2026 Show-Me State Sleepers
I am getting excited about the next group of upperclassmen set to take the field in Missouri. There are talented prospects everywhere, and I wanted to focus on some of the top players across the entire state. Below, I highlight…
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Continue ReadingI am getting excited about the next group of upperclassmen set to take the field in Missouri. There are talented prospects everywhere, and I wanted to focus on some of the top players across the entire state. Below, I highlight five prospects who are set to be some of Missouri’s biggest risers this fall.
Mason Markel Mason Markel 6’5″ | 250 lbs | OL Blue Springs | 2026 State MO impressed during his first year as Blue Springs’ right tackle. Mason has been invited to a Murray State camp and several showcases in the past, so expect his first offer to come in before the 2024 season ends. A good combination of explosiveness and football IQ shows quickly picking up blitzers after the ball is snapped. Coaches like Mason’s strength and physicality displayed finishing blocks in both phases. Mason’s length, flashes of power, and lateral quickness highlights his potential to develop into a legit OT prospect before his junior season ends.
Highlights
Landon Bland Landon Bland 6’4″ | 220 lbs | DL Carthage | 2026 State MO is set to be one of the top pass rushers to come out of southwest Missouri. He has visited Mizzou and been in contact with Kansas State, so watch out for his recruitment to heat up this spring. Landon’s combination of length, strength, quickness, and instincts suggests he has all the tools to develop into a solid run defender by the time he hits the collegiate gridiron. Good strength and athleticism gets displayed when Landon easily runs through tackles in the open field. As an edge rusher, Landon shows good pop in his punch and good closing speed when chasing down scrambling quarterbacks.
Jay’Veon Scott Jay’Veon Scott 6’3″ | 200 lbs | WR Lift For Life | 2026 State MO is one of the most underrated, versatile playmakers in St. Louis. With good size and experience all over the field, be on the lookout for offensive recruiters to offer Jay’Veon sooner rather than later. Jay’Veon’s vision, balance, and explosiveness shows right away creating huge gains as Chaminade’s wildcat QB. Good patience and quick feet suggests Jay’Veon has all the tools to contribute as a dynamic runner in any offense. Long speed, length, and good adjustment ability shown as a receiver highlights Jay’Veon’s potential to be a versatile home run threat in college.
Highlights
Bennett Fraser Bennett Fraser 6’5″ | 255 lbs | OL Kirksville | 2026 State MO has all the tools to be one of the most versatile OL prospects in Missouri. The three-sport athlete is set to be a top 2026 OL propsect this fall. Expect his first scholarship offer to come in before the year is over. Bennett shows a good combination of strength, size, and flexibility driving defenders from the point of attack in the run game. Quick feet and next level power shows stunning defenders with one punch at the second level. Patience, a solid anchor, and a fluid change of direction highlights Bennett’s potential to be a versatile pass blocker in college.
Ka’Von Tiger Ka’Von Tiger 5’9″ | 190 lbs | RB Moberly | 2026 State MO is bound to be one of the highest rising RB prospects out of central Missouri. The do-it-all running back dominated during Moberly’s 2023 season and I would expect 2024 to be much of the same. Coaches like Ka’Von’s ability to beat defenders with quickness and power in the open field. Good hands, adjustment ability, and experience in the slot highlights Ka’Von’s playmaking versatility. Ka’Von’s size, patience, quick feet, and top speed suggests he has all the tools to be a feature back in college.