Under the Radar 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For
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After an action-packed year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to highlight some of the most impactful playmakers that made their presence known on the field this past season. Following the release of five stockrisers…
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Continue ReadingAfter an action-packed year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to highlight some of the most impactful playmakers that made their presence known on the field this past season. Following the release of five stockrisers in Kentucky to watch for, here’s my list of some under the radar 2026s in Kentucky to keep an eye on.
In the first place spot on my list is Mason Griffin Mason Griffin 6’3″ | 220 lbs | QB South Laurel | 2026 State KY , a quarterback at Knox Central High School. What impresses me about Griffin’s playstyle is his ability to maneuver the pocket, his quick release and his ability to connect with his receivers deep in the backfield. I also like Griffin’s pin-point accuracy, proving he can complete challenging passes when his receivers are in heavy coverage down the stretch.
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I am additionally impressed with Dakota Hunter Dakota Hunter 6’1″ | 175 lbs | TE Warren Central | 2026 State KY , a tight end at Warren Central High School. Hunter stands out on both sides, using his versatility to be explosive down the stretch and disruptive defensively. I like Hunter’s catching ability, proving he can haul in the deep pass as well as pick off the quarterback on the other side of the ball. Hunter also stands out with his ability to create solid seperation.
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Claiming the number three spot on my list is Zach Jordan Zach Jordan 6’4″ | 210 lbs | OL Bowling Green | 2026 State KY , an offensive lineman at Bowling Green High School. What I like about Jordan is his ability to execute quickly off the snap and lock down the defense at the line of scrimmage. I also like how Jordan can exert his strength to cause disorganization in the pocket and open up the field for the rush. Jordan also proved he can use his arms to contain the defense.
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Another skilled prospect to watch for is Aden Bolden Aden Bolden 5’9″ | 160 lbs | ATH McLean County | 2026 State KY , an athlete at McLean County High School. Bolden makes a considerable difference on the ground, proving he can blast past the defense in the pocket and shake defensive pressure on his way into enemy territory. Bolden also stands out with his ability to use bursts of speed to pick up yards and beat the defense from along the edge.
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Coming in at number five on my list is Kendell Buck-Barber Kendell Buck-Barber 5’7″ | 170 lbs | DB Newport | 2026 State KY , a defensive back at Newport High School. What makes Barber so impactful is his defensive awareness, ability to read the pass and his ability to elevate off the ground to intercept the quarterback. Barber also impresses with his ability to run the ball the other way, proving his electric speed and ability to put defensive touchdowns on the scoreboard.
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Also worth mentioning is Jakob Bartley Jakob Bartley 6’5″ | 230 lbs | DL Somerset | 2026 KY , a defensive lineman at Somerset High School. Bartley stands out with his size, speed and ability to absorb offensive pushback. I also like how Bartley can use his arms to overpower the offense in the pocket and quickly catch the quarterback for the sack. Bartley also proved he can read the handoff and get to the running back under heavy pressure.
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Another playmaker to keep an eye on is Parker Ison Parker Ison 6’0″ | 170 lbs | WR Raceland | 2026 State KY , a wide receiver at Raceland High School. Ison makes a difference offensively with his quick execution and ability to get open for the short pass from along the edge. I also like how Ison can spin around to shake tackles and create solid seperation with his breakaway speed. Ison also proved himself as a reliable passing target when his quarterback is under pressure.