Stockrisers: Top 2026 Sleepers in Kentucky

After an action-packed season of high school football in the Bluegrass State last year, it's time to look at the most impressive performers in the state. After breaking down an assortment of talented sophomore, junior and senior players, it's time to look at the top 2026 sleepers that have been grinding for success this offseason in preparation for this upcoming year of football. Without any further ado, here's my list of the top 2026 sleepers in Kentucky to watch for next season.    At the top of my list of intriguing prospects is [player_tooltip player_id='469302' first='Kris' last='Hughes'], a 6-foot-0, 175-pound quarterback out of Somerset High School. Hughes made a huge splash offensively at the helm of the Briar Jumpers' offense during his freshman stint of high school football last year. In 11 games, Hughes threw 46 completions out of 98 attempts for 416 yards and two touchdowns. In addition to impressive size, speed and versatility under center, the rising sophomore out of Somerset, KY. is composed under pressure, can complete quick passes and can connect with his receivers deep down the field. Hughes is without question an intriguing 2026 sleeper to keep an eye on next season.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16879128/6387d72a578dfc0ae84ccc3c">Tape:</a>    In close second place on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='212337' first='Trevy' last='Barber'], a 5-foot-9, 165-pound athlete out of Bowling Green High School. Barber made a huge difference on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball for the Purples during his freshman stint of high school football last year. In 15 contests on offense, Barber was one of the best weapons on Bowling Green's receiving core, hauling in 47 receptions for 737 yards and nine touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Barber recorded two total tackles. In addition to solid size, speed and versatility on both sides of the ball, the rising sophomore out of Bowling Green, KY. impresses me with his overall physicality as he showcased his ability to conquer defenders down the stretch while also making stops on the other side. Barber is definitely an intriguing 2026 athlete to keep an eye on this upcoming season.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13278016/638eb3af2aa6b80a3847ac6e">Tape:</a>    At number three on my list of intriguing prospects is [player_tooltip player_id='283971' first='Jeffrey' last='Vazzana'], a 5-foot-10, 180-pound running back out of Christian Academy of Louisville. Vazzana was a playmaker on the ground for the Centurions during his freshman stint of high school football last year. In 14 contests, Vazzana picked up 41 rush attempts for 246 yards and seven touchdowns. On top of his impressive size and speed, the rising sophomore out of Louisville, KY. is incredibly durable and plays with excellent physicality, making him difficult to contain for the defense. Vazzana is definitely one of many 2026 sleepers to keep an eye on this upcoming season.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17387642/635d5f420dcb0d0b680ce9b4">Tape:</a>    Claiming the number four spot on this list is [player_tooltip player_id='212336' first='Marlon' last='Harbin'], a 5-foot-11, 175-pound wide receiver out of St. Xavier High School. Harbin was a huge offensive difference maker for the Tigers during his freshman stint of high school football last year. In 12 contests, Harbin hauled in 24 receptions for 360 yards and three touchdowns. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising sophomore out of Louisville, KY. plays with excellent versatility and physicality, making him a highly explosive offensive weapon that can easily create problems for the defense. Entering this upcoming season, Harbin should be an interesting 2026 sleeper to keep an eye on.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16247764/63174a570dca4d04e806aa7e">Tape:</a>    Finishing fifth on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='401930' first='Willem' last='McPeake'], a 6-foot-0, 195-pound linebacker out of Union County High School. McPeake was a significant defensive weapon on the Braves' roster during his freshman season of high school football last year. In 13 contests, McPeake picked up 70 total tackles, including 11 solo stops, 59 assisted takedowns and two tackles for loss. McPeake additionally forced one fumble and hauled in one interception. In addition to impressive size and physicality, the rising sophomore out of Morganfield, KY. plays quick, hits hard and applies heavy defensive pressure, which made a huge difference for Union County last season. McPeake is a 2026 sleeper certainly worth keeping an eye on next season.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15190667/6378f98d64df0909f47673b8">Tape:</a>    At number six on my list of intriguing prospects is [player_tooltip player_id='331728' first='Easton' last='Jointer'], a 6-foot-2, 198-pound athlete out of South Warren High School. Jointer was a gamechanger for the Spartans both offensively and defensively during his freshman stint last year. On the ground, Jointer picked up 19 yards on three attempts. As a receiver, Jointer hauled in seven receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown. On the other side of the ball, Jointer recorded 16 total tackles, including eight solo stops and eight assisted takedowns. With excellent size, speed and versatility on both sides, the rising sophomore out of Bowling Green, KY. is quick off the snap, showcasing excellent physicality and explosiveness on both ends, making him difficult to contain.

After an action-packed season of high school football in the Bluegrass State last year, it's time to look at the most impressive performers in the state. After breaking down an assortment of talented sophomore, junior and senior players, it's time to look at the top 2026 sleepers that have been grinding for success this offseason in preparation for this upcoming year of football. Without any further ado, here's my list of the top 2026 sleepers in Kentucky to watch for next season.