Updated 2026 Rankings: New Additions (Part 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We published our newly updated 2026 prospect rankings on Monday, As always, the list features many newcomers. Here are 10 more of the top new additions to the 2026 rankings (listed in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1266897' first='Caleb' last='Aranda'], Lovington</strong>: Aranda is one of the top young placekickers in the state. He scored 49 points for Lovington's Class 4A state championship winning team in 2023, including 43-of-46 extra point attempts. His field goal range extends beyond 50 yards. TCU has invited Aranda to its Specialist Camp on June 2. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267035' first='Tru' last='Camejo'], Ruidoso</strong>: Carrejo was a two-way standout for Ruidoso in 2023, rushing for 211 yards and averaging 6.4 yards per carry while making 30 tackles on defense. Expect Ruidoso, the 3A state champions in 2022, to bounce back strong after a down season last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1266534' first='Alberto' last='Landeros'], Albuquerque High</strong>: Overcoming an injury, Landeros managed to carry the ball over 50 times and catch 9 passes for the Bulldogs last season. He'll be a major offensive weapon for AHS this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267021' first='Israel' last='Lopez'], Sandia</strong>: One of the best young defensive backs in Albuquerque. Lopez helped fuel Sandia's underrated defense last season with 31 tackles, 3 TFL and 2 interceptions. He should take another step forward this season as the Matadors looks to again earn a top four see in the 6A playoffs. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1245701' first='Ismael' last='Mendez'], Volcano Vista</strong>: Volcano Vista head coach Chad Wallin says the Hawks should be more dynamic at wide receiver in 2024 and Mendez is a key reason for that sentiment. Nicknamed ‘Taco,' Mendez was impressive at the College Prospect Id showcase in February. Good speed and hands. Visited New Mexico State in April.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1268759' first='Diego' last='Ortega'], Alamogordo</strong>: Ortega is another up-and-coming offensive lineman. He's 6-foot-4, 280 pounds and earned Second Team All-District honors as a sophomore in 2023. Alamogordo looks to get back into the 6A playoffs after just missing the field last fall. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267030' first='Kolbe' last='Padilla'], St. Pius X</strong>: As we've written, St. Pius X is loaded with exciting young talent. Padilla is one of the Sartans' main contributors on defense, finishing with 42 tackles, 10.0 TFL and 2 sacks as a DB. St. Pius X will be one of the most intriguing teams in Class 4A this season. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248687' first='Styles' last='Vigil'], Hope Christian</strong>: Vigil performed well at the Prep Redzone Combine in Grants last month. He fills a variety of roles for the Huskies, primarily DB. He was promoted to the varsity last season and finished with 20 tackles and 1 fumble recovery in 6 games. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1266467' first='Anthony' last='Villa'], Centennial</strong>: Described by his coach as “quick and tough', Villa is expected to share the RB load with [player_tooltip player_id='837060' first='Rudy' last='Rios']&nbsp; this season after an encouraging start to his varsity career in 2023. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1266336' first='Frankie' last='Zavala Jr.'], Gadsden</strong>: The Panthers should have an outstanding offensive line in 2024 with Zavala, Jr, [player_tooltip player_id='1119551' first='Javier' last='Filerio'] and others. Zavala Jr. is 6-foot-0, 255 pounds with good feet and mobility and has drawn interest on the recruiting trail. North Dakota State, Northwestern, Texas Tech and Portland State of the Big Sky Conference have invited him to camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CalebAranda8/status/1767308925341192507","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CalebAranda8/status/1767308925341192507 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Diego139171/status/1787538587808145460","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Diego139171/status/1787538587808145460 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Zaval1Jr/status/1786788451179704775","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Zaval1Jr/status/1786788451179704775 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->