2026 Rankings: Breaking Down The Athletes

A bunch of football players. That's what the guys ranked at ATH in the 2026 class are. Talent and speed at every skill position is a hallmark of the class, and there are a bunch of guys who do a whole lot of things well. Here's a look at the class.    BREAKING DOWN THE TOP FIVE   [player_tooltip player_id='212416' first='J'Zavien' last='Currence'] South Pointe   Currence does a little bit of everything for the Stallions. He's a lockdown defender, with 67 tackles, five tackles for loss, and five interceptions. On offense, he threw accounted for touchdowns both passing and rushing, and notched receptions as well. He's a quick, dynamic athlete who creates a ton of matchup problems, and he's a key to South Pointe's success.   [player_tooltip player_id='473016' first='AJ' last='Grate'] Waccamaw   How important is Grate to Waccamaw? Well, he missed roughly half the season last year due to injury, and was still among the Warriors' leading tacklers at LB. On the offensive side of the ball, he's played quarterback, tailback, and receiver, and has the athleticism to be a standout at any of those three. And a lot of other places, for that matter.   [player_tooltip player_id='816740' first='Marcus' last='Cann'] Bamberg-Ehrhardt   Cann (pictured) is strong. He's fast. He's athletic. But let's look a little deeper than that. He's a rugged running back who dishes out punishment, but who has plenty of speed to break away. He's a big-play receiver who also blocks well when called upon. He makes guys miss in space as easily as he runs by them. He's solid defensively, and he's a special teams monster. Cann is the total package.   [player_tooltip player_id='473013' first='Carter' last='Coleman'] Blythewood   Coleman, a transfer from Ridge View, could have an immediate impact for the Bengals. When he walks onto the field, he'll give Blythewood a legit WR1, complete with elusiveness, speed, and the ability to catch most everything tossed in his direction. He had more than 700 all-purpose yards last season, and could break out in a big way this year.    [player_tooltip player_id='816737' first='Cam'Ron' last='Frazier'] Aiken   Frazier has blazing speed, and uses every bit of it to his advantage. Frazier makes it look easy - on film of deep balls, he's sometimes all by himself - and makes plenty of guys miss in space, too. He'll give the Hornets a downfield presence, and is only getting better.   SEVEN RISING STARS   [player_tooltip player_id='595706' first='Darrell' last='Harrison'] York   Harrison's carries in the Cougars' zone-read are executed with the physical nature of a LB. Could be because that's where he plays on the other side of the ball. He's a standout at both.   [player_tooltip player_id='473025' first='Andre' last='Grate'] Waccamaw   No, you're not seeing double. Grate is the twin brother of AJ (see above), and brings the same athleticism and versatility.   [player_tooltip player_id='1165125' first='Gabe' last='Hackett'] Ninety Six   Hackett's a stat-stuffer for the Wildcats, putting up good numbers on the defensive side of the ball while rushing for more than 400 yards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1165144' first='Tony' last='O'Banner'] Thomas Heyward   O'Banner is technically a dual-threat QB, throwing for nearly 1,000 yards last year. But most of that threat is that he'll run by you or through you. He picked up almost 2,400 yards on the ground and ran for 37 TDs as a sophomore.   [player_tooltip player_id='473031' first='D'Anthony' last='Coleman'] West Ashley   Coleman is fast and incredibly physical for his size. He's a guy who could put up some serious numbers in a breakout year.   [player_tooltip player_id='860400' first='Dre'von' last='Dopson'] Brookland-Cayce   A true dual-threat QB, Dopson's transfer to Brookland-Cayce could maximize his potential, and push the Bearcats even higher.   [player_tooltip player_id='1165159' first='Jordan' last='Strong'] Lewisville   Strong's good in coverage, he's a sure tackler, and he's a contributor on offense and special teams as well. In a new-look 1A classification, his stock could skyrocket.    THREE DARK HORSE CANDIDATES   [player_tooltip player_id='816754' first='Tyree' last='Cauthen'] Myrtle Beach   Cauthen has looked poised for a breakout for some time, and he should get chances to prove himself for the Seahawks this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1267234' first='Kenton' last='Caldwell'] Newberry   Caldwell gives the Bulldogs an athletic threat at QB to go along with their other weapons on offense, and does a ton of good things for Newberry.   [player_tooltip player_id='1267345' first='Brandon' last='Nance'] Dixie   Nance plays in the backfield on both sides of the ball, at RB and DB, and plays much bigger than his size.    With skill and speed all over the field, the 2026 group of Athletes will make their mark on the class, with more to come.

A bunch of football players. That's what the guys ranked at ATH in the 2026 class are. Talent and speed at every skill position is a hallmark of the class, and there are a bunch of guys who do a whole lot of things well. Here's a look at the class.