Under-the-Radar and Undeniable: Class of 2026 Talent Emerging

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='1582543' first='Xavier' last='Ether'] – ATH/SS/WR – Chamberlain High   6'1", 180 lbs | 3.5 GPA   Stats: 10 carries, 52 yds, 1 TD | 22 receptions, 400 yds, 6 TDs | 42 tackles, 5 TFL, 5 INTs, 5 PBU   Evaluation: Ether is one of the most complete two-way players in his class, contributing heavily on offense, defense, and special teams. As a receiver, he's a dynamic threat with sure hands and the ability to create separation, evidenced by his 400 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, his ball skills are elite—snagging 5 interceptions and adding 5 pass breakups. He shows sharp instincts and physicality from the safety spot, with the versatility to rotate down into the box or play high. His 3-sport background enhances his agility, body control, and toughness. Ether is a high-IQ athlete who checks every box: production, athleticism, and positional versatility.   [player_tooltip player_id='1640469' first='Jaidyn' last='Duvalt'] – FS/ATH – Mulberry High   5'9", 162 lbs   Stats: 6 carries, 44 yds | 67 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 INTs | 80-yard punt return TD   Evaluation: Duvalt is a scrappy, high-motor safety who plays downhill with purpose. Despite his frame, he is a physical tackler with excellent closing speed, producing 67 tackles and 10 tackles for loss—rare numbers for a defensive back. His 2 interceptions show he's not just a run-stopper but also a factor in coverage. Add to that an 80-yard punt return touchdown and you've got a player who makes big plays in all three phases. He brings excellent instincts and range on the backend and is a strong special teams asset. Duvalt's compact build and toughness make him a reliable piece for any defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1626935' first='Ryan' last='Duval'] – ATH/SS/OLB – Boone High   6'0", 210 lbs | 4.2 GPA   Stats: 60+ tackles, 2 INTs, 2 TDs (including 1 pick-six) | 2nd Team All-District | Offer: UNC-Pembroke   Evaluation: Duval is a hybrid linebacker/safety who thrives in the box and in coverage. His size allows him to take on tight ends and backs, while his speed and ball skills are good enough to roam as a strong safety. With over 60 tackles and multiple takeaways, including a pick-six, he's a tone-setter for the Boone defense. His physicality stands out on tape, and his academic profile (4.2 GPA) speaks to discipline and coachability. Whether in a 4-2-5 as a rover or a nickel linebacker, Duval has the build and IQ to contribute immediately at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1400880' first='Terrance' last='Dixon'] – WR – Lake Mary High   5'10", 165 lbs   Stats: 24 receptions, 346 yards, 1 TD | 10.5 100m, 4.45 40 | Offers: Bethune-Cookman, UNC-Pembroke   Evaluation: Dixon is a true speedster with verified track times and legitimate burner ability on the field. His elite 10.5 100m speed and 4.45 forty translate directly to big-play potential from the slot. He stretches the field with vertical routes and can turn short passes into explosive gains. With 24 catches and 346 yards, he's shown he can be a steady weapon. His footwork and top-end burst make him difficult to contain in man coverage. Dixon is also a threat on special teams and jet sweeps. He's a field-stretcher who forces defenses to account for his speed every snap.   Evens Darcueil – CB/ATH – King High   5'11", 170 lbs   Stats: 12 carries, 75 yards | 7 receptions, 58 yards | 2 INTs, 11 tackles, 1 forced fumble   Evaluation: Darcueil is a natural playmaker when given the chance who impacts both sides of the ball and shows a nose for the football. On defense, his 2 interceptions and forced fumble show his knack for creating turnovers. He's an aggressive corner with solid tackling form and the frame to press receivers. On offense, he's a gadget-type player who provides value in both the run and pass game. His versatility is a big plus—teams can line him up in multiple roles. Darcueil projects well as a defensive back at the next level, with return-game potential as well.

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.