2026 PRzMN Rankings Update: Playmakers & Top Names to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's only a couple of features left in our post-update coverage of the <em>PrepRedzoneMN </em>2026 Official Rankings Update, and before we move onto the 2027 class of Minnesotans, we have some must-know rising junior names to get you all familiar with. I had a bit of a struggle in naming this particular article, as there isn't an overarching theme between these 11 2026s, but for a varying degree of reasons, these are some of my favorite players in the class and some of the top playmakers and names to watch in the very talented 2026 class of Minnesota prospects. Offense, defense, Metro, Outstate, these guys bring the juice and have me very excited about their potential as collegiate athletes. Let's get to know some of the Top 2026 MN Playmakers and Names to Watch right here, right now. Dig in! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1255892"],"_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":"Yes, there's another u003cstrongu003eGrigsonu003c/strongu003e to know out of u003cstrongu003eHill-Murrayu003c/strongu003e! The younger brother of one of the state's top stock risers in the 2024 class in Maine signee [player_tooltip player_id='867179' first='Luke' last='Grigson'] and the son of the Minnesota Vikings VP of Player Personnel Ryan Grigson, who played at Purdue, 2026 6', 175 lb. DB u003cstrongu003eLevi Grigsonu003c/strongu003e really caught my eye and impressed me in his sophomore tape with the u003cemu003ePioneersu003c/emu003e. As a former DB myself, u003cstrongu003eGrigsonu003c/strongu003e was showing really good things technique-wise. He displays a smooth backpedal, loose hips, can bend his hips, weaves well, can adjust to and mirror WRs paths subtlety and easily, and gets out of his breaks effortlessly and with significant pace. u003cstrongu003eGrigsonu003c/strongu003e doesn't waste steps or movements and is a fluid and graceful defensive back while in coverage, and I can appreciate his patience and how well he can flip his hips. He's sticky in off-man coverage, uses good timing and finds the catch point well when breaking up passes, and has the speed to stay on top of receivers going deep as well.rnrnThe multi-sport athlete, who also plays lacrosse and carries a 4.1 GPA, is also physical in run support. He attacks blockers, is a good form tackler, shows the strength to negate extra yardage after he makes contact, and will come downhill and stick his head in the action with no hesitation. Lots to like in both run and pass defense, I'm excited to see how this offseason has treated him as we enter the all-important junior year on the recruiting trail.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["591735"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Another talented younger brother, u003cemu003eBreckenridge'su003c/emu003e standout RB u003cstrongu003eDavid Erlandsonu003c/strongu003e is hoping to follow his older brother Daniel into the college ranks after seeing him off to the University of Jamestown in 2021, and from the way he's been playing as an underclassman, this is well on the way to becoming reality. u003cstrongu003eErlandsonu003c/strongu003e, who is heading towards his third year as a varsity starter for the u003cemu003eCowboys, u003c/emu003ehas a real knack for and excels in the physical, tough, and gritty parts of football. A lot of that aggressiveness can be explained by his standout wrestling background. u003cstrongu003eErlandsonu003c/strongu003e is a good wrestler who placed 4th at the NDHSAA Class 172A individual tournament after placing 5th at 160 the year before, and on the gridiron, the 5'9, 180 lb. RB displays tremendous lower body strength and contact balance. u003cstrongu003eErlandsonu003c/strongu003e can stay upright and run through multiple tackle attempts in a carry, sometimes as many as three or four defenders at a time, sometimes dragging massive dog piles another 5+ yards, according to his sophomore tape. He has some of the best fight in the state too. The 180 lber. refuses to go down, especially on first contact, and is visually motivated to stay up by any means necessary. He also displays good vision, solid burst, and quick feet, and he's sudden when he sticks his cleat in the ground to make defenders miss as well. I also like his strong hands out of the backfield that can be utilized in the passing game, and he can force missed tackles and hurt defenses in a variety of ways.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1255896"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"An Outstate athlete and playmaker I'm very excited about in the 2026 class is u003cemu003eMahnomen-Waubun'su003c/emu003e 6'1, 185 lb. WR/RB/DB/ATH u003cstrongu003eTanner Stechu003c/strongu003e. A member of our vaunted All-Underclassmen Team from the 2023 season, u003cstrongu003eStech u003c/strongu003eis a three-phase contributor on the gridiron - always a good box to check - and is also a multi-sport athlete, another good data point to have. In 2023, he posted 26 carries for 176 yards and a TD, 14 catches for 229 yards and 2 TDs, and 16 tackles and 4 INTs, plus a kickoff return for six. u003cstrongu003eStechu003c/strongu003e shows off strong hands, good concentration, and ball skills as a receiver, and will fully extend and put his body in harm's way to complete the catch, and he can also create separation at the top of the route. The 185 lber. is elusive and natural in the open field, and keeps defenders guessing as he approaches and sets up would-be tacklers well, making them commit, before cutting or spinning back the other way. u003cstrongu003eStechu003c/strongu003e displays quick cuts and light on his feet and is effective at making opponents miss when working laterally. Good balance as a ball carrier as well. As a safety, he's a rangy MOF defender who does a good job of reading and reacting to the QBs eyes and WRs movement and will come downhill in run support and can tackle in space. One of the most natural and elusive players in the 2026 class right now.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1120548"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Tons of notable football talent roaming the halls of u003cemu003eTwo Rivers High Schoolu003c/emu003e for 2025 and 2026, and a must-know name out of the sophomores whose film and skillset really got me fired up is 5'8, 160 lb. WR u003cstrongu003eJohn Laugermanu003c/strongu003e. A prototypical slot receiver possessing splash-play speed, quick feet, and a nose for the endzone, u003cstrongu003eLaugermanu003c/strongu003e can use his top-end speed to break a play, and a game, wide open. The sophomore can take the top off the defense, eat up DBs cushions, finish big runs once he gets into space, and torch pursuit angles, all while putting in as much effort as you or I would to go up and get a cold drink from the fridge. The 160 lber. is also an explosive and elusive kick returner, displaying the vision to find a crease, the speed to take advantage of it, and the lateral quickness and timing to cut at top speed and force missed tackles. u003cstrongu003eLaugermanu003c/strongu003e also demonstrates good ball skills and concentration, good footwork in his releases, stacks DB once he gets a step, and is smooth at the top of the route and can create separation when he drops his hips. I also like his burst, and you can visibly see him shift into that top gear when he sees a TD opportunity, and as a route runner, he takes what the defense gives him and recognizes when to break his routes off and when he's facing single coverage. All the best parts about a slot receiver and a natural playmaker who knows how to capitalize on the strengths of his skillset. Big opportunity as a junior to solidify his stock and talent.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1257444"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Sticking with the St. Paul suburb of Mendota Heights and u003cemu003eTwo Rivers High Schoolu003c/emu003e, we have another electric u003cemu003eWarriorsu003c/emu003e rising junior who caught our attention during our long sessions of grinding the tape for the 2026 u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e update. 5'9, 165 lb. WR/CBu003cstrongu003e Cole Altavillau003c/strongu003e is a three-sport standout at u003cemu003eTwo Riversu003c/emu003e, participating and finding success as a wrestler and baseball player, and the West St. Paul product just had a big PR on the bench press, throwing up 240 pounds at 165-pound body weight to start the month off.rnrnTons of defensive play speed in the rising junior nickleback, who posted 15 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 PBU, and one fumble recovery, who uses it all over the field and to good effect. u003cstrongu003eAltavillau003c/strongu003e brings significant pace and burst off the edge as a blitzer and can make the play and finish the sack when he gets home, he accelerates out of a dead stop and closes and triggers on the ball with noticeable pace, including coming into contact with no hesitation. The 165 lber. punches above his weight and laid some big hits in 2023. He attacks blockers while keeping good pursuit leverage out on the edge too. I love how the play speed translates to him getting out of his breaks, and u003cstrongu003eAltavillau003c/strongu003e stays active in pass coverage and stays hip-to-hip with WRs until he can play the ball at the catch point. He had some good PBUs in coverage as a sophomore, and also displays the ability to flip his hips and take risks in pass coverage thanks to his makeup speed. Would love some verified numbers on him and am hoping to see u003cemu003eTwo Riversu003c/emu003e in 2024. We'll be keeping a close eye on the u003cemu003eWarriors u003c/emu003egoing forward.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["551376"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Of all the talented and playmaking names on this list, I was most excited to break down u003cstrongu003eJustice Moody'su003c/strongu003e tape. We got a peak at u003cstrongu003eMoodyu003c/strongu003e two Decembers ago at a u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMNu003c/emu003e when he was a freshman, showing off a nuanced and effective route running skillset, and he's come into his own since then. The sophomore tape is electric and owns my vote for the #1 most elusive film in the state's still-developing 2026 class so far.rnrnFirst off, props to a talent like u003cstrongu003eMoodyu003c/strongu003e for staying home and playing for the neighborhood school u003cemu003eSt. Paul Johnsonu003c/emu003e, an athletic program known mostly for its basketball prowess, as I'm sure u003cstrongu003eMoodyu003c/strongu003e had a few options for high schools coming out of the youth ranks. The rising junior can line up at multiple receiver spots but works best out of the slot, and in 2023 he posted 34 receptions for 693 yards and 10 TDs (20 YPC). Plus, in a trend that is rising in its importance and visibility, he is an explosive returner who took multiple returns back to the house and takes full advantage of any space a defense gives him, and he can find and create that space himself as well. u003cstrongu003eMoodyu003c/strongu003e displays good speed that can take the top off the defense, burn man and zone coverage alike, and finish big plays for six, and he has reps of him out-throwing his QBs arm and getting so wide open before catching the ball that he could walk into the endzone. u003cstrongu003eMoodyu003c/strongu003e also demonstrates sudden, powerful cutting ability that is dangerous in the open field, as well as great balance, especially as a ball carrier. The 160 lber. also tracks the ball well, breaks his routes off cleanly, can win contested catches, and can drop his hips and cut at top speed to create missed tackles.rnrnThe big questions are 1) how fast is he exactly? And 2) how big is going to get? One of those questions can be answered by seeing u003cstrongu003eMoodyu003c/strongu003e at an off-season event, so I'm confident I can make that happen, but #2 is up to Mother Nature, and she answers to no one but herself. Lucky for us, there's still a lot of runway in all of these sophomores recruitments, so u003cstrongu003eMoodyu003c/strongu003e has nothing to fret about, especially if he keeps pumping out film like his sophomore tape.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1256229"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"The u003cemu003eRandolph Rocketsu003c/emu003e, located in between Northfield and Cannon Falls, are early on showing one of the best 2026 classes in Outstate Minnesota. So far, there are three main names to know, one of whom we'll be covering in this feature. Coming off a 4-6 record in 2023, the u003cemu003eRocketsu003c/emu003e, with their talented 2026 class one year older, wiser, and stronger, are poised to make some noise in Section 4AA and maybe Class AA overall, but do it, they'll need a big contribution from 6'3, 190 lb. WR u003cstrongu003eCarsonu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eLorenzenu003c/strongu003e. With great size and an accomplished basketball background, u003cstrongu003eLorenzenu003c/strongu003e puts both to good use using his big frame and long arms to create a large catch radius and show off a knack for contested catches and 50/50 balls. The 190 lber. also tracks and plays the ball well in the air, can make catches in traffic, and isn't scared to go over the middle. Lorenzen is a big-time red zone and a 1-on-1 matchup nightmare for Southern Minnesota DCs. Big year for the u003cemu003eRocketsu003c/emu003e.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":[1256225],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"One of three main RB names to watch in terms of potential stock risers and sleepers, u003cemu003eStillwater'su003c/emu003e 5'7, 195 lb. RB u003cstrongu003eEmiliou003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eRosario Matiasu003c/strongu003e had a productive sophomore campaign in 2023, totaling 123 carries for 707 yards and 11 TDs as well as 256 receiving yards and 171 return yards. His strength is what allows him to find success against 6A Metro opponents, as he can already bench over 500 pounds and holds a 240 bench press as well. In his breakout varsity season this past fall, u003cstrongu003eRosario Matiasu003c/strongu003e displayed good speed, which allowed him to cut back across the grain and beat pursuers to the edge, as well as the top-end speed to finish big runs, although it's something he should still be working on. He also shows off good burst, is laterally quick and freezes defenders' feet before the contact point, and possesses good balance, especially through contact, and he keeps his legs pumping after contact and works for extra yardage. The 195 lber. also sees and utilizes space well, and I like his hands out of the backfield, asu003cstrongu003e Rosario Matiasu003c/strongu003e was productive in the passing game and can be an asset out of the slot or on screens. Also has to be mentioned that for a sophomore, the tailback has already earned the trust of his coaches and teammates, and he can be counted on in clutch moments to get the job done. I'm really excited to see how the offseason has treated him, as well as the rest of the u003cemu003ePoniesu003c/emu003e.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["207810"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"A recent u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMNu003c/emu003e Showcase standout from the Combine Series' stop in Plymouth this past April, u0022Sugau0022 u003cstrongu003eSean Washingtonu003c/strongu003e was by far the most productive sophomore back in the Metro and big school ranks last season, finishing with 174 carries for 1,425 rushing yards and 7 TDs (8.2 YPC), and he added 17 receptions for 258 yards and a TD for good measure. Contact balance and physicality are the name of his game, and he made himself known to 5A defenders all season long by running behind his pads. Tough yardage, breaking down a defense over four quarters, and forcing DBs to make business decisions are all his forte, and I love his natural build, low center of gravity, balance, and pad level for a ball carrier. It's hard for defenders to get a clean shot on him, and when they do, his size and strength allow him to absorb and continue forward without losing momentum. u003cstrongu003eWashingtonu003c/strongu003e bounces off tackle attempts like a bowling ball and possesses one of the best truck sticks in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. He's also a patient runner with solid vision and anticipation who sees the cutback well, shows burst through the first and second level of a defense, possesses solid lateral agility, and shows soft hands as a pass catcher. Additionally, u003cstrongu003eWashingtonu003c/strongu003e is an asset in pass pro from the RB spot - a trait hard to find in prep RBs - and overall he's a kid who thrives and does his best work with the pads on. That BSM offense is stacked to the brim for 2024.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1208064"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"The third and final playmaking tailback to watch from this feature also reps the 5A, private school ranks and possesses a skillset unique from his fellow 2026 MN RBs and one that is ready to peak and come into its own as an underclassman. 5'10, 180 lb. All-District selection u003cstrongu003eEmmettu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eAndersonu003c/strongu003e is also a standout performer from April's u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e Combine Series Showcase, nearly running in the 4.6s in the 40 and also posting a 9'2u0022 broad jump and 7.19 L-drill.rnrnThe sophomore tape shows a ball carrier more than capable of carrying on a talented lineage of prep RBs to wear the blue star on their helmet, as u003cstrongu003eAnderson u003c/strongu003eis a three-down RB with a lot of power in his game. His strong lower body helps him run through arm tackles and he shows some contact balance as well, and he's powerful laterally, and uses that power, as well as good timing, to force missed tackles when he plants and cuts. u003cstrongu003eAndersonu003c/strongu003e is physical and technically sound in pass-pro as a RB - something we saw both on tape and in person at the Showcase - and is also able to contribute to the passing game out of the backfield. The 180 lber. also plays safety, where he showed he can tackle in space and 1-on-1 situations. Working on his burst, acceleration, and speed, and creating explosive runs past the third level of the defense, will be a big key as the warm months of summer begin to roll around. There's big potential and big expectations for u003cstrongu003eAndersonu003c/strongu003e in 2024.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["591741"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"If you haven't heard already, u003cemu003eMt. Iron-Buhlu003c/emu003e is pumping out prep football talent like a factory as of late, and rising junior u003cstrongu003eCaleb Rossiu003c/strongu003e is yet another name to know out of the 9-man powerhouse. The 5'10, 175 lber. is a beast in the weight room, benching 240 pounds, squatting 405, and cleaning 225, and his big-game experience going into his junior year, which will be his third year as a varsity contributor and second as a starter - is another solid box to check on his recruiting resume. u003cstrongu003eRossiu003c/strongu003e is quite the dynamic weapon, and in 2023 he was stinging defenses as a RB, WR, QB, DB, and returner, and showed big-play burst, balance, quick feet, and a mean stiff arm, and visibly fights to stay upright and work through tackle attempts and absorbs contact well for 175 pounds. He's also a ball-hawking DB who can take the ball to the house after an INT, has no problem with playing with physicality, and can contribute in the box. He attacks blockers and demonstrates strength as a tackler. With some offensive talent leaving the program this month to graduation, u003cstrongu003eRossiu003c/strongu003e is going to be a key component of Mt. Iron-Buhl's hopefully continued and sustained success. Big year for #5.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["1255132"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"Still a bit of an enigma, u003cemu003eMinneapolis North'su003c/emu003e playmaking WR u003cstrongu003eJ'Marion Sandersu003c/strongu003e, is coming off a sophomore season where he carved out a big role for himself on what was a stacked u003cemu003ePolarsu003c/emu003e roster talent-wise, but I want to see more from him before I can feel fully comfortable projecting him to the next level. The younger brother of now-Illinois Fighting Illini WR Mario Sanders, a NJCAA All-American at Iowa Central and former stud hooper and WR for the Polars himself, u003cstrongu003eJiggy Jay u003c/strongu003ehad great production last fall (61 receptions for 701 yards and 10 TDs) and has looked twitchy and sure-handed in the offseason events I've seen him at this winter/spring, but the film is a bit scattered and it's hard to get a sense of what he can really do as a WR from the sophomore tape. However, I can see that he would make an excellent slot receiver at the next level, and it's where he found the bulk of his eye-catching production from 2023. u003cstrongu003eSanders has u003c/strongu003egame-breaking speed, and you can see u003cemu003eNorthu003c/emu003e made an effort to get him the ball and allow him to do his thing in space, and footwork at the LOS and top of the route is exciting and effective. He's twitchy after the catch and with the ball in hand, tracks and plays the ball well in the air and demonstrates 50/50 ball ability and some bounce when he goes up and high-points the rock. Plus, u003cstrongu003eSandersu003c/strongu003e breaks his routes off well and finds and takes advantage of holes in zone coverage, and is a motivated blocker on the perimeter who helped spring some of his teammates for big runs last fall. This is a name I could see catapulting up the 2026 Big Board in the coming months.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":12,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cbe0acc3cb"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->