Trending Talent: 2026 Risers Gaining Recruiting Momentum

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='1209088' first='Kayne' last='Vona'], ATH – Menendez High   5'11", 175 lbs   Evaluation: Vona's spring performance shows he's a two-way grinder with real instincts. On defense, he makes smart reads in coverage and brings reliable tackling. On offense, his 75-yard TD run highlights big-play potential in space. Not a flashy testing athlete but maximizes his reps and has a good football IQ. Projects best as a safety or nickel in a run-and-chase role, with some offensive gadget value. High-effort player that fills up the stat sheet.   Anthony McQueen, QB/ATH – Central High   6'1", 185 lbs   Evaluation: McQueen is a dual-threat quarterback with real arm talent and natural field command. He's poised in the pocket and doesn't panic under pressure. His rushing numbers show he can create outside structure, but he's most effective keeping eyes downfield while moving. Mechanics are sound and he throws a catchable ball. Could be a G5 or strong FCS QB or possibly transition to safety or WR at the next level due to athleticism and frame. College-ready frame and an offer already in hand.   [player_tooltip player_id='869380' first='Mahki' last='Vance'], SS/ATH – Archbishop McCarthy High   5'11", 180 lbs   Evaluation: Vance is a hybrid safety who plays fast and physical. His production shows he's comfortable both in run support and roaming deep. Quick to trigger downhill, and his ball skills are above average for a strong safety type. Also takes snaps on offense and can grind out yards in the open field. With a college-ready frame and recent offer, Vance looks like a defensive priority for FCS or D2 programs needing an enforcer with versatility.   [player_tooltip player_id='1372056' first='Kyle' last='Valdes'], WR/ATH – Bell Creek Academy   5'11", 190 lbs   Evaluation: Valdes is a true ironman player who rarely leaves the field and brings consistent production on both sides of the ball. On offense, he's a reliable possession receiver with soft hands and solid route-running instincts—17 catches for 220 yards in a shortened season shows he moves the chains. Defensively, he shines in coverage with 8 pass breakups and 2 interceptions, showing good anticipation and footwork.   He's physical for his size and has the IQ to play safety, slot corner, or contribute as a WR at the next level. Underrated two-way athlete who plays bigger than his listed size and projects as a player with upside at the college level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1369113' first='Darin' last='Townsend'], DB/WR – Largo High   6'0", 161 lbs   Evaluation: Townsend is a long, athletic DB who thrives in coverage. His 3 INTs and 3 PDs show ball skills and good timing. Flashes solid open-field tackling and brings energy to the defense. Offensively, he's a developing weapon but has good hands and awareness. Needs to add weight to handle physical receivers and contribute more consistently on offense, but projects as a high-upside corner or free safety with a college-ready frame and instincts to match.

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.