2026s That Will Make A Name For Themselves This Fall
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With rankings updates beginning, you can expect a massive haul of new names added to the charts. While going through the new names it was clear that multiple have the talent and the opportunity to make an impact on Friday nights as underclassmen. As we prepare for the potential breakouts on varsity ,let’s take a look at what the freshman tape of each athlete suggests could be in store. Coaches, make sure to have these kids on your future recruiting boards. The future looks bright here.
Brayden saw action in five varsity games in 2022, and ended up leading the way in the passing category. The 6’1″ 185 lbs QB threw for nearly 800 yards and 4 TDs during that time. It will be interesting to see if he takes over the full time QB role as a sophomore. The tape suggests he will be one to watch closely if he does win the job. Brayden possesses a strong arm that already can put the velocity on the ball needed to hit tight windows deep down the field at the varsity level. Loritz is able to attack all three levels of the field with his arm, and he has shown he can threaten defenses on the ground. Keep an eye out for the sophomore.
Bay Port will be missing three of their top five leading receivers from 2022 when they take the field again. There will be plenty of competition for the vacated targets. One of the athletes vying for the opportunities is ’26 WR Aiden Elinsky Aiden Elinsky 6’1″ | 195 lbs | WR West De Pere | 2026 State WI . The 6’1″ 185 lbs athlete looks the part of a varsity receiver. Even as a freshman, Aiden showed off solid route running that opened up plenty of separation. As his body control continues to develop so should his ability to make even cleaner breaks. That will be needed against the higher competition. Elinsky also has shown that he can go get the ball and make the concentration grabs in traffic. Look for him to begin to make his mark on Friday nights starting this fall.
Noah Reinhart
Noah Reinhart
Noah is another member of this list who saw a little action on Fridays as a freshman. However, this fall it looks like he is poised to be the main man in the backfield. Noah is the leading rusher of all returning members of the team. He has a solid frame at 5’11” 180 lbs that will be able to handle the starting workload. Noah is a powerful runner who set the tone, move the pile, and rack up the yards after contact. Reinhart is a patient, one cut runner who has solid burst through the hole and transitions that burst into power at the point of contact. Get ready for the physical athlete to break onto the scene this fall.
Everyone who attempted a pass for EC North in 2022 graduated in 2023. So the Huskies are in need of a new man at the helm. All signs point to ’26 Zach Shipman Zach Shipman 6’0″ | 165 lbs | QB Eau Claire North | 2026 WI stepping up into the role of starter. In ’22, Zach was the JV QB, and put together noteworthy tape that has me excited for his future. The 6′ 165 lbs QB looks ready for the jump in competition. He has a natural arm with the accuracy, touch, and strength to threaten a defense in the short, intermediate, and deeper levels of the field. Shipman also played with poise at the JV level. He bought time in the pocket and outside it. He delivered accurate passers on the run, and would not hesitate to tuck it and do damage with his legs. I’m excited to see him take things to Friday nights. Keep an eye on the ’26.
Germantown returns one ball carrier who produced stats in 2022. So the door is open for someone on the Germantown roster to make a name for themselves and help the team pout up points. My pick for a breakout year is ’26 RB Tyler Conradt Tyler Conradt 5’6″ | 170 lbs | RB Germantown | 2026 State WI . The 5’6″ 165 lbs athlete has exceptional strength, pound for pound. He holds 4 State Records for weight lifting, and that success translates to the field. Tyler has a powerful lower body that allows him to stop on a dime and then accelerate. He is able to run his feet through contact. That leg drive and his low center of gravity is going to allow him to pick up the tough yards not expected from an undersized back. Keep an eye on the strong, explosive athlete.
Highlights
An intriguing athlete in the Class of 2026 that need to be on the radars of the next level over the next few years is the 6’4″ 230 lbs OL/DL out of Hartford. Sam has a big frame that has all the room needed to continue to fill out and get up to the size that college coaches covet. On offense, Sam used his superior size and strength to overpower and bully defensive linemen. He showed that he can move laterally to maintain his block and can get downfield to make blocks. Hartford has a history of producing dominant run blockers along the OL, and Johnston looks like he is in position to be one of the next ones to uphold that tradition.