Final 2026 Rankings Update: Last Minute Risers

This update was the final time for athletes in the Class of 2026 to make a move up our board at Prep Redzone WI. It was the final time for their high school film to speak for itself after all the hard work had been put in and the plays had been made. It wasn't going to be easy for anyone to climb the charts, though, as we added well over 150 athletes to the original 533 athletes. So the competition was steep, but there were several athletes who proved to be up for the challenge. Many of who are uncommitted. Those are our focus of today's article. The athletes who made the biggest rise, and are still deciding on or looking for their next level home. So let's see how big of a leap these kids made, and of course turn on some tape.    Rise: #41 to #33   AJ was a dominant athlete on the field every Friday night the past years. The starting QB/S for Brookfield Central has shined on the offensive side of the ball in particular. His elite size has made him a battering ram with the ball in his hands, breaking tackles and churning out those tough yards. The senior hasn't stopped growing either, checking in recently at 230 lbs. The mass hasn't hindered the versatile athlete. He can hit the open field and take it the distance. The physically dominant senior has proven himself at the high school level and looks like a D1 level recruit. His most recent offer is from the FBS level, Ball State. So I'm excited to see where things go for AJ. Coaches, this is a dynamic athlete with the size, strength, and athleticism to carve out a role on your roster.      Rise: #85 to #47   Tyler dominated the front seven for the Franklin defense this season. The senior shines at ILB with his high football IQ, instincts, and range. Tyler is fast to diagnose plays and closes on the ball like he is shot out of a cannon. He is quick through traffic, avoiding linemen on his way to the ball and runs his feet through his tackles to drive the ball backwards. Tyler's speed and first step burst also allow him to play on the outside in passing situations and get after the QB. When he does have to engage with an OL or TE the senior has the power to quickly engage and disengage without losing ground then make the tackle. Tyler holds a pair of FCS offers and multiple D2 offers. No doubt about it, the LB is one of the best defenders still available in WI.     Rise: #150 to #79   It doesn't matter the position, Reid is one of the top steals in Wisconsin. The senior is definitely raw when it comes to the fine tuned parts of the game, but he offers so much potential and physical gifts that not many have. Tools like his elite length and 6'5" frame. The big edge defender is excellent at run defense on the edge. He can win with speed into the backfield to make the TFL or Reid can stand up the OT and/or TE and then shed to make the tackle. As a pass rusher Reid's first step has proven to be effective. He gets to the heels of the OT before they can get hands on him and from there it is an easy path to the QB. The natural gifts should have coaches lining up.      Rise: #166 to #83   The hero of the D1 State Championship Game is another one of our biggest risers. The explosive athlete out of Arrowhead has elite speed, making him one of the fastest athletes in the state. He has a strong claim to the title of fastest in the state too. Ryan dominates at WR and special teams, either beating angles as a return man or quickly getting behind the secondary for field-flipping receptions. When it comes to matchup nightmares, Ryan is one of the toughest to plan for. Not many can run with him.      Rise: #278 to #129   DL [player_tooltip player_id='1361761' first='Corey' last='Brown'] earned himself a massive rise up our boards with his senior season. Corey has been an intriguing athlete with the size to play in the trenches at the next level, but in his senior season he really put it all together. The big man plays with such improved body control, overall mobility, and flexibility. He can change his pad level, counter off his initial moves, and power through OL with leverage. His short area quickness gave him an advantage in the trenches too as he could quickly gain the leverage or positioning advantage. Corey has been putting in the work and I'm excited to see where he commits.      Rise: #383 to #128   I believe this is the largest rise among the senior Class. Haden finished his career with a great senior season. The big man dominated at nose tackle. He ate up space and blockers for his LBs to roam free. However, the senior didn't stop there. Plenty of times throughout his highlights he proves that he can disengage from those blocks and get to the football. The 300 lbs senior plays with active, strong hands that got him around OL and Haden also brings some next level short area quickness that helped him defeat blocks. The big man is also loaded up with power. Power to collapse the pocket with a bull rush or hold the line vs double teams. The big man is trending in the right direction. His best ball is still to come.      Rise: #238 to #132   You won't find a more productive WR in the state this year than [player_tooltip player_id='700019' first='Tyler' last='Deer']. The senior piled up the receptions, catching everything sent his way. The WR attacked every level of the field for Grafton. Speed to win vertically, excellent balance and body control to attack route breaks with speed. He has strong ball skills that allows him to make those deep, over the shoulder catches or the sideline toe tapping grab. Tyler is a kid that can win on any route, putting pressure on DBs to be ready for anything when guarding him. Check out this steal.      Rise: #263 to #170   Joey is an absolute gunslinger. He is going to attack every level of the field without hesitation. That confidence comes from his physical tools. His footwork and release are so quick, allowing him to set and throw in an instant. The arm strength is there to drop it in a bucket to his WR deep downfield. Most importantly we see the accuracy to every level of the field and a great understanding of leverage and where the ball needs to be for his WR to have a chance without putting the ball at risk. Joey is a great example of the depth among the Class of 2026 QBs. Tap into his highlight reel.      Rise: #298 to #187   Gannon has really impressed me with the growth of his frame and development of his game over the past year. Now at 6'2" 200 lbs, Gannon looks the part of a college signal caller. The senior's arm has grown as well. Gannon proved during the 2025 season he can drive the ball into spots deeper downfield than in past seasons. He has done it without having to sacrifice accuracy too. The poise and decision-making show that the game is slowing down for him too. The senior led one of the top teams in Madison this season, and looks ready to compete at the next level.

This update was the final time for athletes in the Class of 2026 to make a move up our board at Prep Redzone WI. It was the final time for their high school film to speak for itself after all the hard work had been put in and the plays had been made. It wasn't going to be easy for anyone to climb the charts, though, as we added well over 150 athletes to the original 533 athletes. So the competition was steep, but there were several athletes who proved to be up for the challenge. Many of who are uncommitted. Those are our focus of today's article. The athletes who made the biggest rise, and are still deciding on or looking for their next level home. So let's see how big of a leap these kids made, and of course turn on some tape.