PrepRedzoneIL 2026 Rankings Coverage: QB, RB, OL Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Only two <em>PRzIL </em>2026 features left before we move onto the '25s! We've broken down the Top 20, the watchlist, and the DBs, DL, and ATHs that comprise the rankings and the Top-60 Big Board, and to round things off we're bouncing over to the offensive side of the ball. With a plethora of wide receivers littering the rankings big board, we're saving the pass catchers for last and will give our lovely subscribers their offensive fix with a detailed breakdown of the quarterbacks, running backs, and offensive linemen who made our introductory rankings from the talent-ridden 2026 class of Illinois prospects. <em>PRzIL </em>is very excited about the future of these young bucks, and with so much size, skill, and playmaking ability coursing through these 60+ standout freshmen, you're doing yourself a favor by getting on the hype train early and familiarizing yourself with these names before they skyrocket into the D1 stratosphere. As a quick note, we covered the Top 20 extensively in that previously mentioned introductory feature, so we're kicking things off with the #25 ranked overall standout and going from there. Keep up the great work, youngins! There's a bright future ahead of these 2026s. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283931"],"_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":"The u003cemu003eHinsdale Centralu003c/emu003e freshman gunslinger boasts a broad and impressive resume going into his sophomore season of high school, having finished the season with three starts against varsity opponents, two games of which game against ranked opponents of then #4 ranked u003cemu003eYorku003c/emu003e and then later against a loaded u003cemu003eGlenbard Westu003c/emu003e squad. The third game was against u003cemu003eProvisou003c/emu003e u003cemu003eWestu003c/emu003e, which u003cstrongu003eContrerasu003c/strongu003e led to a 46-6 win. The 5'11, 175 lber. also has made some waves this offseason running with Midwest Boom's 15U squad, but interestingly as a WR and Safety, so it's safe to say the kid is athletic and could possibly project to several different positions at the college level in a few years. As a freshman QB however, u003cstrongu003eContrerasu003c/strongu003e displayed exciting maneuverability and scrambling prowess around the pocket, velocity, accuracy, and touch on his shorter u0026amp; intermediate passes, and dangerous moves as a ball carrier when he tucks and runs. There's noticeable athleticism and arm talent in his growing 5'11, 175 lb. frame, and with varsity experience and effectiveness already under his belt, the future is very bright for the u003cemu003eRed Devilu003c/emu003e 2026er.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["401615"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Already possessing a great frame, u003cemu003eHomewood-Flossmooru003c/emu003e offensive tackle u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='401615' first='Kellen' last='Gamble']u003c/strongu003e measures in at 6'5, 250 lbs. with room to grow, fill out, and add a ton more good weight these next three years of high school action. As a JV OT last fall with the u003cemu003eVikingsu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eGambleu003c/strongu003e was especially impressive when moving and blocking in space, and showed that he was able to stay controlled to line up and take out smaller/quicker defenders like a lineman 50 pounds lighter. He's got some pop at the point of attack, shows off lateral agility that can react to quicker defensive linemen around the LOS, and is tough to disengage from and can adjust to defensive linemen's counters and efforts to shed and detach when he gets hands-on and starts to run his feet. u003cstrongu003eGambleu003c/strongu003e is a controlled and balanced athlete for his size and age and follows in the footsteps of some extremely accomplished u003cemu003eVikingsu003c/emu003e OL before him.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["401623"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Clocking in at #38 overall and as the #4 ranked quarterback in the inaugural 2026 u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e rankings, u003cemu003eSt. Charles Northu003c/emu003e freshman gunslinger u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='401623' first='Matthew' last='Plumb']u003c/strongu003e brings a solid 6'2, 190 lb. frame to the table, as well as a wrestling background that saw him qualify for freshman/sophomore state this past March. I like that combo, and it's particularly rare at the QB position, and compared to his peers he's received a ton of offseason camp invites from the likes of Bowling Green State, Central Michigan, Montana State, Cincinnati, UPenn, Miami (OH), and Furman, so college programs want to see this kid in-person and u003cstrongu003ePlumbu003c/strongu003e is set to be a busy traveler this summer. The younger brother of 2025 u003cemu003eSCNu003c/emu003e QB [player_tooltip player_id='161508' first='Ethan' last='Plumb'], who holds offers from Miami (OH), Iowa State, and Purdue, u003cstrongu003eMatthewu003c/strongu003e has a big arm that can sling the ball downfield with the flick of his wrist and whip the ball back across his body with ease, and I love his touch on downfield passes as well as the velocity he can generate on shorter/intermediate passes. u003cstrongu003ePlumbu003c/strongu003e looks accurate, able to read the field well and get the ball out of his hand quickly, and has a lean frame at 190 lbs. that is sure to benefit and blow up with a few more years in a high school Su0026amp;C program. The u003cstrongu003ePlumbu003c/strongu003e boys can sling it.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["801705"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"The solidified RB1 in the 2026 rankings, some other ranked athletes may project to the RB position in college, but none are looking as outright as u003cemu003eBloomington'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801705' first='Kyveon' last='Chestnut'].u003c/strongu003e The 5'8 ball carrier was a varsity contributor in 2022, and the u003cemu003ePurple Raidersu003c/emu003e freshman was the second leading rusher on the varsity squad (according to u003cemu003eMaxprepsu003c/emu003e), while also manning a LB position, but his RB highlights remain supreme in our estimation. Chestnut is filled with burst, quick feet, vision, and an impressive amount of physicality from the RB position for his size/age, and is more than willing to be the hammer as opposed to the nail at the point of attack. He's capable of dragging dog piles for extra yardage and earning the tough yards to keep his offense churning, and as a LB he brings that same aggression and is a strong supporter in the run game. An offseason in the u003cemu003eBloomington u003c/emu003eweight room is only going to help his already promising skillset and I can't wait to see how he's evolved as a sophomore. The RB class of 2026s is going to be an especially interesting position group to keep an eye on going forward.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["401596"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Yet another u003cemu003eWheaton St. Francisu003c/emu003e freshman to make our introductory 2026 u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e Big Board, 6'1, 190 lb gunslinger u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='401596' first='Brady' last='Palmer']u003c/strongu003e was named an Adidas Freshman All-American and runs with the acclaimed u003cemu003eMidwest Boomu003c/emu003e 7v7 national team in the offseason while holding a 4.9 GPA. The freshman also earned MVP honors at December's u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e Stock-Up Showcase and brings a long list of accomplishments into his sophomore season after helping the u003cemu003eSpartansu003c/emu003e freshman squad to an undefeated season in 2022. Good size, solid arm strength on his shorter/intermediate throws, and elusive around the pocket, u003cstrongu003ePalmeru003c/strongu003e can extend plays and hurt defenses with his legs if he doesn't like what he sees downfield. Also shows off solid anticipation and does a good job of reading the field quickly and not forcing the ball into tight coverage or risky situations. He'll look to add to that long list of accolades as a sophomore and into his upperclassman campaign with u003cemu003eStu003c/emu003e. u003cemu003eFrancisu003c/emu003e.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["287947"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cemu003eBradley Bourbonnaisu003c/emu003e is well represented on the initial 2026 rankings introduction and sees their freshman signal-caller u003cstrongu003eEllisu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eJohnsonu003c/strongu003e clocked in at #56 overall and as the #6 ranked QB at the time the rankings went live a little more than a week ago. u003cstrongu003eJohnson u003c/strongu003ewas impressive in the non-varsity ranks for the u003cemu003eBoilermakersu003c/emu003e and showed he could stretch the field vertically, accurately complete throws on the run, and maneuver the pocket well with efficient footwork. u003cstrongu003eJohnsonu003c/strongu003e can generate some serious velocity after quickly setting his feet while on the move, and he's a good athlete at the position who is confident placing the ball into tight coverage.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["537266"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"With good size for a freshman at 6'2, 160+ pounds, u003cemu003eCary-Grove'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='537266' first='Shane' last='Coyle']u003c/strongu003e is another impressive dual-threat QB who tore it up at the non-varsity level for the u003cemu003eTrojansu003c/emu003e who excelled in the triple-option attack of the 2021 6A state champions. Quick decision-making, speed as a ball carrier, and the toughness to hang in the pocket and complete throws through contact, u003cstrongu003eCoyleu003c/strongu003e can hurt opposing defenses with both his arm and his legs and is a great match for u003cemu003eCary-Grove'su003c/emu003e offense now and going forward.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["369068"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"St. Charles is looking like a promising recruiting ground for the 2026 class, and u003cemu003eSt. Charles Easu003c/emu003et 5'6, 160 lb. tailback u003cstrongu003eXanderu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eSalazaru003c/strongu003e brings a ton of juice and production to the 2026 u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e Big Board as our #58 overall and #2 ranked RB in the recently published inaugural rankings. There's lots to be excited about in this early crop of '26 RBs, and although all of them are in need of a growth spurt and some added muscle, their production, prowess in the open field, and general speed/elusiveness make for fun Hudl watches and spell out promising skillsets for the varsity levels of Illinois prep football. u003cstrongu003eSalazaru003c/strongu003e falls very much into these categories, and his freshman campaign resulted in him posting 1,284 rushing yards at a 7.46 YPC average and 21 touchdowns. The freshman tape shows off a ball carrier with homerun speed, patience, contact balance and quick cuts in 1-on-1 situations vs. tacklers in the open field, and some solid reps of him laying wood as a blocker in both pass pro and when lead blocking. I also like his reps as a DB, where he gets out of his breaks with pace and intuitively undercuts routes to play the ball. u003cstrongu003eSalazaru003c/strongu003e is also a three-sport standout who holds a 4.85 GPA!","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["345784"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"The Park Ridge and u003cemu003eMaine Southu003c/emu003e product is already a u003cemu003ePRZu003c/emu003e Showcase standout and veteran and had a great season on the non-varsity ranks for the u003cemu003eHawksu003c/emu003e offense. He posted 1,530 total yards and 18 TDs while displaying game-changing speed that popped off a ton of big runs with opponents barely even able to lay a hand on him, much less tackle him. If you give him a shred of daylight it's game over, and when you combine it with his vision, balance, and burst out of his cuts, you have a RB who is just as liable to cut back across the grain as he is to take the rock up the gut or to the oppositions sideline for six. u003cstrongu003eKokosioulisu003c/strongu003e is a fluid and athletic runner who is fun to watch, and I believe his game should translate to the varsity level a lot easier than his peers.u003cstrongu003e Niko Kokosioulisu003c/strongu003e is a playmaker, simple as that.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["401625"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"The final u003cemu003eBrother Rice Crusaderu003c/emu003e to have worked himself onto the introductory 2026 u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e rankings Big Board, 6'1, 310 lb. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='401625' first='QwaMaine' last='Spivery']u003c/strongu003e brings a multi-sport background to the table and was a bruising OG and DT last fall on the non-varsity ranks of the u003cemu003eCrusader'su003c/emu003e football team. He can overwhelm opponents with his sheer size and strength at the point of attack, and is a crushing finisher who does a good job of staying upright and balanced when engaged with a defender. Good hand placement and leg drive, solid motor, and a good get off for a big boy who excels in the physical aspect of the game and is built to beat defenders up over the course of four quarters. u003cstrongu003eSpiveryu003c/strongu003e still has some work to do in the weight room, but the raw combo of his size and athleticism for his age sets a very promising foundation that the excellent staff at u003cemu003eBrother Riceu003c/emu003e is going to develop and get the best out of. We can't wait to see this dude in a couple of years.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64570047d4920"} /-->