Best New Addition at Every Position in ’26 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>You can use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new PRZWI subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 Rankings are LIVE on Prep Redzone Wisconsin. Now it is time to take a deep dive into them. We are starting with a look at the new names, faces, and film at every position. In particular, the highest debuting athletes at every position. These nine athletes made a name for themselves this past season and earned strong debuts, including taking over the #1 spot. Get these kids on your radars early. Let's get started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220679"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The top addition to the QB rankings is the starting QB for Columbus HS. [player_tooltip player_id='1220679' first='Peyton' last='Powers'] is a 6'3u0022 170 lbs sophomore who stepped in and did his part to lead a talented offense. Watching through the tape, Peyton shows a budding skill set for the position. He is a quick decision maker and poised in the pocket. We see him consistently show an accurate arm that can hit his man in stride and place the ball where it needs to be to protect it from the DB. Along with the accuracy we see many examples of excellent touch on his passes. Peyton is able to drop it in over the shoulder or between two levels of defenders where they can't get to it in time. That touch is key on his deep passes. Powers also shows that he can zip the ball on a rope in the short to intermediate ranges. Peyton is at a solid place in his development. I'm excited to see what is to come over these next two years for him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde01f98"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17864225/6553d1d7ab9cb50bd8b8e1fe' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde02051"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1222036"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The top new prospect in the RB group is [player_tooltip player_id='1222036' first='Christian' last='Rudrud']. The 5'10u0022 175 lbs RB actually spends time at RB and WR, but his table of traits perfectly fit the RB role. As a runner, Christian has a balanced attack. He has the vision and instincts to find or set up blocks/defenders. There is sufficient speed to his game for him to get the edge and beat defenders downfield. Rudrud has also proven that he has no hesitation when it comes to the physical side of the position. Christian will lower the shoulder without hesitation and finish every run trying to run through a defender. The contact balance is there to pick up the yards after contact. To completely round out his game, Christian is also a reliable receiver with soft hands. Give the film a watch.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde020b8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18050410/65df4bba19a5e30b68695c5d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde020da"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220668"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Luke made his first varsity catch this past fall, and from there built a strong highlight reel showing off the early signs of next level traits. Luke has a big, strong frame at 6'3u0022 195 lbs and it is great to see how well he uses and positions that frame to create separation and protect the ball. Every catch shows Luke either high pointing the ball over defenders or quickly boxing out the DB as he makes the catch to prevent them from getting their hands on the ball. The big man is also a willing blocker downfield. We are just seeing Luke scratch the surface on his talents. I'm excited to see how he continues to develop over the coming years.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde02133"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17992607/654dc224688e730bb4523e28' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde02152"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220645"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Coming in as the new #1 OL and the new #1 overall player in the Class of 2026 is Oak Creek's OT [player_tooltip player_id='1220645' first='James' last='Thomas']. James already holds an offer from Arkansas, and many more should join them over the coming years. James already has a prototypical frame at 6'4u0022 300 lbs. That big frame is paired with elite balance, strength, and short area agility. James can move in every direction smoothly and efficiently and his ability to change direction looks easy despite the massive frame. The sophomore is already so patient and confident in his athleticism too. We don't see him reaching for defenders. Instead he trusts his feet to get him where he needs to be. Then he delivers a powerful initial punch and can remove DL from the LOS with his powerful leg drive. James looks every bit the part of a young Power 4 prospect. Big things ahead for him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde021ac"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19536566/652ea0d81762a7025808295c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde021cb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220653"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Nathan filled a big role for the Muskego defense as a sophomore. The 6'3u0022 250 lbs DL manned the NG position and was an impact player while doing so. Rep after rep Nathan flashes the power to control the line of scrimmage on the interior. He stands up IOL thanks to his power and use of leverage. The sophomore does a great job of finding the ball while engaged and shows strong hands to shed those blocks and then make the tackle. Just as important as his power, Nathan also flashes quick hands to get them positioned on his opponent so he can create separation or shed the block. Makinen has excellent technique at his age when it comes to creating separation from the OL. Give the film a watch and get Nathan on your radars.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde02222"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17947886/6546b8433deb520b887165dd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde02241"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220673"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The top new addition among LBs is Madison Edgewood's [player_tooltip player_id='1220673' first='Aydon' last='Fickell']. The 6'3u0022 220 lbs LB showed to be a versatile athlete in 2023 making plays at ILB, OLB, QB, and TE for Edgewood. Aydon is an efficient athlete at LB. We don't see wasted movement or steps. He was quick to flow with the play, mirror the path of the RB, and meet them in the hole with a solid wrap up tackle. Fickell flashed the power to take on blocks and quickly disengage between the tackles. He also proved he could set the edge and take on pulling linemen. The sophomore was also an effective blitzer from ILB between timing when to blitz and being able to fight through blocks to get pressure on the QB. Aydon seems to be right on the edge of taking that next step. I'm excited to see what he looks like this fall and at any camps we cross paths at.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde02299"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19297464/6543b1a33df53a097cf11220' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde022b7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220651"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I'm very excited for the future of Franklin safety [player_tooltip player_id='1220651' first='Dominick' last='Walters']. College coaches need to know about this dude today if they don't already. The 6' 185 lbs sophomore was the top DB I saw live in 2023 between the 20 games and 39 different teams. The skill set looks like that of a future D1 prospect, earning him the new #1 spot at his position. Walters' athletic profile sets him up perfectly for the position. He can make plays covering ground deep downfield or you can rely on him to show agility and change of direction when needing to make plays in man to man coverage or one on one tackles in space. His ability to read and react to plays makes his range even more effective, giving him a head start on where the ball is going to be. The ball skills when he does get to where he needs to be and jumps the route easily turns those moments into turnovers. On top of the football IQ and athleticism, Walters is a reliable tackler that you can count on in the backend of the defense. Big things ahead for the Franklin DB as he continues to develop and learn the game/position.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde02314"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18408210/655d64efb018a60d34f8876f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde02332"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220652"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The top ATH, and new member of the Top 10 overall is Bonduel's [player_tooltip player_id='1220652' first='Ryan' last='Westrich']. Originally the 6'6u0022 235 lbs sophomore was going to debut as the top new DL, but his play at TE couldn't be ignored so here he is with the ATH label. The overall technique is raw for the standout athlete, but that is coachable. What isn't is the athletic things that he can do at his size already. Ryan has an explosive get off at DE when rushing the QB. He instantly puts OTs into a panic with that first step and quickly accelerates to the QB. Even if the QB breaks the pocket Ryan has the range to chase them down from behind. Ryan also shows the power to bull rush the OT into the pocket, forcing the QB to bail. What is also noteworthy is that Ryan makes a lot of high effort plays, chasing across the formation/downfield or fighting off multiple blocks. On offense, Ryan is a dominant run blocker. He easily overpowers and pancakes LBs or DEs when he pulls across the formation. He plays with that same violence after the catch where he runs over tackle attempts. The raw prospect brings so many tools to the table and position versatility. Check out the tape.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde02390"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17916231/652fbf6cff01ce0a081b3ad2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66032fde023af"} /-->