Hidden Gems: Underrated Class of 2026 Recruits Making Noise

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.   Jermarcus Askew III – DB/WR – Dwyer High   5'11", 150 lbs   Evaluation: Askew is a raw, athletic talent with the potential to develop into a key contributor on either side of the ball. His frame is still developing, but he shows the speed and agility to be a real threat on both offense and defense. As a cornerback, he can cover ground quickly and has the quick reflexes to stay tight on receivers. On offense, he shows the ability to be a playmaker with his quickness, especially when working in space. While his strength may be a limiting factor early on, Askew's athleticism and versatility as a two-way player offer significant upside, and with proper development, he could become a standout. His progress in the weight room and increased physicality will help determine his ceiling.   [player_tooltip player_id='1638514' first='Patrick' last='Jean'] – RB – Winter Haven High   5'10", 195 lbs   Evaluation: Jean is a powerful, physical running back who plays with the kind of toughness coaches love. His vision and ability to cut back effectively make him a dangerous threat between the tackles. He's got the strength to power through arm tackles and the durability to handle a heavy workload. Jean's tough running style could translate well at the next level in an offense that leans on a physical back to get tough yards. His added experience in lacrosse also speaks to his agility and hand-eye coordination. As he continues to develop his pass-catching ability and overall athleticism, he could elevate himself as a complete back with the ability to break off big plays.   Jeremiah Hall – OG/DT – Spruce Creek High   5'11", 270 lbs 375lb bench press | First Offer from Millsaps College   Evaluation: Hall is a versatile player with a mean streak, excelling in both offensive and defensive line play. His 375-pound bench press and heavy hands make him a formidable presence in the trenches. As an offensive guard, he has the power and quickness to get to the second level, while as a defensive tackle, he can overwhelm blockers with his physicality and explosiveness. His quick-twitch ability gives him an edge against slower linemen, and his nasty edge means he's not afraid to get in the face of an opponent. The Millsaps offer indicates that he's caught the attention of schools, and with continued refinement of his technique, he could be an impact player at the collegiate level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1580878' first='Grayson' last='Hermann'] – SS – Marianna High   6'1", 205 lbs 4.5 40-yard dash | 405 lbs squat 36 tackles, 4 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 PD   Evaluation:Hermann is an athletic and aggressive strong safety who plays downhill with a physical presence in the box. His ability to come off the edge as a pass rusher (4 sacks) adds a unique dimension to his game, while his speed (4.5 40) allows him to cover ground quickly and make plays in both the run and pass game. His combination of physicality, speed, and ball skills (2 INTs) make him a versatile safety who can contribute in various roles on defense. He's a high motor player with the strength and conditioning to back it up (405 lb squat). Hermann's combination of size, speed, and smarts will make him a strong asset for any program looking for a hard-hitting, versatile defensive back.   [player_tooltip player_id='283739' first='Jaxon' last='Harshman'] – RB – Providence School   5'9", 167 lbs 225 lb bench press | 11.45 100m   Evaluation: Harshman is a quick and shifty running back with the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. His physicality for his size stands out, and he runs with a low center of gravity that makes it hard to bring him down. With a solid 225-pound bench press and strong track credentials (11.45 100m), Harshman brings a mix of strength and speed that allows him to excel in both the open field and between the tackles. He's a versatile weapon in the backfield, and his breakout spring game shows that his development is trending upwards. As a state qualifier in track, he brings elite speed to the table. Harshman has the potential to be a solid contributor as a back that can excel in both the passing and running game at the next level, especially in an offense that values a multi-faceted approach.

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.