Heating Up: 2026 Players That Will See Their Stock Climb

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.   [player_tooltip player_id='1369449' first='Michael' last='Lau'], LB – Estero High   Height/Weight: 5'11", 213 lbs   Evaluation: Lau is one of the most productive linebackers in Florida, racking up eye-popping tackle numbers thanks to his relentless motor and football IQ. He plays with elite instincts, rarely hesitating before shooting gaps or scraping to the ball. Despite being slightly undersized, he makes up for it with physicality, closing speed, and textbook tackling. With 19 tackles for loss and 6 sacks, he's not just a volume tackler—he's a game-changer behind the line of scrimmage. Lau is the heart of Estero's defense and a surefire college-level backer with leadership traits and a blue-collar mentality.   [player_tooltip player_id='1626647' first='Mack' last='Jones'], LB – Arnold High   Height/Weight: 6'3", 220 lbs   Evaluation: Jones is a physically imposing presence in the middle, standing at 6'3", 220 with the production to match. He led all of 4A and ranked among the top 10 in the entire state of Florida in tackles—an elite achievement. Jones thrives in traffic, uses his length to shed blockers, and explodes into ball carriers. His 26 TFLs show he's not just cleaning up plays—he's making them. He checks every box: size, production, motor, and leadership. Expect FBS and top FCS programs to take a serious look at his film.   [player_tooltip player_id='929651' first='Luke' last='Johnson'], OLB – Nease High   Height/Weight: 6'0", 215 lbs   Evaluation: Johnson is a strong, well-built linebacker who thrives near the line of scrimmage. His 300-pound bench speaks to his upper-body strength and ability to shed blocks in tight quarters. Though listed as a linebacker, he's shown versatility as an edge or hybrid defender. Johnson plays with a high motor and brings physicality on every snap. He could take a big step forward with improved lateral quickness, but his raw strength and toughness make him a reliable force on early downs and in goal-line situations.   [player_tooltip player_id='1638512' first='Daniel' last='Jackson'], LB/ATH – Coral Glades High   Height/Weight: 6'0", 185 lbs   Evaluation: Jackson is a rangy athlete who brings speed and fluidity to the linebacker spot. At 185 lbs, he moves more like a safety, which gives him upside in coverage and space pursuit. His 34 tackles in limited action show good instincts and a nose for the football. As he adds weight and strength, his value as a hybrid defender (OLB/Nickel) will grow. Jackson could project well into a rover or sub-package role at the next level with continued development.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582571' first='John' last='White III'], LB – Heritage High   Height/Weight: 6'0", 212 lbs   Evaluation: White is a smart, high-motor linebacker who flashes sideline-to-sideline speed and the ability to shoot downhill with authority. He processes quickly and doesn't waste steps, allowing him to consistently be in position to make plays. Coaches praise his instincts and leadership, and with his frame and movement skills, he looks primed for a breakout campaign. If he continues to develop, he could be a high-upside late bloomer in the 2025 class. Keep a close eye on him this fall.

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.