Louisiana 2026 rankings update countdown: Nos. 40 to 31

The latest 2026 rankings are up next in Prep Redzone Louisiana's spring updates process.   Leading up to the complete, 150-player list on Monday, we will count down the top 40 in more detail.   And make sure to check back following the release for additional features and notes on the 2026 cohort, including looks at debuts, stock-risers and top positional groups.     No. 40 [player_tooltip player_id='401947' first='Christian' last='Speight'] — 6-3, 305 OL — Evangel Christian   Speight was one of the biggest bodies on the initial rankings list last spring as a freshman at 6-foot-2, 285 pounds and is now another inch or two taller, 20 pounds stronger and fall full of heavy snaps more experienced. Most of that work came at center where his stout build and full-body strength from his good base, wrestling background and focus in the weight room to help pave inside running lanes and set a strong front to the pocket.   No. 39 [player_tooltip player_id='740993' first='Dylan' last='Shelmire'] — 6-2, 205 LB — Zachary   The Broncos' linebacker racked up 46 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, this past fall in a bigger role for a perennial power program that always has a deep, largely upperclassman-led roster. Shelmire is a quick athlete, but appears to play with good patience and discipline to his edge-rushing and flashes a nice closing burst in pursuit of opposing passers and ball-carriers.   No. 38 [player_tooltip player_id='920615' first='Leon' last='Noil Jr.'] — 6-3, 265 OL — Edna Karr   Of the eight offensive linemen in the top 50 of this round of 2026 rankings updates, the Cougars' young standout is one of the quickest and most agile — traits the team leaned on to frequently put him on the move pulling across the formation and getting outside and downfield in the running game. In addition to his general mobility in space, Noil does a good job of locating and engaging defenders on the move.   No. 37 [player_tooltip player_id='710978' first='Alvin' last='Celestin'] Jr. — 5-9, 155 ATH — Terrebonne   The first of three smaller, speedy weapons on this list, a group that is arguably the biggest headline of this segment of the countdown. Celestin's track times, including a 22.02-second 200-meter already this spring, show some of the best long speed among the state's football players. And he's also shown notable versatility with time at running back, defensive back and receiver and some ability to bounce off contact and spring from big runs on plays that initially appear bottled up.   No. 36 [player_tooltip player_id='1238187' first='Ze'land' last='Young'] — 6-4, 190 WR — Neville   The first new debut on this countdown to the full list, Young is a player we haven't seen much of yet, but enough to be intriguing as a potential high-upside prospect. The multisport football and basketball standout has a tallest frame of any pass-catcher in the top 50 of these rankings and the catch radius to go with it, plus listed 4.5-second 40-yard speed, and some limited footage shows good releases and breaks to his route-running. Young feels like a likely breakout candidate during the upcoming spring and summer recruiting stretches and junior season this fall.   No. 35 [player_tooltip player_id='401958' first='Frederic' last='Downing Jr']. — 6-3, 265 DL — Hahnville   The Tigers' sophomore defensive tackle is a big, powerful athlete who is a handful for opposing blockers, often snapping them back on first contact and keeps his legs moving to drive them backward and disrupt plays in the backfield. Downing also showed the mobility and versatility to line up outside and set the edge.   No. 34 [player_tooltip player_id='740982' first='Chris' last='Addison'] — 6-2, 210 ATH — Franklin Parish   The Patriots' standout has been on our 2026 rankings from his freshman season primarily as a big pass-catcher, but — while still providing that value on offense — has continued to develop into more of an edge rusher. Addison shows good athleticism, vision and balance around blockers and through traffic and double teams, keeping moving and wrapping up plays behind the line.   No. 33 [player_tooltip player_id='710975' first='Jaden' last='Carter'] — 5-9, 165 WR — Covenant Christian   Carter is the member of the string of small, speedy athletes from the mid-40s counting down into the 20s of whom we've seen the least since last summer's update with his transfer of schools. But "Baby J" has been impressive with his opportunities on the 7-on-7 circuit this spring, using his explosiveness well in his route-running and also maximizing his height with good ability to make leaping catches and outstretched catches on balls over his head.   No. 32 [player_tooltip player_id='710969' first='Gregory' last='Wilfred'] — 5-8, 160 — Destrehan   Nicknamed "G Smoke" for his speed, Wilfred has paired that attribute with an attention to detail in his route-running and great tracking and hands to make him a notable contributor at an early age for perennial contender Destrehan — one of a small number of freshman on the varsity squad for the Division-I Non-Select in 2022 and a second-team all-district performer as a sophomore — and also earned offers from Louisiana Tech, UCF and Troy.   No. 31 [player_tooltip player_id='401985' first='Ty' last='Dominique'] — 6-3, 240 DL — St. Augustine   Dominique has been highly ranked in each of our rounds of 2026 updates since the initial, 50-player list immediately following freshman season and, now another inch taller and 15 pounds heavier, recently picked up his first scholarship offer from UCF. His tall, long frame and explosive first step have stood out from his early workout footage, and he showed good discipline in his sophomore film from the fall not sacrificing contain for his quickness to the ball.

The latest 2026 rankings are up next in Prep Redzone Louisiana's spring updates process.