PRZNE 2025 Rankings Update | Juniors Who Boosted Their Stock
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Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area. 2025 Rankings have been updated! From Omaha to the Panhandle, from the state’s capital to the talent-rich northeast Nebraska area, we scoured the state to bring you…
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2025 Rankings have been updated! From Omaha to the Panhandle, from the state’s capital to the talent-rich northeast Nebraska area, we scoured the state to bring you new names to add to your radar.
Let’s take a look at some players who put together an outstanding junior season and boosted their stock tremendously.
Click HERE for the full Class of 2025 rankings.
If you’re not familiar with Papillion-La Vista South’s Casey Popish Casey Popish 6’5″ | 230 lbs | TE Papillion-La Vista South | 2025 State NE by now, you should soon. Casey is a player who caught our eye back in the summer at the Norris 7v7 tournament with his high upside at tight end. This season, Popish not only continued to flex his TE skills but also flashed solid potential on the defensive line for the Titans. Casey ended the season with 219 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns while also racking up 28 tackles, 7 TFLs, and a sack. Casey is a player who passes the eye test immediately at 6’5″ and 230 pounds with a physical play style to match. Casey is a throwback tight end who can make tough catches over the middle and never seems to go down without a fight. He hits like a freight train when he decides to drop his shoulders to run over a defender. Casey’s willingness to block was also great to see as he proved to be a quality blocker in the run game. We saw the 2024 class of TE gain lots of attention, Casey and the 2025 group should continue that trend.
The circumstances that led to junior QB Madden Riggs Madden Riggs 6’2″ | 200 lbs | QB Elkhorn South | 2025 State NE becoming the starter were unfortunate with an injury to starter Carson Rauner Carson Rauner 6’3″ | 200 lbs | QB Elkhorn South | 2024 State NE . However, Madden proved ready to take over the reins and helped the Storm win out the rest of the season, currently 10-1. With a monstrous running game backing him up, Madden wasn’t asked to throw a lot, completing 32 of 59 passes for 515 yards and 9 touchdowns. Madden’s arm looked solid all season long, showing that he can make throws to all levels of the field and push the ball deep. He displayed great timing and ball placement on several of his throws. Riggs’ mobility was also impressive, showing his ability to maneuver the pocket and evade pressure. He also does a great job maintaining his accuracy when throwing on the move. He processes the game quickly and will only continue to get sharper with more reps. Drawing D1 interest!
Highlights
I would have loved to see what Omaha Burke’s Marcus Buchanan Marcus Buchanan 5’10” | 160 lbs | ATH Omaha Burke | 2025 State NE ‘s end-of-season stats would have looked like without his season-ending injury. Despite being sidelined for a good chunk of the season, Marcus showed several flashes of his massive potential. In 5 games, Marcus hauled in 40 catches for 529 yards and 3 touchdowns while averaging 105 yards per game. The thing that stands out the most about Marcus’ game is his speed, reporting a 4.53 40 time. He has the straight-line speed to force defenses to respect him as a vertical threat and can take short passes for long gains with his explosive burst after the catch. He has several plays where he outraces defenders despite them having a solid angle on him. Dangerous if you can get him the ball in open space. Reliable hands and built chemistry with QB quickly, which came in huge this season. Buchanan is a versatile athlete who could make an impact on defense and has potential as a returner. Look for Marcus to come back stronger from his injury.
Highlights
With several stars around him, junior receiver Connor O’Neill Connor O’Neill 6’3″ | 180 lbs | WR Omaha North | 2025 State NE managed to carve out a nice role for himself and definitely opened some eyes this season. In eight games, Connor made 15 receptions for 159 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Despite being a taller, lengthier receiver, Connor doesn’t solely rely on his size to beat out defenders. He is a solid route runner with sharp footwork, especially at the top of the route. One thing that I really liked when watching Connor’s tape is how he always attacks the ball and comes back to it to make the catch. Great catch radius! Watch out for this guy this offseason!
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