STOCK RISERS: 2026 Prospects On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which standout sophomores are having big seasons this fall?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which are adding new offers?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read all the details below...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1092187' first='Jontavius' last='Wyman'] - Jonesboro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An Atlanta area athlete who can do a little bit of everything, Wyman is dynamic playmaker in the secondary who has already made four INTs so far early in his sophomore season. At 6-foot-1 175-pounds, Wyman can play both offense and defense due to his ball skills, quickness, and natural athleticism. He can read the quarterback and closes well on the receiver due to his length and impressive instincts. If the ball around him, he's going to make a play on it. He consistently flashes as a defender and has shown to be a true ball-hawk when he's in a position to make a play. A sound tackler as well, it's easy to see why Wyman is earning more offers as the season has progressed, and he earned a new one this week from the Texas Longhorns. He's made 13 tackles so far this season with those four INTs and five more pass breakups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401493' first='Dorian' last='Barney']</strong> <strong>- Peachtree Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another instinctive cornerback and one of the top overall athletes in the area for the 2026 class, Barney has a little bit of everything you look for in an impact defensive back. He appears to be fundamentally sound, shows quick feet, can change directions, and has wide receiver-like hands. He has no problem making a play on the ball and can even bait the quarterback into making a throw he shouldn't. At 6-foot-1 170-pounds, Barney also knows how to deliver a sound hit to the ball-carrier. He's excellent in coverage, but he also brings a physical element to the secondary. He's not afraid of contact and it shows up on film. He's making a lot of noise on the recruiting trail and already holds major offers from South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, among others. Look for him to make a decent jump in the next 2026 rankings as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283802' first='Bryson' last='Hughley'] - Peach County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been a tough year for Peach County so far, but they have a young defensive back in [player_tooltip player_id='283802' first='Bryson' last='Hughley'] who is stepping up in a big way. Just a sophomore, Hughley is a sure tackler who can play the football well in the air. He's already made one INT this season and could add more as the season moves along. This is a young man who is hungry to learn and loves to compete. He plays hard and has the willingness and desire to be the very best he can be. He's getting better and better against the run and has shown he has no problem coming down and making a key tackle. He's showing a lot of progress and potential, and he should get better and better as he continues to gain more experience and opportunities to make plays. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->