrop last year, and looked incredible. There's a reason he's getting attention from the Indy schools. Once he develops in the weight room, he's going to have that elite frame with the ability to crush anyone he comes across. He's good in the running game and has no issue burying his defender. He's able to set his feet in the passing game, and is only going to get better as he gets more reps and work in the weight room. A guy with his size, length, and natural athletic abilities don't walk around often. Williams is going to be a problem for defenders for years to come, and then a massive gem to the coach who lands him at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@BamBalling</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='764152' first='Josh' last='Tillar'] - Carroll - CB - 5'11" 150lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tillar is going to be a fantastic addition to a defense that is already able to stifle offenses. A legit Corner, Tillar is going to be a highly sought-after recruit once his name gets out there. He's a fantastic athlete with long strides and doesn't strain easy. He's able to break down in the open field and come to balance while making the play. His hips are decent for his age and he's able to flip them and run without much of an issue in transition. He's got really long arms which keeps him in some plays you wouldn't think possible. His closing speed and ability to time the deflection are overall fantastic for a guy as young as he is. As he puts some weight on, it'll help him be more physical on the outside and just have more control. Right now thought, he's building up the fundamentals and getting that part of his game where it should be. Tillar could come out this fall, start every varsity game, and erase his opponents starting Week 1 and I'd not be shocked. He's got that type of upside. While he's not likely there yet, keep an eye on Tillar because he really could become the next elite CB in the FW region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@JoshTillar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='764155' first='Mason' last='Shrum'] - Indianapolis Lutheran - QB - 5'11" 150lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shrum is going to be a fantastic QB when his time comes. He's got a good arm, makes quick decisions, and is fairly accurate. For his age, he's got fairly decent footwork as well. There are times you can tell he's thinking about it as he drops back, but personally I don't mind that at all, because I love to see guys remember their fundamentals. However, we just want that to be a bit more natural, which it'll become as the reps come. I'm knit-picking because there's so much good that Shrum does. If he can get the footwork up to speed, he'll be much further ahead than most young QBs. He's in a great system, and while he does have a Star QB in front of him, I don't think that impacts Shrum's ability in the slightest. Worst case scenario, Shrum starts 1 year, ends up landing in a college program and develops into their starter. Shrum lit it up last year on JV and got some burn in Varsity games when they needed clean up work. He's handled it all like you'd want a QB to do so. Humble, head down, working, and preparing for his opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter:<strong> @Mason_Shrum</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='764153' first='Sam' last='Bean'] - Columbia City - DE - 6'0" 195lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bean is a decent athlete who does a good job holding the edge for his defense. He's listed at 6'0," but I have a hard time believing that. If he is, he certainly plays a lot bigger. He seems so lengthy, has a good push, and has no issue creating penetration. Bean is a high-motor high-effort guy who just has that feel of a guy who is going to be a reliable piece for as long as he's on a football field. In terms of weight room and development there, he's got some work to do, but where he is now naturally is a good sign. The fact he can handle his own while making plays on the edge while still putting weight on, only bodes well for his long-term development. While Bean does play Tackle sometimes offensively, it doesn't feel like a natural fit. It feels like they've had him out there because he can handle his own, but where he really thrives is on defense. However, getting those reps against a DE and seeing it from the opposite foot can be huge for a player's development and the way they see the position. I like Bean. He's going to come in and make an impact this year defensively. How far he comes is up to him and he's been working, but he's got quite a bit of untapped ability waiting to be unleashed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@SamBean2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='764154' first='Marlo' last='Foster'] - Hamilton Southeastern - ATH - 5'8" 150lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Foster is going to be a very interesting and intriguing player to watch this upcoming fall. He's recently moved to Indiana from Pennsylvania and is set to play at Hamilton Southeastern moving forward. What makes Foster so interesting is we don't know where he's going to slide into the puzzle. He's versatile and plays DB and RB while also being good on Special Teams. A fantastic gunner who can get down field and make tackles is always a huge plus for Special Teams. At RB, he knows when to hit a hole and when to be patient and feel his way through the mess. He's also good out of the backfield and has soft hands. He's able to be moved around offensively and is going to make plays one way or another. He's not the biggest athlete right now, but he's still young and growing. His versatility and football ability is what's gotten him by, and as that development comes, Foster is a guy who can really thrive and take off in the recruitment scene.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@TFreezy1016</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->