2026 Ballers: Weekend Watchlist

We are coming down the homestretch to the 2026 Ranking updates and the Prep Redzone Kansas Team continued through the weekend burning the candle at both ends to ensure we see as much young talent who deserves to be upgraded or added.   Right now we are looking at early May for the updates to be finalized.   My marathon film study continued through the weekend, taking in as many players as possible. I will continue to publish reports three times a week that provide status on the 2026 stars in development, as well as select five to seven players in each report who seriously caught my eye in the daily/weekly review process.   In this report, I will be focusing on five ranked players who have not received the coverage they probably should have. They may be flying a little bit under the radar now but are getting ready to make some noise this fall.   As a weekend wrap, there were quite a few noteworthy players flushed out in review, but the following young guns in the Kansas football scene were the ones who caught my eye in the last few days.   The Weekend Five are listed below:   [player_tooltip player_id='780142' first='Johnmichael' last='Fountain Jr.'], 6'2, 205, LB, Wichita Northwest, is ranked #3. He is coming off an excellent sophomore campaign and rolls into the 2024 season as the top-ranked linebacker in the state. An athletic, playmaker of a defender, he made returning interceptions and turning fumbles into touchdowns a routine occurrence last fall. He is a strong, fast outside linebacker with top-end instincts and read and react skills. Whether it is coming off the edge or going down on kickoff coverage he transforms into a heat-seeking missile getting to the ball. He is strong enough to collapse down on the run but fast enough to float in coverage and bait QB's into throwing his way. He makes things happen when he hits the field, get out and see a high school star on the rise.   [player_tooltip player_id='1114738' first='Jack' last='Fuchs'], 6'8, 295, OL, Lawrence Free State, is ranked #14. He is coming off a stellar start to his high school career as a versatile offensive lineman who can play numerous positions along the offensive front. He has prototype size and wing span and is a masher blocking in the trenches. Lining up at right tackle or even playing as a hybrid H-back, he has the mobility and feet to pull across the formation and lead the running game. He has a good initial step and plays with good technique walling off in pass pro. He gets positioned quickly, gaining leverage as he goes and once he locks on he usually unloads the defender on the turf. He blocks well in space and does a good job reaching linebackers on the second level. Get out and see a player getting ready to shine this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='780477' first='Blaise' last='Adger'], 5'10, 195, RB, Olathe North, is ranked #28. He is coming off a solid sophomore year as a speedy, difficult-to-tackle running back in the Olathe North offense. Lining up as the lone setback, he rips off tackle and hits the perimeter with excellent acceleration. He glides along on sweeps, making a sudden decisive cut and then with an explosive burst is in the secondary and headed for the goal line. He can also be an elusive scatback of a runner who will reverse direction and use the entire field to extend the play. He has a low center of gravity and is a strong runner in traffic and will run through arm tackles. He is also an effective blocker on the corner when called on. This kids is getting ready to come into his own, get out and see him while you can.   [player_tooltip player_id='1114740' first='Stephen' last='Carroll'], 6'2, 265, OL, St Thomas Aquinas, is ranked #76. Is coming off a standout sophomore season on a state championship team as a versatile lineman who can play anywhere along the line of scrimmage. Lining up at center or guard, he is a mauler of a blocker in the run game. He fires out low and hard and maintains great pad level striking defenders in the chest plate with authority. His technique is solid and once he gains leverage he explodes through the defender and drives from snap to whistle. He has quick feet and great mobility and is a ball buster of a hitter when pulling and blocking in space. He can make all the blocks and does so with authority and aggression. He was very impressive on tape and has all the makings to be one of the best interior lineman in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='904438' first='Wyatt' last='Hendricks'], 6'3, 230, TE/DE, Lawrence, is ranked #104. He is coming off a solid sophomore season a year ago as a versatile athlete who can play both ways. He can line up and help shut down the perimeter and off tackle plays as a rugged defensive end. On the other side of the ball he is starting to develop into an excellent tight end who has the flexibility to play the H-back role as needed. He has good size and has an above-average catch radius. He has good hands and has demonstrated the ability to be an excellent possession receiver. He is strong enough to take on blocking assignments on tackles but is quick enough to create separation on routes. He is a little raw at this stage in his career, but the potential is getting to blossom this fall.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action this fall. You will not be disappointed. And, as always, if you know of someone flying under the radar, feel free to reach out to me via DM on X.

We are coming down the homestretch to the 2026 Ranking updates and the Prep Redzone Kansas Team continued through the weekend burning the candle at both ends to ensure we see as much young talent who deserves to be upgraded or added.