#TN2026 Rankings Breakdown: Offense (Part I)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking through our in-state junior rankings, here we break down the top ten offensive prospects in the state along w/ a brief overview on the Quarterbacks and Running Backs. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Ten - Offensive Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'] - Nash. Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Sporting all the physical traits college coaches desire in a quarterback, Curtis comes in ranked as our top overall prospect from the #TN2026 class and a player that is still developing and coming into his own. Committing to Georgia in the spring, the Eagles junior signal caller heads into the Fall season looking to build on a subpar sophomore year. Pieces are in place to help him grow his stock this year and keep himself at the top of our rankings moving forward. Curtis is a beautiful looking specimen that can do everything asked of him to play quarterback but can he look good on a consistent basis? We will start to find that out next month.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284141"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668c54dd91ef9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith had a breakout sophomore year at Bearden that put him on the map but now he moves over to Maryville for his final two years to help build one of the better O-line units in the state for the 2024 season. Ranked as the 4th overall prospect from our #TN2026 class, Smith is a premier blindside pass blocker that has everything you want in a future college left tackle. He is athletic and agile with arm length and a tenacious blocking style that translates well to the next level. Smith also has a nice body and frame that can take on more weight. Big time college offers have already floated his way and expect more to arrive over the coming months as coaches look over and drool over new junior highlights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OT/G) [player_tooltip player_id='1270425' first='Gabriel' last='Osenda'] - Baylor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A massive human being with the potential to play tackle on the collegiate gridiron, Osenda not only looks the part (6'8 310) but plays like a college guy as he heads into his senior season with the Red Raiders. Transferring up to Baylor from Florida for his final two seasons, Osenda immediately steps into the Volunteer State as a top tier O-line prospect that is currently ranked as the 6th overall player from our junior class. His size alone immediately makes him a dominating presence on the field but it's his ability to move and move well against athletic D-linemen that have him ranked so high. Expect just about every Power Four school to be in pursuit of Osenda, turning him into a national recruit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='284149' first='Tyreek' last='King'] - Knox. Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming in ranked as the top wideout and 7th overall, King is as polished of a receiver you will find from our junior class and a prospect that still has plenty of room for growth with both his body and his game. The Fighting Irish pass catcher brings a large bag of skills to the playing field that could allow him to work outside in college or play in the slot. He is one of the better route runners at his position along with having good enough quickness and speed to make plays after the catch. Competition will be tough to keep the top receiver spot in our rankings as the wideout position is deep but King will always be in the mix due to his consistent, steady play as well as his playmaking abilities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["986024"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668c54dd91f57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schneider jumped on the scene in a big way last year as a sophomore where he established himself as the team's top playmaker and someone that can develop into a potential Mr. Football contender over the next two years. The first thing that stands out about this Canadian native is his speed. Schneider could be the fastest prospect in the state and speed is certainly something every college team could use. He is a versatile performer as well, meaning you can line him up outside or in the slot and watch him excel. Schneider could also develop into a dangerous return man in college as well. There are a lot of things to like about this guy and his potential moving into college and possibly beyond. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(TE) [player_tooltip player_id='284144' first='Carson' last='Sneed'] - DCA&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Just about every Power Four and D1 program in the country has offered this Nashville area tight end and it's for good reason as Sneed brings everything you need to the field to become an All-Conference college performer. Standing almost 6'6 and 245 pounds, Sneed is a big dude that moves very well while sporting some of the best hands in this class. He has a mature outlook to him as well when it comes to his overall skill set. Sneed understands how to get open and use his speed and big body to bring in receptions while also showing potential as a nice run blocker. The Wildcats will certainly lean heavily on his play over the next two years and he will be a safe bet to remain inside our Top Ten prospects rankings for the #TN2026 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='688833' first='Hugh' last='Price'] - MBA&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Big with a great physical look, Price has already achieved Power Four offer status but has yet to officially break out in the national scene. That will change very soon as Price has every tool in the bag to perform on the biggest of stages on the college football landscape. Standing 6'6 and 210 pounds plus, Price is a big dude that moves well for his size but what makes him so appealing is his powerful right arm that can make all the throws needed. The Big Red signal caller gained good experience last year as a first time starter and started to become dangerous by season's end. Expect his game to step forward even further this Fall and potentially push for that spot as the top quarterback from our in-state junior class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='824736' first='Owen' last='Cabell'] - CPA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Cabell is the next stud to come out of the Lions football program and he has already hit the recruiting scene hard with current offers from the likes of Georgia, Illinois, Louisville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and others. Ranked as the 12th best prospect from the #TN2026 class, Cabell is a big dude with a powerful frame as well as some top level speed that has appealed to collegiate coaches. He works well deep and has no problem playing physical with his defender to come down with the ball. The Lions wideout is also a solid route runner that will only improve in this area as he matures. Cabell could develop into a better prospect and player than his former Lions teammate that is currently at the University of Georgia</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OT/G) [player_tooltip player_id='402531' first='Charles' last='Humphrey Jr.'] - MASE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Humphrey burst onto the scene in a big way this summer during camp season where he displayed excellent potential as a college left tackle and those kinds of guy's are hard to find. Sporting great size (6'7 270 lbs) with tremendous arm length, all the traits are there to be developed into a blindside blocker with continued work both in the weight room and on the playing field. The Phoenix junior big man shows excellent lower body movements along with the arm length to keep rushers in-check. He also has the frame to pack on 30 to 40 more pounds and still maintain his athleticism. Over the next year, Humphrey should be one of the more hotly pursued prospects in this state due to his physical traits and potential to play left tackle on the Power Four playing stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1113841"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668c54dd91f9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Red Devils are full of playmakers with this junior wideout being one of them. McGory had to work his way on the field last year and carve out a role and he did just that, showing high potential as a future college slot receiver. Ranked as the 15th best prospect in the state by #PRZTN, the Red Devils playmaker has that unique trait called speed that most coaches across the college landscape desire to have. McGory shows an excellent get-off along the speed to get behind defenders quickly then use his natural athletic abilities to come down with some tough receptions. McGory will need more time to develop while building up his body but the raw skills are there to become an electric game changer on the collegiate level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#TN2025 Prospect Rankings</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterbacks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'] - Nash. Chrst. (1st ranked QB/1st overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='688833' first='Hugh' last='Price'] - MBA (2nd ranked QB/11th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222957' first='Briggs' last='Cherry'] - Baylor (3rd ranked QB/20th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins'] - Southwind (4th ranked QB/26th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402540' first='Femi' last='Babalola'] - Ravenwood (5th ranked QB/33rd overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492553' first='Hudson' last='Tucker'] - Briarcrest Chrst. (6th ranked QB/66th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Going into the 2024 season, our #TN2026 quarterback class looks to be the deepest it's ever been. Five of the top 33 players within our Tennessee Top 100 are passers with Curtis and Price sitting inside the Top 11. Coming up right behind them is Cherry, Baylor's new signal caller that has all the tools to make his way into the Power Four ranks. He is a big dude with a big arm that shows some of the best mechanics in this class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off winning Mr. Football as a sophomore, Perkins is an exciting option at quarterback due to his arm talent, athletic abilities and poise in the pocket. Standing about 6'3 200 plus pounds, Babalola looks the part of a future college guy with a strong right arm and the poise to keep his eyes downfield. Increased mobility and ball placement will increase his stock. Tucker is a fast riser up the charts in this state that I think will continue increasing his college chances with a potential big upcoming junior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":837442,"width":"353px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/94-Femi-Babalola.jpg?w=1017" alt="" class="wp-image-837442" style="width:353px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] - Upperman (7th ranked QB/68th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='964976' first='Kannon' last='Burroughs'] - Green Hill (8th ranked QB/74th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] - BGA (9th ranked QB/77th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111032' first='Deuce' last='Rodgers'] - Powell (10th ranked QB82nd overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353896' first='Jackson' last='Stroup'] - Gallatin (11th ranked QB/90th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Chaffin is one of the more intriguing quarterbacks from our junior crop. The Bees 6'4 220 pound signal caller has all the tools to make it in the college game. He just needs time to develop and learn and I think Chaffin could contend for Top 5 status at his position. Burroughs gained significant experience last year as a sophomore starter and returns this Fall as one of the better prospects at his position within the greater Nashville area.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BGA is looking for a resurgence under their new coaching staff, built around Marable. This 6'3 gunslinger shows nice upside for the next level with continued development with his body and arm power. Rodgers is the first true dual threat quarterback in our rankings. Standing 6'3 220 pounds, the Panthers signal caller has the size you want in a college guy but must continue working on his passing to make it. Upside is certainly there with Rodgers. A big pocket passer with poise, Stroup had a solid sophomore campaign where he led his Green Wave team to the playoffs and is now back for his junior year and in contention for Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Running Backs&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] - Bearden (1st ranked RB/18th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis'] - Houston (2nd ranked RB/19th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='471474' first='LeKhy' last='Thompkins'] - TCA (3rd ranked RB/28th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238919' first='T.J.' last='Ward'] - Nash. Chrst. (4th ranked RB/42nd overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford'] - Beech (5th ranked RB/70th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816039' first='Quinnterion' last='Hollins'] - Southwind (6th ranked RB/78th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='971296' first='Keith' last='Johnson'] - East Nashville (7th ranked RB/87th overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Thompson and Davis sit at the top of the board for the running backs and will more than likely remain there moving forward. At this point in the scouting process, our junior crop of backs doesn't appear as deep as year's past but that can certainly change over the next year but until then, Thompson and Davis will remain as the top two backs in the state. The two guys who could fight for a top two spot are Thompkins out of TCA and new Nash. Christian running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238919' first='T.J.' last='Ward']</strong>. Both of these backs are big, physical ball carriers that bring a nice combination of speed and power to the playing field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Swafford heads into his junior season inside a loaded Beech backfield but he should receive his fair share of carries that will put his under the radar talents on full display. As of writing this piece, Hollins is a big question mark to me. He has been quiet for months but has shown on film the ability to play on the college stage. I guess we shall see what the latest is with Hollins as we jump into the season next month. Keep an eye on Johnson over the next two years as a potential Mr. Football candidate and someone that can run his way into D1 status.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/">Tennessee Top 250 Rankings</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1326229,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/csneed.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1326229" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->