2026 Rankings Update: Top Offensive Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was immediately impressed with the offensive talent in the 2026 class. Missouri has elite prospects throughout the 2026 class, and I wanted to highlight several prospects who are set to receive lots of attention in 2024. Below, I highlight five prospects who are set to be top offensive recruits in the region before the year ends. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["369029"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='402120' first='Jaylen' last='Ballard'] has shown flashes of home run hitting ability during his first two years of high school football. I am amazed he has not received any social media attention from schools in Missouri. Expect Jaylen to be one of the top RB prospects outside of St. Louis this spring. Jaylen's next level combination of size u0026amp; speed allows him to fight through traffic and explode through the second level for huge gains up the middle. Good strength, balance, and quickness allows Jaylen to shake defenders in a variety of ways. Jaylen's combination of power and toughness consistently allows him to earn extra yards in traffic.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["691346"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='691346' first='Braylon' last='Ellison'] is one of the most versatile 2026 OL prospects in Missouri. Braylon has visited Mizzou in the past, but I am surprised more schools outside of Missouri have not been in contact. Expect Braylon to have the offers roll in before his junior season ends. Braylon's quick feet, strong latch, and flexible base highlights his next level sustain ability. Coaches like Braylon's combination of length, power, and toughness shown driving defenders downfield from the line of scrimmage. Braylon's patience, a strong anchor, and good lateral quickness highlights his potential to be a versatile pass protector in college.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["849689"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='849689' first='Jack' last='Utz'] is set to be one of the highest rising playmakers in Missouri. He has had game day visits in the past, so be on the lookout for 2024 to be full of offers for the Platte County tight end. Jack's rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism displayed operating out of the slot suggests he will be a do-it-all playmaker for any collegiate passing attack. Great length and strength at the catch point allows Jack to make all the tough catches in traffic over the middle. Good burst and lateral quickness highlights Jack's ability to separate at the next level. Strong hands, good balance, and flexibility highlights Jack's ability to sustain blocks in the run game.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["392779"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='402117' first='Jackson' last='Cantwell'] has kept his national recruitment rolling receiving offers from USC and Auburn this month. Watch for the top programs in the nation to be in competition to recruit one of Missouri's elite 2026 prospects. Rare size, strength, and athleticism continues to impress on Jackson's sophomore tape. Good football IQ and a fast change of direction shows easily picking up stunts in pass protection. Jackson's power, length, speed, and toughness shown finishing blocks in the run game suggests he has all the tools to be a reliable blocker at any school he chooses.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["284039"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='284039' first='DeZephen' last='Walker'] is set to be one of the most dynamic running backs recruited out of Missouri. DeZephen received an offer from Ole Miss and visited Nebraska this month. Watch for the versatile runner's recruitment to heat up this spring. DeZephen shows a rare combination of vision and explosiveness waiting for power runs to develop then accelerating through the line of scrimmage for huge gains. Good instincts and lateral quickness allows DeZephen to consistently shake defenders in the open field. Coaches love DeZephen's combination of strength, balance, and toughness that gets displayed consistently punishing defenders at the second level.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b3217940474"} /-->