C/O 2026 Top 100 Countdown: Prospects Ranked 70-61

The New England class of 2026 rankings list has been updated for the spring and summer evaluation period. In this report, we will continue to look closer at the prospects ranked 70 – 61 overall and are in line to attract college attention during the spring and summer evaluation period. This report will be published weekly until we reach the # 6 recruit on the list. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/prz-new-england-c-o-2026-top-five-prospects-and-why/">The Top five recruits in the class of 2026 can be seen here.</a>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />      Ranked #70 overall and #15 among defensive tackles After a thorough film review and considering his recent performances, [player_tooltip player_id='1252866' first='Luke' last='Baran'] remains a notable prospect in the New England Region, currently ranked #70 overall and #15 among defensive tackles for the 2026 class. Standing 6'3" and weighing 235 lbs, Baran exhibits exceptional physicality and technical skills, particularly excelling as an edge defender. His ability to overpower or outmaneuver high school offensive linemen is impressive, and he consistently commands double teams, showcasing his strength and quick-twitch abilities. He effectively stuns and sheds blockers while maintaining his gap discipline, making him an asset against the run. Notably, his high academic standing is complemented by a verbal offer from Ivy League Columbia earlier this year. With game day invites from UConn and UMass Dartmouth, Baran's prospects are bright as he transitions to the college level, where we anticipate his shift to inside defensive tackle will further amplify his impact on the field.      Ranking Update: #69 Overall, #14 DL - Class of 2026, New England Nathan Whitted, a promising defensive lineman from Catholic Memorial High School, has solidified his position within the Top 100 recruits in New England. Earning a verbal offer from the University of Maine in January 2025 highlights his growing recognition. At 6'3" and 298 lbs, Nathan possesses the ideal frame for an interior lineman, demonstrated by his explosive 8' broad jump at the 2024 Prep Redzone Showcase. His work ethic and coachability shone through during positional drills, where he exhibited solid fundamentals and techniques. With continued strength training, Nathan will enhance his ability to defeat blocks at the line of scrimmage. As he progresses into the offseason, I anticipate a significant leap in his performance, further establishing him as a high college prospect. His upward trajectory in rankings is well-deserved, and I recommend keeping a keen eye on his development moving forward. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23115201/Nathan-Whitted">More on Nathan's profile</a>        Rank: #68 Overall, #5 Edge Defender, #13 linebacker | Class of 2026 | New England [player_tooltip player_id='1218022' first='Brandon' last='Esson'], a standout at Danbury High School, has demonstrated significant improvement, solidifying his place among the Top 100 prospects in the region. Standing at an impressive 6'3.5" and weighing 195 lbs, he showcases elite athleticism, as verified by his 40-yard dash times (4.93 & 4.95 seconds) at a Rutgers camp, and an outstanding 5-10-5 shuttle drill time of 4.67 seconds at Boston College. His explosiveness off the edge, combined with remarkable hand usage and leverage skills, presents a formidable challenge for offensive linemen. Esson's length and quickness position him as a future Power 4 caliber player. With a recent verbal offer from Boston College, he's poised for a standout senior season. If he continues to refine his skills, expect this young athlete to ascend further in rankings.      Ranking Update: #67 Overall, #6 Tight-End, Class of 2026 (New England) [player_tooltip player_id='840096' first='Jonah' last='Oquendo'] showcases an impressive blend of size and athleticism at 6'3.5" and 229 lbs, solidifying his place among the top recruits in the New England region. Offensively, he excels as a Tight-End, demonstrating an ability to create space and run precise routes. His reliable hands make him a formidable target for quarterbacks. Defensively, he transitions effectively to Defensive End, exhibiting agility and explosive speed off the line of scrimmage, particularly in pass-rushing situations. Though his last season was impacted by injury, Jonah's potential remains high, and we anticipate great things as he returns to form. His verbal offer from Howard University underscores his talent and recruitment appeal. Continued monitoring of his upcoming performances is essential, as he has the potential to elevate further in the rankings. Next Steps: Review additional game film this fall to assess recovery and growth.        Rank: #66 Overall, #5 TE in New England Class of 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1632159' first='Anthony' last='Caruso']'s recent performance solidifies his position within the Top 100 recruits in the New England region. Standing at 6'4" and 215 lbs, his blend of size and speed allows him to be a pivotal asset on the field. With a verbal offer from the University of New Hampshire on October 26, 2024, his potential is being recognized by collegiate programs. Film analysis showcases Caruso's exceptional blocking skills and strong desire to engage defenders, making him a versatile threat in formations. His ability to catch in traffic and effectively execute chip-and-release techniques highlights his intelligence and adaptability. Furthermore, his soft hands and capability to stretch the field vertically enhance his value, ensuring he can change the line of scrimmage at the point of attack. Caruso is poised for a successful career ahead, and his ranking reflects his growing prominence in the sport. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16828279/677320f0090be9eda96f21e0">View Film Here</a>      Ranked #65 overall and #12 among defensive linemen in New England by Prep Redzone for the 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1588534' first='Eli' last='Bush'], is an impressive dual-threat prospect from Falmouth High School. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 225 pounds, he showcased his defensive prowess during the 2024 Class B Championship, recording 25 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, along with a punt block returned for a touchdown. His contributions as a blocking tight end further demonstrate his versatility and physicality. Notably, Bush's recent verbal offer from Dartmouth reflects his high academic standing and potential to thrive in competitive environments. While his speed and flexibility could be refined, his technique in both offensive and defensive roles indicates a bright future. With continued development, Eli possesses strong appeal for collegiate programs, keeping him firmly in the Top 100 prospect rankings of the New England region.      Ranking: #64 Overall, #4 Quarterback (Class of 2026, New England) Verbal Offer: Sacred Heart University (Fall 2024) [player_tooltip player_id='421065' first='Gilbert' last='Kimrin'] has demonstrated exceptional potential despite a challenging junior season marred by a collarbone injury. His performance in the two games played showcased his poise and confidence in the pocket, key attributes for a quarterback. At 6'5” and 195 pounds, he possesses an impressive combination of arm strength, size, and mobility, adeptly escaping pressure while maintaining accuracy on his throws. Notably, he led his team to a pivotal victory with a last-second game-winning touchdown, illustrating his competitive spirit and talent under pressure. With his verbal offer from Sacred Heart, Gilbert is poised for growth in the upcoming season. His ranking remains stable within the Top 100 due to his skill set and potential, emphasizing the optimism surrounding his recovery and development. His future is bright, and we look forward to witnessing his continued progression.        Ranking: #63 Overall, #15 OL in the Class of 2026 (Prep Redzone) Aidan McGuire has solidified his position in the Top 100 rankings with impressive film that showcases his well-rounded skill set. His excellent power-blocking technique combined with a strong pad level allows him to dominate the line of scrimmage consistently. Notably, he moves fluidly for his size, demonstrating the ability to effectively reach the second level and finish blocks. His balance and knee bend contribute to his stability, rarely putting him on the ground. Aidan's agility in pass protection—ability to slide, mirror, and hit downfield targets—sets him apart. Earning an offer from Brown University underscores his potential. Expect Aidan to be a key player to watch moving forward as he continues to develop his game and make an impact on the field.      Ranking as the #62 overall recruit and #4 Tight-End [player_tooltip player_id='1520339' first='Colin' last='Laurence'], a 6'6", 230 lb tight end/defensive end from Milton Academy, maintains his ranking as the #62 overall recruit and #4 tight end in New England for the class of 2026. Recently committing to Harvard Football, Laurence showcases remarkable versatility in his skill set, impacting the game as both a reliable blocker and a dynamic receiver. His film reveals impressive second-level blocking skills, underpinned by strength and technique. Additionally, his soft hands and agility make him a dual-threat, capable of challenging defenses in various formations. Laurence's combination of size and speed allows him to change the game at the line of scrimmage, while his ability to stretch the field vertically highlights his football IQ. With a Harvard offer secured and significant recruitment potential, Laurence stands as a premier prospect with the promise of continued growth and opportunity at the collegiate level.      Ranking: #61 Overall, #6 Linebacker in New England, Class of 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1295626' first='Okah' last='Wali'], a standout linebacker from Bishop Hendricken High School, has solidified his place as a top prospect in New England. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 205 lbs, Wali possesses an FBS prototype frame that draws attention from coaches. His verified 40-time of 4.69 at recent camps showcases his impressive speed and athleticism. Wali's performance this past season was exceptional; he played a pivotal role in his team's Super Bowl victory, demonstrating his ability to make impactful plays on both run defense and pass coverage With offers from UMass and URI and interest from UConn, Wali's potential continues to rise. His growth is evident, and as he heads into his junior season, he'll undoubtedly be a key figure in Hendricken's defense, making him a player to watch closely in the coming year.

The New England class of 2026 rankings list has been updated for the spring and summer evaluation period. In this report, we will continue to look closer at the prospects ranked 70 – 61 overall and are in line to attract college attention during the spring and summer evaluation period. This report will be published weekly until we reach the # 6 recruit on the list. The Top five recruits in the class of 2026 can be seen here.