2026 Watchlist to Ranked

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here's a closer look at the newest names climbing into the rankings. Through strong performances, steady development, and rising recruitment interest, they've proven they belong among the top in their class.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">6'3” 200 lbs. Brown is a high ceiling hybrid LB/DE with a rare combination of length and speed. His verified 10.81 100 meter time immediately stands out and translates to elite closing speed on the field. Whether he's tracking down the QB off the edge, chasing plays sideline to sideline, or running downfield as a bomber on kickoff his acceleration and range put constant pressure on opposing offenses. Frame still has room to add weight without losing his speed and movement skills. He flashes natural bend, long strides, and plus lateral agility to redirect towards the ball in pursuit. Brings strong contact as a tackler that is tough to break once he gets his hands on the ball carrier. His versatility is intriguing, he can play as a off the ball OLB or add some weight and be an edge rusher depending on need and development once he lands at Oregon State. Ranked just outside the top 100 overall.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Henderson is a high-level defensive playmaker with great range and instincts to impact the game from multiple positions. 6'3” 180 lbs. he consistently flashes elite football IQ, fluid movement, and ball-hawking ability. His length and frame give him a natural advantage in coverage being able to close throwing lanes with his wingspan and contest throws. What truly sets him apart is his instincts. He sees plays develop early, triggers downhill with speed, and shows no hesitation when filling against the run or breaking on the ball. Despite lean frame, he tackles with strong form and competitive toughness, never shying away from contact. Brings a throw back mentality that is physical and violent at the POA and accelerates through to finish ball carriers to the ground. He's a disruptive playmaker no matter where he's lined up and the type of athlete who changes games and forces offenses to account for him every snap. Committed to San Diego State in May but went under recruited given his talent and ability.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Hughes is a dynamic two-way playmaker who makes a major impact at both WR and Safety. Excellent frame with length and growth potential at 6'3” 185 lbs. On offense, he's a big-bodied vertical threat with strong hands, body control, and the ability to win in contested catch situations. Shows great tempo as a route runner being able to mix up speed and be bait DB's into an early transition. On defense, he's instinctive and physical, using his length and ball skills to be rangy and make plays on the ball. Displays natural feel and game awareness reading routes, anticipating throws, and breaking with speed to close space. High academic prospect with eight offers including four Ivy Leagues, San Diego State, Miami (OH), Marshall, and Colgate.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">A lot to like about Bancroft with his combination of size, technique, and physicality at 6'4” 305 lbs. He projects as a high-ceiling interior offensive lineman once he lands at Fresno State with the kind of tenacity and explosiveness that coaches covet in the trenches. Fires off the ball with excellent burst and leverage, consistently winning the first step and establishing control at the POA. His hand strike is violent and well-timed, delivering a strong inside punch that stalls defenders on contact and allows him to establish immediate positional leverage. What separates him is how he finishes, accelerating through contact with powerful leg drive and forward momentum. Whether it's creating vertical movement in the run game or pulling and climbing to the second level he shows good movement skills, coordination, and aggression. His ability to play with low pad level, combined with his explosive first step and ability to sustain blocks makes him a problem for defenders in tight spaces and open field engagements. Collected three offers before committing to Fresno State in early June.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AsherBancroft73/status/1859652505531187547 </div></figure>    <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ea1f9c7333a1fd4cd9944ad6e4bb45b95c3ecfb46153587c0eb4fe6b9db124a?s=64&d=mm&r=g" alt="" /></figure>   <p>Jordan Reyesjordan-reyes-authorEdit Profile</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Mckenzie is a physical and instinctive SS who impacts the game in both coverage and run support. He plays fast and violent, delivering hard contact while maintaining strong technique. With great reactionary quickness and eye discipline, he diagnoses plays quickly and takes smart angles to the ball. In coverage, he's fluid and versatile capable of locking down receivers with good route recognition and anticipation. Advanced ball skills, he's able to time out his jump and out compete opponents at the catch point to make game breaking plays on the ball. Whether flying downhill to stop the run or breaking up passes in coverage, he's a high-level defensive playmaker that also proved to be effective as a ball carrier on offense. First offered by Sacramento State in May he has since picked up UNLV, Georgetown, and NAU.</p>