2026 Film Breakdown - Junior Ballers From Last Fall

The 2026 focus is upon us at the PRZ film room as we continue our marathon push to get a handle on the talent in the class. And, we are not looking exclusively at the guys already generating attention, we specialize in covering the entire state and flushing out the ballers who are getting overlooked for whatever reason.   The oversight is not on purpose, of course, as last count there were 15,000+ football players in the Sunflower state, so there is a lot of ground to cover.   Yet, some kids dominate and wonder why they are ignored. We hope it isn't you, but if you play at a small school out in the boondocks, you are getting overshadowed by a future-D1 teammate, your coach prefers to keep player info in a vault under lock and key, or you aren't active on social media, it is going to happen.   Hopefully the players burdened with all of the above at the same time is a very low number...   But, I digress, in this report we will take a look at five guys who popped up on my recent tape review when looking at other players.   Additionally, it is a mixed-position report, which is one where I review a variety of different positions rather than one or two position groups.   So, without further adieu, let's take a look at five guys getting ready to make it happen in 2025:   [player_tooltip player_id='1228933' first='Peyton' last='Goble'], 6'2, 245, OL, Derby, '26, is coming off a good junior year as part of the Derby offensive line that paved the way for one of the most high-octane offenses in the state last fall. He is skilled enough to play multiple positions, but typically lines up at left guard. He is a versatile blocker who can cave in down blocks in the run game, or chip off and pick up a linebacker. He has good size, with a strong base, active feet, and a quick-strike intial step. He locks up on defenders well in space when pulling and leading backs on the perimeter. He plays an aggressive game and is a mauler in the trenches. He is already in the grind getting ready for this fall. This kid is ready to take the next step and make some noise in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1355716' first='Ryder' last='Newton'], 6'0, 215, LB/DE, Ft Scott, '26, is coming off an excellent junior year as a two-way baller who is a pounding rusher from his running back position on offense as well as hammer of a hitter at middle linebacker. On offense he uses his strong legs and physicality to run the ball like a battering ram. He blows through arm tackles and is rarely brought down by one defender. On defense he really stands out as a heavy-hitting backer, whether in the middle or storming the gates off the edge. He is powerful enough to stuff the run between the tackles but also moves well laterally and is quick enough to take out backs on the perimeter. With his intensity and passion for the game he is ready for a huge senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1333005' first='Cody' last='Wright'], 5'11, 185, LB, Colby, '26, is coming off a good junior season when he did a little bit of everything. He is an all-around athlete who can play multiple positions on offense and defense. On offense he usually lines up in the backfield but also splits out on occasion and rocked the reverse as an H-back or tight end. His focus was defense this past fall, but with his blinding speed and quickness is looking to supercharge the offensive side of the ball in 2025. On defense he is a headhunter with great lateral quickness and closing speed who can play linebacker or even blow up the perimeter coming off the edge. He piled up 60 tackles, 11 TFL, a sack and scored a pair of TD's. He also plays hoops and runs track. This kid is getting ready to go off this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228898' first='Nick' last='Anciaux'], 6'5, 265, OL, Kapaun, '26, is coming off a great year when he was named first-team 4A All-State as an offensive lineman. It was quite an achievement considering he made the position move from tight end to tackle just last year. He has prototype size, with good strength, heavy hands and quick feet. He walls off the edge rusher in pass pro well and can bounce off and pick up blitzing backers consistently. He is a brawler along the line and plays from snap to whistle, with the end result often a pancake block. He is currently playing basketball and is a standout in track and field, throwing the shot and discus. He also trains with legendary Coach James Tabor in the off-season. With a season of experience he is going to be even more of a force in 2025.   Maximus Miller, 5'9, 165, RB, Cheney, '26, is another stud offensive player in the making from Cheney and is coming off an excellent junior season. He is a versatile running back who can line up as a tailback or moved around to get him the ball in a variety of ways. He has standout speed and once he hits the perimeter is usually gone. When he takes the handoff he has great spatial awareness and is good at picking the lane that will get him to paydirt. Once he breaks into the open he is very elusive and will weave in and out of traffic seamlessly. Last fall he averaged eight yards a carry, picking up 470 yards and scoring seven TD's, including a scorching 80-yard TD run. In the off-season he wrestles and plays baseball. He is already hard at it getting ready and is going be a baller back this fall.     In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlist and follow their progress as they prep for this fall. And as always, if you run across any players flying under the radar give me a shout on DM via X.

The 2026 focus is upon us at the PRZ film room as we continue our marathon push to get a handle on the talent in the class. And, we are not looking exclusively at the guys already generating attention, we specialize in covering the entire state and flushing out the ballers who are getting overlooked for whatever reason.