Intriguing 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For
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After the finale to high school football action at Kroger Field last week, it’s time to kickstart the offseason by analyzing some intriguing prospects from the class of 2026 that established themselves on the field this past year. These guys…
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Continue ReadingAfter the finale to high school football action at Kroger Field last week, it’s time to kickstart the offseason by analyzing some intriguing prospects from the class of 2026 that established themselves on the field this past year. These guys were highly explosive in their sophomore campaigns, helping their teams on the field while establishing themselves as top tier playmakers.
rnAt the top of my list of notable performers is Marlon Harbin Marlon Harbin 5’11” | 170 lbs | WR Saint Xavier | 2026 State KY , a wide receiver at St. Xavier High School. What impresses me the most about Harbin is his breakaway speed and physical edge, proving he can overwhelm defensive backs in coverage as well as create seperation down the stretch. Another aspect of Harbin’s playstyle that stands out is his catching ability under pressure, showcasing excellent grit and toughness. Harbin’s consistent effort and ability to utilize his athleticism to get into the endzone was a gamechanger for the Tigers all season long.
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rnI am additionally impressed with Isaac Estrada Isaac Estrada 5’10” | 220 lbs | LB Shelby County | 2026 State KY , a linebacker at Shelby County High School. On top of outstanding quickness off the snap and physicality in the pocket, what stands out most about Estrada is his ability to read the offense like a book and make crucial stops when his team needs it most. Another aspect of Estrada’s playstyle that made a considerable difference this past season was his ability to lock down the offense at the goal line, showcasing his ability to instantly apply pressure on the quarterback as well as suffocate the rush.
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rnClaiming the number three spot on my list is Baron Hardesty Baron Hardesty 6’2″ | 240 lbs | DL Bullitt East | 2026 State KY , a defensive lineman at Bullitt East High School. What impresses me about Hardesty is his ability to stun the offensive line with his explosiveness and find openings in the pocket to both apply pressure and sack the quarterback. I also like Hardesty’s ability to quickly jump on the offense and force turnovers with his commanding stopping power and physicality. Hardesty additionally makes a difference for the Chargers’ defense with his ability to quickly stop the offense from along the edge.
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rnAnother skilled prospect to watch for is Maddox O’Neal Maddox O’Neal 6’1″ | 160 lbs | QB KY , a quarterback at McCracken County High School. What stands out about O’Neal’s playstyle is his smart decision-making and ability to adapt to defensive pressure, showing off his arm strength and ability to get the ball out of his hands before the opposition makes contact. I also like O’Neal’s pin-point accuracy, utilizing his precision in the air to consistently complete challenging passes in the endzone.
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rnComing in at number five on my list is Keagan Maher Keagan Maher 5’8″ | 170 lbs | RB Randall K. Cooper | 2026 State KY , a running back at Cooper High School. What I like most about Maher’s playstyle is his ability to dodge and weave the defense both inside and outside of the pocket, proving his durability under pressure as well as his ability to break free of the defense. Another facet of Maher’s playstyle that made a huge difference for the Jaguars this past year was his ability to pick up speed on the ground and take it all the way to the house, showing off his ability to create excellent seperation in the backfield.
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rnAlso worth mentioning is Jarvis Strickland Jarvis Strickland 6’6″ | 280 lbs | OL Paducah Tilghman | 2026 State KY , an offensive lineman at Paducah Tilghman High School. In addition to electric quickness off the snap, Strickland contributes outstanding strength and physicality at the line, utilizing his toughness to overwhelm the defense and create disorganization. I also like how Strickland can absorb pressure, stop the blitz and easily block the defense to open up the pocket for the rush. Also catching my attention is Strickland’s ability to shut down the defense down the stretch to allow his receivers to make plays.
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