4 Ascending Recruits In The 2026 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got 4 recruits in the 2026 class who have moved up the rankings quite a bit, all for good reasons, so let's dive in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='404323' first='Zane' last='Newman'] - Westfield - DL - 6'0" 220lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newman has had one of the best summers out of anyone in any class in the state of Indiana. Whether at a camp lighting it up, winning awards, or training on his own, he's been on a different level this spring/summer. Over the past year, he's added 4 inches or so of height at about 40 lbs of muscle. He's developed quite a bit and looks better every time he steps on the field. Earlier this spring, he left the Prep Redzone camp as defensive MVP and that was the first of a few MVP awards he's taken home this summer. He's been consistent and is ready for fall camp. Last season, he looked good on the younger squads and should be set to come in this fall and fight for a starting Varsity role. Newman is easily a name to watch closely this fall because he could put himself on the map.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@ZaneNewman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='436239' first='Landon' last='Esch'] - Fishers - TE - 6'5" 200lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Esch is an upcoming TE who has begun to make his rounds this summer impressing at camps all over. His frame, length, and ability to move at that size are why he's so intriguing. He's a good athlete who obviously towers over the competition. His long arms combined with his ability to jump have him as a prime red-zone threat down the road. He's a bit light, but you expect that at this age. If he develops even some in the weight room over the next few years, he's going to be a problem at the high school level. He's decently strong as it is, so it'll make him a much more effective end-of-the-line blocker if that's how he's used. I feel he's got the versatility to be almost another Slot WR, but the world is his oyster at TE. Esch checks just about every box you want and heads into the season looking to make an impact after a decent summer. His rare size and attributes make him a very good bet to break out sooner rather than later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@EschLandon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='864924' first='Luke' last='Tackwell'] - Leo - WR - 6'2" 185lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tackwell feels like such an obvious star down the road when you see him that it's almost humorous that schools aren't already licking their chops. An elite 6'2" frame, is well-built, and moves incredibly well. If he said he was a Senior, there's nobody who would doubt that on the field. Physically, he looks older than he is, in a good way, and then moves and plays like it. He's got quick feet and good change of direction. I don't see him having an issue playing on the outside, inside, or even as TE if ever asked to do so. He's got the strength to play down there, but keep him on the outside and reap the rewards. He'll make big catches in the red zone and reward you with 6, worst-case scenario. Tackwell should be all signs go, starting this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@LukasTackwell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='401659' first='Sam' last='Manna'] - Zionsville - RB - 5'8" 180lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manna continues to develop and impress time and time again after he steps on the field. He works incredibly hard and is in the weight room just like you'd want him to be. This past year alone, he's shot up at least 3 inches and put on 30 or so lbs. I met him last year at a Prep Redzone camp. I met him again earlier this spring at another camp, and he was night and day different in his physical appearance. He looks good and that work is paying off. It's all translating to the field as well. He's stronger, more versatile, and most importantly, playing with so much more confidence. With the path he's on right now, it's hard to imagine they keep him off the field much longer. He's looked really good against the younger squads already. Having his freshman year behind him, I like Manna to push Varsity and become a valuable piece. Manna is too talented and too versatile to not become a valuable piece of this offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@SamManna32</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->