Top 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For (Offense)
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After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to highlight some of the most explosive playmakers that made their presence known on the field this past season. After breaking down the best 2025s…
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Continue ReadingAfter an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to highlight some of the most explosive playmakers that made their presence known on the field this past season. After breaking down the best 2025s on both sides of the ball, here’s my list of the top 2026s in Kentucky to watch for on the offensive side of the ball.
In the first place spot on my list is David Pellman David Pellman 6’3″ | 285 lbs | OL DuPont Manual | 2026 State KY , an offensive lineman at DuPont Manual High School. What impresses me about Pellman’s playstyle is his ability to execute quickly off the snap and be aggressive in the pocket. I also like how Pellman can consistently box out the defense during the blitz, absorb pressure and match the defensive line’s physicality in crucial moments.
I am additionally impressed with Marlon Harbin Marlon Harbin 5’11” | 170 lbs | WR Saint Xavier | 2026 State KY , a wide receiver at Saint Xavier High School. What makes Harbin so explosive is his outstanding size and breakaway speed, utilizing solid footwork to create seperation and get in prime catching position in the backfield. I also like Harbin’s ability to get wide open from along the edge and elevate off the ground to attack the ball in the air.
Claiming the number three spot on my list is Cam O’Hara Cam O’Hara 6’2″ | 180 lbs | QB Cooper | 2026 State KY , a quarterback at Cooper High School. In addition to great arm strength and precision in the air, O’Hara stands out with his excellent footwork in the pocket and ability to maneuver the field under pressure. O’Hara also impresses me with his quick decision-making ability, proving he can adapt and get the ball into the hands of his receivers.
Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is Markezz Hightower Markezz Hightower 5’10” | 180 lbs | RB Madisonville-North Hopkins | 2026 State KY , a running back at Madisonville-North Hopkins High School. What makes Hightower so explosive on the ground is his breakaway speed and ability to blast past the defense in the pocket as well as from along the edge. Another facet of Hightower’s playstyle that impresses is his ability to create seperation in the backfield on his way to the house.
Coming in at number five on my list is Jaxson Byrd Jaxson Byrd 6’3″ | 205 lbs | TE Barren County | 2026 State KY , a tight end at Barren County High School. In addition to excellent footwork, what stands out about Byrd is his ability to blast into the open field and utilize his versatility to quickly turn around for the pass. I also like Byrd’s ability to haul in the long ball from along the edge and handle pressure as he marches into the endzone for the touchdown.