2026 Offensive Players ready to Explode this Offseason
In this article:
This is the most pivotal offseason for the class of 2026. At this point, all the players on this list are expected to be Varsity leaders next season. In fact, I believe most of these guys can gain great traction…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis is the most pivotal offseason for the class of 2026. At this point, all the players on this list are expected to be Varsity leaders next season. In fact, I believe most of these guys can gain great traction with their recruitment if they attend camps early in this offseason cycle. So, here’s my analysis on five offensive players I think can take off this offseason.
Izaiah had a career season. With 1,965 rushing yards, he was quietly one of the most dominant rushers in Michigan. He even earned an offer from Miami (OH).
I loved Izaiah’s film after his freshman season, and he blew me away again with his Junior film. He’s improved on all fronts. First off, the speed is there. His 100M PR is 10.83 (Spring 2023), and his speed shows up on tape. With even more explosivity and speed, he’d be a BIG 10 prospect. The next thing I’ll touch on is his contact balance. Simply put, he doesn’t go down easy. Izaiah is able to keep his feet moving through contact, and gets himself back on-balance even when hit hard. His contact balance could still be improved, and I have no doubt it will improve as he gets stronger in the weight room. With another offseason working on strength and athleticism, Izaiah could explode into the Power 5 scene.
Ernesto has all the tools to develop into a Division 1 offensive lineman. He’s not quite at the level that his brother Miguel Botello Miguel Botello 6’4″ | 300 lbs | OL Muskegon | 2024 State MI is at, but Ernesto luckily has plenty of time to fine-tune his game. At his best, Ernesto is a lethal run blocker who’s able to overpower anyone in his gap. He fits within the Muskegon scheme perfectly, and he’s able to make just about any block that’s going to be asked of him. He’s ultra-aggressive, hits like a truck, and explodes out of his stance. This offseason I’ll look to see improvements in his agility, pass blocking, and I’d like him to play a bit more under control with balance and holding blocks.
I have high expectations for Tommy heading into his Junior season. I don’t think he’s quite at the level of his brother, Notre Dame QB CJ Carr CJ Carr 6’2″ | 175 lbs | QB Saline | 2024 State MI , but I think the arm talent and potential is equal. Tommy has an effortless flick of the wrist throwing motion that allows him to launch the ball downfield quickly. He also stays exceptionally calm in the pocket and has the pocket presence to step away from pressure while still keeping his eyes downfield. He also throws with some anticipation and is able to perfectly throw above zone defenders. Tommy is surely a Division 1 talent and I expect him to prove it as he starts on Varsity during his Junior season.
Geno Sheets Geno Sheets 6’4″ | 200 lbs | ATH Waterford Mott | 2026 State MI took off this past season as a Wide Receiver/Safety, and I see that he’s listed to get some reps at Quarterback at the Legacy Midwest Showcase. As a receiver, Geno is able to use his size and long limbs to pull in a lot of difficult catches downfield. He’s mainly utilized as a deep threat but has a few promising highlights as an open-field runner. He was also a super instinctual and rangy safety, responding quickly to the pass and defending the run very well.rnThe more I look at Geno’s tape, the more I think his recruitment could take off in the near future. I really look forward to seeing him tomorrow at Legacy!
Braylon is a great athlete with Division 1 potential. I had the chance to watch him last year at the Prep Redzone 7on7 tournament in Nashville, TN, and Braylon was a phenomenal standout. This past season, the film that I can find of him continues to show flashes of great play. As a receiver, he’s a good route-runner and has the athleticism + route ability to win separation. It doesn’t seem like he was utilized a ton last season on offense, but I know he’s capable of big performances. Defensively, he’s a tough defensive back that seems to be good at man coverage, but he is also a tenacious run defender. He played against some good blocking receivers in the MAC Red, and he was time and time again able to shed blocks before sprinting toward the ball carrier.
Already having great skill, I think he has a chance to get noticed by a lot of colleges this offseason. He’ll also be at the Legacy event tomorrow and I’m very excited to see what he can do.