Louisiana 2026 rankings update countdown: Nos. 50 to 41

Prep Redzone Louisiana continues its winter rankings process this week with the latest 2026 update, following last week's 2025 and followed by a 2027 update and first 2028 rankings on the horizon.   Leading up to the complete, 300-player list on Thursday, we will count down the top 50 in more detail.   And make sure to check back following the release for additional features and notes on the 2026 cohort, including looks at debuts and stock-risers.     No. 50 [player_tooltip player_id='401985' first='Ty' last='Dominique'] — 6-3, 240 EDGE — St. Augustine   A familiar face kicks off the latest 2026 rankings countdown. Dominique's length and strong arm and hands make him a physical edge rusher capable of consistently winning one-on-ones against opponents' top blockers. We've highlighted in past rankings updates his ability to generate pressure off the edge, but the Purple Knights' standout also shows consistent balance and discipline to his game to keep contain, popping offensive linemen back with his initial fire off the line and punch to their chest, then shedding blocks to make well-timed plays near the line of scrimmage.   No. 49 [player_tooltip player_id='1345161' first='Hayden' last='Ray'] — 6-3, 255 TE — Live Oak   The Eagles' big, physical and versatile standout is now listed another inch taller and 10 pounds stronger than when he debuted in the rankings prior to his junior season. Ray is a thickly built wrecking ball as a young tight end, H-back or defender, but also packs impressive multisport athleticism and explosiveness — from his get-off and leap, to his tackling or blocking — and a reliable receiving skillset with his sure hands and well-timed extensions and play on the ball.   No. 48 [player_tooltip player_id='1602024' first='Torrence' last='Sanders'] — 6-1, 180 DB — Edna Karr   The debut of "Toe" in this round of rankings updates gives his Cougars a surreal four 2026 top-50 prospects in their secondary (stay tuned throughout the countdown for more on his teammates). Sanders is a long, physical athlete with good ball skills and the versatility to play anywhere in the secondary, looking just as effective and confident on an island outside locking down opposing receivers or showcasing his explosive tackling ability near the line of scrimmage, in space or on special teams.   No. 47 [player_tooltip player_id='920611' first='Kaleb' last='Campbell'] — 6-7, 305 OL — Lafayette Christian   The Knights' heralded young blocker, a top-50 prospect in Louisiana's 2026 class from early in his career, bounced outside as a junior for more reps at left tackle and held his own in the role in which his tall frame always appeared most likely to project. Even from freshman year, older teammates praised his heavy hands and the tone they set with his violent punch. And increasingly as he develops, Campbell proves tough for opposing rushers to shed once he gets those hands in place and plays with solid balance.   No. 46 [player_tooltip player_id='1345269' first='Luke' last='Green'] — 6-1, 180 DB — Lafayette Christian   Back-to-back Knights helping ramp up the rankings countdown, Green also excelled in a bigger role as a junior in particular standing out in person and popping off the film with his hard-hitting tackling as a downhill thumper of a safety in run support or bringing pressure off the edge. He finished with 88 tackles, including 38 solo stops, on the season. But is also comfortable and effective in coverage, navigating traffic in zone or coming down to matchup with opposing slot receivers in man.   No. 45 [player_tooltip player_id='1601945' first='Trez' last='Davis'] — 6-0, 185 WR — West Monroe   The junior broke the Rebels' program record this fall with 1,008 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 53 catches — numbers that are particularly notable for the perennial power known more for his rushing attack. Davis has good size and plays bigger with his all-around athleticism and catch radius as a target and his physicality and commitment as a perimeter blocker. The West Monroe standout debuts in the top 50 and would rank particularly high on list of players we look forward to seeing more of in person this offseason.   No. 44 [player_tooltip player_id='1602018' first='Scott' last='Smith Jr.'] — 6-5, 220 EDGE — Central (Baton Rouge)   The long, lean edge rusher was one of our eye-catchers on the first night of the season as he helped stifle a physical De La Salle rushing attack even with a list of key teammates absent following a car accident and others limited varying degrees by other injuries and recoveries. Smith has a great frame for the next level, generates good power with his first punch into opposing linemen and appears to play with consistent effort to fight through blocks for disruptive plays behind the line of scrimmage or chase down plays elsewhere on the field.   No. 43 [player_tooltip player_id='401986' first='Tylan' last='George'] — 6-3, 315 OL — West Monroe   One of the top interior offensive line prospects in Louisiana's 2026 class, George has been lived in the mid-range of the top 100 of the overall rankings throughout his high school career and earns his highest spot to date after a decorated junior season. The stout, strong mauler of a guard, with enough mobility to be active pulling and working his way upfield for second-level blocks, was credited with 95 pancakes this fall, while allowing just three pressures and not being charged with a single sack.   No. 42 [player_tooltip player_id='1243414' first='Jayden' last='Reed'] — 5-11, 175 DB — Neville   In a loaded secondary among the most talented in the state this fall, the junior safety was a constant playmaker who stood out as much as anyone on his way to a Class 5A all-state selection. Reed feels like he's all over the field at once with his sideline-to-sideline coverage and disruptive play off the edge and in the box. He finished with 124 tackles, including two sacks, and intercepted two passes and forced a fumble. Louisiana (Lafayette) extended his first offer in November, hoping to continue its strong pipeline from Neville, but Reed's recruitment figures to see several other suitors involved by spring ball.   No. 41 [player_tooltip player_id='1414464' first='Jiwaun' last='Brock'] — 5-11, 160 WR/ATH — Covington   The Lions' standout goes by the nickname "Headtap," and he certainly has the film résumé to show his ability to go up over defensive backs and make highlight-reel high-point catches in the air. But Brock caught our attention with, as much as anything, his quickness and use of that suddenness and wiggle to throw defenders off balance whether pressing them vertically, breaking free across the middle or turning quick throws and runs into big gains with the ball in his hands. He finished his junior season with 54 catches for 887 yards and seven touchdowns, plus another six rushing scores. Louisville, Tulane, UCF and South Alabama have been among his first offers.

Prep Redzone Louisiana continues its winter rankings process this week with the latest 2026 update, following last week's 2025 and followed by a 2027 update and first 2028 rankings on the horizon.