5 New Names To Know In The 2026 Rankings

<p>We've got 5 really talented young upcoming recruits we're taking a look at who are new to the 2026 rankings this week.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='825383' first='Grady' last='Moriarty'] - Tippecanoe Valley - LB - 5'11" 210lbs</h2>   <p>Moriarty is coming off of a really sound freshman season that should only have the coaching staff licking their chops about the future. He contributed on both sides of the ball as a freshman and no moment looked too big for him. He's a decent athlete with a solid build. A build that's only going to get better with time. He's carried the ball and moved the chains for them on Varsity. He's a powerful back for his age and can churn out some hard-earned yards. He averaged 14 yards per carry in his limited opportunities last year but then added 3 TDs. He was picking up big chunks of yards and scoring TDs. A good combo to build upon moving forward. Defensively, he was versatile and fairly sound overall. He put up 25 tackles, 20 being solos, a TFL, and forced a fumble. All fairly good as a freshman learning on the fly. If Moriarty is ready, this fall he could take a massive leap for Tippecanoe Valley on both sides of the ball.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@GradyMoriarty</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='894471' first='Cameron' last='Fravel'] - Adams Central - DL - 6'2" 190lbs</h2>   <p>Fravel had an unbelievable Freshman season that saw him put up an All-State type of performance all year long, but I don't believe he actually got the nod. From Week 1 to the state championship, Fravel was an impact player. He's lengthy and explodes downhill off the line. He's great at crashing and collapsing the edge. He also did a great job reading the running game and cutting it short in the backfield. There were times it felt like they didn't even try to block him with how quickly he was in the backfield. If Fravel develops in the weight room during his high school career, he could easily be one of the top names in the state. His freshman season saw him put up 61 tackles, 2 sacks, and 5 TFLs. An incredible year no doubt, but one has to think this is just the beginning for Fravel and what he's going to do for Adams Central.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@CameronFravel26</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='903125' first='Joel' last='Hackett'] - Lawrence Central - DL - 6'0" 220lbs</h2>   <p>Hackett is a good example of someone who was playing at times like rent was due. He was hard to keep off the Varsity field as a freshman, so there's a good chance he's all over it as a sophomore. He rotated in and made some plays while feasting on JV/Freshman games. He's explosive off the line and can create penetration pretty easily. He's got no issue coming off the edge and trying to collapse the pocket. He's athletic enough to chase players down from behind. If he develops the right way in the weight room and treats football like a craft he's looking to master, Hackett could be special. He knows to get his hands up when he doesn't get home, and he batted down quite a few balls and gave multiple INT opportunities to the second level. He can string out the run game east/west without fully having to flip his hips and run I'm a big fan of Hackett and what he could be starting this fall, so hopefully he comes through for football fans everywhere!</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@_JoelHackett</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='783713' first='Jaden' last='Peak'] - Jasper - ATH - 6'0" 155lbs</h2>   <p>Peak had a sound freshman season for Jasper and should be heading into the fall set to make an impact on the Varsity level. He played multiple positions last year for the JV squad and it's likely because he has the raw athleticism and size to do so. He played Corner last year and was one of the best options they had defensively as a whole. He could cover, but then was aggressive in certain spots and forced a few turnovers. With his size, he's able to come down into the box and play the run. While there's a lot for him to learn defensively, he's running around making plays which is what you want to see at that age. As he develops in the weight room and gets more reps, I think he'll really begin to flourish. Whether it be DB, RB, or returning kicks he's done it all and there's no reason to slow down that momentum in my opinion. If Peak has the year he's expecting to, everyone should know his name.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@JadenPeak5</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='893227' first='Gavin' last='Smith'] - Columbia City - RB/DB - 5'10" 150lbs</h2>   <p>Smith had a freshman year that showcased some talent and ability that shows he belongs when things get tense. He's a fairly decent athlete and has a ton of range. There are times when it felt like he was coasting in the back end as a DB but even then, still had the range to make the play. The more reps he got, the more comfortable he got on the field. He's got the ability to cover half a field if asked to do so and can come across the field to make the tackle. He's carried the ball here and there, but not quite enough to get a good read on his full ability in the backfield. From the reps I've seen, he's quick, makes good reads, and will score if he gets to the outside. If Smith continues his performance on the field this fall, he's going to be a revelation for Columbia City. A good team can always add another piece and that's my expectation for Smith, to be another layer for that Eagles team.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Gavin_Smith_30</strong></p>

We've got 5 really talented young upcoming recruits we're taking a look at who are new to the 2026 rankings this week.