2026 Final Rankings: Top Newly Added Norcal Prospects

Austin is one of the more impressive athletes we have seen this year across the entire state, and is a elite hybrid player that has long speed, a huge catch radius strong hands and tons of upside and untapped potential. He is a big play prospect that can separate downfield, run a variety of different routes and is very strong with the ball in his hands and tough to take down in the open field. He tracks well over the top, can win on contested balls and box out smaller defender's while excellent after the catch. His unique blend of size, length and speed makes him a very intriguing prospect for the next level and has been severely under-recruited to this point.     Melendez had a incredible senior season for Woodcreek that ended with a SJS D3 section title and northern California bowl game appearance against Sonora. He is a very athletic passer that can spread the ball around on time and does tons of damage with his legs on the run or throwing downfield. He shows a strong pocket presence while keeping his eyes downfield on the run and has deep ball accuracy with touch and velocity on intermediate throws as well. Also showing a strong initial burst and downfield speed to separate, he is a very fluid athlete and dual-threat signal caller that is a next level guy and either at the four year or JUCO level is going to make a immediate impact wherever he lands.     Lavoie is one of the more impressive true hand in the dirt defensive ends that plays with exceptional technique and immediate hand violence at the POA. He is explosive out of his stance, has great block recognition and can take on pullers/double teams with ease, and shows he can play anywhere along the defensive front inside or on the edge. A two-way player that never left the field, he has plenty of high level playing experience heading into college and is going to be a late steal here for a next level program. His frame/wingspan and length/athleticism makes him a very intriguing prospect with a high ceiling and a lot to offer on either side of the ball.     Bailey is one of the more active and productive defenders across the North Coast Section and had a stellar season tucked away in Humboldt County. He was the section's sack leader in 2025 and very disruptive up front for the Crusaders and showed he can play anywhere along the front and provide a consistent pass rush and relentless motor to the ball. He is heavy handed, creates immediate knock-back and can eat up blocks inside while showing some interior twitch and a quick use of hands at the POA. Still unsigned, he should draw plenty of late interest here soon and is going to be another steal for a program either at the 4 year or jUCO level.     Gibbons is a very athletic passer with a quick release, strong arm downfield and can fit the ball into tight windows over the top on time and with throw anticipation. He navigates the pocket well, moving through pressure while keeping his eyes downfield and can throw on the run without losing zip on the ball. He shows he can buy time with his legs and takes what is given underneath while not afraid to air it out and is accurate on 25+ yard throws over the middle or outside the hashes. Gibbons was one of the better newcomers across the SJS section this year and checks into our final rankings update for the 2026 class.