Rankings Update: Kansas 2025 Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each time that Prep Redzone updates player rankings, a group of players climb the rankings like King Kong climbed the Empire State Building.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a report on five Kansas prospects who climbed the rankings like a “Big Ole Monkey,” in the most recent round of rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't remove any athletes from the rankings, so players who have chosen other college sports to compete in or let me know they no longer are looking to play collegiality see significant dips in their ranking status.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I strive for perfection, I also understand that mistakes and typos happen. If you have questions about the rankings or see a mistake please feel free to DM me on social media @KSScoutDeck or email me at deckscoutks@gmail.com.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remember you attract more bees with honey than you do vinegar.&nbsp; If you send me a negative or rude email do not expect a reply. Also, keep in mind we do not update rankings on a week-to-week basis. Once an athlete is ranked in a spot, they stay there until the next round of rankings. We do attempt to update the rankings three to four times a year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the first of multiple reports featuring players in the Kansas Class of 2025, which now includes 455 ranked athletes heading into their senior seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='281972' first='Brandon' last='Schmelzle'],</strong> ATH, 6'2”, 190, Axtell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Axtell's Schmelze moved from the No. 25 spot to No. 10 after committing to the Kansas Jayhawks. This is a big get for the Jayhawks and is a commitment that will serve as an inspiration to athletes from Eight-Man Schools in Kansas. The KU coaching staff could utilize the Axtell product in a variety of ways. He is an athlete that I hope the Jayhawks utilize right away on special teams and as a role player in the Jayhawk offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112369' first='Tate' last='Nagy'],</strong> QB, 5'10”, 140, Blue Valley West</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nagy jumped up 75 spots after verbally committing to the Kansas Jayhawks. He was ranked No. 97 overall and is now ranked No. 12. Nagy has a quick release and threw for over 1,600 yards as a junior. He can also beat defenses with his legs rushing for 600-plus yards last fall. I would bet that Nagy redshirts his freshman season to get more time to study the offensive playbook and hone his mechanics.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='351574' first='Tyler' last='West'],</strong> ATH, 5'9”, 150, Shawnee Mission Northwest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West parlayed a verbal commitment to Brigham Young into a climb from No. 75 overall to No. 13. He is a speedster who could play on either side of the ball for the Cougars. He is a prospect who could be used as defensive back or wideout. He is another athlete who could contribute right way to BYU's special team units. By choosing BYU his family will be able to see West play games against Kansas and Kansas State regularly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466348' first='Brandon' last='Wilson']</strong>, DB, 6'3”, 170, Shawnee Mission West</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson is currently ranked No. 17 after previously being ranked No. 139 overall. He has been traveling the camp circuit like Forrest Gump ran across America. He has recently collected offers from Kansas and Kansas State. He is a shutdown corner who can contribute as a return man.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866489' first='Joseph' last='(JoJo) Arnold'],</strong> DB, 6'1”, 170, Blue Valley Northwest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arnold jumped from the No. 127 position to the No. 21 spot.  He's been posting offer announcements on social media at a faster rate than criticisms of the most recent presidential debate! The Husky prospect has collected offers from NAIA, DII, and DI programs. He currently has offers from North Dakota, Northern Iowa, Indiana State, Pittsburg State, and Northwest Missouri.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->