PRZIA 2026 Rankings Update | Hidden Gems to Know

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   Class of 2026, YOU are now on the board! With the 2025 class all but wrapped up, it's time to fully turn our attention to the junior class (incoming seniors), who will now be planning their spring/summer visits and deciding which schools they want to camp with. To kick start this changing of the tide, we rolled out our updated Class of 2026 rankings, with over 400 ranked players and 100+ players listed on our watchlist.   Below are five hidden gem prospects we found while doing film review for this latest update.   You can find the full rankings update <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1240890' first='Tavian' last='White'] <a href="https://x.com/tavianwhitee1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@tavianwhitee1)</a>, DB - Waukee - 6'0" 175 lbs   Waukee's [player_tooltip player_id='1240890' first='Tavian' last='White'] is a prospect that I think could rise even further this spring during the track season, "offer rush." Tavian put up great tape as a junior and has the testing numbers that will catch coaches' attention. Tavian is a speedy defensive back with 4.5 40-yard speed and a lengthy 6'0" 175-pound frame that allows him to match up well with anyone. I was also impressed with how well Tavian could fight off blocks on the perimeter to step up and defend the run— not afraid to get physical. He can change directions very well with loose hips and quick feet that help him stay mirrored to the opposing receiver. To touch on his physicality again, White also displayed great ball skills when challenging receivers at the catch point. He tracks the ball very well and is effective when getting his hands up to deflect passes away. Good explosiveness from his plant and drive when breaking on the ball. Only starting to scratch the surface with this one!    [player_tooltip player_id='1581289' first='Landen' last='Soma'] <a href="https://x.com/Landen08682670" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Landen08682670)</a>, WR - Saydel - 5'11" 170 lbs   Saydel's [player_tooltip player_id='1581289' first='Landen' last='Soma'] caught our attention at the Stock Up showcase in the winter and further impressed when I went to check out his junior tape. Soma projects very well as a slot receiver who can use his route running and reliable hands to provide the offense a safety blanket target over the middle of the field. He does a great job creating separation from defenders and has a knack for slipping into soft spots in coverage to give his QB an open target. Landen's underrated quickness helps him slip past defenders to stretch the field vertically. Solid contact balance and shiftiness after the catch that make him a threat to spring free for a big chunk.    [player_tooltip player_id='1581279' first='Gavin' last='McLaren'] <a href="https://x.com/Gavinmclaren08" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Gavinmclaren08)</a>, RB/DL - Atlantic - 6'2" 245 lbs   Although Gavin is listed as a fullback, it's clear he can flat out tote the rock when he needs to and could even get some looks as a DL. In a deep Trojan backfield, McLaren still managed to rush for 795 yards and 13 touchdowns on only 94 carries. Gavin is a super strong and physical runner with a powerful lower body that keeps him driving through tackle attempts and fighting for extra yardage. His footwork is quick and shifty, allowing him to regain his balance as he's taking on contact and even giving defenders the work in the open field with a quick spin/juke. Gavin's bread-and-butter is his ability to deliver bone-jarring blocks as the lead blocker for his RB. He displays nice explosiveness in his hands that deliver a great initial punch. McLaren can then work his hands inside and drive his opponent into the dirt to clear the way for the ball carrier. Great burst to get up to the second level to clear out LBs and will keep his head on a swivel looking for extra work. Just a dude who can get after it on the gridiron... don't miss out!    [player_tooltip player_id='1358203' first='Levi' last='Reineke'] <a href="https://x.com/levireineke551" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@levireineke551)</a>, LB - Boyer Valley - 6'2" 215 lbs   Boyer Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='1358203' first='Levi' last='Reineke'] is what I like to call a "thumper" at the linebacker position, flashing as a bruising 'backer who can deliver some mean licks on his opponents. He projects well as an inside linebacker with a great frame for it at 6'2", 215 pounds and great communication skills. He fires off like a missile when he keys on the run, displaying great explosiveness when hitting his gap and the closing speed to meet the ball carrier in the backfield. Reineke shuffles along the line of scrimmage with great lateral quickness and has the range to cover from sideline-to-sideline with a fast break on the ball. Levi ended his junior campaign with 48 tackles, eight TFLs, three sacks, and an interception. He was also a versatile player on the Bulldog's offense with 199 rushing yards, 118 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns.    [player_tooltip player_id='1370624' first='Camden' last='Thornburg'] <a href="https://x.com/CamdenThornburg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@CamdenThornburg)</a>, OL - Central Lee - 5'10" 215 lbs   Although Central Lee's [player_tooltip player_id='1370624' first='Camden' last='Thornburg'] may receive the "undersized" tag, it's clear to see his determination and motor when he steps on the field. At 5'10", Camden uses his natural leverage to his advantage very well, showing that he can keep his pads and center of gravity low before firing up and getting "under" defensive linemen. Once he gets them in this position, he can tap into his strong, sturdy base to drive defenders into the dirt. Camden positions himself well on his blocks and can turn defenders out of running lanes. There are still some green areas to Thornburg's game, but overall a solid skillset with lots of promise as he continues to develop in the upcoming months.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.