2026 Ballers Shifting Into Overdrive For This Fall

The 2027 guys got the green light over the weekend which amps things up for the young guys but before I get into that I wanted to shoe horn in a quick look at some 2026 ballers I have had on my radar for awhile now who are getting ready for a transformative season this fall.   For the guys striving to be elite, preparing for the final season of high school is an all-consuming thing. And, now that we are on the home stretch of wrapping up the off-season grind, the urgency ratchets up even more.   One more chance at high school greatness...   In this report we are taking a quick look at five guys who have not been getting as much attention as they probably should have to date. The first two out of the chute are a couple of talented quarterbacks getting ready for breakout seasons this fall. The next three are ballers who are going to put their stamp on the season in a big way on both sides of the ball.   So, without further adieu, let's check these guys out:   [player_tooltip player_id='1347133' first='Max' last='Olson'], 6'2, 210, QB, Andover Central, '26. After a frustrating junior campaign marred by injury he has since moved on from El Dorado to Andover Central. He hit the ground running upon arrival and has been hard at it in the off-season getting ready to make up for lost time this fall. Working with former standout indoor QB Rocky Hinds on his mechanics, he has also been working on timing and developing rapport with his receivers. With his next-level size and athleticism, he can play as a dual-threat QB, or dismantle the defense from the pocket. His passing mechanics are consistent, with tight shoulder rotation, trained feet and a quick release. He has a strong arm and can make all the throws, from precision darts in the short game to the long ball down the sidelines. Working in the standout AC program, he should be primed and ready for a big season for the defending state champs. This guy is getting ready to air it out this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='780458' first='Conrad' last='Gomez'], 6'1, 190, QB, Junction City, '26. He is another quarterback rapidly approaching his senior season who I have had my eye on the last few years. Last fall he showed promise, passing for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a passer he has solid mechanics working out of the pocket and moving his feet to buy time. He has an accurate arm, with excellent ball placement and is particularly effective firing bullets in the short-to-intermediate routes. Once he sets teams up with surgical strikes in the quick-pass game, he has the arm strength and touch to burn teams with the long bomb. He has a busy summer ahead and will be training for football while playing summer baseball. He and his teammates just wrapped up the first of multiple team camps coming up. He is also planning on hitting camps at KU, K-State and Nebraska. This guy was just getting warmed up last year and is getting ready to light up the scoreboard this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1418868' first='King' last='Lawson'], 6'4, 315, OL/DL, Shawnee Mission West, '26. After being a varsity starter since he was a freshman, he wasn't able to play last fall due to transfer rules. In the meantime he has been working hard in the off-season and is getting ready to make up for lost time in his senior season. With prototype size and reach, he can play anywhere along the offensive line but will line up at left tackle this fall. He has a powerful frame and strong hands coupled with quick feet that he uses to wall off the defense in pass pro. He is athletic enough to pull and chip as needed and is a bulldozer of a blocker in the run game. On defense he can be moved around in the trenches as needed, lining up as a run-stuffing nose guard or slide out and play defensive tackle. With his size and strength he blows up double teams and has the quickness to get in the backfield and cause disruption. Get out and see this guy make up for loss time this fall, he is getting ready to dominate.   [player_tooltip player_id='586974' first='Rey'Zhian' last='Shears-Montgomery'], 6'0, 215, LB, Derby, '26. He is coming off a good junior season when he played linebacker for a strong Wichita East team. He has since transferred to Derby and is looking to help the Panthers get back to the title game. He has been locked in on his off-season training, playing the nickel in 7v7 for the Wichita Wheat and continuing to hit the weights and do his speedwork. His effort is paying off as he is up to 215 pounds and has gotten faster. As a linebacker he can play inside or out and uses his next-level read and react skills and closing speed to shut down the run game between the tackles or on the perimeter. When the ball is in the air he can float in zone or lock down receivers in coverage with his quickness and baller instincts. He is still finalizing his camp schedule and deciding on school visit trips. This guy should be an excellent addition to an already strong Panther team. Look for him to go off this fall.   Atticus Kuhlman, 5'10, 200, FB/LB, Kapaun, '26. With a busy off-season already underway, he has been hard at it getting prepared to be as ready as possible for the all-important senior year. A versatile two-way baller he can play fullback or line up as a single setback on offense and on defense he was recently moved from the defensive line to linebacker. With his strong base, low center of gravity and physicality he can play down in the trenches as needed but should shine as a linebacker this fall. He has already been busy this summer and recently had a good showing at the Garden City CC camp held at Kapaun. He is also planning on making the roadtrip back east to attend the Pitt State camp in July. All of his off-season training is starting to pay off as he has put on almost 30 pounds since last year and has gotten faster. This guy has been flying under the radar but look for him to surprise some people on the gridiron this fall.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys this fall – you will not be disappointed! Also, DM me via X if you know of any other players flying under the radar.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

The 2027 guys got the green light over the weekend which amps things up for the young guys but before I get into that I wanted to shoe horn in a quick look at some 2026 ballers I have had on my radar for awhile now who are getting ready for a transformative season this fall.