PrepRedzoneMN 2026 Rankings Update: Outstate Standouts to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final piece of <em>PrepRedzoneMN </em>2026 Rankings Update coverage is here! It's a talented class with a high ceiling, and as with any good prep football recruiting class in Minnesota, there are some serious prospects representing Outstate Minnesota. High school recruiting fans, both from the state and outside our borders, have begun to give Outstate Minnesota the respect it deserves when it comes to athleticism and high school sports, and a lot of that has to do with recent Gophers signee and freak athlete [player_tooltip player_id='323504' first='Koi' last='Perich']. The upcoming classes of Outstate talent are hoping to ride some of that wave and recruiting attention into the spotlight of college football programs, and we have some non-Metro sleepers here who could gain some serious steam on the recruiting trail the next two seasons. From Southwestern Minnesota on the South Dakota border up to the Canadian border way way up North, we got some must-know small-town players and prospects ready to take their turn running the state's football scene. Get to know them below! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["615314"],"_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":"Representing Marshall, Minnesota, a town of about 14K located near the South Dakota border, around 3 hours and 10 minutes SW of the Twin Cities, and an hour and 40 minutes from Sioux Falls, 6'1, 220 lb. defensive endu003cstrongu003e JR Vierstraeteu003c/strongu003e is a big name to watch in the Outstate MN 2026 ranks. The u003cemu003eMarshall High School Tigeru003c/emu003e product- whose high school has produced the likes of Blaise Andries, Trey Lance, Drew Hmielewski, and Deylin Hasert recently - is the current lynchpin of the Tiger's 2026 class and is looking to continue the recruiting momentum his predecessors have earned.rnrnThe brother of current MSUM DB Jonah Vierstraete has some scholarship ability himself, and more than anything, the get-off and closing speed, and overall speed he brings to the position, were impressive, effective, and productive as a sophomore in the trenches during the 2023 season. A 4i/5T who can slide inside and is positionally versatile along the defensive line, the 220 lb. DE wins reps with his good first step and get-off, sometimes flying past OGs and OTs before they can properly get out of their stance, and displays noticeable twitch and lateral agility off the snap, as he gets OL to lunge, get on their heels, and open their hips. u003cstrongu003eVierstraeteu003c/strongu003e uses his hands well and has a strong chop/rip that he uses successfully and consistently and he changes direction well when pursuing and running down ball carriers in space. He also demonstrates the strength to split doubles, a good motor, the ability to scrape flat down the LOS, and strength as a tackler. The big question will be: how big he going to get? Inches are important along the LOS, and Mother Nature is going to have to play her part for u003cstrongu003eVierstraeteu003c/strongu003e to keep climbing up to the top tier of the rankings, but his game speaks for itself and he's a scholarship kid who is only getting better, bigger, faster, and stronger. Always keep your eyes on u003cemu003eMarshallu003c/emu003e u003cemu003eHigh Schoolu003c/emu003e!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1256219"],"_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":"One of the biggest enigmas and most intriguing prospects in the current 2026 rankings and a player whose development I will be watching as close as possible, u003cemu003eLourdes High School'su003c/emu003e 6'2, 190 lb. RB/DB u003cstrongu003eCaleb Akinboluu003c/strongu003e first got on my radar when he reported an unofficial junior day visit to Iowa State, and credit where it's due, it's a good find by the Cyclones. Representing u003cemu003eLourdes High School,u003c/emu003e the private school option in the great city of Rochester, the third largest city in Minnesota, u003cstrongu003eAkinbolu's u003c/strongu003eframe, film, and skillset scream raw power - in his cuts, in his strides, when he runs behind his pads, and in his burst. When he takes a handoff you know there's a chance something exciting may happen, and it's not just due to u003cstrongu003eAkinbolu'su003c/strongu003e sheer size at the position. He looks big on tape, possibly his reported 6'2/6'3, and wears his 190 pounds well with visible room to fill in. Plus, he's extremely long, in both his arms and his legs, and his long strides that cover a ton of ground per step and have the strength to step through and slip off weaker tackler attempts at his lower body. The combination of power, aggressiveness, and shake/elusiveness as a ball carrier puts defenders on their heels, especially in 1-on-1 situations, and he forced missed tackles in a ton of different ways in 2023. When u003cstrongu003eAkinboluu003c/strongu003e gets up to full speed and is uninhibited through the first two levels of the defense he blows by defenders in pursuit, and the 190 lber. gets out of his cuts with noticeable force and can create missed tackles when he works a defender laterally. I also like how he combines it with a well-timed stiff-arm to really create separation between him and a would-be tackler. u003cstrongu003eAkinboluu003c/strongu003e has some reps of him completely upending defenders and sending them flying after he lows his pads and runs them over and he works off contact well, and in 2023 he both snatched some ankles and ran some kids over. Also a multi-sport athlete who plays basketball.rnrnLots of unknowns still, but the size shows an u0022Xu0022 factor. Some verified data would be huge here, as well as an eye-test or two, but u003cstrongu003eAkinboluu003c/strongu003e is a name that I could see flying significantly up the 2026 Big Board, possibly even into the upper echelons of the state's top prospects. Big talent to know from the 507.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["743283"],"_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":"Representing the town of Zimmerman, located around an hour Northwest of the Twin Cities and holding around 6,500 people, 2026 WR/OLB u003cstrongu003eNoah Schmitu003c/strongu003e is a big part of the u003cemu003eThunder'su003c/emu003e ultra-talented 2026 class of prospects, one that is competing for top dog status in both the Outstate and the entire Land of 10,000 Lakes. u003cstrongu003eSchmitu003c/strongu003e is a still-growing 6'2, 180 with room to fill in, and was a two-way contributor in 2023, posting 9 receptions for 185 yards and 2 TDs and 11 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 3 FFs, and is a multi-sport as well, playing centerfield for the u003cemu003eThunder'su003c/emu003e baseball team.rnrnDespite limited defensive reps, and with the 3 FFs as evidence, u003cstrongu003eSchmitu003c/strongu003e is one of the hardest hitters in the entire 2026 class and has a knack for jarring the ball loose. He's an effective blitzer who is productive from a two-point stance at the edge of the LOS and can dip u0026amp; rip and beat blockers with bend, or quickness - comes tight off the tackles backside and closes quickly in space. He also lines up as an off-ball OLB, showing that he can drop into passing in coverage, come downhill and close space with speed and acceleration, and is a thumper who can tackle in space. The kid is a legit two-way contributor with some real game as a WR as well, due in large part to his speed. He uses it to take the top off the defense and finish big runs when given space, and that speed also shows up defensively, both when closing and in pursuit. u003cstrongu003eSchmitu003c/strongu003e brings length to the table, and he accelerates out of his breaks and can make catches in traffic and through contact. I also like his physicality and technique as a blocker out on the perimeter. Dynamic, physical, fast, instinctive, u003cstrongu003eSchmitu003c/strongu003e has an abundance of good things going for him and really gets me excited about his potential development as a prospect.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["592228"],"_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":"Representing Randolph, Minnesota, a Dakota County town of around 500 located between Northfield and Cannon Falls, QB1 u003cstrongu003eColton Fordu003c/strongu003e is leading his u003cemu003eRocketsu003c/emu003e squads on the gridiron as a quarterback and hardwood as a point guard, a classic combination that usually pays dividends in both sports. I covered one of u003cstrongu003eFord'su003c/strongu003e teammates in yesterday's article highlighting playmakers and miscellaneous 2026ers I am big fans of, and I'll mention again here that the u003cemu003eRocketsu003c/emu003e have a talented and experienced 2026 class rising and ready to make some noise in Class AA. u003cstrongu003eFord u003c/strongu003ewas moved to quarterback because he's the most athletic kid on the team, and he's done a great job so far, opening up the u003cemu003eRocket'su003c/emu003e passing game and brings some dynamic ability as a ball carrier.rnrnu003cstrongu003eFordu003c/strongu003e brings good size to the position and stands tall in the pocket, and displays an arm that can stretch the field vertically and lead receivers open while setting them up for success after the catch. He gets the ball out of his hand quickly and also shows some ability to push the ball into tight windows, but in my opinion, he also looks impressive when he tucks and takes off with the ball. Long, quick, elusive ball carrier who is dangerous in space, I can't help but think that u003cstrongu003eFord'su003c/strongu003e athleticism would be best served at WR or safety in college, but the fact that he is playing QB right now isn't a bad thing for his projection and we have a long runway left in this recruitment as well.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1257224"],"_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 small-town u003cemu003eRandolphu003c/emu003e for another Southern MN Outstate 2026 standout! 5'11, 200 lb. RBu003cstrongu003e Tristan Zingleru003c/strongu003e is the muscle of the talented rising junior class of u003cemu003eRocketsu003c/emu003e, already a state qualifier on the wrestling mat and a three-sport athlete who also excels at baseball.rnrnA North-South ball carrier with sudden cutting ability who will run you over if you give him the chance, u003cstrongu003eZingleru003c/strongu003e shows off solid burst, vision, and an effective stiff arm, and is strong enough to carry dogpiles for extra yardage and does a good job of consistently keeping his legs pumping after contact. The 200 lber. is also a pass catching threat out of the backfield, and has the toughness to break down a defense over four quarters of play. All of these u003cemu003eRocketu003c/emu003e juniors bring a different skill set to the table and complement each other very well. I'm looking forward to seeing what u003cemu003eRandolphu003c/emu003e can do in 2024.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1257442"],"_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":"Representing u003cemu003eAnnandaleu003c/emu003e, home to recent Minnesota Gophers and NDSU Bison OT signees and a town of around 3,200 located about an hour and 15 minutes west of the Twin Cities, 5'11, 180 lber. u003cstrongu003eIsaiah Turneru003c/strongu003e is another name I'll be watching closer than most. u003cstrongu003eTurneru003c/strongu003e is one of around a handful of prospects who have a great shot of rising significantly up the rankings Big Board depending on the junior tape, how hard they worked in the offseason, Mother Nature, and their verified athletic numbers, but the sophomore tape is good and he proved himself to be a natural playmaker, multi-phase contributor, and an accountable and competitive contributor who helped lead u003cemu003eAnnandaleu003c/emu003e to the 3A state championship game.rnrnThe RB/WR/returner plays with an almost frantic pace and brings noticeable burst and speed to the field whenever he touches the ball. He accelerates out of the backfield like he was shot out of a cannon, and brings that same energy to special teams, where u003cstrongu003eTurneru003c/strongu003e is an explosive kick returner who can find and exploit seams in a coverage unit, will run behind his pads, is sudden laterally, and can cut at top speed. u003cemu003eAnnandaleu003c/emu003e, rightfully so I must add, did a great job of getting u003cstrongu003eTurneru003c/strongu003e into space and letting him do the rest. We'll see how he's sharpened and developed his game soon.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1255900"],"_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":"Representing International Falls, a town nearly 5 hours north of the Twin Cities and about as close to Canada as one can get while staying in the United States, 6'3, 200 lb. 2026 linebacker/WR u003cstrongu003eKane Thompsonu003c/strongu003e is worth making the drive for. The u003cemu003eBroncos'u003c/emu003e rising junior owns a great size/frame combination for the position, and in 2023 he posted 58 total tackles, a sack, an INT, and a FF, all while showing a lot more to be excited about than just his frame. u003cstrongu003eThompson u003c/strongu003ereads, reacts, and processes quickly, and he does a good job of sniffing out and staying around the football. The 200 lber. flies out of his stance and does a good job of shooting gaps around the LOS and finding paydirt in the backfield, and he instinctively finds and steps into passing lanes and is a three-down LB who can contribute to pass defense. u003cstrongu003eThompson u003c/strongu003eshows some strength as a tackler, closes with pace once he sticks his foot in the ground and gets downhill, and can beat blockers with his length or quickness. Still looks like he's growing into his body a bit, so with what will be 9 months of hopeful work in the weight room behind him, as well as some more time to mature and develop into that promising frame, opponents should be worried about his potential impact in 2024.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1256226"],"_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":"Representing u003cemu003eCambridge-Isanti High Schoolu003c/emu003e, a co-op from the towns of Cambridge, Isanti, and their surrounding areas, 6'3, 240 lb. EDGE u003cstrongu003eGus Knowltonu003c/strongu003e possesses the size and strength (305 bench, 455 squat, 245 clean) to physically dominate and take over a football game.rnrnHis highlight tape needs some work, but you can still discern that u003cstrongu003eKnowlton u003c/strongu003ecan play off-ball LB or on the LOS as a DE, and impact both the run and pass game as much as he'd like on a given play. He can execute power moves to defeat blocks, make tackles through contact, manhandle ball carriers once he gets his mitts on them, shed blocks well, and display pass rushing capability. In 2024, I'd really like to see him notch up the aggressiveness when taking on linemen and really enforce his will on the gridiron. All the tools are there. Potential breakout season for u003cstrongu003eKnowltonu003c/strongu003e this fall!","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1255144"],"_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":"Representing the town of Holdingford, a Sterns County city of only around 700 residents located an hour and 35 minutes Northwest of the Twin Cities and 35 minutes NW of St. Cloud, 6'4, 220 lb. QB/DE u003cstrongu003eJaxon Bartkowiczu003c/strongu003e is showing he has all of the tools to take over a football game going forward. Great size, accomplished wrestling background, and a two-way contributor who his coaching staff trusted enough to put at QB, u003cstrongu003eBartkowiczu003c/strongu003e has some good things going for him both on and off the field. Instinctive, patient, and productive in both and pass defense settings, the 220 lber. has a big arm and shows good touch, can throw to all levels of the field with accuracy, including on the move, and is a powerful ball carrier when his number is called. Defensively, where I think he best projects to in college, u003cstrongu003eBartkowicz u003c/strongu003ecan adjust his body when tracking ball carriers in space, identifies and steps into passing lanes from his DE/EDGE spot, disengages from blocks well, can make tackles through contact, and can pursue and chase down ball carriers to the edge. I'd like to see him enforce his will and use his size and length to his advantage more as a junior, and if he can put it all together, he's going to be a nightmare for St. Cloud-area opponents to try and handle.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["551392"],"_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":"I was and still am very bummed by the lack of available film for u003cemu003eZimmerman'su003c/emu003e stud 2026 RB u003cstrongu003eMason Spenceu003c/strongu003e. One of the biggest darkhorses in the budding 2026 class of prospects, Spence posted 91 rushes for 582 yards and 3 TDs in 2023, as well as 11 tackles and a PBU, and he's got a whole lot more going for him than the production. u003cstrongu003eSpenceu003c/strongu003e is a standout three-sport athlete who is a good basketball player and an absolute speedster on the track, already posting PRs of an 11.14 100M and 23.29 200M, and I shouldn't have to go into detail about how impressive that 11.14 100M time is as a sophomore. Real-deal speed, production and competitiveness vs. varsity upperclassmen, multi-sport background, and plays on both sides of the ball in high. That's a heckuva resume for a high school sophomore RB, and all I'm missing for a full and confident evaluation is more tape.rnrnIn the limited film from u003cstrongu003eSpence'su003c/strongu003e sophomore campaign, you can see that speed show up as a route runner and with the ball in hand, and you can tell he's comfortable and effective in space. Dynamic, fast, and elusive, he's on my shortlist of must-see juniors during the 2024 season.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664e07e189fe5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->