Prep Redzone WI Player of the Year Watch List

August is here! The final rankings update is underway, and it is also time to start to preview the 2025 season! The summer has flown by with a ton of camp coverage from myself and other Prep Redzone scouts. Offers have been earned, commitments have been made. All in lead up to the 2025 season. With this new season comes new honors and awards to earn along with the most important thing, team success. We are going to begin our preseason coverage with a look into the individual honors.   We start with our Player of the Year Watch List. This list is an elite group of athletes that is only getting deeper by the year. The numbers we have seen have been unbelievable, so there is no doubt that if you want to have a chance to be in the running for the honor then you need to be the key contributor for your team. The team also needs to be successful as we require all athletes to be on teams that qualified for playoffs because it is more than just putting up numbers in this sport. So let's go through the athletes who look poised for that off the charts type of production this fall leading to those coveted team wins. This list is not exclusive, and we will be keeping an eye on everything so good luck to all this season as you work towards a memorable year!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterbacks</h2>    <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>249/352, 3846 Yards, 49 Passing TDs, 2 Rushing TDs</li> </ul>   The South Dakota commit and All State signal caller is coming off one of the best seasons we have ever seen from a WI passer. All in his first season as the starter. Patrick returns some big time performers and potential breakout athletes at RB and WR, so things should stay explosive for the offense. Patrick is a must have on any and all Watch Lists for this season.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>137/213, 2,098 Passing Yards, 27 TDs, 281 Rushing Yards, 6 TDs</li> </ul>   The big arm, dual sport standout will be back this fall and looking to continue to build an impressive career. He set his school record in passing TDs last fall and returns some of those receiving weapons for this fall. Tanner is going to be one of the top uncommitted guys to watch this fall.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>117/193, 2,088 Passing Yards, 25 TDs, 84 Rushing Yards, 1 TD</li> </ul>   Another premier uncommitted talent at the QB position to watch this fall is [player_tooltip player_id='1610031' first='Bryce' last='Ott']. Size, arm talent, and production come together and could produce an outstanding senior season. He returns with his top target, RB1, and multiple OL to protect him. Look for this offense to be clicking early and often.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>166/274, 2,249 Yards, 26 TDs</li> </ul>   The North Dakota commit is looking to cap off an unforgettable career with a deep run in the playoffs that also includes a lot of passing production. All the tools are there from mechanics to release to arm power and accuracy. The All Conference QB will be must watch this fall.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>143/212, 2,148 Passing Yards, 27 TDs, 775 Rushing Yards, 6 TDs</li> </ul>   Matt returns as a member of the reigning D1 State Champs and will be looking to put up similar or better numbers in 2025. The uncommitted senior gets it done with his arm and his legs, continuously putting defenses in bad positions and wrong decisions. It should be a fun final campaign for Matt.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>209/347, 2,495 Passing Yards, 32 Passing TDs, 4 Rushing TDs</li> </ul>   Joey is one of the most productive passers returning to the field in 2025. In his first year as the starter for Middleton Joey showed off the accuracy to carve up defenses at every level of the field. He handled a big responsibility with nearly 350 passes in 11 games and proved to be a great decision maker. I'm excited to see that next step from the uncommitted senior.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>124/196, 1,750 Yards, 22 Passing TDs, 236 Rushing Yards, 4 Rushing TDs</li> </ul>   One of the biggest arms in the state remains uncommitted in New Richmond's 6'5" 230 lbs senior QB. The entire field is open to this general and he isn't afraid to attack it all. The All Conference athlete is an impact player on the football field, hardwood, and baseball field.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>137/236, 2,055 Passing Yards, 22 TDs, 491 Rushing Yards, 6 TDs</li> </ul>   QB1 of the Class of 2027 looks like he is developing further following a very dedicated offseason. The incoming junior already has a ton of varsity experience under his belt and the numbers have gotten better and better. That has him on pace for a junior season that will have him near the top of the charts and winning a lot of Friday night battles. Definitely find time to watch or check in on Tyler's weekly film.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>129/253, 1,745 Passing Yards, 17 Passing TDs, 1,026 Rushing Yards, 7 Rushing TDs</li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='1222040' first='Vincent' last='Inga'] might be the most productive dual threat QB returning in 2025. He produced 1,000+ yards with his arm and his legs. On top of some of the most production in the state, Inga also returns an elite OL and his top two targets out wide. Things are set for him to absolutely shred teams on the ground and through the air. I can't wait to see the numbers this kid puts up this fall.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ATHs</h2>    <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>188 Carries, 1,047 Rushing Yards, 25 TDs, 10 Receptions, 167 Yards, 1 TD, 109 Tackles, 8 TFLs, 3 Sacks</li> </ul>   You won't see many athletes that can battle with the raw numbers or the variety of numbers that Zach has put up over his career. His junior year was one to remember for the NDSU commit. Zach is the tone setter for the team on top of being that type of statistical producer. It all comes together in a ton of wins over the past few years for Boyceville. The Bison got better with this commit.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>54 Carries, 361 Rushing Yards, 3 TDs, 11 Tackles</li> </ul>   The numbers are not numbers that make you think Kingston could be a Player of the Year candidate. However, the door that is open in front of him this season is an enticing opportunity. Kingston brings elite athleticism with quickness, agility, and gamebreaking speed. When this kid is able to get 250+ carries and/or play a high amount of reps at safety we could see him at the top of a lot of categories while also helping his team earn a lot of wins.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>153/216, 1,800 Passing Yards, 17 TDs, 1,774 Rushing Yards, 31 Rushing TDs, 52 Tackles, 4 INTs</li> </ul>   The Iowa WR commit is going to be one of the most electric, dominant, and fun playmakers to watch this fall. Elite speed, next level size, and instincts/vision to work his way through traffic and make something out of nothing are all at an elite level. Brody will continue to play QB for Winneconne and pile up the dual threat stats plus I'm sure we will see him on defense still too. Strap in for a big year!     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>104 Carries, 622 Yards, 13 TDs, 13 Receptions, 277 Yards, 4 TDs, 44 Tackles, 8 TFLs, 2 Sacks, 2 INTs</li> </ul>   Harker looks like he is ready for a breakout season. Elite size, speed, strength combination makes him a menace on offense and defense. At RB the incoming junior has been able to rip off some unbelievable runs and receptions. Plus he a monster at LB with his range and instincts. A big year is loading for Harker and the loaded Evansville offense.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>142 Rushing Yards, 2 TDs, 51 Receptions, 1,055 Yards, 11 TDs, 28 Tackles, 5 INTs</li> </ul>   Bryce has kept himself at or near WR/DB1 in the Class of 2027 with his tape and that tape has produced elite production on offense and defense. His speed and nuanced route running are unfair at the small school levels and his instincts at DB allow him to clamp down WRs with his reactive athleticism and raw tools/ball skills. The big numbers will continue this fall, so lock in on this 2027 talent.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>160 Carries, 1,237 Rushing Yards, 15 TDs, 15 Receptions, 189 Yards, 3 TDs, 81 Tackles, 5 Sacks, 14 TFLs, 7 INTs</li> </ul>   Another two-way 2027 that already has an impressive resume of wins and production is SJCA RB/S Chris Kenesie. On offense he can win inside or outside with his vision and knack for making the highlight reel play look easy. On defense the instincts shine as he flies around the field making stops and taking the ball away. You won't find me putting a cap on what his production could be this fall and beyond.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>178 Carries, 1,312 Yards, 10 TDs, 59 Receiving Yards</li> </ul>   Arrowhead is going to field one of the best rosters we have seen in a while this fall. Leading the way in the run game is the electric playmaker, [player_tooltip player_id='948090' first='Jacob' last='Siner']. Siner dominates with speed, vision, and elusive running in space and between the tackles. Nobody in the state this fall is able to find ways to open grass like Jacob. Makes for a potential massive season on the horizon.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>166 Carries, 1,126 Rushing Yards, 16 TDs, 13 Receptions, 218 Yards, 2 TDs</li> </ul>   Robert had big shoes to fill in 2024 and he filled them perfectly. The RB1 proved to be a legitimate three down back. Beglinger can win with power or athleticism and also run between the tackles to get the edge on the defense. Look for him to have a big impact on games this fall, especially early as Franklin gets a new QB1 rolling.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>209 Carries, 1,370 Yards, 24 TDs, 8 Receptions, 108 Yards, 1 TD</li> </ul>   Tommy is building an elite HS career going into his senior season. He is a two time All- Region RB and earned Honorable Mention All State in 2024. The honors list is deep including a D1 State Championship in 2023. Tommy is an exciting back. Speed, fearless running style, and the contact balance that catches defenders off balance with his smaller stature. A massive senior season could be loading.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>19/43, 427 Passing Yards, 5 TDs, 148 Carries, 1,817 Rushing Yards, 29 TDs</li> </ul>   The Army football commit already has a State Championship from his sophomore season while playing RB. Last year he switched to QB for the Badger triple option offense and shredded defenses with the athletic tools he brings and with smart decision making/reads. Matthew is a mismatch with versatility. I'm expecting him to be a nightmare to contain this fall along with the rest of his backfield teammates.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>30 Receptions, 751 Receiving Yards, 15 TDs, 30 Carries, 203 Yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 1 Kick Return TD</li> </ul>   When it comes to versatility Lamont is at minimum one of the best in the state. Find a way to get him the ball and Lamont will give you a legitimate chance to add points to the scoreboard. Speed, vision, instincts, playmaking, and elusiveness are all at a D1 level and they shine at WR, as a returner, and as a runner. Lamont is one of the best weapons in the state, and his 2024 State Championship performance confirmed it.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>49 Receptions, 951 Yards, 7 TDs</li> </ul>   One of the best WRs in WI is DC Everest's [player_tooltip player_id='1610034' first='Xavier' last='Edwards']. The '26 is something built in a lab. A massive frame with an equal catch radius thanks to his elite hands and aggressive play to go get it at the high point. Edwards is also very talented at tracking the ball downfield. His long speed pairs with the ball skills to make him a great deep threat. He will have a new QB, but I can't wait to see his final year at the HS level and the numbers he puts up.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>52 Receptions, 514 Yards, 6 TDs</li> </ul>   As just a sophomore Drew was able to earn All-Region honors with his tape and numbers. That tape also helped Drew climb to #2 in our WR rankings for the Class of 2027. Drew is a nuanced route runner with the balance, acceleration, and sudden change of direction that is going to give DBs nightmares for the next two years. His ability to create space makes him a QB's best friend and those 2024 numbers should be just the start of what he could produce this fall.     28 Receptions, 425 Yards, 9 TDs, 41 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 Sack   The new #1 overall player in the Class of 2027 is back for what could be a dominant junior season. The two way athlete is an elite TE talent. Size, speed, and physical running after the catch make him very tough to contain. Especially playing at the small school level. Korz is an extremely reliable target and a kid that is great at creating plays. I'm locked and loaded for a big year to come from Loken.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>59 Tackles, 27 TFLs, 14 Sacks</li> </ul>   Wyatt plays OL and DL for Columbus and when it comes to impact on both sides of the ball you will be hard pressed to find a bigger impact this fall. On offense he dominates in the trenches. Columbus has been great at running the ball and the big fellas up front are the reason why. They work as a unit, move men, and set the tone. On defense Wyatt has been elite at collapsing the pocket and disrupting plays. His sack numbers had him among the best in the state. The name of the game is disruption on the DL and Wyatt is among the best at it.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>80 Tackles, 27 TFLs, 11 Sacks</li> </ul>   One of the most impressive, and fun athletes in the Class of 2026 is Waunakee's [player_tooltip player_id='1220749' first='McCoy' last='Smith']. He is an unbelievably explosive and athletic defender. So much so that he earned a PWO offer to play FB for the Badgers. At the HS level he has been a force at DL/LB. He has 4.6 speed, is a 2X All Conference and All Region athlete along with a Defensive Lineman of the Year honor. The '26 is going to dominate the front seven this year.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>131 Tackles, 23 TFLs, 10 Sacks, 1 Defensive TD</li> </ul>   Army football has a great commit on the way in LB [player_tooltip player_id='700149' first='Brendan' last='Foley']. The 2026 jumps off the tape while playing in the best conference in WI. He is so quick to diagnose plays and just as quick to get to the ball to make plays and stops. He is a hard hitter, quick to shed blocks, and has the sideline to sideline range to give offenses fits trying to gain yards in the run game or quick passing game. The QB of the Arrowhead defense is going to put up numbers that could have him in the running for this honor.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>41 Carries, 146 Yards, 7 TDs, 102 Tackles, 18 TFLs, 4.5 Sacks, 2 Safeties</li> </ul>   NDSU has done a great job of recruiting WI and that continues into 2026 with a guy like LB [player_tooltip player_id='402813' first='Jack' last='Wilson']. The 1st Team All Conference LB is another great example of how deep this LB Class is. Jack is violent and physical. He goes everywhere at 100 mph, yet is under control at the same time. From what I have heard it sounds like we could see him at RB even more in 2025 than we did in 2024. Jack is going to potentially have an outstanding stat line and a lot of team success. I can't wait to see how it unfolds.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>83 Tackles, 1 TFL, 2 Blocked Kicks</li> </ul>   The Class of 2026 Rankings Update is in the works, and it looks like the Badgers commit out of Appleton North will be our new LB1. He has that elite range, closing burst, violent hit power, strength to shed blocks, and elite play recognition and instincts that checks every box needed for a Power 4 LB commit. His numbers should only improve from 2024 as he further develops his game in preparation for Madison down the road.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>111 Tackles, 28 TFLs, 4.5 Sacks, 2 PBUs</li> </ul>   The reigning Badger Large Defensive Player of the Year is no doubt a member of this list. The numbers are elite, but what is even more exciting is physical tools. His first step and ability to turn that speed into power are among the best in the state. He has heavy hands that are quick and violent. The '27 has shown a variety of tools to get into the backfield. Keep a close eye on what Deangelo does this fall.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>139 Tackles, 7 FFs, 2 FRs, 3 INTs, 2 PBUs</li> </ul>   Cayden has been a tackling machine for the first half of his HS career. That isn't going to be any different in his junior season. Cayden is so quick to read and react, and his physical tools allow him to get to the ball to actually make plays. He is quick to close, carries power in all his movements, and has a nose for the football. Cayden brings that three down versatility where you can trust him coming downhill or dropping into coverage. He is going to be a must watch junior.

August is here! The final rankings update is underway, and it is also time to start to preview the 2025 season! The summer has flown by with a ton of camp coverage from myself and other Prep Redzone scouts. Offers have been earned, commitments have been made. All in lead up to the 2025 season. With this new season comes new honors and awards to earn along with the most important thing, team success. We are going to begin our preseason coverage with a look into the individual honors.