6 Playmakers Who Could Rise in the Next 2026 Rankings Update

We're in the middle of August rankings content, but I always have one eye on the future. One of my favorite things to do is have an idea of which prospects are on stock-risers watch for the next rankings update. These are often the guys whose evaluations are nearly complete, but missing a data point.   At this point in the season, that often means I'm simply waiting to see if the hype is real and if it translates to the field this fall. Here are six skill position guys who will almost certainly be higher in the rankings at the next update, as long as they get off to strong starts to the season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6 Potential Rankings Risers</h2>    It may have been unfair of us to put Monroe in this range, given his offer list and production, but his profile is one that really needs to be scouting in-person. A highly-athletic tight end can have plenty of success at the NCISAA level and still not be an elite prospect. I don't that that's the case with Monroe, as the film is great. But, I want to see myself. I'm trying to get out to an NRCA game this fall to scout Monroe and a few others. If I come away impressed, expect him to be the headliner of the stock-risers team.     Millbrook is loaded at receiver, which means both that the passing game should be even better in 2025 and that I'm not sure which guys step up as key playmakers. Martin, a Wakefield transfer, could find himself moving up the rankings if he can play well on one of the state's best offenses. If he can break into that lineup it means he's not just performing on Friday nights, but during practice as well.     To be honest, I thought I was higher on Chambers than most, then Marshall jumped in with an offer and it makes it look like we've underrated him. An elite deep ball merchant when he was at Red Springs, Chambers dominated on pure athleticism. As one-half of 3A's best receiver duo, Chambers will have opportunities in 2025. I want to see some diversity in his route tree, because he'll only be able to outrun and outjump most FBS corners. As he takes steps to become a more complete playmaker, he'll move up the rankings.     Another transfer receiver, Rhodes blew me away in garbage time of a playoff loss with Charlotte Catholic against eventual state-champion Grimsley. When forced to go to a pure passing attack, the offense turned into "Throw it up to Rhodes" and he came down with catch after catch. Now in a more pass-heavy, non-Wing-T offense, his opportunities should increase. I think he's a fall offer candidate.     The only key returner from a 2,800-yard receiving corps last season, Murray could put up huge numbers this season. He's a guy we've seen in camp and really like as a tight end/receiver hybrid. We've heard good things about his progression this offseason and he should be the top target in a pass-heavy offense. Expect a big year from him and if he is bigger and faster, he's likely to move up the rankings.     Presley is the ultimate, "Let's see you do it on the field" guy for us. He struggled with consistent accuracy last year at East Gaston (But the flashes were really impressive) and then he showed out at our Prep Redzone Showcase. The arm talent is among the best in the state, so what will a transfer to Hunter Huss do for his stock? If he comes out and shows the offseason work paid off, he'll move up.

We're in the middle of August rankings content, but I always have one eye on the future. One of my favorite things to do is have an idea of which prospects are on stock-risers watch for the next rankings update. These are often the guys whose evaluations are nearly complete, but missing a data point.