2027 Prospects to Watch in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2027 will take center stage over the next few months in the Natural State. In this article, we highlight several players who are expected to have impressive seasons in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1278415' first='Will' last='Caston']-Linebacker-Fayetteville-6'2” 200-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Fayetteville linebacker is a part of a solid 2027 linebacker crop in the Natural State. Caston reads the play well. He uses his speed and athleticism to shed blocks quickly. He is able to get sideline-to-sideline in pursuit of the ball carrier. Caston can pressure the opposing quarterback or drop back into pass coverage. He is a prospect with the potential to have a big 2026 and he is a player to watch during the offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305484' first='Jace' last='Blake']-Defensive Back/Running Back-Walnut Ridge-6'0” 190-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1305484' first='Jace' last='Blake'] is a versatile prospect who has the potential to see playing time on both sides of the ball during the 2026 season. On the offensive side of the ball, Blake is a patient running back who allows rushing lanes to develop before exploding through the hole. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, he has no problem playing physically against opposing wide receivers. He does a great job of separating the ball from the ball carrier. Blake is a prospect with the potential to have a big 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='594778' first='Slade' last='Norwood']-Quarterback-Farmington-6'2” 180-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Farmington signal caller is a prospect to watch out for over the next few months. He has impressive accuracy. Norwood is able to fit the football into tight coverages. Norwood has the arm strength to cause plenty of problems for opposing defensive backs. He is a quarterback who knows when to buy time in the pocket. Norwood does a good job of keeping his eyes downfield and is a player to watch out for as we approach 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1649900' first='Colby' last='Castling']-Offensive Line-Fort Smith Southside-6'4” 295-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1649900' first='Colby' last='Castling'] is coming off an impressive 2025 football season. He does an effective job in pass protection. Castling uses his hands well to drive opposing defenders backward and away from the quarterback. He does a great job of using a mix of his speed and power to open up rushing lanes. Castling plays with a chip on his shoulder. He is always looking to block at the second level. He is a prospect who I expect to have a big 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227898' first='Jackson' last='Denton']-Quarterback-Warren-5'11” 160-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='227898' first='Jackson' last='Denton'] is a quarterback who has the potential to have a breakout season in 2026. Denton had a great season in 2025 and is going into the offseason with plenty of momentum. He has tremendous accuracy and the ability to throw his wide receivers open. Denton does a great job of spreading the ball around to his wide receivers. Denton is a prospect to watch as we approach the 2026 portion of the offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->