Impactful Offensive 2026s to Watch For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to continue to highlight some of the most explosive prospects that made their presence known on the field last season. Following my breakdown of some intriguing sophomore prospects on the defensive side of the ball, here's my list of some impactful offensive 2026s in Kentucky to watch for this upcoming fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401707"],"_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='401707' first='Evan' last='Hampton'], a running back at Owensboro High School. What impresses me about Hampton is his quick execution and breakaway speed, showcasing his ability to blast through the pocket and create seperation on his way to the house. Hampton also stands out with his durable edge, proving he can break tackles and push into enemy territory.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/14365438/65641668bd6a5f11fcad3971u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6619eabdbf585"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402549"],"_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='402549' first='Jarvis' last='Strickland'], an offensive lineman at Paducah Tilghman High School. Strickland makes a considerable difference at the line of scrimmage due to his size and physicality in the pocket, proving he can quickly overpower the defense and create disorganization. I also like Strickland's ability to utilize his wingspan to consistently stun and disorient his opponent.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MidHNu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6619eabdbf602"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971549"],"_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='971549' first='Dakota' last='Hunter'], a tight end at Warren Central High School. Hunter stands out in the backfield due to his ability to get wide open for the deep pass and elevate off the ground to attack the ball in the air. I also like Hunter's ability to pick up speed from along the edge to punch into the endzone. Hunter also proved he can dive for the ball to haul in the short pass.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2NFrAQu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6619eabdbf650"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["210354"],"_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 watch for is [player_tooltip player_id='401720' first='Maddox' last='O'Neal'], a quarterback at McCracken County High School. What makes O'Neal so dangerous under center is his ability to maneuver the pocket, scan the backfield and launch the deep ball. I also like O'Neal's composure under pressure, showing off his ability to escape the defense and boost ground production from along the edge.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2NjBFuu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6619eabdbf69a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["314345"],"_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 [player_tooltip player_id='314345' first='Ethan' last='Kirkwood'], a wide receiver at Bowling Green High School. Kirkwood impresses me with his electric speed down the stretch, showcasing his ability to be physical in coverage and elevate off the ground to haul in the touchdown pass. I also like Kirkwood's ability to absorb defensive contact, create solid seperation and utilize his wingspan to reach the pass first.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mnnm4u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6619eabdbf6e3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175794"],"_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":"Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='1175794' first='Camden' last='Burke'], an offensive lineman at Madison Central High School. Burke stands out with his size and strength at the line of scrimmage, proving he can adapt to his opponent, absorb pressure and utilize his arm strength to create pushback on the defense. Burke also impresses me with his ability to hold the line in crucial moments, showing off his ability to protect his quarterback.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18567815/654bfe4f34530403ecacc3c1u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6619eabdbf72b"} /-->