PRZNE 2026 Rankings Release | 31-40

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The initial 2026 rankings are HERE! We just released a freshman top 40, along with tons of new names on the watchlist. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're starting off our countdown to #1 with the prospects ranked 31-40. Lots of players with tons of potential and candidates to be breakout players as sophomores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='795472' first='Keian' last='Kaiser'] | LB | Sidney | 6'1" 165 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17452671/Keian-Kaiser" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/keiank09" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Overall: 31 | LB: </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keian emerged as a varsity starter for the Red Raiders in only his freshman season. He ran with it once he received his opportunity, totaling 43 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception. Kaiser is a rangy inside LB that is quick to react to run or pass. Kaiser does a solid job fighting through his blocks and is smart with his gap play. He loves to be physical when meeting a back in the hole and knows how to lay the wood. Still has room to continue filling out his frame and growing. Don't sleep on this guy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17452671/63744db396768b0c80bd5125' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6447fa44f2c28"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='360014' first='Elijah' last='Mitchell'] | WR/DB | Omaha North | 5'9" 175 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17760721/eli-mitchell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/elimitchell___" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Overall: 32 | ATH: 5</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North is a team loaded with talent so it could be a bit before we see Elijah take on a full role, but man, the talent is there. One of the many hard workers in this loaded class, Elijah starred on the Viking's freshman and JV teams while getting his feet wet on Varsity. He is a great route runner that is automatic at the catch point. He has a great football IQ with the ability to translate WR knowledge to the defensive end and vice versa. Mitchell runs great routes, has a solid release, can create separation or win at the line, and understands levels well. Great talent to watch out for!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17760721/63dd62b75eec871794cb3c4f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6448685ab603e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='488106' first='Gage' last='Hedstrom'] | QB | St. Mary's | 6'0" 165 lbs </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13932795/Gage-Hedstrom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Gage_Hedstrom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Overall: 33 | QB: 6</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gage was one of the big breakout players in 8-man football. Gage showed off his tremendous athleticism and ability to be a threat as a passer and runner with 1,282 passing yards, 620 rushing yards, and 34 total touchdowns in only nine games. The number that really popped out at me was his 22-3 TD-INT rate which is very good for a young passer. When I click on his tape, it makes sense why he's so efficient. Gage does a great job reading the play and has good instincts for when to pass and when to tuck the ball and go. He's a QB that prefers to stick to the script and going through his progressions, but is great at improvising and extending plays. Hedstrom has a solid arm and has shown that he can throw in a clean pocket or while on the run. Excited to watch Gage's rise!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13932795/635385f5e97c10021c696a62' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6448685ab6077"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='773248' first='Blake' last='Welchert'] | RB/ATH | Fort Calhoun | 5'9" 150 lbs </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17668824/Blake-Welchert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/blakewelchert04" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Overall: 34 | RB: 5</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blake recently attended the Prospect Tour showcase and stood out to several scouts and me in attendance. He's a player who already showed he can produce on the varsity level, given his freshman role. He was an all-purpose threat for the Pioneers with 293 rushing yards, 360 receiving yards, and 3 total touchdowns. Welchert was used in a variety of ways; whether he was running the ball, catching out of the backfield, or lined up at receiver, he found ways to make plays. Blake showed great quickness and agility, posting a 4.47 shuttle drill and 7.47 L-drill at the showcase. He is effective after the catch and can usually fight through tackles to tack on extra yardage. Blake will also be a key part of Fort Calhoun's secondary next season. Great overall player!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17668824/64223977ab9c5705f400acad' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6448685ab60a6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='487796' first='Elon' last='Washington'] | WR | Bellevue East | 5'4" 125 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17776113/Elon-Washington" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/w_elon07" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Overall: 35 | WR: 9</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Electric Elon... this guy just continues to impress even after dealing with injuries that sidelined him during his freshman campaign. Washington first jumped on our radars at the Johnson Bros camp last summer and has consistently been one of the better technical receivers in this class. He's not the biggest guy out there, but he sure knows how to make defenders look silly. Washington is great at creating separation and is smart when deciding how to counter his opponent's coverage. Very shifty, very agile, and very explosive with his movements. Elon posted times of 4.3 in the shuttle and 7.35 in the L-drill. Do not overlook this young stud!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GalindoOsc12/status/1647720891936043011?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/GalindoOsc12/status/1647720891936043011?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='795602' first='Cole' last='Signor'] | QB | Norfolk | 6'1" 170 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18328031/Cole-Signor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SigCole" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Overall: 36 | QB: 7</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a strong QB class with several young gunslingers hungry to make a name for themselves. One of those QBs is Norfolk's [player_tooltip player_id='795602' first='Cole' last='Signor'], who could make a push to be the Panther's QB1 next season. Signor really impressed with his ball placement and poise in the pocket. He is calm while going through his reads and delivers an accurate ball while keeping it away from defenders. He is a true pocket passer but does show the awareness and mobility to navigate the pocket under pressure. Cole has several great throws to all levels of the field, including deep passes. Led the Panther's freshman team to an undefeated season. Sky-high ceiling!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18328031/63769e94bd6ad0034c713ac2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6448685ab60df"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='402147' first='Derek' last='Jones'] | ATH | Papillion-La Vista South | 5'7" 165 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17723224/Derek-Jones" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DerekJones_2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Overall: 37 | ATH: 6</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tough for the Titans to lose [player_tooltip player_id='225758' first='Devyn' last='Jones'] next season, but it looks like younger brother Derek is more than ready to step up to the plate. Derek is an interesting prospect that also fits the all-purpose, receiving-back role in the Titan's offense. In a limited role, Jones rushed for 131 yards, and 2 touchdowns on only 19 carries with 52 yards on five receptions. Derek is a twitchy back with great vision and cutback ability. What makes him especially interesting is that he possesses legit receiver skills and can be lined up on the outside or in the slot. He runs solid routes and can challenge at the high point even when giving up the height advantage. Great concentration through the catch as well. Secret weapon in the Titan's arsenal!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17723224/63684aca19a54707741fdbbf' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6448685ab610b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='779706' first='Carson' last='Wessel'] | QB | Humphrey-St. Francis | 6'1" </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18098583/Carson-Wessel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CarsonWessel3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Overall: 38 | QB: 8</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We got another 8-man QB that made some noise this season and has the potential to be a monster in the upcoming years. Carson's arm strength really popped out on tape with his ability to push the deep ball and throw on the run. He is very mobile and can extend plays with his legs. Wessel finished the season with 721 passing yards, 11 passing TDs, 348 rushing yards, and 13 touchdowns on the ground. I don't have an official size on Wessel, but he plays bigger than his frame, making it tough for defenders to bring him down on first contact. There is still a rawness to his game, but he definitely showed enough to catch out attention and make opposing DCs account for him in their game plan. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18098583/638407410c539b0ce4b71d41' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6448685ab6137"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='795473' first='Marshawn' last='Jefferson'] | DB/WR | Lincoln Northeast | 5'8" 140 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17760692/Marshawn-Jefferson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MarShawnJeffer8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Overall: 39 | DB: 3</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshawn's tape was a nice surprise as he showed the tools to develop into a solid corner. Overall, Marshawn displayed great technique with fluidity in his change of direction, but his physicality caught my eye. Even as a smaller DB, Marshawn saw no issue going up to make a play on the ball and use his hands/body to break up passes. He's quick and has a solid twitch to his game. Marshawn could also be a solid slot receiver option, as he works the seams very well and can find open zones. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17760692/63fbc8d906616009d8297a72' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6447fa44f2c67"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='795739' first='Lane' last='Andrud'] | TE/DE | Papillion-La Vista South | 6'1" 215 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17705955/Lane-Andrud" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/andrud_lane" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Overall: 40 | TE: 2</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have Lane listed as a TE but he could very well develop into a terror on the defensive line. Ultimately, I put Lane down as a TE because he shows great potential with his receiving skills. He has soft hands and had a few catches where he made a great reception in stride. Andrud is still a little raw with his route-running and explosiveness, but as far as receiving, he displayed good hands and toughness after the catch. Would like to see some blocking highlights to see how he does in that aspect. On the defensive side, Lane was very disruptive with a knack for getting to the backfield. Very good motor as well. Lane's eventual position will rely on how he continues to develop, but he already shows a versatile skillset to succeed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17705955/636891629a9b6e04ec0c6dce' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64471ce0c0ef6"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->