Louisiana 2026 rankings update countdown: Nos. 50 to 41

Prep Redzone Louisiana will release its latest 2026 rankings this week, continuing its class-by-class updates process as the upcoming season approaches.   Leading up to the complete, 200-player list of rising seniors on Thursday, we will count down the top 50 in more detail.   And make sure to check back following the release for additional features and notes, including looks at debuts, stock-risers and top remaining uncommitted prospects.     No. 50 [player_tooltip player_id='1197420' first='Erin' last='Moore'] — 5-10, 160 DB — University Lab   One of a pair of U-High defensive backs debuting in the top 50 of the rankings heading into junior year, Moore is a long, fluid corner with track speed — including 11.02-second 100-meter and 22.58-second 200-meter dashes this spring — also listed as a running back on the Cubs' roster. We've only had the opportunity to see limited action of the duo so far, but that figures to change this fall.   No. 49 [player_tooltip player_id='401947' first='Christian' last='Speight'] — 6-3, 305 OL — Evangel Christian   The first familiar face on the countdown was a highly ranked prospect on a few rounds of updates to the 2026 list, the Eagles' center is one of the top interior linemen in the group with his big, stout build and good mobility at his size with his backgrounds on both sides of the ball and in wrestling.   No. 48 [player_tooltip player_id='1347485' first='Lorenzo' last='Cooper Jr.'] — 6-0, 170 DB — University Lab   The bigger of the U-High duo, Cooper is a versatile and physical defensive back with notable track speed of his own, including 11.43-second 100-meter and 22.72-second 200-meter dashes this spring, who looks most likely to project as a safety.   No. 47 [player_tooltip player_id='1345167' first='Kenny' last='Thomas'] — 5-8, 160 RB — North DeSoto   The Griffins' speedster debuts as one of the top running backs in Louisiana's 2026 class after a breakout sophomore season of nearly 1,500 yards — on an average of nearly 8 yards per carry — and subsequent offseason in which he ran 4.42- and 4.44-second 40-yard dashes at multiple LSU camps.   No. 46 [player_tooltip player_id='401958' first='Frederic' last='Downing Jr']. — 6-3, 265 DL — Hahnville   Another big trench standout who has been consistently ranked through several rounds of 2026 updates, Downing is a physical force on the defensive interior with good quickness past blockers to provide some disruptiveness inside.   No. 45 [player_tooltip player_id='1345278' first='Tadan' last='Bingham'] — 6-4, 280 OL — Terrebonne   The younger brother of incoming Nicholls State defensive tackle Talan Bingham recently picked up his first college offer from the Colonels' conference rival Southeastern Louisiana, also one of the first programs to recruit Talan. Tadan is big offensive tackle for Terrebonne who moves well laterally to stay in front of edge rushers and has the upper-body strength — and seemingly Talan-like nasty streak — to overpower.   No. 44 [player_tooltip player_id='1347446' first='Demarcus' last='King Jr.'] — 6-4, 215 DL — Benton   One of the newest additions to a 2026 class rankings list with notable defensive line talent, the tall, long edge-rusher makes his debut after a productive sophomore season and some solid college camp performances this summer that showcased his athleticism and quickness in drill work and one-on-one reps against good competition.   No. 43 [player_tooltip player_id='710973' first='Dwain' last='Swilley'] — 6-3, 185 DB — Riverdale   On a Rebels squad with more ranked players coming through the roster at the moment than had been the case in years prior, Swilley is one of the first eye-catchers with size and athleticism that first put him on the Prep Redzone Louisiana radar even before beginning high school. Swilley could potentially excel as a range of positions on either side of the ball, but impressed at safety during this summer's 7-on-7 action.   No. 42 [player_tooltip player_id='740993' first='Dylan' last='Shelmire'] — 6-2, 205 LB — Zachary   One of Louisiana's top young linebackers, the Broncos' standout remains steady on the expanding rankings list. Shelmire is a versatile defensive playmaker comfortable lining up inside or on the edge and bringing pressure, run-fitting or dropping into coverage where he looked smooth working in space during this summer's 7-on-7 sessions.   No. 41 [player_tooltip player_id='1345265' first='Will' last='Berry'] — 6-4, 240 DL — Jesuit   The promising multisport athlete — also a talented young baseball player — recently earned his first two college offers from Cornell and Nicholls State as a tall, physical defensive end with a high motor who looks capable of some positional versatility across the line.

Prep Redzone Louisiana will release its latest 2026 rankings this week, continuing its class-by-class updates process as the upcoming season approaches.