Wichita/Surrounding Area 2026 Friday Film Review

The film review continues and will be a marathon weekend session of tape, tape and more tape as the 2026 class rankings get updated as well as building our own watchlists to work from in the first quarter.   The 2026 review process has been successful so far as we have added a number of kids, updated back-up info and noted players of interest.   Now the real work begins...   In this report we will take another multi-positional look at five players from the Wichita and surrounding area (including western Kansas).   The guys below are ballers I have been following closely for some time now as well as some exciting players flushed out in the nightly film review.   So, without further adieu, let's take a closer look at these 2026 top performers:     [player_tooltip player_id='1264072' first='Colton' last='Bannister'], 5'11, 190, LB, Wellington, '26, is coming off a standout junior season as one of the top middle linebackers in the state. He plays one position and plays it well as a sledgehammer of a hitter in the middle. He is an apex predator in the Crusader scheme who is wired for non-stop contact. With his aggressive pre-snap stance, good knee bend and anticipation he is ready at all times. When he explodes out of his stance he blows through gaps like a heat-seeking missile, wrecking plays in the backfield and on the perimeter. He loaded up some monster stats on the year, accumulating a jaw-dropping 116 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. He also plays baseball when not preparing for football. This kid is an old school baller who is going to bring the fireworks this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1542941' first='Kaizer' last='Kanitz'], 6'0, 170, WR/DB, Moundridge, '26, was a versatile athlete on the field this past fall doing a little bit of everything. Where he really excels, however is as a game-breaking wideout and punt return specialist. He has good length and with his sticky hands and 35" vertical he makes the tough catch when his team needs it. He also runs precise routes and typically creates separation right off the ball. This past year he hauled in 46 passes for 700+ yards and 11 touchdowns. He was also a dangerous return man, picking up just under 200 yards on eight returns for a 21-yard punt return average and two long scores. He had a big night helping his team upset Sedgwick late in the year with 13 catches for 203 yards and three TD's. Get your popcorn out for this kid in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1331128' first='Cole' last='Frank'], 5'11, 195, ATH, Wabaunsee, '26, is coming off an excellent junior season when he made Honorable Mention All State and gave coaches and fans a glimpse of things to come. He is a two-way baller who can run, catch and throw on offense and is a pounding linebacker on the other side of the ball. On offense he can play running back or quarterback, but usually takes the direct snap, finds his crease and makes things happen. He has good speed and quickness and is a strong runner who shreds arm tackles. For the year he gained 1,400 yards rushing and passing and 17 TD's. On defense he is a swarming linebacker who comes off the edge like a torpedo. He piled up 41 tackles, had six tackles for loss and a pick. This kid is getting ready to go off in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1644566' first='Evan' last='Hutto'], 6'1, 165, WR/DB, Winfield, '26, is coming off a solid junior season as a versatile two-way athlete who was an Honorable Mention All Conference wideout on offense and is a ballhawk in the secondary on the other side of the ball. As a receiver he has good length and a wide catch radius, enabling him to grab 21 passes for just under 300 yards and a score. He is fearless going over the middle and will make the contested catch in traffic. On defense he can play any of the secondary positions but excels as a safety playing over the top and reacting to the ball. He has excellent read and react skills which enables him to collapse on the ball in a hurry. On the season he had 10 tackles and also picked off two interceptions. Get him on your watchlist, he is going to have a big senior year.   Davian Trejo, 6'3, 305, OL, Liberal, '26, is coming off a good junior season when he established himself as one of the team's bookend blockers, usually lining up at left tackle. He can play either guard or tackle but excels as a large and in charge bulldozer of a blocker on the edge. He has next-level size and reach, with a powerful anchor of a base and good feet for his size. He plays a physical game and is particularly devastating crushing defenders on down blocks in the running attack. He also has good read and react skills and usually can pinpoint what the defense is doing pre-snap. He is a football guy year around and other than powerlifting in the off-season his main focus is the gridiron. He is already hard at it getting ready for the season and with a year under his belt he is going to bury people this fall.     In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlist and follow the lead-up to the 2025 season. And, as always, if you know of any players or teams "flying under the radar" give me a shout via DM on X.

The film review continues and will be a marathon weekend session of tape, tape and more tape as the 2026 class rankings get updated as well as building our own watchlists to work from in the first quarter.