2026 Young Guns On the Rise

The March Madness marathon film review continues as the Prep Redzone Kansas Team continues to update the 2025 rankings as well as start working on the 2026 class. My process will continue to be the same, reviewing and assessing both, but phasing in significantly more 2026 analysis to my routine.   The 2026 rankings are still a month or so out so there is time between now and then to plow through a ton of tape to ensure the best and the brightest are getting covered. And, in keeping with my approach, as I roll through the analysis I will make note of performers who stand out, narrow it down to a handful that really jumped off the film and report on them several times a week.   The 2026 class is rapidly approaching a pivotal year in their high school careers. A small percentage of the standout players start making a name for themselves in their sophomore season, but more often than not it is the junior season that becomes the breakthrough. In that scenario the table is set for a brilliant senior season for all the recruiters to see.   Listed below are five players who caught my eye that appear primed and positioned to do just that - make this fall the springboard season for taking their game to the next level.   Below are the Wednesday Five:   [player_tooltip player_id='780335' first='Brody' last='Litton'], 6'6, 245, DE/TE, Beloit, is ranked #73. He is coming off a solid sophomore season when he put the state on notice that there is a baller out in western Kansas. With an all-state non-senior designation and prototype size, he is rolling into his junior season positioned to make some noise. A long, rangy defensive end who uses his size and athleticism to overwhelm blockers whether coming off the edge or collapsing down between the tackles. He is active on the perimeter getting to the quarterback and moves well laterally chasing down running backs. He is also a developing tight end on offense where his significant catch radius and size make him a dangerous target. He is already a crushing blocker, particularly caving in the defense on down blocks in the running game. The sky is the limit with this kid, keep an eye on him this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1226637' first='Maxwell' last='Robinson'], 6'4, 270, OL, Derby, is currently unranked. He is off and running on a standout career, helping Derby to a state runner up finish as a sophomore. He is a large and in charge left tackle on the Panther offense who has a powerful base, excellent wing span and is a mauler of a blocker. He leverages his size, gets under pads effectively and bulldozes defenders out of the hole. He moves well in space and is effective in pass pro as a dominating blocker who walls off the backside and in getting to the next level to cut off linebackers in the run game. He has good feet and moves well laterally, particularly when he is asked to trap or pull out and lead the back. Although he is currently unranked he won't be for long as he checks all the boxes. Time to get out and see a rising star in the trenches. .   [player_tooltip player_id='1226414' first='Jamarius' last='Howard'], 5'10, 175, DB, Wichita East, is currently unranked. He is coming off a good sophomore season where he firmly established himself as a versatile defensive back getting ready to shine in 2024. He can play as a centerfielder free safety, move down and play the nickel back or even handle business as a lock down cornerback. He has top-end read and react skills, flipping his hips, instinctively breaking on the ball and demonstrating exceptional closing speed. He is an aggressive, headhunter of a defensive back who collapses down fast and lowers the boom on run plays. He tracks the ball well in space and is a smothering open field tackler. He is also a top-flight special teams player, flying down the field to make torpedo like hits and disrupt the return game. His star is rising fast, get out and see him while you still can.   [player_tooltip player_id='1113405' first='Keedrin' last='Jones'], 5'10, 180, RB/FS, Rose Hill, is ranked #108. He is coming off a standout sophomore season when he piled up over a thousand all purpose yards as a versatile running back in the Rose Hill scheme. Lining up as a single back he is a strong runner with a low center of gravity who hits the hole hard, shreds arm tackles, bounces, spins and jukes his way through traffic to daylight. He sometimes disappears in the pile up and keeps hammering and churning and suddenly pops out on the other side. He has soft hands and catches the ball well out of the backfield, making him even more of a dangerous threat. On the other side of the ball he is an instinctive free safety who reads and reacts quickly on the run and tracks well when the ball is in flight. Get your popcorn out, this guy is a fun one to watch.   [player_tooltip player_id='283949' first='Jarek' last='Purdy'], 6'0, 170, WR, Hays, is ranked #8. He is the highest ranked player in this report and is coming off an excellent season when he caught 25 passes for 404 yards, averaging over 16 yards a catch and scored seven touchdowns. He also averaged over nine yards a carry rushing, scored a pair of rushing touchdowns and is a dangerous return man on punt and kickoff returns. He lines up all over, in the slot, split wide to force mismatches or getting the ball on the reverse. He runs precise, disciplined short to intermediate routes, seamlessly getting separation and is able to make the difficult catch. He is particularly explosive burning up the seams and down the sideline on the long ball. He is a slippery, elusive runner after the catch and is difficult to bring down in the open field. This kid has stud written all over him, get him on your watchlist.   In conclusion, get out and watch these guys or put them on your watchlist to follow through the remainder of their high school football careers. And, as usual, feel free to reach out to me with any comments, questions, or if you have any names of players "flying under the radar", via DM on X.

The March Madness marathon film review continues as the Prep Redzone Kansas Team continues to update the 2025 rankings as well as start working on the 2026 class. My process will continue to be the same, reviewing and assessing both, but phasing in significantly more 2026 analysis to my routine.