PRZNE 2026 Class | Watchlist Players Ready for the Rankings
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Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area. The 2026 rankings are currently under review for the spring update, which means new players will be added to them. Many of the new players on the…
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The 2026 rankings are currently under review for the spring update, which means new players will be added to them. Many of the new players on the rankings will likely come from the watchlist, where we have a monster list of players we want to see more of either at a showcase or by posting their season tapes. Looking through it, I wanted to highlight four players you should definitely expect to see on the rankings when they are released.
Caden Ward Caden Ward 6'2" | 210 lbs | TE Lincoln Southeast | 2026 State NE | 2026 | TE/ATH | Lincoln Southeast | 6’3″ 210 lbs
Caden is a player I am glad I was able to see in person this offseason. After two eye-opening performances at the Stock Up and Warren Academy showcase, it was clear that Caden earned a spot in the rankings in the next update. He had a solid year for the Knights as he ended third on the team in receiving with 169 yards and scored two touchdowns. When getting my in-person looks, I was able to see a bit more of Caden’s abilities as a receiving TE. He displayed good, strong hands and the ability to make catches through contact and when in traffic. He does use his bigger frame to out-physical defenders, but he also shows a nice level of smoothness when running routes. He uses his length and reach very well when he needs to make catches outside of his frame. One thing I noticed from Caden’s tape is that he is a great extension to the offensive line, as he showed a mean edge when blocking. He does not mind getting his hands dirty and clearing out defenders to open up running lanes for his RB. Big year coming up for Caden… buy stock now!!
Marquise McIntyre-Dailey Marquise McIntyre-Dailey 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Omaha North | 2026 State NE | 2026 | DL | Omaha North | 6’3″ 235 lbs
Here’s one of a few Omaha North players who will be shaking up the upcoming rankings update. Sophomore Marquise McIntyre-Dailey Marquise McIntyre-Dailey 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Omaha North | 2026 State NE plays a versatile role in the Viking’s defense, lining up as a defensive lineman and showing he can be an effective edge rusher. Right away, Marquise pops off on tape with his motor and the intensity with which he plays. He can use his hands and strong upper body to violently rip away at attempts to block him. McIntyre-Dailey’s 6’3″ and 235-pound frame project well to the next level, and that’s with two full seasons of football to continue growing and developing before entering the college ranks. With Marquise’s name being linked alongside D1 programs, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some offers heading his way soon.
Trenton Ernst Trenton Ernst ATH Lincoln Lutheran | 2026 State NE | 2026 | WR/DB | Lincoln Lutheran | 5’8″
Straight-up electric! I had a lot of fun watching Trenton’s sophomore tape as he provided highlight-reel plays on both sides of the ball. Ernst had a tremendous season for Lincoln Lutheran, in which he hauled in 61 receptions for 792 yards (team leader) with eight receiving touchdowns and an extra TD on the ground. Trenton projects best as a slot receiver where he can use his crisp route-running to slice up defenses. He does a great job from the start of his route, exploding out of his stance and challenging defenders vertically before making sharp changes in direction at the breakoff point. Trenton does a good job using the opposing defender’s leverage against them to create separation. Another thing I noticed about Trenton is the many ways you can line him up and send him in motion to take advantage of mismatches and get him into space, where he is very dangerous with the ball in his hands. Great hands— catches everything thrown his way. Ernst was also outstanding in coverage, where he accumulated 23 tackles, a TFL, and three interceptions. Although he’s not the biggest player out there, Ernst showed no hesitation in getting up to the line to jam receivers and can be very physical with the ball in the air. Great instincts. Get this guy on your boards ASAP!!
Tavion Johnson Tavion Johnson 6'3" | 160 lbs | WR Raymond Central | 2026 State NE | 2026 | WR/ATH | Raymond Central | 6’2″ 160 lbs
Here’s another budding star who found success on both sides of the ball as a sophomore. Raymond Central’s Tavion Johnson Tavion Johnson 6'3" | 160 lbs | WR Raymond Central | 2026 State NE played wide receiver and defensive back for the Mustangs. He was their leading receiver with 352 yards on only 18 receptions (nearly 20 yards per reception) and three receiving touchdowns. He is a taller receiver who excels at winning in jump ball situations. Tavion does a great job elevating at the ball’s high point and grabbing it where defenders can’t reach it. On defense, it looks like Tavion’s primary position is cornerback, but I also saw some plays where he was lined up at safety, showing his versatility. He has great size for either of those positions with a taller, lengthier frame and showed that he is more than willing to get physical with receivers. Johnson shows good eye discipline and displayed some top-tier ball-hawking skills. Very excited to see what the upcoming season holds for Tavion!
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