2026 Rankings: Upstate Shines At Offensive Skill Positions

Jed Blackwell February 2, 2024 @ 01:21 PM

As the largest zone in the state for PRZ, the Upstate typically boasts a wealth of talent in the rankings. That's true again for the 2026 Class, particularly at the offensive skill positions. Here's a look at 10 guys who are at the top of the class.   At the very top of the list is Broome RB [player_tooltip player_id='473001' first='Jaylen' last='McGill'], the No. 1-ranked recruit in the class. McGill's combination of speed and power has been on display for two years now, and he backed up his reputation with 1,602 yards and 24 TDs a year ago, while splitting carries with a dynamic, mobile QB who rushed for 1,100. The bulk of those carries will likely now find McGill - and that's a scary proposition for opponents.   Gaffney's got two 2026 guys ranked on the offensive side. [player_tooltip player_id='473029' first='Jaiden' last='McDowell'] (pictured) continues to prove why he's one of the most highly-regarded RBs in the state, racking up 1,313 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground and catching 45 balls for 548 yards and four more scores. The guy who'll be getting it to him is [player_tooltip player_id='284134' first='Jayvon' last='Gilmore'], a transfer from Ben Lippen who threw for 1,767 yards and 22 TDs last year.   Christ Church has a ton of talent out wide on offense, and [player_tooltip player_id='816751' first='Jude' last='Hall'] is the perfect complementary WR who is more than capable of being option one when he needs to. A 6-4 and 170 pounds, Hall is a huge target as well as a true go up and get it guy with plenty of speed, capable of making a play or being a vital possession guy.   At Ninety Six, [player_tooltip player_id='1165125' first='Gabe' last='Hackett'] brings a linebacker's mentality to the running back position. Ranked at ATH, he does both very well. His physical nature as a tackler bleeds right into his running style, where he's not going around you if he's able to go through you. And he's able to go through folks quite a bit.   Spartanburg's [player_tooltip player_id='816749' first='Torrean' last='Davis'] looks to be growing into the second downfield threat the Vikings need to complement their offense. Long and rangy with good speed and explosive leaping ability, Davis is a playmaker. He's also a physical blocker outside for the Vikings.   When your nickname is "Speedy", there's a lot to live up to. That's where [player_tooltip player_id='1025814' first='Jaiden' last='Taylor'] finds himself, and he more than backs it up. The Riverside WR accounted for 771 receiving yards on 51 catches last season, snagging 10 touchdowns. The dude can FLY, and he's a matchup nightmare. He's poised to be a huge weapon for the Warriors.   All [player_tooltip player_id='283891' first='Noah' last='Thomas'] did in 2023 was help to lead Belton-Honea Path to the doorstep of the 3A state title game. With the Bears absolutely loaded at running back and on defense, there could have been a temptation to let Thomas simply manage games. He did so, so much more than that, throwing for 1,585 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 66 percent of his passes. Thomas will be joined again by a ton of major weapons, and his upside his huge.   With the ultra-talented [player_tooltip player_id='448996' first='Kalvin' last='Banks'] graduated, Eastside's backfield is wide open. [player_tooltip player_id='1025807' first='Eli' last='Foster'] looks ready to step up. Even with Banks dominating carries and yards last season, Foster rushed 50 times, gained almost 300 yards, and scored four touchdowns. He's got speed, balance, and power; he makes good cuts, and he finishes runs with some aggression.   Easley coach Jordan Durrah's QBs put up numbers. Period. He puts them in a good position to make plays, and [player_tooltip player_id='1025811' first='Jay' last='Stoker'] is certainly no exception. Stoker threw for 1,376 yards and 15 TDs in just eight games, adding three TDs on the ground in his first year as a starter. With another year under his belt and three of his top five receivers coming back, Stoker is set to make big strides.   Seneca's [player_tooltip player_id='1165153' first='Gavin' last='Thoma'] showed a ton of talent and a lot of poise as a sophomore, leading Seneca to a playoff berth. He threw for more than 2,000 yards and 22 TDs, and with a big arm and excellent decision-making, plus a bunch of talent around him, he could be poised for a breakout year.

As the largest zone in the state for PRZ, the Upstate typically boasts a wealth of talent in the rankings. That's true again for the 2026 Class, particularly at the offensive skill positions. Here's a look at 10 guys who are at the top of the class.