PRZNE 2026 Rankings Update | ATH Positional Breakdown

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The Nebraska 2026 rankings received a long-overdue update earlier this week as we extended our rankings and watchlist to 400 players from across the state.   As part of our coverage of the new rankings, I will break down each position with a deeper look at some of the new names added and players who raised their stock this offseason.   Check out my positional breakdown of the positionless players, the ATH group!    Stock Risers   [player_tooltip player_id='1113980' first='Grant' last='Kuhlmann'], 6'6" 230 lbs - Lincoln Lutheran (<a href="https://x.com/Grant_Kuhlmann3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1113980' first='Grant' last='Kuhlmann'] was one of the biggest risers in this update as he jumped from the top 30 to #13 overall and maintained his status as the #1 ATH in the class. The biggest thing that stands out about Grant is his size and lengthy 6'6" 230-pound frame. This size makes him a versatile player with upside as both a tight end and defensive end/EDGE rusher. He's very fast getting off the ball and has a long stride that allows him to gain ground and be in the backfield in what seems like two steps. When watching Kuhlmann's tape, I liked seeing that he doesn't solely rely on his speed off the line to win matchups, as he does a great job converting that explosiveness to power and can blow linemen off their base with ease. Offensively, Kuhlmann has looked like an extension to the offensive line with his blocking ability and the mean streak he brings to it. Grant is great with his hand placement and has the strength to drive his opponent into the dirt once he's gained inside leverage. Great speed and burst when moving up to the second level to seal off defenders on running plays. Grant's athleticism and basketball background make him a tough receiving option to defend, especially on 50/50 jump balls. Grant moved from Wilber-Clatonia to Lincoln Lutheran this spring, so I'm excited to see how he will be used in this new system. Schools like Kansas State, Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota State, and South Dakota State are some schools expressing interest thus far. High ceiling player!    [player_tooltip player_id='795731' first='Nate' last='Appleget'], 6'2" 200 lbs - Lincoln Southeast (<a href="https://x.com/NateAppleget" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   Junior [player_tooltip player_id='795731' first='Nate' last='Appleget'] also makes his way into the top 15 after a strong summer that saw him earn his first FBS offer from Northern Illinois. When you watch Nate's tape and look at his measurables (6'2", 200 pounds), it's clear why schools like Northern Illinois, Kansas, Iowa State, and others have shown interest. Nate plays outside linebacker but flashes the versatility to line up anywhere, including as an EDGE rusher, playing off-ball, and even in the slot against receivers. Appleget flashes a high football IQ, showing how well he can read offenses and his quick instincts. He breaks on the ball very well and has the speed to pursue from sideline to sideline. Nate also looked great in coverage showing off the speed and agility to keep up in coverage very well while playing with fluid, loose hips that allow him to change direction with his assigned receiver. Very physical player when tackling and when going back and forth with receivers in coverage. Lots of upside at receiver as well. Buy stock now!    [player_tooltip player_id='1114861' first='Eli' last='Shada'], 6'4" 215 lbs - Wahoo (<a href="https://x.com/elishada1234" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   Wahoo's [player_tooltip player_id='1114861' first='Eli' last='Shada'] enjoyed a solid spring/summer that included a strong track season, camps, and visits and earned him a slight bump to #28 overall and the #3 ATH in the class. Offensively, Eli projects well as a tight end where his blocking technique, ability to gain inside leverage against defenders, and natural strength make him a valuable asset in the running game. He maintains good positioning on his blocks and flashes great explosiveness from his hips when he goes to toss his opponent out of the way. There are not a ton of pass-catching reps for Eli, but with his size and athleticism, he could develop into a reliable target over the middle. Defensively, Eli looks solid at defensive end where he does an excellent job setting the edge against the run and can apply pressure on the QB. His lengthy frame allows him to keep blockers at a distance before ripping away to track down the ball carrier. Schools like North Dakota State, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Ohio, Nebraska, and several other programs have expressed interest so far. Big season coming up for Eli and the Warriors as they look to return to Memorial Stadium in November.    [player_tooltip player_id='402164' first='Quinton' last='Warren'], 6'2" 220 lbs - Omaha Westside (<a href="https://x.com/QuintonWarren10" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   Westside junior [player_tooltip player_id='402164' first='Quinton' last='Warren'] is a player who should benefit from some graduation departures and step up nicely into a bigger role for the Warriors this season. The best way to describe Quinton is that he is just a gamer when you put him on the field. He's a big, strong athlete at 6'2" and 220 pounds and reports impressive testing numbers of a 4.1 pro agility, 32" vertical jump, and a 4.8 40-yard dash. He will likely see most of his playing time at linebacker, where he does a great job reading and reacting to plays with the speed to get downhill and make stops. I could also see Quinton getting some reps on offense as a QB, ball carrier, blocker, or even receiver. Versatile, moldable player with the physical and mental tools to continue developing into a great prospect!   New Additions   [player_tooltip player_id='1309350' first='Taivien' last='Winsley'], 6'2" 210 lbs - Omaha Central (<a href="https://x.com/Taivien9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   The Eagles get a new weapon in [player_tooltip player_id='1309350' first='Taivien' last='Winsley'], who is transferring to Omaha Central from Norfolk. Tavien is an interesting player who will get a chance to shine on both offense and defense this season. Currently, he projects best as an OLB/EDGE player who flashes great speed and twitch at the line of scrimmage. The biggest thing that stood out about Taivien was his quick get-off at the snap and how quickly he could gain ground against opposing tackles. He quickly and effectively shoots his hands to disengage from blocks and can maintain focus on the ball while fighting off blockers. Great lateral quickness and pursuit of the ball. Taivien is also expected to play on offense, likely at tight end, where he can show off his strong hands and blocking ability. Exciting prospect to watch this season— riser potential!    [player_tooltip player_id='1395998' first='Maurice' last='Robinson'], 5'11" 170 lbs - Sandhills/Thedford (<a href="https://x.com/MauriceRob20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   Sandhills/Thedford junior [player_tooltip player_id='1395998' first='Maurice' last='Robinson'] was a nice find in this round of updates and impressed enough to be ranked as the #23 ATH and 145th overall prospect in his class. Unfortunately for Maurice, an injury kept him sidelined for most of the season last year, but his impact was immediately felt upon his return. Robinson returned for the last three games of the season and would post a receiving touchdown and two interceptions, with one being returned for a touchdown. He's a smart cornerback who plays with great instincts and is aggressive when attacking the ball. Robinson trusts what he sees when in coverage and has the ball skills to go up and snag a pass for himself. Maurice's instant connection with QB [player_tooltip player_id='414872' first='Kyle' last='Cox'] upon returning is also very promising, as he could establish himself as the team's top target on offense. I expect Maurice to play a bigger role for the Knights this season as they look to repeat as Class D2 champions.    [player_tooltip player_id='1396054' first='Reece' last='Heineman'] 5'11" 150 lbs - Pender (<a href="https://x.com/HeinemanReece" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)   The Pender Pendragons always seem to have a few explosive playmakers who can come up with some big plays for them. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1396054' first='Reece' last='Heineman'] looks next in line as a solid two-way prospect joining us as ATH #25 and 153rd overall. We don't have a ton of tape on Reece, but I saw enough twitch for him to be dangerous with the ball in his hands in the clips available to us. He has solid straight-line speed that forces defenses to respect him as a vertical threat. Heineman was also effective on screens and plays where he could get the ball with space in front of him and use his shiftiness to make defenders whiff on tackles. Strong base keeps him fighting through contact. I look forward to seeing more tape from Reece this season!    <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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