Class of 2026: Under-the-Radar Gems You Need to Know

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season getting closer, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.   These players are all talented and have college-level abilities. Some of these players have a few offers, but all of them have the ability to play college football at some level.   There are some big-time, highly rated prospects and several sleeper prospects who should all be getting looks for the next level. This list is full of stud prospects.   Prep Redzone Florida will always support every player on their journey to playing college football.   1. Gio Marenco, Running Back – Gulf Coast High   Height/Weight: 5'10", 191 lbs   Stats Summary: 71 carries for 494 yards and 4 touchdowns   Evaluation: Marenco is a balanced, tough runner who brings a downhill style with some wiggle. Averaging nearly 7 yards per carry, he hits the hole with urgency and shows good vision in traffic. He has a sturdy build that helps him break arm tackles and keep drives alive. As he adds more reps, Marenco has the traits to become a workhorse back with three-down value.   2. Daveon Daniels, Wide Receiver – Charlotte High   Height/Weight: 5'10", 170 lbs   Stats Summary: 32 receptions for 437 yards and 3 touchdowns   Evaluation: Daniels is a crisp route-runner with reliable hands and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. He's smooth in and out of breaks and does a good job creating separation early in routes. With over 13 yards per catch, he shows the ability to stretch the field while also being dependable underneath. He could thrive as a slot weapon in a spread attack.   3. [player_tooltip player_id='1395844' first='Steven' last='Carter Jr.'], Wide Receiver – Mariner High   Height/Weight: 6'2", 150 lbs   Stats Summary: 18 receptions for 283 yards and 2 touchdowns   Evaluation: Carter is a fluid athlete with run-after-catch ability. Averaging over 20 yards per catch, he consistently finds ways to create chunk plays. His ability to adjust to the ball in the air and make defenders miss in the open field gives him the potential to be a go-to playmaker. As he continues to fill out his frame, his upside as a vertical threat only grows.   4. Kegan Kreuscher, Wide Receiver/Safety – Estero High   Height/Weight: 5'10", 160 lbs   Stats Summary: 42 receptions for 535 yards and 8 touchdowns; 10 carries for 122 yards and 1 TD; 43 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 PD   Evaluation: Kreuscher is a true two-way playmaker with high football IQ and a nose for the ball. On offense, he's dynamic with the ball in his hands and finds ways to score from anywhere on the field. Defensively, he's a smart tackler who reads plays well and positions himself to make stops. His versatility, motor, and production make him a valuable asset on both sides of the ball.   5. Zayne Kimpland, Defensive End – Cypress Lake High   Height/Weight: 6'3", 210 lbs   Stats Summary: 67 tackles, 28 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 fumble recovery   Evaluation: Kimpland is an explosive edge presence with a relentless motor. He plays with great bend and quickness off the snap, allowing him to consistently disrupt the backfield. His 28 tackles for loss highlight his playmaking ability and instincts to diagnose quickly. With continued development in strength and pass rush moves, he projects as a high-ceiling defender at the next level.

Florida has long been a hotbed of high school football talent. Annually, Florida produces some of the nation's top prospects. Florida athletes are known for their speed, agility, and raw athleticism. These prospects have made names for themselves and have caught the attention of coaches and scouts at the collegiate level. With the 2025 season getting closer, we're looking for players whose stock is rising in the state.