Surging Stars: 2026 Players on the Rise

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='1582557' first='Cameron' last='Murphy'], OLB/Edge – Atlantic High   Height/Weight: 6'3", 225 lbs   Notable: Holds 1 Division 1 offer from UT-Martin   Evaluation: Murphy has the frame and production of a true edge disruptor. At 6'3”, 225, he fires off the ball with natural leverage and shows strong hand usage to disengage from blocks. His 26 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in a single season are no fluke—he consistently diagnoses plays early and gets downhill in a hurry. What makes him even more impressive is how effective he is at finishing plays in space. His speed off the edge forces offenses to account for him every snap. He's already on the D1 radar, and with his combination of size, athleticism, and violent finish, more offers are likely on the way.   [player_tooltip player_id='1640220' first='Blake' last='Milanes'], LB/DB – Calvary Christian Academy   Height/Weight: 5'10", 190 lbs   Stats: 23 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass deflection (6 games)   Evaluation: Milanes offers hybrid versatility and plays with a chip on his shoulder. He's a compact defender who reads plays quickly and gets downhill with purpose. Whether lining up in the box or dropping into coverage, he's physical at the point of attack and rarely caught out of position. The ability to recover fumbles and affect passing lanes shows he's always around the ball. As a former DB with linebacker toughness, he's an intriguing fit in nickel-heavy defenses and could thrive at the next level with a strong offseason and senior campaign.   Justin Merritt, LB/DE – Blake High   Height/Weight: 6'0", 205 lbs   Notable: First offer from Warner University | Western Conference 2nd Team LB   Evaluation: Merritt is a pure football player—tough, intelligent, and relentless. He plays fast, trusts his keys, and has a knack for stripping the ball or getting his hand into passing windows. The forced fumbles and PBUs are evidence of how disruptive he is, not just at the line but in the flats and underneath zones. As a pass rusher, he times blitzes well and uses leverage to make up for any size disadvantage. Coaches will love his motor, football IQ, and the way he shows up on film every quarter. Merritt's game translates to multiple linebacker roles and he brings immediate value as a special teams contributor.   Jakobe McKinnie, Linebacker/Running Back – Chipley High   Height/Weight: 5'11", 204 lbs   Notable: 3-sport athlete | 3.5 GPA | Offer from Florida Memorial   Evaluation: McKinnie is one of the more instinctive and opportunistic defenders in the state. His five interceptions as a linebacker speak volumes about his football awareness, vision, and hands. A physical tackler who also contributes on offense and special teams, he's the kind of athlete who finds ways to impact the game in all three phases. The blocked punt and multiple takeaways show he plays with high effort and football instincts that can't be taught. With a multi-sport background, good size, and a strong academic profile, McKinnie is a sleeper to watch heading into the fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1640214' first='Alec' last='McCrae'], LB/Safety – Alonso High   Height/Weight: 6'0", 185 lbs   GPA: 3.68   Evaluation: Despite missing time due to injury, McCrae showed he belongs on the field with his quick reaction time and physicality. He plays downhill with intent and doesn't shy away from contact despite a leaner frame. His hybrid skill set allows him to cover tight ends and slot receivers while still being active against the run. Coaches looking for a rangy, intelligent second-level defender who can fill multiple roles will like what McCrae brings to the table. A healthy senior year could push him into serious college consideration, especially with his strong academic profile.

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.