2026 Rankings Update: Stock Risers

The preseason 2026 Rankings Update just went live at the end of last week, and now that I have taken the time needed to get married we are back and ready to talk more about those rankings. Overall, this is one of, if not the biggest, lists of seniors ranked going into their final season that we have ever done. Well over 500 kids are ranked, which has us poised to break and insane 600 kids when the season ends. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. This new update has plenty to talk about. Our first dialed in look will be at the kids that saw their stock rise thanks to outstanding summer performances, and also a stronger impression when we looked back through the old junior tape. Despite the massive influx of new names these kids pushed themselves closer to #1 at their position and overall. Let's talk about what we loved so much from this group.    Rankings Rise: 322 Up to 119   I was sleeping on [player_tooltip player_id='1251525' first='Jaylen' last='Garrett'] of Racine Case HS, but I'm not the only one. The DB holds offers from Eau Claire and Concordia- St. Paul, and I believe he is going to be turning even more heads early in the 2206 season. Jaylen has effective length to be able to give himself room for error. Throughout his highlights you also see example after example of both his ball skills and his timing for baiting QBs and jumping routes. His short area burst gives him closing speed to make those plays on the ball and also keeps him tight in man to man coverage. I love the way he always is under control while still playing with that quick twitch athleticism. Don't miss out on this kid.     Rise: 169 Up to 114   Kingston has had a massive growth spurt when it comes to mass. The big fella in the trenches is now up to 265 lbs, and after crossing paths with him a few times this summer it is very clear that the extra size has made him a very difficult matchup for OL. That is saying a lot considering he is coming off 9 TFLs and 5 sacks as a 235 lbs junior. The big man holds offers from Washburn University, Bemidji State, and Oshkosh. Kingston is developing his technical side just as quickly as his physical growth. Heavy hands, a quick get off, and the ability to turn speed into power shined throughout his camp reps. His ability to win with quickness or power leave OL in bad situations of Choose Your Own Adventure that always end in getting beat. Kingston is poised for a massive year as he fully unveils what he can do at that massive size.     Rankings Rise: 251 Up to 100   One of the biggest risers of the update was Slinger RB [player_tooltip player_id='1220696' first='Kobe' last='Hendricks']. The incoming senior put together a great summer starting with a dominant showing at the WFCA combine. By the end of the summer Kobe had earned offers from River Falls, Duluth, and St. Thomas. The 5'10” 180 lbs back already has one 1,000 yard season under his belt, but this year might be the breakout as he looks to be in line for even more touches this fall. On the field you have to love Kobe's vision, instincts with the ball in his hands, and the way he is able to let his athletic gifts shine. Kobe can make you miss, beat you to the corner, or use his low center of gravity to move the pile. He is a kid that creates mismatches and gives his offense and advantage on every down. A big year is coming for the reigning State Champ.     Rankings Rise: 103 Up to 81   The TE Class of 2026 has gotten a ton of love here in WI. It is a class that offers a wide array of TE variations. When it comes to pure receiving mismatches you will be hard pressed to find a better option that Grantsburg's [player_tooltip player_id='1220758' first='Caden' last='Matheny']. The 6'7” athlete checks the boxes when it comes to the passing game. Massive target area, soft hands, timing for high pointing the ball in jump ball scenarios, and his ability to either box out or create separation with his route running. You can also line him up all over the field, opening him up to fitting into most offenses at the next level. Caden and Grantsburg will be looking to avenge their State Championship loss, so I am expecting a massive year from him. Keep a close eye on the heavily recruited TE.     Rankings Rise: 87 Up to 60   I thought I was already a fan of Kellen, but after another reviewing of his tape it was easy to move him even further up our boards. The 4 year varsity starter looks the part of what I would say is at least a D2 level OL. A 6'4” 275 lbs frame that is equally athletic as it is strong. Kellen is blessed with mobility and flexibility that come together to give him range and the ability to win every leverage battle. Give a kid with Kellen's size and strength the leverage advantage and you will see a dude that can drive any DL off the ball. Turn on the tape and you will see it in action over and over. Kellen is the type of OL that gives your team the upper hand. He holds offers from Duluth and Sioux Falls. His early season tape should bring a swarm of teams joining them because he is one of the best in the state.     Rankings Rise: 81 Up to 51   A kid that has had an exciting summer is Oak Creek DB [player_tooltip player_id='1251519' first='Izayah' last='Angeles']. The 5'10” 180 lbs athlete has earned himself several Ivy League offers, among others. Easy to see what the teams are loving. Izayah personifies student-athlete. He has a 4.22 GPA, runs a 4.6 40, jumps a 35.6” vertical and 9'8” broad, and can run a 4.22 shuttle time. Smart, lightning quick, explosive, and fast are what you look for at DB and Izayah brings it all to the field.     Rankings Rise: 174 Up to 49   Another massive riser who is coming off of a great summer is Waunakee's [player_tooltip player_id='1220749' first='McCoy' last='Smith']. Smith holds down an LB/DL role for the Warriors and turned plenty of heads this summer with his play at LB. He also made an impression as a potential FB, earning a PWO offer from the Badgers following his camp performance in Madison this summer. McCoy's film is fun to watch. The dude does everything with power. Every movement is loaded up with force to either shed a block or run through the man he is tackling. That innate ability to turn athleticism into power and violence is tough to find, but when you do it jumps off the tape. McCoy has that. I can't wait to see some fresh film from him early this season after another offseason of improvements.     Rankings Rise: 55 Up to 39   The Class of 2026 QBs has been as good as we were hyping up back in the spring. One of the biggest risers from the group has been [player_tooltip player_id='1610031' first='Bryce' last='Ott'] of Oshkosh North. Ott has been working on his craft and in return we have seen an improvement in the speed and efficiency of his throwing motion and release. The ball comes out quick and consistently. That leads to pinpoint accuracy on a very high % of his throws. It has also been impressive watching how well his feet are tied to his eyes while standing at 6'6”. Even with the elite frame Bryce is efficient in his movements and has the arm strength to make throws necessary on a D1 field. This season is going to be a fun one as he returns his top target and his RB1.     Rankings Rise: 186 Up to 48   When it comes to these articles we try to shine the spotlight on the uncommitted athletes. However, I had to include Brett in this one because I'm not sure there was an athlete that put together a better summer or one that saw his effort pay off like Brett did. Kopp put in the time and miles this summer, hitting up camp after camp and usually leaving each with at least one new offer. The small-school standout demonstrated elite consistency with his ability to show up and dominate the competition. His size, power, hand use, and feet stood out from the crowd all summer long. Sioux Falls has a good one coming to town next season. I can't wait to see some Friday night action from the big man.

The preseason 2026 Rankings Update just went live at the end of last week, and now that I have taken the time needed to get married we are back and ready to talk more about those rankings. Overall, this is one of, if not the biggest, lists of seniors ranked going into their final season that we have ever done. Well over 500 kids are ranked, which has us poised to break and insane 600 kids when the season ends. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. This new update has plenty to talk about. Our first dialed in look will be at the kids that saw their stock rise thanks to outstanding summer performances, and also a stronger impression when we looked back through the old junior tape. Despite the massive influx of new names these kids pushed themselves closer to #1 at their position and overall. Let's talk about what we loved so much from this group.