Underrated Class of 2026 Stars in Central Texas

Central Texas continues to produce some of the most overlooked talent in the state, filled with athletes who bring toughness, versatility, and big-time playmaking ability every Friday night. These players may not always headline rankings or dominate the recruiting conversation, but their work ethic, consistency, and on-field impact say everything recruiters need to know. Whether it's explosive offensive weapons, physical defenders, or all-around athletes who can line up anywhere, this region is loaded with competitors who are built for the next level. Central Texas has become a breeding ground for hidden gems—players who are hungry, underrated, and ready to break out the moment they get their shot.    Luke put together a monster season with 3,100 yards and 36 touchdowns, showing complete command of his offense. He throws with rhythm, anticipates breaks, and places the ball where only his guy can make a play. What stands out most is how calm he stays when the pocket shifts — he slides, resets, and delivers strikes without forcing anything. He can stretch the field when needed but also owns the underneath game, keeping drives moving and defenses guessing. A steady presence who makes everyone around him better and consistently shows he's built for big-moment football.      Lark put up 980 yards and 10 touchdowns, showing smooth acceleration and the ability to flip the field in an instant. He wins with great feel in space, finds openings naturally, and turns routine plays into chunk gains. Consistent, explosive, and always a threat to break one.      Michael stands out with how quickly he reads routes and jumps throws. He closes space fast, plays through the hands, and rarely gets caught out of phase. What he does best is stay disciplined — he keeps leverage, takes smart angles, and makes plays look routine because he's in the right spot before the ball arrives. A dependable stopper who shows great awareness and confidence on the back end.      Ben brings steady discipline and sharp awareness, matching movements smoothly and staying connected through the entire rep. He keeps everything in front of him, attacks the ball with strong hands, and consistently shuts down big-play chances with smart angles and reliable tackling.      Daniel racked up 56 tackles by playing with nonstop effort and strong instincts. He sheds blocks quickly, reads plays before they fully develop, and closes with real power. His motor shows up every snap — always around the football, always disrupting something. A reliable, physical presence who sets the tone up front.      Jaceton racked up 885 yards and 11 touchdowns, using vision and patience to read blocks and pick his spots. He accelerates through gaps, keeps his balance through contact, and shows the ability to make defenders miss in space. His instincts allow him to find cutback lanes, and his power ensures he consistently gains tough yards when needed. A complete back who makes the most of every opportunity.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JacetonGotta/status/1994932297242743292?s=20 </div></figure>    Caleb finished the season with 39 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 6 hurries, 2 batted balls, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries. He consistently wins off the edge with quick first steps and relentless pursuit, collapsing pockets and creating chaos. His hands and awareness allow him to disrupt passing lanes, while his power and technique make him a threat against the run. A disruptive force who changes the rhythm of any offense he faces.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/cdbarrowtx/status/1989383507932557566?s=20 </div></figure>    Blake finished the season with 966 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, standing out with precise route-running and reliable hands. He consistently finds soft spots in coverage, tracks the ball in stride, and makes contested catches look routine. After the catch, he shows vision, balance, and the ability to make defenders miss, turning short passes into explosive gains. Quick off the line and with sudden acceleration, he stretches the field vertically while still being a threat on intermediate routes. A dynamic playmaker who consistently forces defenses to account for him every snap.      Justin racked up over 666 yards and 11 touchdowns, showing vision and patience to read blocks and find running lanes. He accelerates quickly through gaps, maintains balance through contact, and consistently turns short gains into big plays. A decisive runner with good instincts who makes defenses respect every carry.      Gay shows excellent awareness and ball skills in the secondary. He reads the quarterback well, breaks on the ball quickly, and makes plays both in coverage and near the line of scrimmage. Quick, disciplined, and reliable, he consistently keeps receivers in check and creates turnovers when given the opportunity.      Hugo totaled 66 tackles from the edge, showing a combination of power and technique to disrupt both the run and pass. He consistently wins his matchups with quick first steps, sheds blocks effectively, and pursues the ball relentlessly. A disruptive presence who can collapse pockets, make plays in the backfield, and change the momentum of a game.     Thomas finished the season with 62 tackles on the defensive line, using strength and technique to control gaps and shed blockers. He consistently stops the run, pressures the quarterback, and makes plays in the backfield. A relentless, physical presence who forces offenses to account for him every snap.      Mason stands out with sideline-to-sideline speed and instinctive play recognition. He reads plays quickly, fills gaps decisively, and wraps up effectively in the open field. A consistent tackler who can disrupt both the run and pass, making him a key presence in any defense.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/mason_lastor/status/1988689942063771873?s=20 </div></figure>    Houston stands out as a dominant edge presence, combining speed, power, and relentless motor. He consistently pressures the quarterback, collapses pockets, and forces hurried throws. Against the run, he sets the edge decisively, sheds blocks with strong hands, and makes tackles in the backfield. His anticipation and awareness allow him to read plays quickly, pursue sideline-to-sideline, and create disruption that changes the rhythm of an offense. A complete playmaker who consistently impacts every snap.      Kaiden excels in the nickel role, showing quickness, awareness, and ball skills. He reads routes and quarterbacks well, breaks on the ball with speed, and makes plays in both coverage and run support. Reliable and disruptive, he consistently stays tight on receivers and creates opportunities for turnovers.      Gary dominated with 1,713 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, showing elite vision, acceleration, and balance. He consistently reads blocks, hits lanes decisively, and has the power to break tackles while keeping his legs churning. A playmaker in every sense, he turns short gains into explosive plays and is a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field.      Brent finished the season with 607 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, showing crisp route-running, reliable hands, and the ability to create separation. He tracks the ball well in the air, makes defenders miss after the catch, and consistently turns opportunities into big plays. A consistent playmaker who forces defenses to account for him every snap.      Liam is a dynamic linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed, sharp instincts, and excellent awareness. He diagnoses plays quickly, fills gaps decisively, and wraps up with strong, reliable tackling in the open field. He can drop into coverage smoothly, read quarterbacks, and disrupt passing lanes, while also setting the tone against the run. Aggressive and consistent, Liam consistently makes plays that swing momentum and forces offenses to account for him every snap.      A dynamic and versatile DB who excels in both man and zone coverage. Has quick instincts to read the quarterback and break on the ball, often creating turnovers or pass breakups. Strong in open-field tackling, rarely missing assignments, and consistently puts himself in the right position. Aggressive at the line of scrimmage, can disrupt routes, and isn't afraid to mix it up in run support. Brings leadership and energy to the secondary, communicates well with teammates, and can change the momentum of a game with a single play.      Tennison is a disruptive edge who combines speed, power, and relentless effort. He consistently pressures the quarterback, collapses pockets, and sets the edge against the run. Quick off the snap, he uses his hands effectively to shed blockers and pursues the ball with determination. A playmaker who changes the rhythm of any offense and forces opponents to account for him every snap.      Kole a sharp and athletic DB who reads the quarterback quickly and reacts with precision. Excels in coverage, staying tight on receivers while anticipating routes and making timely breakups. Strong tackler in open space and unafraid to step up in run support.      A relentless and explosive edge who finished the season with 103 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 7 QB hurries, and 6 pass breakups. Named District 8 5A Defensive MVP, he consistently pressures the quarterback and sets the edge in run defense. Quick off the line with powerful hands, Porter sheds blockers and creates disruption in the backfield, making plays that swing momentum in his team's favor.      A versatile athlete who can impact the game in multiple ways. Explosive, fast, and instinctive, he can line up in the backfield, out wide, or in the secondary and make plays wherever he's needed. Strong in open space, he consistently creates big gains, breaks tackles, and shows the ability to track the ball in the air. Athletic, high-energy, and a natural playmaker who elevates the performance of those around him.      Preston – A dynamic playmaker who rushed for over 900 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Explosive and decisive with the ball in his hands, he consistently finds running lanes, breaks tackles, and turns small openings into big gains. Agile, strong, and instinctive, Preston is a consistent threat in the backfield and a game-changer for his team.      A physical and instinctive linebacker who consistently reads plays and attacks the ball with precision. Strong against the run, he sheds blocks effectively and makes tackles in the backfield as well as in open space. Versatile in coverage, Kaden can match up with tight ends or running backs and break up passes when needed. High-energy and aggressive, he communicates well with teammates, directs the defense, and brings a relentless motor that keeps offenses on their heels. A true playmaker who can shift momentum with key stops, tackles for loss, or forced turnovers.      Cameron – A poised and decisive quarterback who finished the season with 1,939 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. Shows excellent field vision and the ability to make accurate throws under pressure. Comfortable both in the pocket and on the move, Cameron reads defenses quickly, delivers the ball on time, and makes plays downfield. A natural leader who commands the offense, keeps teammates engaged, and consistently puts his team in a position to score.      Wyatt A physical and instinctive linebacker who consistently diagnoses plays quickly and attacks with precision. Strong against the run, he sheds blocks effectively and makes tackles in the backfield and open space. Versatile in coverage, Wyatt can match up with tight ends or running backs and break up passes when needed. Aggressive, high-energy, and vocal on the field, he communicates well with teammates and brings a relentless motor that keeps offenses on their toes. A true playmaker who can swing momentum with key stops or tackles for loss.      Marshall – A smart and physical linebacker who consistently reads plays and attacks with intensity. Strong against the run, he sheds blocks and makes tackles near the line of scrimmage or in open space. Versatile in coverage, Marshall can track running backs and tight ends while breaking up passes when needed. Aggressive, high-energy, and vocal on the field, he directs teammates and brings a relentless motor that keeps offenses on edge. A playmaker capable of changing momentum with key stops or tackles for loss.      Jones physical and instinctive linebacker who consistently reads plays and reacts quickly. Strong against the run, he sheds blocks effectively and makes tackles in the backfield or open space. Versatile in coverage, Michael can match up with running backs or tight ends and break up passes when needed. Aggressive, high-energy, and vocal on the field, he directs teammates and brings a relentless motor, making key stops that can shift the momentum of a game      A dynamic and confident DB who moves fluidly in coverage and reacts instantly to the quarterback's reads. Effective in both man and zone, he closes on receivers quickly and breaks up passes with timing and precision. Strong in open-field tackling and willing to challenge the run, Taylor brings energy, awareness, and consistency, making him a key playmaker in the secondary.      A polished and decisive quarterback with smooth mechanics and a strong command of the offense. Delivers the ball with touch and accuracy, whether he's operating from the pocket or creating on the move. Shows patience when reading the field, finds his matchups, and puts the ball where only his receiver can make a play. Confident under pressure, Mason keeps drives alive with smart decisions and timely throws, making him a steady and reliable leader for his team.     Central Texas is filled with athletes who don't always get the spotlight, but their talent, hunger, and production speak louder than any ranking. These players show the toughness, versatility, and work ethic that coaches at the next level look for, yet many still fly under the radar. What makes this region special is the sheer number of competitors who rise every week, proving they belong in the conversation with the best in the state. With the right exposure and opportunities, these underrated standouts from Central Texas are primed to shock people and make a major impact at the next level.

Central Texas continues to produce some of the most overlooked talent in the state, filled with athletes who bring toughness, versatility, and big-time playmaking ability every Friday night. These players may not always headline rankings or dominate the recruiting conversation, but their work ethic, consistency, and on-field impact say everything recruiters need to know. Whether it's explosive offensive weapons, physical defenders, or all-around athletes who can line up anywhere, this region is loaded with competitors who are built for the next level. Central Texas has become a breeding ground for hidden gems—players who are hungry, underrated, and ready to break out the moment they get their shot.