Updated 2026 Rankings: Fastest Stock Risers (Part 1)
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We have released the updated 2026 prospect rankings. Here are some of the Fastest Stock Risers (listed in alphabetical order): Noah Escudero Noah Escudero 6'3" | 210 lbs | TE Cleveland | 2026 State NM , Cleveland: Escudero is a…
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Continue ReadingWe have released the updated 2026 prospect rankings. Here are some of the Fastest Stock Risers (listed in alphabetical order):
Noah Escudero Noah Escudero 6'3" | 210 lbs | TE Cleveland | 2026 State NM , Cleveland: Escudero is a 6-foot-3, 225-pound tight end for the Storm. He’s ready to become a major contributor for the Cleveland offense in 2024. Escudero has been attracting interest from college in the recruiting trail. He visited New Mexico Highlands a couple of weeks ago for Junior Day and has been invited to camp by Eastern New Mexico, Buffalo and Peru State. In addition, he’s been invited to compete at the U.S. Army Bowl Combine in Denver on May 11.
Kaleb Hutchens Kaleb Hutchens 5'10" | WR Bloomfield | 2026 State NM , Bloomfield: The 5-foot-11, 165-pound Hutchens is Bloomfield’s top returning receiver from 2023 when he had 24 receptions for 356 yards and 1 TD. He was impressive at the recent Prep Redzone Combine in Grants, showing good speed, excellent route-running and soft hands. With Bobcats prolific QB Blake Spencer Blake Spencer 5'11" | 155 lbs | QB Bloomfield | 2025 State NM returning, Hutchens has the potential to enjoy a huge season.
Pete Johnson Pete Johnson 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB St. Michael's | 2026 State NM , St. Michael’s: After finishing as St. Michael’s leading tackler in 2023, Johnson went to the Prep Redzone Combine in Grants last month and showcased his impressive skill set. He ran the 40 in under 4.6 seconds, making him one of the fastest players there. He also posted one of the longest broad jumps. Johnson figures to be a central figure in another great St. Michael’s defense in 2024.
Jacob Maldonado Jacob Maldonado 5'11" | 165 lbs | WR Cleveland | 2026 State NM , Cleveland: After being forced to play at the JV level last season following his transfer to Cleveland, Maldonado showed at the Prep Redzone Combine in Grants that he’s ready to erupt this season for the Storm. He was definitely the best WR there. Maldonado has excelled in the weight room this spring and has been invited to several camps, including Eastern New Mexico.
Jayden Munoz Jayden Munoz 5'10" | 230 lbs | OL Albuquerque | 2026 State NM , Albuquerque High: Munoz is one of the up-and-coming offensive linemen in the Albuquerque Metro Region. He started as a sophomore last season at right guard for the Bulldogs. Another weight room warrior, Munoz is also a superb T&F Athlete in the shotput.
Isaiah Ortega Isaiah Ortega 6'0" | WR Grants | 2026 State NM , Grants: Ortega is one of the up-and-coming receivers in northern New Mexico. As a sophomore in 2023, he caught 27 passes for 531 yards and 11 TD, averaging close to 20 yards per reception. He was impressive at the Prep Redzone Combine in April.
Taylen Payne Taylen Payne 5'7" | 180 lbs | LB Goddard | 2026 State NM , Goddard: Payne is definitely one of the top young linebackers in southeast New Mexico. He has good speed and mobility, as he showed at the Prep Redzone Combine in Grants last month. He was named Second Team All-State after an outstanding sophomore season for Goddard. He should flourish under new Goddard HC Arturo Bolaños, formerly the award-winning defensive coordinator at crosstown rival Roswell.
Francisco Winnikoff Francisco Winnikoff 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Las Cruces | 2026 State NM , Las Cruces: One of the top young wide receivers in southern New Mexico, Winnikoff has excellent size (6-1) and speed (4.6 in the 40). He utilized those attributes to catch 55 passes for 983 yards and 9 TD in 2023. Together, Winnikoff and WR Nate Libby Nate Libby 6'3" | 175 lbs | WR Las Cruces | 2025 State NM will definitely form one of the top WR duos in the state for the Bulldawgs.