Athletes That Will Shake Up the 2027 Rankings

Rankings update season is here! The final Class of 2026 Rankings are underway and then it is time for the Class of 2027. That hasn't stopped me from looking forward at the long list of athletes we will be adding to our boards. Athletes who are sure to have a strong debut and change the layout of the current rankings. So let's turn on some tape and talk about what is so exciting and intriguing about each of these athletes.    No question, Jude Siikarla is going to shake things up among the WR rankings. The junior WR has an elite frame at 6'6" 200 lbs and his strong hands and overall ball skills maximize that huge catch radius. Jude is a very smooth athlete, especially for his size. He can stretch the field and obviously dominates in 50/50 jump ball scenarios. Jude is also a talented hooper and you see that in his play on the field. He naturally understands how to use that big frame to box out defenders at the catch. Jude is raw at WR, but the ceiling is so high for the 2027 playmaker. Coaches, tap into his highlights below.      I was able to watch this Hudson team in person when they took on Stevens Point. It was clear that their defensive front seven was loaded with talent and among them was Noah Dunaway. The 6'5" 250 lbs junior DL will quickly grab your attention. His powerful upper body and accurate hand placement flash on nearly every rep as he does a great job getting hands inside and pressing the OL away from him to open up that separation. The big man is so powerful that once he gets that space he can shed the block quickly or make a stout tackle right there in his gap. Throughout the highlights you see that Noah has the power to hold the line of scrimmage while finding the ball. Once he breaks into the backfield you see the range. This is one of the better DL in this Class while only just scratching the surface. This is a must know kid at the position in WI.      I'm excited to see how Chippewa Falls 2027 S Owen Munson stacks up with the rest of the DB position in his Class. He looks the part at 6'2" 190 lbs and plays the part on tape. The big safety is a punishing tackler, timing his hits really well to break up passes and wrapping up really well. Owen brings a well balanced game to the field. He has the athleticism to roam a deep half and close on the ball in the air. He also can fly downhill to support against the run. His physicality partnered with the athleticism truly has Owen heading towards being a top safety recruit in his class. The 2027 grad is also a standout basketball player.      This is a fun athlete to watch. The big DT only was able to play 7 games this year, but that was enough for him to make an impact and pile up the highlight reel plays. I love the versatility that Nico brings. Throughout his tape you will see him impacting in a variety of ways. He can hold his ground, take on double teams, and eat up space while his LBs roam free behind him. On the next play you see him win with quickness, getting around OL and into the backfield to disrupt plays. I love his violent, strong hands and upper body that helps him get that key separation from OL so that he can disengage and make plays. Teams are looking to bolster their trenches every year, so Nico is a must watch.      Jesse will be debuting as a DB when we update the Class of 2027 rankings. The safety plays with outstanding range. Multiple times the 2027 isn't even on the screen at the start of the highlight and he will still make the stop within a yard or two of the line of scrimmage. Jesse is so explosive with his closing burst and he carries that momentum into his tackling for big hits. The CM safety is so quick to read and react and decisive with where he attacks. That violence, range, and play recognition is what is needed on the back end. Tap into the highlights and make sure Jesse is on your radars.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QujVptbnEo </div></figure>     Justin is an exciting weapon out wide for Union Grove HS. He is a big-bodied target at 6'3" 190 lbs, but you turn on the tape and the first trait that stands out is the speed he plays with. Speed to rip the top off the defense, stack CBs, and create big plays for the offense. Justin is a natural at tracking the ball deep downfield and easily adjusts to it in flight. The '27 WR has that different level of playmaking ability, and it also carries over to special teams where he also made plays as a returner. A kid with his size usually doesn't have his speed and natural playmaking skills while also having his strength and ball skills. He is proving to be a very well-rounded WR and one of the best at his position in the Class of 2027. He will be a top WR when he debuts in the rankings.     This is an intriguing OL recruit in the Class of 2027. Riley has those physical tools you can't teach. A frame with elite length, 6'6" 250 lbs, that has so much room to continue to add onto at the next level in a college weight room and nutrition program. What Riley currently does at that size is what is most exciting. He brings mobility to the position, easily getting lateral and cutting off DL and consistently winning leverage battles. The big man is light on his feet, but does it without sacrificing power upon contact with the defender. Riley's best football is still ahead of him and with his size and updated film we could see him have a strong debut on a deep OL position group.     We have talked about some impressive, big WRs in this article. Keegan brings a different array of traits to the field. The 6' 165 lbs junior WR wins with his quick twitch athleticism, route running, and hands. Keegan can explode off the line to eat up cushion and stack the CB then pull away deep downfield. He can also open up separation with his ability to cut on a dime and accelerate out of breaks in the quick passing game. His elusive route running is so difficult to play man against at the HS level because DBs can't run with him through route breaks. The 2027 produces at a very high level, verifying his talents.

Rankings update season is here! The final Class of 2026 Rankings are underway and then it is time for the Class of 2027. That hasn't stopped me from looking forward at the long list of athletes we will be adding to our boards. Athletes who are sure to have a strong debut and change the layout of the current rankings. So let's turn on some tape and talk about what is so exciting and intriguing about each of these athletes.