Offseason Predictions: 5 Breakout Players in 2026 (Pt. 5)

<p id="block-32896c7d-e14b-42fd-9249-e04a7ae8bf4f"><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p>   <p>We're still 6 months away from the 2026 season, but there's no better time to predict breakout stars during the offseason who have flashed in the past but haven't fully broken out yet. The transfer landscape has yet to be finalized, which may impact some of these predictions in the future. However, here is one player from each school, listed in alphabetical order, that we believe will have a breakout season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GEORGE WASHINGTON PATRIOTS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">George Washington 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1616166' first='Derek' last='Valentine'] enters the offseason with clear upward momentum after making a significant leap from his sophomore to junior year. His physical growth and overall development have elevated him into the Top 10 among linebackers in the class, and the foundation is now in place for an even bigger senior campaign. Valentine brings a strong frame and athletic upside that project well moving forward, and the next step will be refining the details of his game while stepping into a larger leadership role. If that progression continues, he has the potential not only to solidify his standing but to climb even higher within the 2027 linebacker rankings heading into his final season.</p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GILMER COUNTY TITANS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Gilmer County 2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2126548' first='Tyler' last='Ratliff'] enters the offseason as one of the program's most versatile returning players after a productive junior season. Ratliff led the team with 691 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, while also adding 249 receiving yards and another score, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense. He also made an impact defensively with 35 tackles, highlighting his all-around value. At 6'1, 160, he has an intriguing frame and athletic upside as a potential college prospect. If Ratliff builds on his production and expands his playmaking, he has the potential to emerge as a true breakout player for Gilmer County next fall.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GRAFTON BEARCATS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Grafton 2028 ATH/QB [player_tooltip player_id='1590026' first='Chace' last='Kinsey'] heads into the offseason as a versatile playmaker whose role and impact are only set to expand. After finishing his sophomore season with 677 passing yards and six touchdowns through the air, along with 527 rushing yards and six scores on the ground, Kinsey demonstrated the dual-threat ability that makes him a unique weapon. Originally a standout receiver, he has now transitioned to quarterback, and his athleticism allows him to influence the game with both his arm and his legs. The next step this offseason will be refining his mechanics, decision-making, and overall command of the offense as he settles into the QB1 role. If Kinsey continues to develop, he projects as a dynamic centerpiece for Grafton's offense and a player likely to draw college attention.</p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GREENBRIER EAST SPARTANS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Greenbrier East 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1695972' first='Keshawn' last='Bland'] enters the offseason as a player whose physical upside and emerging production make him one to watch closely. At 6'2, 220 pounds, Bland already possesses the size and athletic traits that project well at the next level, and his junior campaign gave a glimpse of his high-level potential. While limited tape has kept him underexposed in evaluations, the flashes he showed point to a player capable of taking a major step forward this offseason. With continued growth, Bland has the tools to climb the rankings and establish himself as a breakout linebacker heading into his senior season.</p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GREENBRIER WEST CAVALIERS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Greenbrier West 2028 RB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2126554' first='Ben' last='Butler'] heads into the offseason as a player whose efficiency and upside stand out despite a shortened sophomore campaign. Butler rushed 43 times for 337 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an impressive 7.8 yards per carry across just 6 games, showing the production and ability that could translate to a larger role moving forward. If Butler builds on this early production and takes advantage of increased reps while staying healthy, he has a clear path to emerging as a breakout contributor for the Greenbrier West program next season.</p>

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