Updated 2026 Rankings: Fastest Stock Risers
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We released our updated 2026 Rankings on Monday. Here are 10 of the Fastest Stock Risers (listed in alphabetical order): Hayes Baum Hayes Baum 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Cibola | 2026 State NM , Cibola: Cibola struggled as…
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Continue ReadingWe released our updated 2026 Rankings on Monday. Here are 10 of the Fastest Stock Risers (listed in alphabetical order):
Hayes Baum Hayes Baum 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Cibola | 2026 State NM , Cibola: Cibola struggled as a team this season but individually Baum was fantastic with 123 tackles, 19.0 TFL and 6.0 sacks. He led all sophomores in the state in tackles and tackles for loss and tied for the second most sacks. At 6-foot-0, 200 pounds, Baum already possesses good size. Give him two more years to grow and develop and he should become a coveted prospect.
Josh Cordova Josh Cordova 6'2" | 170 lbs | LB Santa Rosa | 2026 State NM , Santa Rosa: The Lions’ 2023 roster was filled with star players and Cordova more than held his own with exceptional performances. He finished with 42 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 INT and 2 forced fumbles. Cordova is 6-foot-2, so when he adds weight to his lanky frame he’ll have college coaches calling.
Isaiah Dominguez Isaiah Dominguez RB St. Michael's | 2026 State NM , St. Michael’s: Dominguez was one-third of St. Michael’s vaunted rushing attack in 2023 as he helped lead the Horsemen to the Class 3A title. He also had 18 receptions. Dominguez has the skills to become one of the best running backs in Northern New Mexico.
Jordan Kekoa Hatch, Cleveland: Hatch holds one of the most visible and pressure-packed jobs in New Mexico high school football – quarterback for the Storm. Considering the constant microscope he was under, Hatch did very well in his first year leading the Cleveland offense, throwing for 1,657 yards and 18 TD. He saved his best for City of Vision rival Rio Rancho, completing 30-of-43 passes for 439 yards and 4 TD with zero INT.
Mario Molinar Mario Molinar 5'10" | 180 lbs | LB Bernalillo | 2026 State NM , Bernalillo: Molinar rocked Class 4A this season with 122 tackles, 5.0 TFL and 5 INT, numbers that reflect his speed, mobility and nose for the football. He’ll be one of Bernalillo’s leaders on defense the next two seasons.
Ifo Pili Jr. Ifo Pili Jr. 6'4" | 210 lbs | LB Centennial | 2026 UT , Centennial: Pili Jr. is already an impressive physical specimen at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with an 80-inch wing span. He could play OLB or DE in the next two years for the Hawks and at the next level. BYU and New Mexico State have already offered. His father was a standout defensive player at BYU.
Alex Rivera Alex Rivera 6'5" | 265 lbs | OL Lovington | 2026 State NM , Lovington: The Wildcats, moving to Class 5A in 2024, have a proud tradition of producing elite offensive linemen and Rivera is Next Man Up. He’s 6-foot-4, 260 pounds with excellent mobility. He’ll definitely be a coveted prospect in a couple of years.
Evan Salazar Evan Salazar 5'10" | 140 lbs | QB Taos | 2026 State NM , Taos: Salazar is developing into one of the top dual threat quarterbacks in northern New Mexico. This past season he threw for 1,711 yards and 16 TD while rushing for nearly 500 yards and 5 TD. The Tigers have a lot of talent returning in 2024, so they’re a team to watch in Class 4A.
Skyler Sargent Skyler Sargent 6'1" | 245 lbs | OL La Cueva | 2026 State NM , La Cueva: The 6-foot-1, 245-pound Sargent started at center for the Class 6A champions and played all 13 games with 31 pancake blocks. He’s one of several promising O-Linemen in the 206 class and appears to possess the work ethic needed to excel at the next level. He’ll be a camp warrior this spring and summer.
Zach Waghorn Zach Waghorn 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Albuquerque Academy | 2026 State NM , Albuquerque Academy: Waghorn was everywhere for the Chargers’ defense in 2023, finishing with 120 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 2 INT, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles. In short, he made plays. Waghorn looks destined to take over as Academy’s defensive leader in 2024.