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Class of 2026 Hot Prospects

Class of 2026 Hot Prospects
Marcus Henry
Marcus Henry February 13, 2025 @ 11:52 PM
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In this article:

Cullen Thompson
Cullen Thompson 6'4" | 215 lbs | EDGE | 2026
TX
Jake Johnson
Jake Johnson 6'3" | 290 lbs | DL | 2026
TX
Aaron Bradshaw
Aaron Bradshaw 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB | 2026
TX
Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB | 2026
TX
Davian Groce
Davian Groce 6'3" | 190 lbs | ATH/WR | 2026
TX
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Texas high school football scene is loaded with elite talent in the 2026 class, and this offseason several ballers have taken off on the recruiting trail , we're spotlighting some of the hottest prospects in the state. These athletes aren't just racking up offers—they're coming off dominant junior seasons that put them on the radar of top college programs. From explosive playmakers to game-changing defenders, these rising stars are proving they have what it takes to compete at the next level. We break down the standout performances and recruitment buzz surrounding five of the hottest prospects in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["976389"],"_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-67ac007f936f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bradshaw has emerged as one of the hottest safety prospects in Texas this offseason. At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, he brings an elite combination of range, speed, and field vision to the secondary. A sure tackler with the ability to cover ground effortlessly, Bradshaw played a crucial role in North Crowley's state championship run. His standout junior season has caught the attention of major college programs, earning him offers from West Virginia, Michigan State, UTSA, Arizona State, Texas, LSU, SMU, Colorado, TCU, and Texas A&amp;M. With his size and skill set, Bradshaw is poised to be a game-changer at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1343536"],"_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-67ac007f93752"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson has been one of the fastest-rising defensive line prospects in Texas since his junior season ended. At 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, he combines quickness off the ball with a relentless motor, making him a disruptive force in the trenches. His stout run defense, leverage, and extended reach allow him to shed blockers and control the line of scrimmage. Johnson's dominant play has turned him into a national recruit, earning offers from Wisconsin, UCF, Kansas, Texas Tech, Pittsburgh, TCU, Baylor, SMU, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State. With his skill set and physicality, he's primed to make a major impact at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["960148"],"_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-67ac007f93794"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Edwards has been one of the hottest defensive backs on the recruiting trail this offseason. A versatile playmaker, he has the skill set to excel at both cornerback and safety. With great feet, fluid hips, and top-tier speed, Edwards is technically sound in coverage and has excellent field vision to track plays as they develop. A sure tackler who thrives in multiple roles, his standout ability has earned him offers from Auburn, San Diego State, Houston, SMU, Wisconsin, and Michigan State to name a few. As his recruitment continues to heat up, Edwards continues to prove he's one of Texas' top defensive backs in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284157"],"_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-67ad48cb10acf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Groce is one of the most versatile playmakers in the Texas 2026 class, standing out as both a dynamic receiver and a powerful running back. At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, he possesses a long, lean, and athletic frame with elite speed, quickness, and elusiveness in the open field. As a receiver, he runs crisp routes, has great hands, and consistently wins jump-ball battles. Out of the backfield, Groce is an explosive runner capable of turning any play into a touchdown while also having the power to run between the tackles. His elite skill set has drawn offers from Florida, Oklahoma, UCF, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Miami, Oregon, Florida State, and Ole Miss. Groce's ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1559773"],"_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-67aed9b571ba0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson's recruitment has been on the rise following a standout performance at the Navy All-American Combine. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he possesses a long, lean, and athletic frame, coupled with elite quickness and an explosive first step. His relentless motor and high-energy play make him a constant disruptor off the edge. Clocking a blazing 4.48 in the 40-yard dash, Thompson's combination of speed and size gives him a high ceiling as a pass rusher. His recruitment has gained momentum, recently earning an offer from Baylor to go along with offers from Arkansas State, UTSA, UTEP, and Pittsburgh. Expect Thompson to continue drawing attention as one of the top edge rushers in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

The Texas high school football scene is loaded with elite talent in the 2026 class, and this offseason several ballers have taken off on the recruiting trail , we're spotlighting some of the hottest prospects in the state. These athletes aren't just racking up offers—they're coming off dominant junior seasons that put them on the radar of top college programs. From explosive playmakers to game-changing defenders, these rising stars are proving they have what it takes to compete at the next level. We break down the standout performances and recruitment buzz surrounding five of the hottest prospects in the 2026 class.

Texas Tech
Aaron Bradshaw

Aaron Bradshaw

TX
DB
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 190
POS DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Aaron
Bradshaw DB
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
190
HS
North Crowley
|
TX
Class of 2026 Hot Prospects
Bradshaw has emerged as one of the hottest safety prospects in Texas this offseason. At 6-foot-4 and 190...
Written by Marcus Henry
Texas Tech
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Aaron Bradshaw

Twitter
State: Texas
School: North Crowley
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

USC
Jake Johnson

Jake Johnson

TX
DL
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 290
POS DL
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jake
Johnson DL
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
Weight
290
HS
Prosper
|
TX
Class of 2026 Hot Prospects
Johnson has been one of the fastest-rising defensive line prospects in Texas since his junior season ended. At...
Written by Marcus Henry
USC
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jake Johnson

Instagram Twitter
State: Texas
School: Prosper
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Southern Methodist
Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

TX
DB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 185
POS DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Braylon
Edwards DB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
185
HS
Duncanville
|
TX
Class of 2026 Hot Prospects
Edwards has been one of the hottest defensive backs on the recruiting trail this offseason. A versatile playmaker,...
Written by Marcus Henry
Southern Methodist
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Braylon Edwards

Twitter
State: Texas
School: Duncanville
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Davian Groce

Davian Groce

TX
ATH/WR
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 190
POS ATH/WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Davian
Groce ATH/WR
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
Weight
190
HS
Frisco Lone Star
|
TX
Class of 2026 Hot Prospects
Groce is one of the most versatile playmakers in the Texas 2026 class, standing out as both a...
Written by Marcus Henry
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Davian Groce

Instagram Twitter
State: Texas
School: Frisco Lone Star
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Texas State
Cullen Thompson

Cullen Thompson

TX
EDGE
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 215
POS EDGE
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Cullen
Thompson EDGE
Class
2026
Height
6'4"
Weight
215
HS
Grand Oaks
|
TX
Class of 2026 Hot Prospects
Thompson’s recruitment has been on the rise following a standout performance at the Navy All-American Combine. At 6-foot-4...
Written by Marcus Henry
Texas State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Cullen Thompson

Instagram Twitter
State: Texas
School: Grand Oaks
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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