Freshman Class: 2026 Prospects to Watch
In this article:
The Class of 2026 is filled with several talented, young players who began their high school careers last Fall. They made an immediate an impact on their varsity teams. Several of the prospects in this review are already receiving major…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Class of 2026 is filled with several talented, young players who began their high school careers last Fall. They made an immediate an impact on their varsity teams. Several of the prospects in this review are already receiving major recruiting interest and offers. The review covers six of the top prospects in the class.
Jackson Debe Jackson Debe 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB Providence | 2026 State NC – QB, 6’3″ 175 (No. 1 QB, No. 8 Overall), Providence HS. Jackson has a fluid arm with a quick release on his throws. He displayed poise in the pocket to complete throws while under pressure. He displayed good arm strength and good ball velocity on short and medium range throws on target. Jackson has received Power5 and D1 offers, more are expected to come in for him during his high school career.
Kendre’ Harrison Kendre’ Harrison 6'8" | 230 lbs | ATH Reidsville | 2026 NC – ATH, 6’8″ 230 (No. 1 ATH, No. 5 Overall), Reidsville HS. Kendre’ ran good pass routes and separation from defenders to make catches. He used his body to shield defenders to make catches in traffic. He was difficult to defend due to his height and size on the pass plays. Kendre’ plays on both sides of the ball for his team. He displayed quickness out of his stance to make contact with blockers while moving past them for stops. He moved well in tight spaces for his size to cover ground quickly while closing in on the ball carrier. He is a standout player on the basketball team. Kendre’ has already received several Power5 football offers, more are expected to come in for him during his high school career.
Samari Matthews Samari Matthews 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Hough | 2026 State NC – DB, 6’1″ 180 (No. 1 DB, No. 7 Overall), Hough HS. Samari displayed the ability to change directions quickly to cover receivers. He displayed good technique and use of arms to blanket receivers, making it difficult to complete a pass against him. He plays with aggression and is the dominant player in the secondary. Samari has already received several Power5 and D1 offers, more are expected to come in for him during his high school career.
Zavion Griffin-Haynes Zavion Griffin-Haynes 6'6" | 220 lbs | DL Rolesville | 2026 State NC – DL, 6’6″ 210 (No. 1 DL, No. 16 Overall), Hillside HS. Zavion displayed quickness out of his stance to make contact with blockers while moving past them to make stops. He displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers while closing in on the ball carrier. Zavion has a bright upside and has begun to receive recruiting interests. He will become a dominant player on the defensive line as he continues to improve his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.
Dallas Brannon Dallas Brannon 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Independence | 2026 State NC – LB, 6’2″ 190 (No. 1 LB, No. 25 Overall), Independence HS. Dallas displayed good lateral movement and speed to cover a lot of ground quickly to close in on the ball carrier for stops. He displayed patience to let the play develop and quick reaction to track the ball carrier to make stops. He is a dominant player and leader of the linebackers. The recruiting interest should start as he continues to develop his skillset during offseason training and participation in Summer Prospect Camps.
Ekene Ogboko Ekene Ogboko 6'6" | 290 lbs | OL South Garner | 2026 State NC – OL, 6’6″ 270 (No. 1 OL, No. 13 Overall), Riverside HS. Ekene displayed good footwork and technique to control defenders while opening lanes for the running backs. He displayed upper body strength and quickness to overpower defenders. He is a dominant player on the offensive line. Ekene has already received several D1 offers, more are expected to come in for him during his high school career.