Class of ‘27 Rankings Update: Top Newcomers Preview

Photo: Prep Redzone Prep Redzone

Santino Bernal July 28, 2025 @ 06:30 PM

Before we turn the page to August, I figured the best way to end July would be with another rankings update. This time for the Class of ‘27. The upcoming junior class is trending in the right direction ahead of the ‘25 campaign. Once folks view this latest update they'll quickly find there's an abundance of talent from each classification level in the state.    Our staff is aiming for the update to be published tomorrow, but I wanted to give folks a little preview. To kick off the coverage for the update I'll be highlighting the top newcomers. This group of eight stood out during the evaluation process, which earned them a debut inside the Top 50.    [player_tooltip player_id='1703633' first='Tyson' last='Ross'] - Andover, 6'5”, 280, OL   Ross of Andover came away with the highest debut. He may not be too well known currently, but he has the potential to develop into a highly sought after right tackle. The 6-foot-5 lineman will enter the rankings as the 6th ranked player at his position and the 13th ranked prospect overall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1591357' first='Jaxon' last='Pollard'] - Lansing, 6'0”, 200, ATH   This next prospect surprised folks last season but expectations will be a bit higher this fall. Pollard of Lansing has shown he's one of the top athletes in this class and his ranking is a reflection of that. He comes in at No. 21 overall and is the third ranked athlete in the class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1643737' first='Reign' last='Illian'] - Maize South, 6'4”, 200, QB   Illian is a gunslinger that will quickly grab the attention of recruiters. The 6-foot-4 signal caller was featured earlier this year during the Watch List series and he's been tearing it up throughout the offseason. He checked in as the 2nd ranked QB in the class and is the 28th ranked prospect overall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1626655' first='Brooks' last='Bayer'] - Spring Hill, 6'2”, 230, Edge   Up next is Bayer of Spring Hill. He's a promising pass rusher for the Broncos and has the potential to emerge as one of Spring Hill's top defenders. With his debut he'll become the new top-ranked edge rusher in the class.    [player_tooltip player_id='1632879' first='Michael' last='Blount'] - Bishop Miege, 6'3”, 205, TE   Like Bayer, Blount of Bishop Miege also received a high position ranking. The 6-foot-3 prospect debuts as the top-ranked tight end in the class. He'll have the opportunity of being one of the Stags' top pass catchers this season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1641841' first='Larry' last='Jones'] - Mill Valley, 6'1”, 215, Edge   Coming in just a few spots behind Bayer and Blount is Jones of Mill Valley. He'll likely be Mill Valley's top pass rusher this season, and he's more than ready to help lead the Jaguars' defense. He's the 2nd ranked edge prospect and the 39th ranked player overall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1673801' first='Jackson' last='Riley'] - Maize South, 6'3”, 195, DB   The defensive backs are an underrated position group in this class and the addition of Riley increases the talent level. Riley will be a safety with something to prove this season after missing most of last year due to injury. He comes in at No. 40 overall and is the 4th ranked DB in the class.    [player_tooltip player_id='1657876' first='Anthony' last='Harris III'] - Olathe South, 6'4”, 180, WR   Harris III of Olathe South rounds off this group of highly-ranked newcomers. His size and athleticism make him capable of having a big junior campaign. Harris III lands in the rankings at No. 41 overall and is the 7th ranked player at his position.

Before we turn the page to August, I figured the best way to end July would be with another rankings update. This time for the Class of ‘27. The upcoming junior class is trending in the right direction ahead of the ‘25 campaign. Once folks view this latest update they'll quickly find there's an abundance of talent from each classification level in the state.