Five Intriguing 2026s in Kentucky to Know About

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some of the top prospects that made their presence known on the field last season. Following my breakdown of some high-level 2028 playmakers, here's my list of five intriguing 2026s in Kentucky to know about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176931"],"_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":"In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1176931' first='Jaxen' last='Smith'], a running back at Bowling Green High School. What impresses me about Smith is his ability to blast past the defense in the pocket, utilizing his breakaway speed to push into enemy territory. I also like Smith's quick execution and ability to haul in the short pass. Smith also stands out with his footwork and ability to juke out the opposition on his way to the house.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mz0xnu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e4981a3c12b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176928"],"_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 am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='1176928' first='Caleb' last='Ray'], an offensive lineman at Bowling Green High School. In addition to great size and physical edge at the line of scrimmage, what stands out about Ray is his ability to contain pressure and protect his quarterback during the blitz. I also like how Ray can use his arms to stun the defense, buying his teammates more time to push into the backfield.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16781576/659b9b2490f9e008b07e717du0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e4981a3c1b9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176933"],"_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":"Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1176933' first='Damani' last='Goodloe'], an athlete at Logan County High School. What I like about Goodloe defensively is his ability to pick up speed to catch the rush from along the edge. Goodloe also impresses me with his catching ability and ability to be disruptive down the stretch. Another facet of Goodloe's playstyle that stands out is his footwork and ability to be versatile.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17767876/6333988a4ba7a90c6c4ed659u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e4981a3c235"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["905688"],"_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":"Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='905688' first='Zachary' last='Wampler'], an offensive lineman at Christian Academy of Louisville. Wampler impresses me with his aggression and ability to match his opponent's physicality at the line of scrimmage. I also like how Wampler can consistently lock down the defense in crucial moments, utilizing his core strength and arms to win in one-on-one matchups.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15061713/64e4eac7e97ab60b5c87df81u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e4981a3c2a5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1172212"],"_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 at number five on my list is Malik Butler, a defensive lineman at Franklin-Simpson High School. What makes Butler so explosive defensively is his ability to read the handoff and catch the running back in the pocket. I also like Butler's quick decision-making and his ability to punish the offense from along the edge. Butler also proved he can pick up speed to make quick stops and protect the backfield.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MXdrCu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e4981a3c2f5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->