Class of ‘28: Six Potential Breakout Candidates

Santino Bernal January 29, 2026 @ 06:13 AM

There's one last report I wanted to do on the recent rankings update for the sophomore class. When I was going through the evaluation process there was something I noticed. A number of sophomores flashed promise in 2025, and some were even on the cusp of a breakout season.    This means there will be several breakout candidates for the 2026 campaign. Some candidates with the potential of achieving this goal are these six players. Each of them haven't received enough recognition, and they should expect to see expanded roles as juniors. Be sure to remember them in the fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1639963' first='Andy' last='Gray'] - Shawnee Mission Northwest, 6'3”, 175, ATH   Up first is Gray of SMNW. He's the type of player that any coach would want on their roster. As a sophomore he saw limited varsity action, but his willingness to block along with his versatility earned him snaps. His measurables are also a plus, and he's likely to add size to his 6-foot-3, 175-pound frame. I could see the Cougars' coaching staff using him in a variety of ways in their flexbone style offense. It'll be interesting to see if he's used more as a wideout because of his height, or if he'll receive carries because of his tough running style.   [player_tooltip player_id='1530430' first='Khyron' last='Taylor'] - Wichita Northwest, 5'10”, 150, DB   Taylor took a pretty significant jump in his development during the 2025 season. He had a change of scenery as he transferred across town to Wichita Northwest, and he earned himself a starting job. In his first season with the Grizzlies he put together quality film, and showcased an ability to stick to opposing receivers like glue. He finished his sophomore season with an impressive 13 pass breakups. Look for him to be in consideration for a 1st Team All-League selection this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1578110' first='Ryder' last='King'] - Blue Valley, 5'10”, 165, DB   Getting playing time for an EKL program like Blue Valley can be difficult for an underclassmen. However, King did not flinch when his number was called against some of the top talent in the state. One of his best stat lines of the ‘25 campaign was a five pass breakup performance against 4A powerhouse Bishop Miege. King is capable of playing corner or safety and has displayed solid ball skills in coverage. He'll be one of Blue Valley's top returning DB's next season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1626338' first='Dom' last='Milliren'] - Blue Valley Northwest, 6'2”, 185, WR   Targets may be hard to come by for BVNW pass catchers this season, as [player_tooltip player_id='1083570' first='Baron' last='Marshall'] is sure to be the center of the Huskies' passing game. However, folks shouldn't sleep on wideouts like Milliren. In 2025 the 6-foot-2, 185-pound receiver proved to be a sure-handed target in the intermediate passing game, and a reliable blocker as well. Next season he should have an expanded route tree and could be moved around more.    [player_tooltip player_id='1455235' first='Archer' last='Amrein'] - Hays, 6'3”, 185, RB   Hays High has produced some extremely underrated running backs in recent years. The Indians may have yet another on their hands. Amrein spent most of the ‘25 campaign developing at the JV level, but that's mainly because Hays had an All-State RB at the varsity level. He did however put together some highlight worthy runs on JV. If given the opportunity on varsity this year, I believe he's capable of breaking off some explosive runs and he'll be very difficult to bring down.   [player_tooltip player_id='2101923' first='Nasir'e' last='Williams-Brown'] - Topeka West, 5'9”, 150, ATH   This last prospect had a good varsity season in 2025. But he'll be ready to take his game to another level as a junior. Williams-Brown of Topeka West is one of the more explosive players in this class. During his sophomore season he had multiple runs of 25 yards or more, and he averaged nine yards per carry. Given his elusiveness and playmaking ability, I'm sure the Chargers' coaching staff will opt to get the ball in his hands early and often during the ‘26 campaign.

There's one last report I wanted to do on the recent rankings update for the sophomore class. When I was going through the evaluation process there was something I noticed. A number of sophomores flashed promise in 2025, and some were even on the cusp of a breakout season.