C/O 2026 Top 100 Countdown: Prospects Ranked 80-71

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 80 – 71 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" />    Ranking: #80 Overall, #16 OL - Class of 2026 School: Roxbury Latin Michael Rimas has emerged as a standout prospect in the New England region, securing his place at #80 overall and #16 among offensive linemen for the Class of 2026. Standing 6'3" and weighing 260 lbs, Rimas exhibits a rare combination of strength and agility. His ability to dominate the line of scrimmage is evident, as he consistently knocks defenders to the ground while showcasing his skill in reaching the second level of defense. He displays exceptional balance and rarely finds himself on the ground, attributed to his solid knee bend and wide base. Rimas excels in pass protection, demonstrating the ability to mirror defenders effectively. His ability to engage and finish blocks, alongside hitting moving targets downfield, has garnered him a well-deserved All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention for 2024. Rimas is on an upward trajectory and one to watch closely.      Ranking Update: #79 Overall, #19 Defensive Tackle, Class of 2026 (New England) School: Nobles & Greenough [player_tooltip player_id='472020' first='Leo' last='Meuse'] has made a significant impact since reclassifying from Franklin High, showcasing his talent at Noble and Greenough School. This 6'6", 240-pound defensive lineman has demonstrated a unique combination of physical attributes—his long frame and quick-twitch explosiveness set him apart in this ranking update. Film analysis reveals Meuse's ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, consistently overpowering or outmaneuvering high school offensive linemen. His gap integrity and proficiency in handling double teams highlight his tactical understanding of the game. His effort at the 2024 All NEPSAC level further accentuates his skills, indicating potential beyond his current ranking. Leo is not just a football prospect; he's a two-sport athlete with a bright future ahead, underscoring the depth of talent in the New England Region. For further insights, view his highlights at: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23624431/Meuse-Leo/">Meuse Highlights</a>        Ranking: #78 Overall, #6 edge defender - #18 Defensive Lineman, Class of 2026 (New England School: Saint Sebastian's School [player_tooltip player_id='1430263' first='Sam' last='Barbosa'] has solidified his position as a key prospect in the New England region, now ranked #78 overall and #6 among edge defenders and # 18 amongst defensive lineman. Standing at an impressive 6'4" and weighing 220 lbs, Sam demonstrates remarkable agility and strength on the field. His wide base and low pad level allow him to effectively shed blockers using his violent hands, creating disruption in the backfield and containing plays on the edge. Analysis of his recent performances showcases his quick footwork, enabling him to reach the boundary with impressive speed. While versatile enough to play both interior and edge positions, he excels primarily as an edge rusher in high school. As he continues to develop, Sam's potential to influence games significantly enhances his ranking and showcases him as a rising star in the class of 2026 who could play inside or edge at the college level. For more footage, visit Sam's highlights <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19669980/Sam-Barbosa">here</a>.      Ranking: #77 Recruit Overall | #7 Linebacker in New England (Class of 2026) [player_tooltip player_id='404309' first='Jayson' last='Diaz'], currently at Choate Rosemary Hall, has shown impressive growth since our first assessment in September 2022. At 5'10" and weighing 195 lbs, Diaz possesses a remarkable blend of athleticism and versatility, evidenced by his ability to excel as a linebacker. His first verbal offer from Ivy League Brown in January 2025, showcases the interest he is generating. In our latest film review, Diaz demonstrated solid tackling skills, aggressive instincts, and an innate ability to be around the ball, consistently knocking back blockers and ball-carriers. His capacity to change direction swiftly within the box makes him a formidable presence in the run game. As he continues to grow and refine his skills, expectations are high for this emerging prospect. Diaz's trajectory indicates he will be a notable player to watch as he develops further in the coming seasons.      Rank: #73 Overall, #17 Defensive Back, New England Region School: Avon Old Farms [player_tooltip player_id='405154' first='Shane' last='Olson'] continues to rise in our rankings due to his impressive physical and mental attributes. Recent verbal offers from Columbia, Army, and Air Force Academy reflect his potential and versatility. His film showcases exceptional athleticism, highlighted by an explosive 10-foot broad jump and an impressive 35-inch vertical. His 4.50-4.55 40-yard dash times demonstrate elite speed. Shane possesses great field vision, displaying strong instincts and fluid movement, particularly in coverage. His open-field tackling skills are notable, and while he may need to bolster his strength at the point of attack, his ability to quickly flip his hips and react make him a valuable asset. As he progresses through his post-grad year, we anticipate even further development, solidifying his standing as one of the top defensive backs in New England. Video: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15299717/6760ef591d3a093cab74362a">[player_tooltip player_id='405154' first='Shane' last='Olson'] Highlights</a>      Ranking: #75 Overall in New England, #4 Athlete Class of 2026 School: Fairfield College Preparatory School [player_tooltip player_id='652801' first='TJ' last='Cirilli'] has displayed remarkable versatility as a hybrid athlete, positioned as a Nickel OLB and free safety this past season. Despite facing challenges due to a significant injury early on, he showcased resilience and determination upon his return. His nose for the ball and strong instincts make him a playmaker on the defensive side, demonstrating exceptional ability in setting the edge and tackling effectively. TJ's athleticism allows him to thrive in coverage and within the trenches, making him a valuable asset. With a early 2023 verbal offer from Oregon State and full recovery, he is primed for an impactful senior season in 2025. His continued development and on-field performance solidify his ranking as one of the top prospects in the region. This evaluation reflects TJ's potential to ascend even higher in the rankings, given his skills and dedication.      Ranking Update: #74 Recruit, #10 Defensive Back - New England Region [player_tooltip player_id='1617448' first='Chase' last='Lane'], a 6'2", 195-pound defensive back/outside linebacker from Darien High School, has solidified his position within the Top 100 with an impressive skill set and athletic ability. His highlight reel demonstrates exceptional fluidity and instincts, particularly evident in his first clip where he makes a ball-hawking play at free safety. Lane's tackling is both powerful and precise, showcasing his strength and determination on the field. His versatility allows him to excel in both safety and linebacker roles, with swift sideline-to-sideline speed. He possesses tremendous ball skills, highlighted by his remarkable leaping ability to contest passes against taller receivers. Lane's fearlessness, quick feet, and great range make him a formidable presence in both man and zone coverage. The recent verbal offer from Army West Point further confirms his potential as a top prospect in the class of 2026. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13357229/677eeedfc66efd64d88f33a9">Link to Highlight Reel</a>      Ranking Update: #73 Overall, #17 DL in New England Class of 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='801128' first='Ryan' last='Gately'] continues to impress, receiving a verbal offer from Army West Point on February 1, 2025. His recent film evaluation demonstrates significant development. In the latest review dated 2/25/25, Gately has shown marked improvement in size, speed, and strength—all while maintaining his previously noted strengths. His ability to penetrate gaps and dominate the line of scrimmage has become more pronounced, aided by his exceptional hand placement and footwork. Gately effectively uses his wrap-and-roll technique in tackling, showcasing an impressive quick-twitch ability that allows him to outmaneuver high school offensive linemen. His resilience and explosive play make him a standout prospect, solidifying his position among the top 100 in New England. Expect continued growth from this promising athlete as he approaches collegiate competition.      Ranked: #72 Overall and #9 Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='740938' first='Tristan' last='Washington'] has shown remarkable progress since receiving a verbal offer from UConn on 3/23/23. Currently ranked #72 among all prospects and #9 among defensive backs in the New England Region for the class of 2026, his performance continues to impress. Standing at 6'2" and 205 pounds, Tristan showcases exceptional agility and speed, making him a formidable asset in the run game and during passing plays. His quick feet allow him to cover ground effortlessly, while his impressive leaping ability enables him to contest passes effectively against taller opponents. His fearless attitude and recovery speed set him apart as a tough competitor who is not afraid to make plays. With natural instincts and smooth hip movements, he navigates routes seamlessly, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive prospects in New England. He also has special teams return skills that could help elevate his recruitment. Watch for Tristan's continued ascent in the rankings as he develops further. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18376443/Tristan-Washington">Hudl Profile</a>        Rank: #71 in New England, #5 Edge Defender # 16 Defensive lineman, Class of 2026 Recent Offer: Lehigh (Jan 29, 2025) [player_tooltip player_id='1293868' first='Tyler' last='Brewington'] has solidified his place as a top prospect in the New England Region, showcasing impressive skills that place him among the top 100. His recent ranking reflects his adaptability and high football IQ on the field. Recognized for his ability to bend and maintain flexibility at the edge, he exhibits excellent first-step quickness that allows him to engage effectively with blockers. His lean frame, combined with long limbs, aids him in leveraging opponents and pursuing ball carriers efficiently, both inside and outside. Furthermore, his tackling technique—employing a wrap and roll—demonstrates his strength and control at the point of attack. With continued development, Tyler is poised for a successful career ahead. For a closer look at his skills, please refer to his highlight reel: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23375149/673ba7ceb9303084609da9fa">[player_tooltip player_id='1293868' first='Tyler' last='Brewington'] Highlights</a>.

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 80 – 71 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.