Class of ‘26: Top Upcoming Sophomores in the State
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It’s been three months since folks were first introduced to the top prospects from the Class of 2026. Through the course of these past three months, these players have wasted little time in preparing for their highly anticipated sophomore season.…
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Continue ReadingIt’s been three months since folks were first introduced to the top prospects from the Class of 2026. Through the course of these past three months, these players have wasted little time in preparing for their highly anticipated sophomore season. Which is why now is a great time to highlight the progress they’ve made, and to give an update on the latest movement within the Top 5.
Back in January it was mentioned that change was likely to come in the next Class of ’26 rankings update, and that point proved to be true. Three of the Top 5 prospects from the previous update still remain within this elite group, but spots 2 through 5 saw some change. In addition to this, there are now two new members in the Top 5, with one being the highest ranked newcomer in this update. Check out the latest group of top prospects from the upcoming sophomore class, and be sure to see the rest of the now 50 ranked players.
The spot in the Top 5 that remained the same from the previous update was at No. 1 overall, as Aaron Bohannon Jr. Aaron Bohannon Jr. 5’5″ | 160 lbs | RB Wichita East | 2026 State KS maintained his status as the top-ranked prospect in the class. There hasn’t been much buzz surrounding the No. 1 overall prospect, but that’s likely to change with summer quickly approaching. Bohannon Jr. announced earlier this month that he’ll be attending the first leg of this year’s KC Varsity Combines, and he’s likely to attend more showcases over the next few months. These showcases will be a great opportunity for him to prove that he belongs at No. 1.
After debuting at No. 3 overall in the previous update, Jaylen Mason Jaylen Mason 6’3″ | 195 lbs | QB Wichita NW | 2026 State KS moves up one spot to become the 2nd ranked prospect in the Class of ’26. It’s debatable, but there might not have been a freshman with a better spring than Mason. He’s looked phenomenal throughout the 7-On-7 circuit this spring, and has consistently put together impressive performances with Wichita Wheat’s 18U squad. His game has improved significantly since last fall, and his stock is on the verge of soaring. Mason could work his way up to No. 1 overall if he continues this rapid pace of progression.
This next prospect was featured in the first Class of ’26 Watch List, and now he checks in as the highest ranked newcomer in this April update. Johnmichael Fountain Jr. Johnmichael Fountain Jr. 6’1″ | 205 lbs | LB Wichita NW | 2026 State KS makes his debut at No. 3 overall, and is now the top-ranked linebacker in the class. Fountain Jr. was one of only a few freshmen to earn All-GWAL honors last season, and he has the potential to emerge as a 1st Team selection as a sophomore. It’s safe to say Northwest’s program has a bright future with Bohannon Jr. and Fountain Jr. leading the way.
Another freshman that’s been turning heads this spring has been Kelvin Parker III Kelvin Parker III 6’0″ | 160 lbs | DB Olathe North | 2026 State KS . He’s been featured a few times over the past few months, and deservingly so. Parker III has put together a collection of impressive highlights from the 7-On-7 circuit, and he most recently put his skills to the test at the Under Armour Next showcase. He’s also been selected to compete at the 2023 FBU Top Gun Showcase in July. Parker III’s recent success brings him into the Top 5 as the 4th ranked prospect in the class.
Closing out the Top 5 in this April update is Hunter Higgins Hunter Higgins 6’5″ | 240 lbs | DL Maize South | 2026 State KS . While a few of the top prospects in the class have shined on the gridiron this spring, Higgins has received interest for his play on the diamond. The Maize South product earned a spot in the starting lineup for the Mavericks’ varsity squad, and back in February he announced that he received his first D-I offer for baseball from Wichita State. This just goes to show that he’s one of the most well-rounded prospects in the class.
The back half of the Top 10 consists of No. 6: Christopher Wash Christopher Wash 6'2" | 215 lbs | DL Mill Valley | 2026 State KS – Mill Valley (DL), No. 7: Iverson Scott Iverson Scott 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Wichita East | 2026 State KS – Wichita East (QB), No. 8: LJ Bowens LJ Bowens 5'8" | 160 lbs | RB Blue Valley North | 2026 State KS – Blue Valley North (RB), No. 9: Aiden Scott Aiden Scott 6'4" | 190 lbs | QB Shawnee Heights | 2026 State KS – Shawnee Heights (QB), and No. 10: Tyren Parker Tyren Parker 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Shawnee Heights | 2026 State KS – Shawnee Heights (WR).