2026 Rankings: October Stock Risers
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This week on Prep Redzone Oklahoma, we’re putting a spotlight on some of the top 2026 prospects in the state. From guys who have been shining since they were freshmen to others who are enjoying breakout seasons this fall, we got it all covered. On Monday, we released our updated 2026 rankings. Throughout the week, we’ll be breaking down different position groups and overall standouts in the state’s 2026 class so far. In this post, we’re putting the spotlight on five prospects who made jumps in the recent ranking update. We have a few prospects who jumped into the top ten after strong starts this fall. Keep it locked in throughout the week for more breakdowns on 2026 prospects. And check back every Monday in October for more prospect ranking updates!
Valliant standout Kenny Golston Kenny Golston 6’1″ | 210 lbs | RB Valliant | 2026 State OK has been a 2026 prospect that we’ve had on our radar for a little over a year now. Golston was an instant impact freshman last fall and has carried that over to this season. He’s coming off a good showing last week where he ran for over 150 yards and four touchdowns. But what is interesting is the growth in Golston physically. This isn’t your typical sophomore in high school as he absolutely looks the part and has to be one of the stronger prospects in the state’s 2026 class. And there are now questions surrounding Golston on if he’s a running back or potentially a linebacker at the next level. We’re not sure at this point. But we are sure that he’s one of the top overall prospects in the class.
Highlights
For the second straight ranking update, Norman North standout Mason James Mason James 5’11” | 155 lbs | WR Norman North | 2026 State OK made a significant jump up. This time around, he moved up to the #8 overall spot and we also changed his listed position from defensive back to wide receiver. James is still very capable of playing in the secondary but he appears to be an offensive playmaker moving forward. That’s how Norman North is utilizing him this season and he’s coming off an offseason at various camps and 7v7 tournaments where he shined brightest at the wide receiver position. For Norman North, James has been an absolute weapon to use. Whether he’s making plays at wide receiver or running the ball, James is arguably Norman North’s top big-play threat. And that’s not surprising considering what we saw from James in the offseason.
Highlights
Another southeastern Oklahoma standout to keep an eye on is Quincy Shelton Quincy Shelton 6’0″ | WR Hugo | 2026 State OK at Hugo. Shelton is one of the top 2026 prospects in the state for not only football but in basketball as well. Shelton could end up having his pick of what sport he wants to play at the next level but he will be at the next level. For now, we like him on the offensive side of the ball at wide receiver but he has shown the ability to play defense and has made plays on that side of the ball this season as a sophomore. But when you’re talking about Shelton as a prospect, we think that his ceiling is higher on the football field when he’s lined up at wide receiver. We’re looking forward to seeing more of Shelton in person this offseason.
Heritage Hall sophomore Jerrod Williams Jerrod Williams 5’11” | DB Heritage Hall | 2026 State OK made a jump up from #25 overall to #18 overall and is now the #2 defensive back prospect in the state’s 2026 class. We’ve mentioned before how Williams first got on our radar following his performance in the state championship game. But we’ve had a chance to see more of him, both on film and in person and it’s hard not to be impressed. He showed out at our 7v7 tournament back in February and then when we saw him and the Chargers against Millwood, Williams did a good job in man to man coverage against some really good receivers. We know the Heritage Hall coaches have been vocal about the potential with Williams and we won’t be surprised if he makes another jump up.
We’ll tip our cap to McLoud two-way standout Zaylun Matlock Zaylun Matlock 5’10” | ATH McLoud | 2026 State OK for the start to his sophomore season. Matlock was vocal on social media after our last ranking update when he was at #27. He’s jumped up to #20 and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Matlock has been outstanding for the Redskins on both sides of the ball. This breakdown is full of players who can shine on both sides of the ball and for Matlock, the jury is still out on what is his natural position at the next level. He’s a ball hawk on defense and an absolute playmaker on the offensive side of the ball. He’s become a match-up nightmare and opponents have wised up and started putting more defenders on him, trying to slow him down.