Most Impressive 2027s Fresh on Our Radar

The search for the stars of tomorrow never ends. I have a huge list of new names to add to the rankings this summer for the Classes of 2026-2028. Every once in a while I love to go through that list and shine the spotlight on these athletes before they make their way onto the rankings. The talent is too strong to wait any longer. So let's get eyes on these kids, follow them on X, and make sure to check out their Hudl highlights for yourselves. Let's dive in!    Really liking what I'm seeing from the sophomore out of Brookfield Central. The left tackle already checks in at 6'3" 290 lbs, and outstanding frame that has plenty of time to continue to develop and grow. The '27 shows on tape that he is quickly becoming an enforcer in the run game. Between his quick feet and use of leverage, Cole is able to put himself in position to dominate DLs. He shows quickness out of his stance to aid in gaining that positioning, then once he gets hands on Cole does a great job of running his feet, keeping a wide base, and staying balanced while driving his man deep into level two. Cole was an imposing athlete as a sophomore. Very excited to see what he looks like as an upperclassman in 2025.      We stay at Brookfield Central for our next impressive 2027. This time on defense where the 5'11" 185 lbs safety was flying around making 37 total tackles, 5 PBUs, and scoring 1 TD on a fumble recovery. I love the versatility on tape from Jack. In the BC coverage scheme we see him out wide playing over a wide receiver. His off coverage allowed him to process plays and attack downhill against the run and short passing game. The sophomore is a stout tackler in those 1 on 1 scenarios in the open field. Jack also flashed his range playing in that deep zone. The early signs are there with Jack. Range, tackling, play recognition. I'm ready to see him take that next step and become even more of an impact this fall.      I'm very excited for Austyn's junior season. As a backup, the 2027 piled up 500+ all purpose yards and 4 total TDs on an offense that scored 30 PPG. With the graduation of their former RB1 I have high hopes for Austyn earning that lead role. The sophomore definitely meets the explosive requirements of the position posting a 4.63 40, 37.4" vertical, and 9'5" broad jump at the WFCA combine this past weekend. Turn on the tape and you see those numbers in action. Austyn is a sudden, agile athlete through traffic. He creates space with a powerful juke/jump cut and his acceleration through gaps looks like that of a seasoned veteran at the position. Wittek also flashes the long speed and overall playmaking abilities with the ball in his hands to create fireworks on any touch. I'm a big fan of the sophomore. Keep a close eye on him.      There was no surprise when it came to the Medford offense. They were going to run the ball as much as they could, and they were going to do it successfully. Even with the defense knowing it was coming. To do that you need OL in the trenches ready to go to war on a snap to snap basis. One of those kids was 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1733879' first='Forest' last='Hartl']. The sophomore played all over the line in 2024 and beat up DL while doing it. The 6'1" 275 lbs athlete does a great job of getting underneath and digging DL out of gaps. Especially when the play was called his way. Forest was able to consistently open up holes for his RB to get to level two before being touched. His leverage, power, and finishing projects him to be an impressive IOL. Don't overlook this northern WI standout OL.      The TE position in the Class of 2027 is shaping up to be a special one. The top new addition to the group is [player_tooltip player_id='1729995' first='Mac' last='Johnson'] of Waunakee. The sophomore is already blessed with an elite frame at 6'5" 220 lbs that can run 4.88 in the 40 and also helped him grab 18 catches for 3 TDs in 2024. Mac already plays with impressive balance and agility for his size, easily getting out into routes and making DBs miss in space. However, the receiving side of his game is just starting to show on tape. Blocking is where he made his largest impact. Mac has the range to get out in space on a DB or across the formation to kick out an edge or lead up through a gap to an LB. He also has the strength to take on a DE one on one. Mac is developing into a three down, traditional TE recruit that is going to turn a lot of heads in the coming year.      Reece is going to be an exciting weapon for Fennimore, especially on offense. The '27 plays RB, but you will also find him in the slot, or in motion. Basically putting him in scenarios where he can maximize his mismatch ability. The sophomore is electric with the ball in his hands. Out of the backfield he shows vision, quick decision making, and a strong burst of acceleration to top speed. Out in space, Reece is very elusive. He can make defenders miss with a juke, spin, or speed to get around the edge and down the sideline. I love his versatility as a runner or receiver out of the backfield. Check him out for yourselves.      I having a strong feeling that we are about to see a breakout junior season from Dejon. The door is open at the WR position for Verona with the talent they graduate there. Dejon brings the talent to break a game wide open out wide. The 6' 160 lbs WR shows a quick release and burst to get vertical on his deep routes. He does an impressive job of finding the ball and adjusting to it on those deep routes too. His ability to make the catch while jumping or twisting or some other adjustment last second is not something you see often, especially how smoothly he does it as a sophomore. The sophomore also has very reliable hands that pluck the ball out of the air, and away from his body. His route running on shorter routes flashes his balance and agility, allowing him to run crisp routes that open up separation. Dejon looks ready for the step up in competition. Keep a close eye on this tough matchup.

The search for the stars of tomorrow never ends. I have a huge list of new names to add to the rankings this summer for the Classes of 2026-2028. Every once in a while I love to go through that list and shine the spotlight on these athletes before they make their way onto the rankings. The talent is too strong to wait any longer. So let's get eyes on these kids, follow them on X, and make sure to check out their Hudl highlights for yourselves. Let's dive in!