Some of WA’s Fastest Rising 2026 Prospects- DEFENSE
In this article:
Here we take a look at some of the fastest rising underclassmen in the state for the 2026 class. Rankings were recently updated as we highlight a few of the noteworthy athletes who continue to up their stock. #25 Cassius…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHere we take a look at some of the fastest rising underclassmen in the state for the 2026 class. Rankings were recently updated as we highlight a few of the noteworthy athletes who continue to up their stock.
#25 Cassius Culpepper Cassius Culpepper 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB Rainier Beach | 2026 State WA 6-1 190 DB Rainier Beach
One of the fastest rising recruits in the state. The standout baseball player can also play a little football, ranking as one of the fastest DB’s in Washington. He has a good size and has a real shot if he pursues football.
#26 Jamirie Pringle Jamirie Pringle 6'5" | 210 lbs | ATH Lincoln | 2026 State WA 6-5 215 OLB Stadium
At 6-5 Jamirie has a chance to write his own ticket. He’s incredibly versatile and could be your WR/TE if not on the defensive side of the ball. Stadium finished 6-4 last season and will need Pringle to lead if they are going to compete.
#35 Henry Gabalis Henry Gabalis 6'4" | 190 lbs | DB Archbishop Murphy | 2026 State WA 6-4 190 S Archbishop Murphy
Gabalis is a big, fast athlete, who can play the Safety or LB spot. The foursome of Jack Sievers Jack Sievers 6'5" | 220 lbs | ATH Archbishop Murphy | 2026 State WA , Hakeim Smalls Hakeim Smalls 6'4" | 260 lbs | DL Archbishop Murphy | 2026 State WA , Jordan Rife Jordan Rife 6'4" | 180 lbs | LB Archbishop Murphy | 2026 State WA , and Gabalis is one of the best in the NW for the 2026 class. The combination of size and speed across the board is legit.
#40 Jordan Rife Jordan Rife 6'4" | 180 lbs | LB Archbishop Murphy | 2026 State WA 6-4 180 WLB Archbishop Murphy
Rife did an outstanding job from his OLB position, while also being athletic enough at 6-4 to run the football. As mentioned the 2026 class at Archbishop Murphy is the real deal.
#42 Jonah Smith Jonah Smith 6'1" | 275 lbs | DL Yelm | 2026 State WA 6-2 280 DL Yelm
The 285-pound heavyweight wrestling champion will rank as one of the top D lineman in Washington. He started as a sophomore for one of the top programs in the West and did well. Yelm is 37-3 with a state title covering the last 3 years and Smith will be called upon to lead the next two seasons.
#43 Colby Johnson Colby Johnson 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Eastlake | 2026 State WA 6-3 210 OLB Eastlake
Johnson possesses great size and is extremely fast and physical for such a young athlete. The Wolves went 11-2 last year, losing in the state semi’s to Grahm Kapowsin 27-24. They should once again compete for a title.
#54 Xander W Shaw Xander W Shaw 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL Steilacoom | 2026 State WA 6-3 225 DE Steilacoom
Shaw made 50 tackles with 10 tackles for loss as a sophomore after a breakout freshman campaign. If he can get out on the camp circuit and impress against top NW competition he has a shot.
#60 Zevion Watkins Zevion Watkins 5'10" | 180 lbs | ATH Rainier Beach | 2026 State WA 5-9 180 CB Rainier Beach
Another athlete who could make a jump up the rankings board with continued progression. He has done well as part of FSP against most of the top competition within the region. Watkins should be considered one of the most versatile individuals in the 2026 class.
#84 Matthew Chepurchenko Matthew Chepurchenko 6'2" | 170 lbs | DB Beamer | 2026 State WA 6-2 175 DB Todd Beamer
Beamer went 4-6 last year and Chepurchenko gives the program a lot of hope moving forward. He had 42 total tackles, with 14 PBU’s, and 4 INT’s on the year, earning all conference honors. You have to like the size and the success he’s had at such a young age.
#93 Jayden Woodland Jayden Woodland 6'2" | 160 lbs | ATH Fife | 2026 State WA 6-2 160 DB/ATH Fife
Not a lot of people are aware of Woodland yet, but he has a chance to be good, even at the small 2A school. He did well as a sophomore and can play multiple spots on the field. Fife went 4-5 last year and could be a 6-7 win team with Woodland.