Additional 2026 Kansas 8-Man Prospects to Watch

The focus as of late in my write-ups have been very heavily geared towards the 8-Man prospects in Kansas and this article will be much the same. With the way recruiting has changed through the years, it has made things even more difficult for kids from the smallest schools to get recognized and land scholarships in the end. I hope by me promoting these kids help change that.   I'm trying my best to showcase the kids and their programs and here are five prospects hailing from the Wheat State, the Southern Plains-Iroquois, the Heart of America and lastly two from the Twin Valley League.   Once again profiles for each of these athletes have been created on Prep Redzone and can be claimed by using the following link.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospects-index/#claim-profile-anchor">https://prepredzone.com/prospects-index/#claim-profile-anchor</a>    One of the more imposing prospects in the 8-Man game, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound edge rusher is a definitely a force to be reckoned with on both side of the ball. Smith shows not only a college frame all colleges are looking for but the athletic ability on top of it.   Smith is an ever imposing figure from his fullback position on offense. The Bombers used him both as a blocker and a ball carrier throughout the season. He had 69 carries for 342 yards rushing and three touchdowns on the season. It was the defensive side of the ball he made the most noise. He finished the season with 46 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks from his defensive end position.   He was honored as Honorable Mention All-State 8-Man II and also First Team All-Wheat State as a fullback and as a defensive end (which he was unanimous).   Smith also took care of business in the classroom where he posted a 4.0 GPA. Definitely keep an eye on this physical specimen this coming summer and fall.       The 6-foot-0, 175-pound Anderson is one of the most prolific quarterbacks in all the 8-Man game. He excels at both football and basketball, showing his versatility to colleges everywhere. This past basketball season he averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game on his way to being a First Team All-Twin Valley League performer.   For how dominating he was the hardwood, he is even more impressive on the football field. This past fall he put up some huge numbers from his quarterback position.   He had over 2,500 yards passing and 37 touchdowns. You can definitely tell he is a coaches son (father Nick is the head coach) by the way he leads his team on and off the field.   The Wildcat stand-out definitely showed out when it came to postseason acculates. Anderson was named First Team All-State 8-Man II quarterback and was also First Team All-Twin Valley League at the same position.   Anderson should be one of the higher recruited quarterbacks from the lower classifications this coming season. Also look for him and his teams build upon their 9-3 finish, where they fell to eventual state champions and league rival Axtell in the state semi-finals.     Axtell has seen a lot of great success the last four seasons (four straight state titles) but much of the leadership and production has come from the likes of Brandon Schmelzle (signed with Kansas) and [player_tooltip player_id='284529' first='Eli' last='Broxterman'] (signed with Baker).   With the graduation from those two studs, look for much of the production to be picked up by [player_tooltip player_id='1613456' first='Wyatt' last='Detweiler'] and Landon Schmitz.   The 5-foot-10, 155-pound Schmitz is a all-around weapon for the Eagles with him getting touches in the backfield and as a receiver. He also excels on the defensive side of the ball where he put up big numbers from his secondary position. This past fall he had 27 carries for 329 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns but also chipped in 20 catches for 313 yards and an additional nine touchdowns. On the other side of the ball he showed great ballhawking skills where he had five interceptions and 42 tackles (34 solo and 8 assisted).   Even though he was the not the focal point for opponents, he still was highly recognized for his contributions. He was Honorable Mention All-State 8-Man II as a defensive back but also First Team All-Twin Valley League at the skill spot and Second Team as a defensive back.   Again if the Eagles were to get their fifth straight state title, Schmitz will be a big reason for that championship. Keep an definite eye on him this coming fall.       Yet another multi sport athlete that excels at both football and basketball.   When it comes to football, Briscoe looks the part of an athletic offensive lineman but is used very heavily as a tight end for the Rebels. He stands 6-foot-3, 260 pounds and shows very nimble feet for a kid his size. It is the defensive side of the ball he had made the biggest name for himself. Where he shows his explosiveness and strength along the defensive line.   When it came to the hardwood, he was a Second Team All-Southern Plains-Iroquois performer his post position. His play on the basketball court translated to the football field with him being a prime target from his tight end position.   On the season he had 16 catches for 257 yards and seven touchdowns. He also proved to be a very effective blocker as well. I did not find published stats for him defensively but he produced at a high enough level where he was honored Honorable Mention All-State 8-Man I defensive lineman and First Team All-League performer as the same spot.   I definitely look forward in seeing Briscone perform this coming summer and fall. Someone college coaches need to keep any eye on.     Much like Briscoe, Kramer is a athlete that has excelled on both the gridiron and the hardwood. Ell-Saline has proven to be formidable program at both sports where they placed 3rd in class 2A basketball and made it to the regionals before falling in a heartbreaker to Madison in football. The Cardinals still had a tremendous season with them finishing 8-2 on the year.   The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Kramer is a all-around weapon, where he put up big numbers both as a runner and a receiver. It was from his running back position he make his biggest contributions where he had 1,024 yards rushing on 104 carries and 20 touchdowns. As a receiver he had 17 receptions for 250 yards and an additional five scores. On the defensive side of the ball he had 40 solo tackles and staggering seven interceptions on the season.   From a post season awards perspective he took home Honorable Mention All-State 8-Man I honors at running back and for his basketball abilities he garnered Second Team All-Heart of America honors.   Kramer should be one of the most explosive and highest producing backs in all of 8-Man football this coming fall. Also a very good student, where he has a 3.8 GPA in the classroom.    With my focus being so heavily on the 2026 and 2027 8-Man kids as of late, I'll be turning back my attention to the 2027 and 2028 classes as a whole going forth. Be on the look-out for more big time studs from across the State of Kansas. Again if you knows of anyone that fits that bill and needs the proper attention, reach out to me at @Coach_Mitchum on X.

The focus as of late in my write-ups have been very heavily geared towards the 8-Man prospects in Kansas and this article will be much the same. With the way recruiting has changed through the years, it has made things even more difficult for kids from the smallest schools to get recognized and land scholarships in the end. I hope by me promoting these kids help change that.