Class of ‘26: Six Prospects Climbing the Ranks
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Throughout this summer, the spotlight has predominantly shined on the upperclassmen in the state. But, with less than a month and a half until kickoff for the 2023 campaign, we’re shifting our focus to the upcoming sophomore class. The Class…
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Continue ReadingThroughout this summer, the spotlight has predominantly shined on the upperclassmen in the state. But, with less than a month and a half until kickoff for the 2023 campaign, we’re shifting our focus to the upcoming sophomore class. The Class of ’26 was last updated in late April, and although not much changed at the top of the rankings, there’s been multiple members that have worked their way up the ranks over the past few months.
These young prospects have impressed at various showcases and competitions over the summer, and their stock is rising ahead of their sophomore year. Here’s a look at six of the highest Stock Risers from the latest Class of ’26 rankings update.
David Wakes David Wakes 5’10” | 180 lbs | ATH Shawnee Heights | 2026 State KS of Shawnee Heights is one of three prospects that went from being a newcomer in the previous update, to being a Stock Riser in the latest edition. Wakes leads the pack in this July update, as he moved inside the Top 25 to No. 21 overall, and he’s now the 3rd ranked athlete in the class. While he’s categorized as an athlete, Wakes has really impressed at running back this summer. He proved to be an impactful runner during padded team camps and scrimmages, which should earn him some carries on varsity this fall.
Devyn Davis Devyn Davis 6’1″ | 250 lbs | DL Bishop Miege | 2026 State KS of Bishop Miege was the second Stock Riser to move inside the Top 25 during this update. The Bishop Miege product climbed five spots to No. 23 overall, and Davis is now on the heels of Jalen Johnson Jalen Johnson 6’1″ | 280 lbs | DL Olathe West | 2026 State KS for a Top 3 ranking in the defensive line group. Since debuting in the April update, Davis has been busy turning heads at multiple showcases this summer. Davis strung along solid camp performances while at Kansas State and MidAmerica Nazarene in June, and he was selected as a standout performer at the KC Varsity Combines in early May as well.
Highlights
The third highest increase in rank during this update belongs to Jarek Purdy Jarek Purdy 6’1″ | 170 lbs | ATH Hays | 2026 State KS . Purdy was featured as a Stock Riser in the previous update, and he’s continued to climb the ranks since then. During this update he became an official member of the Top 10, as he climbed from No. 15 overall to No. 10 in the class, and the top-ranked athlete spot now belongs to him. Purdy’s play during the 7-On-7 circuit was well documented this past spring, but we’ve yet to highlight the work he’s put in this summer. He put folks on notice while at the University of Nebraska’s camp showcase in June, and he also received an unofficial visit from the Cornhuskers’ coaching staff.
Jamarcus Tyson Jamarcus Tyson 6’1″ | 190 lbs | ATH Junction City | 2026 State KS is yet another member of the previous group of newcomers to earn a higher ranking in this latest update. In the April update we mentioned his versatility and multi-sport background; both of which have been on full display this summer. Tyson showcased his pass-catching ability while at the University of Kansas in June, and he’s also flashed his skills on the diamond as well. He moves up four spots to No. 30 overall, and Tyson is now up to No. 6 in his position group. He’s a player capable of cracking the Top 25 in the next update.
Highlights
The fifth highest increase in rank came from one of the more overlooked running backs in this class. Back in January we pointed out that Brayden Pappas Brayden Pappas 5’7″ | 185 lbs | RB Eisenhower | 2026 State KS was a player to keep an eye on as he progressed throughout this summer. It’s safe to say he’s lived up to this expectation, as Pappas has impressed at a few camps over the past few months. Pappas competed at a padded Kansas State camp in June, and he performed well at the Sharp Top Prospect combine in late May. His progress earns him a spot at No. 19 overall, and he maintains his status as the 4th ranked back in the class.
Highlights
Rounding off this group of Stock Risers is Pharrell Adams Pharrell Adams 6’0″ | 210 lbs | LB Wichita East | 2026 State KS of Wichita East. Adams moved up a few spots to secure the No. 15 overall ranking, and he continues to be the 2nd ranked linebacker in the class. He’s posted some strong numbers this summer, and one of his best performances came just 10 days ago while at William Jewell’s camp showcase. Adams went on to post a 4.7 40-yard dash time and he clocked a 4.4 pro-agility time as well. These times are encouraging to see, and they’re an indication that he’s likely to get faster as he develops over the next few years.