Class of ‘26: Cracking the Rankings Part II
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The Cracking the Rankings series continues on as we take a look at the newcomers featured in Part II. There’s a bit of a theme with this second group. A majority of these prospects hail from the higher classification levels in the…
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Continue ReadingThe Cracking the Rankings series continues on as we take a look at the newcomers featured in Part II. There’s a bit of a theme with this second group. A majority of these prospects hail from the higher classification levels in the state, and nearly all of them are offensive skill players. While the offensive side of the ball headlines this group, there is one Class 3A defensive prospect that is sure to excite folks. They’re a group filled with promise, and they each landed inside the Top 50 during the recent update.
One team that is due to bounce back during the ’23 campaign is Blue Valley North. They fielded a fairly young team in 2022, but now that young talent is looking to step up this season. One underclassman to look out for will be Bobby Knighton Bobby Knighton 5’11” | 170 lbs | WR Blue Valley North | 2026 State KS . He impressed at the freshman level last fall, and he possesses the skillset to make the jump to varsity this year. The 5-foot-11 wideout proved to be a reliable target as a freshman, as he flashed great hands and the ability to get separation from corners. Knighton is also a threat after the catch. He comes away with the highest debut from this group at No. 33 overall, and he’s the 6th ranked receiver in the class.
Following right behind Knighton is another Blue Valley area prospect. Beckett Linden Beckett Linden 5’10” | 170 lbs | QB Blue Valley NW | 2026 State KS of Blue Valley Northwest joined the rankings as the 34th ranked prospect overall, and the 6th ranked quarterback in the class. While Jaylen Mason Jaylen Mason 6’3″ | 195 lbs | QB Wichita NW | 2026 State KS and Iverson Scott Iverson Scott 6’2″ | 185 lbs | QB Wichita East | 2026 State KS are considered the top two dual-threat quarterbacks in this class, Linden has a strong case to be considered the third best dual-threat prospect. He has the ability to hurt defenses on broken plays, and he can add another element to the Huskies’ ground game on designed runs. While his legs are impressive, Linden also displays great precision on deeper throws. It will be interesting to see if he earns some varsity playing time as a sophomore.
There are now two young wideouts from the Hutchinson Salthawk program in our player database, as Robert Hunter Robert Hunter 6’0″ | 175 lbs | QB Hutchinson | 2026 State KS joined Camrynn Harris Camrynn Harris 5’10” | 150 lbs | WR Hutchinson | 2026 State KS inside the Top 50 in the recent update. Hunter entered the rankings as the 7th ranked receiver in the class, and the 35th ranked prospect overall. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound wideout is a true competitor, and his performances throughout camp season are a reflection of that. During June, Hunter showcased sharp route running and a great release off the line at camps such as the University of Colorado, the University of Kansas, Kansas State, and the University of Oklahoma. He’s a prospect that has the potential of being an impact player in the future.
Highlights
The fourth highest debut from this group comes from the lone defender of the bunch. Ezra Spiller Ezra Spiller 6’0″ | 185 lbs | LB Rock Creek | 2026 State KS of Rock Creek checked in at No. 36 overall, and he’s the 3rd ranked linebacker in the class. While Spiller is listed as a backer, defensive end was where he earned varsity snaps in 2022. Despite being undersized at the position, Spiller managed to contribute 23 total tackles and one sack in seven games. This goes to show Spiller’s versatility as well as his toughness. The Mustangs’ coaching staff may opt to line him up in the trenches once again this season, but he’s likely to project as a linebacker at the next level.
During this recent update, Chase Carter Chase Carter 6’2″ | 185 lbs | WR Wichita NW | 2026 State KS of Wichita Northwest became the fifth Grizzly to join the Class of ’26 rankings. His debut makes it five prospects from Northwest to crack the Top 50, as he came in at No. 37 overall, and he’s one spot back behind Robert Hunter Robert Hunter 6’0″ | 175 lbs | QB Hutchinson | 2026 State KS as the 8th ranked wideout in the class. The Grizzlies are widely known for their elite rushing attack, but when they opt to throw, they like to take their shots down the field. This is where Carter can be a difference maker. He’s a 6-foot-2, 185-pound vertical threat that boasts a wide catch radius, which allows him to win 50/50 balls.