PRZIA 2026 Rankings Update: A Closer Look at the ATHs

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The Class of 2026 rankings received its preseason update last week, with some big changes across the board.   To kick off coverage for this update, Rob and I will be pumping out positional breakdowns, highlighting the players whose stocks rose and all the new names to watch out for!   Check out all the ATHs who made it to our rankings and watchlist below, along with a closer look at the stock risers and new additions.    Stock Risers   [player_tooltip player_id='283946' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'], 6'2" 195 lbs - Valley (WDM) (<a href="https://x.com/Jay_McGregory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   Valley's two-way star [player_tooltip player_id='283946' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'] moves up two spots to claim his class's #1 overall spot. The four-star prospect has already accumulated impressive offers from programs like Illinois, Michigan, Toledo, Louisville, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Tennessee, Mizzou, Kansas State, Minnesota, and Iowa State, with interest from several others. Jayden projects well as either a receiver or defensive back at the next level, with most of his attention coming as a safety. McGregory has shown to be a very rangy safety who can cover a good chunk of the field with his speed. He's also flashed a great nose for the ball as he picked off two passes, recovered a fumble for a touchdown, and returned a blocked kick for a touchdown. Can't miss athlete who is set for a big junior season!    [player_tooltip player_id='1221948' first='Jaxon' last='Paulsrud'], 6'1" 180 lbs - Cherokee Washington (<a href="https://x.com/PaulsrudJaxon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   Cherokee Washington's [player_tooltip player_id='1221948' first='Jaxon' last='Paulsrud'] checks in as one of the most versatile players in his class and lands as ATH #9 and #58 overall. Jaxon ended his sophomore season as the Braves leading passer (563 yards & 5 TDs), rusher (896 yards & 13 TDs), tackler (62.5 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, a sack, and returned kicks (2 KO return touchdowns). He had a tremendous showing at the PRZ Prospects showcase, posting a 4.68 40-yard dash, 4.75 shuttle drill, 9'3" broad jump, and a 7.5 L-drill. Watching Paulsrud's tape, it's clear he has an excellent feel for the game, regardless of whether he's on offense or defense. I like his upside on defense where he could fit the modern S/OLB role who can play the run, rush the QB, and drop back in coverage. Still, with two years left of high school football, Jaxon will only continue getting better. Definitely a player to buy stock in now!    [player_tooltip player_id='1242834' first='Brayson' last='Mulder'], 6'4" 205 lbs - MMCRU (<a href="https://x.com/BraysonMulder" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   MMCRU junior [player_tooltip player_id='1242834' first='Brayson' last='Mulder'] is one of those big, athletic players that you can stick anywhere and he can excel. Mulder ranks as ATH #10 and #63 overall, but he is one player I am predicting could boost his stock this season. At 6'4" and 205 pounds, Brayson has proven to be an absolute handful as a running back with a strong, physical run style that can power through the middle of defenses. One overlooked part about Brayson's game is his burst and acceleration, which he showed on several big runs where he could break away from defenders. Defensively, I like his upside as an OLB/EDGE rusher, where he can use his explosive get-off to win battles at the line of scrimmage and apply pressure to the backfield. Mulder was also electric as a return man. Massive ceiling for Mulder!    [player_tooltip player_id='1238635' first='Ethan' last='Headings'], 6'2" 175 lbs - Iowa City West (<a href="https://x.com/Ethan_Headings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   Moving up from the watchlist to #116 overall is Iowa City West junior [player_tooltip player_id='1238635' first='Ethan' last='Headings']. Although Headings doesn't have much tape on Hudl, he did have an impressive showing at the SDSU camp last month, where he posted testing numbers of a 4.63 40-yard dash and a 9'5" broad jump. Ethan participated with the DBs that day and looked good among that group. Ethan has a taller, leaner frame with good length to him. He plays with loose hips, allowing him to change direction well during coverage. He is also listed as a receiver, so I'm looking forward to seeing more offensive tape.   New Additions   [player_tooltip player_id='1370676' first='Kolby' last='Hodnefield'], 6'0" 180 lbs - South Hamilton (<a href="https://x.com/Kolby_hod" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   South Hamilton's [player_tooltip player_id='1370676' first='Kolby' last='Hodnefield'] enters the rankings list at #128 overall and the #22 ATH. Kolby impressed right off the bat when watching his sophomore tape in a play where he read the offense extremely well, anticipated the pass, jumped the route for the pick, and returned it to the house. That was just one of a few high football IQ plays from Kolby where he flashes excellent instincts in coverage and has the ball skills to act on what he sees. Versatile safety who could also plays some nickel and is great in run support. Hodnefield also rushed for 658 yards last season, so expect him to get a good number of touches on offense.    [player_tooltip player_id='1370666' first='Aaron' last='Honore'], 6'2" 180 lbs - Regina (<a href="https://x.com/Aaronhonore32" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   On the move from Iowa City West to Regina Catholic is versatile weapon [player_tooltip player_id='1370666' first='Aaron' last='Honore'], an RB and safety who debuts as ATH #35 and #192 overall on this update. I was very impressed with Honore's vision and his ability to find and explode through running lanes so effortlessly. Aaron is also a patient runner who can let his blocks set up in front of him and follows them very well. He's a taller, bigger back at 6'2" and 180 pounds, but he runs with a good forward lean and can maintain a good pad level with the balance to fight through tackle attempts. Good burst and acceleration once he clears the second level. Aaron will also likely earn some playing time for the Regals on the defensive side of the ball. Big time riser as he takes on a bigger role as a junior!    [player_tooltip player_id='1360436' first='Dylan' last='Knipper'], 5'10" 180 lbs- Maquoketa Valley (<a href="https://x.com/knipper_dylan1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   Maquoketa Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='1360436' first='Dylan' last='Knipper'] is a RB/LB who joins us as the #40 ATH and lands at #212 on our rankings. Knipper lines up at fullback but has shown he can barrel through defenses with his tough, physical running style. Dylan displays good vision that helps him find open run lanes, and he has enough twitch to hit those gaps. Knipper definitely isn't afraid of some contact and often shows the strength to power through tackle attempts to pick up extra yardage. Solid hands— good receiving option out of the backfield. As a linebacker, Dylan reads offenses effectively and quickly triggers downhill to fill his gaps. He knows how to bring the boom on his tackles. Solid overall prospect!    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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