Offseason Predictions: 5 Breakout Players in 2026 (Pt. 9)

<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>LOGAN WILDCATS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2132039' first='Luvante' last='Kenney'] is the kind of sophomore whose production forces you to take notice, even without a full cut-up to study. He carried it 74 times for 347 yards and four scores, then turned around and posted 75 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 5 interceptions on defense to impact both sides of the ball. The interception total especially jumps out; that kind of ball production usually translates at the next level, especially as an OLB/S. Moving into the offseason, the big question is where he ultimately fits long term. His 6'0 185 frame and tackle numbers suggest real upside at outside linebacker or safety, but five picks hint at instincts and range that could keep him in space. Kenney has a chance to separate himself in the 2028 class as more than just a productive two-way player and start trending toward a true position prospect with recruiting traction if he posts more film. </p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MAGNOLIA BLUE EAGLES</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Magnolia ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2132040' first='Brody' last='Vargo'] put together the kind of junior year that earns respect around the state, picking up Honorable Mention Class A All-State honors and showing he's one of the Blue Eagles' better overall athletes. Without film to dissect, you lean on the trajectory, productive season, recognition, and the possibility of an expanded role ahead. The interesting piece now is what his senior year looks like, especially if he steps in at quarterback like his older brother once did. If Vargo takes command of the offense and shows he can handle the leadership and decision-making that come with that spot while maintaining his playmaking ability, his stock will shift from solid athlete to legitimate all-around football player. The opportunity is there for him to define his own path in 2027.<br><br></p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MAN HILLBILLIES</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Man LB [player_tooltip player_id='2132043' first='Braxton' last='Sword'] turned in the type of junior season that puts a linebacker firmly on the radar, earning Class A Honorable Mention All-State honors and anchoring Man's defense at 6'0, 190 pounds. Without diving into full game film, the recognition alone tells you he was consistently around the football and trusted to be the steady presence in the middle. Now the focus shifts to what kind of jump he makes heading into his senior year. If Sword takes that next step and shows he can elevate from productive to disruptive, he has a chance to move from respected small school linebacker to a name that draws more serious attention in the 2027 cycle if he posts his updated film. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MARTINSBURG BULLDOGS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1157627' first='Zane' last='Wipf'] heads into his senior year with a fresh start at Martinsburg after putting together a strong junior season at Spring Mills, where he became one of the Cardinals' top options in the passing game with 40 catches for 606 yards and four touchdowns. The production didn't come out of nowhere; he'd flashed the last couple of seasons, but this was the year he put it together consistently. Now the question is how quickly he settles into the Bulldogs' system and how big a role he carves out in a program that expects to compete for a state championship. He's a polished route runner who can align inside or outside and does real damage after the catch, so the transition should be smooth if he builds chemistry early with his quarterback. A strong offseason and quick adjustment could position Wipf for his most complete year yet and potentially elevate his recruiting outlook as he closes out the 2027 cycle.</p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MEADOW BRIDGE WILDCATS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1155318' first='Trent' last='Roles'] is one of those seniors you circle heading into the offseason based on tools and trajectory alone. At 6'1 180 with a standout basketball background, he brings length, body control, and competitive toughness to the table, which earned Class A Honorable Mention All-State honors in a run-heavy system says plenty about the kind of impact he made with limited volume. Meadow Bridge graduates its top rushers, which should naturally shift more responsibility to the perimeter, and that opens the door for Roles to take on a much larger role offensively while continuing to contribute on the back end defensively. If the Wildcats expand the passing game and he proves he can win consistently outside the numbers, his senior year could be the one that elevates his name as a football player even further. </p>

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