Checking in On the Best Juniors Without an Offer

The Class of 2026 is loaded with talent at the top. Several of those athletes have earned FBS offers already, but there is still a stable of talent looking for their first one. Today we are going to check in on the members of that group that have Week 1 film published and see where they are at after another offseason of development. Big things are ahead for this group and it is only a matter of time until things start to fall into place.    It was a great to the junior season for dominant IOL [player_tooltip player_id='511172' first='Todd' last='Marx'] as he and Appleton East started the season 1-0. The stud OG is back and dominating like he always has in the run game. At 6'3" 285 lbs, Todd has elite movement skills. He can pull and deliver devastating kick out blocks. It is easy for him to burst up to level two to flatten an LB and in the trenches he shows quick feet to not only get into his opponent's chest but also maneuver his body so he has leverage and is between the ball and defender. Todd's strength is dominant too. He so easily and quickly overpowers defensive linemen and gets them running off the line of scrimmage before finishing them violently. Todd is looking every bit the part of a high quality IOL. See the most recent tape below.      We are back for another season of watching Mason dominate off the edge from a two or three point stance. The junior DE/OLB has put on a good 10-15 lbs this offseason, filling out that frame that has all the length you could hope for off the edge. Even with the added size, Mason possesses exceptional movement skills and body control. You see his ability to be lightning quick with his lateral movements while rushing the passer. His get off pairs a long stride with a quick, powerful initial burst allowing him to cover a lot of ground quickly off the bat. That quickness allows him to cross the face of OL when attacking inside gaps too. The range flashes in Week 1 too as he makes chase down plays from behind, across the backfield. The stud DL is off to a great start in 2024.      Harper didn't waste any time getting back to making big time plays on varsity. The junior has legit speed to rip the top off the defense and has the ball skills to easily track the ball and reel in those downfield, over the shoulder bombs. We get a little glimpse of everything in this week's highlights. On top of the big play downfield, Harper also shows the elusiveness in the screen game, forcing defenses to pick their poison. Either stay deep and try to keep him in front or play press to try and take away that quick game. It's a lose-lose scenario for them. The impressive route running that has had our attention for a while also is looking as polished as ever as he easily cuts on a dime and accelerates out of breaks. The junior is set for a big season that catches a lot of attention.      It is quick highlights, but Brandon has definitely taken that next step athletically. The junior ATH has elite length on his frame that has given him a big advantage as a receiver and as a CB. In coverage, Brandon has a great blend of awareness and also the quick twitch agility that allows him to quickly and effortlessly change directions in an instant. At WR he does a great job of positioning himself while the ball is in flight and after the catch or on things like jet sweeps shows the burst to get the edge and quickness/elusivness in tight quarters. Walton has hit that next stage in his development where he is looking like a true difference maker in space.      The standout junior RB is back, and back to his workhorse ways. It is so impressive that while Tommy is not a big back the 2026 is able to handle 25+ carries a game and get stronger through the game while doing so. The junior has such a well rounded game too. He can make defenders miss in a phone booth with his lateral agility. His vision between the tackles is very effective. The junior also is a physical finisher to his runs, especially between the tackles. Tommy is also a spectacular playmaker as he turns nothing into surprise big plays. Meeting this kid out in space is a nightmare scenario for a lot of defenders. Get on this kid early. Another massive year is loading.

The Class of 2026 is loaded with talent at the top. Several of those athletes have earned FBS offers already, but there is still a stable of talent looking for their first one. Today we are going to check in on the members of that group that have Week 1 film published and see where they are at after another offseason of development. Big things are ahead for this group and it is only a matter of time until things start to fall into place.