2026 Rankings Update: New Additions to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the recent updated 2026 MD/DC/DE rankings release, I take a look at some of the top new additions to the rankings. These players make their first entrance and are high level prospects that could have impressed and will be ones that should be getting on colleges radars going into the spring recruiting season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1606088"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a228690b011"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I got eyes on Jonah earlier this fall and he did not disappoint. A key piece to Caravel's state championship this season, he will look to go for a 3-peat for his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jonah is a big kid standing all of 6'4" with excellent length (80" wingspan) and a lean frame. He carries his weight well and will fit out will good muscle as he continues to get stronger. A natural knee bender and good athlete. Jonah pops off the snap and shows fast, nimble feet. He runs on his toes and can run, pull, get up to the second level and out in space. One of Jonah's best traits his how physical he is at the POA. He revs a high motor, is aggressive, plays with attitude, and will bury guys.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jonah plays both sides of the ball, but is best suited for OL a th next level. He offers versatility as I can see him being able to play OT or OG at the next level. Colleges are starting to take notice of his game as well. He mad many visit from college coaches this pas month and recently secured his first offer Ball State. He is a player I am high on and expect him to garner double digit offers going into his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NASTY<br><br>2026 Junior 16YO<br><br>6'4 270<br>80 inch wingspan<br>All State DT<br><br>2x State Champ<br><br>OT/DT Highlights<a href="https://t.co/xCsq9CVBL3">https://t.co/xCsq9CVBL3</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1606088' first='Jonah' last='Smith'] (@Jonahsmith2026) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonahsmith2026/status/1880673748677968229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1606173"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a228690b07a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Makes his debut as a top 100 prospect and still an under the radar prospect, I expect Jonathan to blow up this upcoming spring recruiting window.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miles has the size frame and athleticism you like to see in a scholarship DE. He has a good motor and can run, tracking down ball carriers and eating up grass. Jonathan knows how to use his length to his advantage, using rip &amp; swim moves to get around blockers and able to reach out and grab ahold of the QB or knockdown passes. A three sport athlete Jonathan also plays basketball/track and you see those skill sets translate onto the football field. With smooth hips and ability to change direction, he can even drop back in coverage and play the edge, disrupting screen plays and keeping contain. Physical and versatile, Jonathan also plays some TE, H-Back, and OT on the offensive side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A player who hasn't even scratched the surface and what he can be as he continues to develop in get stronger. There is a lot to like in Jonathan's game and it's time college start to take notice. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Junior Highlight Film<br><br>All MIAA CONFERENCE<br><br>6'5 240LBs<a href="https://t.co/yEKS21tQb1">https://t.co/yEKS21tQb1</a><a href="https://twitter.com/neil_keenan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@neil_keenan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach1ondon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach1ondon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StPaulsFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StPaulsFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NooffseasonMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NooffseasonMD</a> <a href="https://t.co/nDOQo1jV7P">pic.twitter.com/nDOQo1jV7P</a></p>&mdash; Johnathan Miles (@JohnathanMile55) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnathanMile55/status/1876794666017780132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1606199"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a228690b0c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Making his debut as #8 RB, Bradly had a huge junior year making 1st Team 3A All-State, being Frederick County's OPOY and helping lead Linganore all the way to the state finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradly rushed for 2,490 yards on the season, 2,761 all purpose yards and 39 total TDs....that is up there with with the top performers in the state for the 2024 season. He Runs with great balance and drive does not go down easily. Bradly is a down hill one cut and go back. He hits the hole with nice burst and great vision. He's got real oily hips and nimble/quick feet that allows him to make subtle moves that throws the defender off their angles, create himself space and set up lanes for him to run by defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradly is a dynamic runner that currently only holds one offer from Georgetown but I expect many more to come his way this spring/summer. He gets it done on the field and off carrying a 4.2 GPA, he is a can't miss player for FBS/FCS level programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="da" dir="ltr">Season total stats:<br>2,490 rush yds 259 att<br>221 rec yds 11 att<br>50 return yds 1 att<br>2,761 all purpose yds<br>39 TDS<a href="https://t.co/VTIDTmUWpn">https://t.co/VTIDTmUWpn</a><a href="https://twitter.com/linganorefb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@linganorefb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Clancy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Clancy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Dixon_LHS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Dixon_LHS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Holliday4life1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Holliday4life1</a></p>&mdash; Bradly Matthews (@BradlyM_3) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradlyM_3/status/1866297297409327449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["379424"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a228690b153"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elijah comes into the rankings as the #27 ranked DB in what is a loaded DB group and leads to him still being as high as #116 overall. He was a do it all player for Bowie this past year, making plays along all 3 phases of the game but I see him best as a FS for the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a long limbed, rangy, playmaking ball hawk. As proven by his 10 Ints on the year. Nice overall athlete, he makes plays as WR, DB, and returner. Smooth runner with a controlled stride and fluid responsive hips. He's a track kid as well who high jumps and triple jumps. You can see that skill set on his film as he shows great body control and ball skills, going up to get it and put himself in position to make the play. Elijah plays with nice burst/acceleration, can cover a lot of ground and I am interested to see what he runs this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think Elijah will be a player that has a chance to move himself up these rankings in the future. As he continues to develop, fill out his frame and with a good summer camp season - college coaches are going to take notice. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great year this year, can't wait for my senior season coming up, I will be back and better.<a href="https://twitter.com/BowieHighFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BowieHighFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBost</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MaxPreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaxPreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MarylandHigh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarylandHigh</a> <a href="https://t.co/q8MIcA0ZMc">https://t.co/q8MIcA0ZMc</a></p>&mdash; Elijah butler (@elijahbutler02) <a href="https://twitter.com/elijahbutler02/status/1858587210603167771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1611551"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1617182,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a228690b1b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Justin is a layer who's game could take off his senior year and chance to move up the rankings a good amount. A name that is still under the radar but he has a ton of potential and I can't wait to see more of his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past season was he first year playing football and already was a stand out player as he got adjusted to the game. A multi-sport kid, played soccer all his life as well as swimming and plays lacrosse for Maret as well. He looks the part with a big chest, wide shoulders, good build....he's impressive on the hoof. Justin plays every spot along the offensive line, but IOL will be his spot at the next level. See him being able to play either guard or center. Justin plays with nice leverage off the snap and impressive overall strength. Displays a nice initial punch, especially for someone new to the game, and drives and finishes his blocks. He has quick choppy feet, can run, pull, and get up the the second level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With another year of development and strengthening his frame, look for Justin to make a huge impact for Maret next season and turn some heads this summer on the camp circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">Justin Qejvani C/O 2026 OL <br>6'3 270 lb 3.63 GPA. <br>Email: jqejvanifb@gmail.com <br>Cell: 240-936-3015 <br>Junior Year Film:<a href="https://t.co/j5xV6D01I7">https://t.co/j5xV6D01I7</a></p>&mdash; Justin Qejvani (@justin_qejvani) <a href="https://twitter.com/justin_qejvani/status/1866519275965665655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607509"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a228690b10d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I saw Jefferson live earlier this year in Sherwood's game vs. Magruder, and he was impressive just walking onto the field. Coach Cilento mentioned to me he was one to watch and he did not disappoint. That is why he comes in as the #8 overall defensive lineman and is just outside the top 100. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A great body kid, he is a lean muscled up 240 with a frame to add on ~20lbs easily. First thing you notice about Jefferson's game is how explosive off the snap he is. Able to shoot the gap, get skinny and beat blockers to the spot. He is light on his feet, able to re-direct, run down the line and chase down ball carriers. Jefferson plays with a high motor and with some violence, making strong tackles punishing ball carriers. He shows nice strength and drive, able to bull rush and collapse the pocket. Overall Jefferson is a playmaker from the DL spot. He racks up TFLs and is always in the backfield making impact plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He recently just picked up his first offer from Monmouth and it will not be his last. Jefferson is a game wrecker and will be lights out on the camp circuit this summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We had a great Seaons ended up falling one step short here are my Junior Season Highlights <a href="https://twitter.com/PatCilento?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatCilento</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SHSWarrior_FB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SHSWarrior_FB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_AbuTuray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_AbuTuray</a> <a href="https://t.co/wIsB8Kn5oJ">https://t.co/wIsB8Kn5oJ</a></p>&mdash; Jefferson Serkfem 26' DT/DE/OLB/TE (@JSerkfem18762) <a href="https://twitter.com/JSerkfem18762/status/1863723873818067408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->