2026 Ranking Update Film Review

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The marathon film review for the latest 2026 updates and flushing out players flying under the radar continued over the holiday weekend as we are getting close to finalizing adjustments. We will be reviewing between 300-400 players when it is all said and done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, in keeping with my process, I will continue to identify standout players as I go through the tale-of-the-tape film study and report on five to six players that really impressed me three times a week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This weekend's future stars are spread out all over the rankings as well as including one who is unranked. The five players below jumped off the tape as players that will be in the spotlight this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong><em>Weekend Five</em></strong> are listed below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='585905' first='Hunter' last='Higgins']</strong>, 6'5, 240, TE/Edge, <strong>Maize South</strong>, is ranked #17. He is coming off a stellar sophomore season when he stacked up 91 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, eight sacks and added an interception returned for a touchdown. A large and in charge force on the edge, he uses his size and physicality to overwhelm perimeter blockers. He has powerful hands and gets under pads to blow up double teams and get in the backfield in a hurry. He moves well in space and laterally and is quick enough to chase down plays on the other side of the field. Whether he is hammering down to throttle the inside running game or busting heads getting to the quarterback he seems to always be around the football. This guy is getting ready to make some noise this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Dunnigan</strong> <strong>Jr</strong>, 6'2, 190, CB/ATH, <strong>Manhattan</strong>, is ranked #83. He is coming off an excellent sophomore season when he started to show some of the great things to come. He is a long, athletic cornerback who can play any of the defensive back positions, but where he excels is as a smothering lockdown corner who can dominate the opposing team's best wideout. He is equally effective playing man, sinking into zone or playing hybrid coverages. He operates out of a solid stance, with good knee bend and body lean. He backpedals effortlessly and then flips his hips and stays in the receiver's hip pocket. He has excellent instincts and once he reads and reacts to the play his closing speed is exceptional. He is also an aggressive open field tackler who will fly up and drop the hammer. This kid is a player, get out and see a star on the rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='652686' first='Jamarcus' last='Tyson']</strong>, 6'1, 200, LB/ATH, <strong>Junction Cit</strong>y, is ranked #43. He is a tough, physical middle linebacker coming off a standout sophomore season putting the rest of the teams in the league on notice. He is an active headhunter who dominates the run game between the tackles but also flows laterally well enough to cut off plays on the perimeter. He has a nose for the ball and will shoot gaps, split double teams or hit blockers in the mouth to get to the ball. He works well in space, getting good angles and deceptively floating in zone to break up pass plays. He is a versatile backer who can come off the edge or play either of the linebacker positions as needed. Get out and see an old-school player shine this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113456' first='Kris' last='Harding II']</strong>, 6'0, 175, QB/DB, <strong>Chanute</strong>, is ranked #97. He is coming off an excellent sophomore season and impressed enough to start getting looks from numerous schools and scouts. A dangerous dual-threat quarterback, he runs the ball well, whether it is extending plays, scrambles or called keepers, and is tough to bring down in the open field. He also has a strong arm capable of making the long soft-touch pass or throwing darts in the short-to-intermediate passing game. He throws well on the move and in particular squaring his shoulders throwing to the left. He moves his feet well in the pocket and has a compact, smooth shoulder rotation. He has an effortless release and throws a nice, catchable ball. This guy won't be flying under the radar for long, get out and see him light things up this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228928' first='Gavin' last='Rhoads']</strong>, 6'4, 275, G/NG, <strong>Tonganoxie</strong>, is currently unranked. He is coming off a solid sophomore season when he showed what a force he is going to be. He is a long and large interior offensive and defensive lineman who can play either of the guard positions. He has a strong base, gets good leverage and has enough length to strike a blow and get up under defenders pads. When he does it usually means a piledriving block into the turf. He moves very well for his size, pulling and hammering defenders on the perimeter. He is very effective caving in on down blocks and getting to the second level to cut off linebackers. He is also a brawler of a blocker in pass pro, using his quick feet and size to wall off the interior. This kid is for real, get out and see him in action in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, another five players getting ready to make some noise this fall. Get them on your watch list and get out and see them play while you still can. Additionally, if you have questions, comments or want to pass on players flying under the radar, feel free to reach out to me via DM on X.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->