Rankings Preview: 5 Newcomers in the ‘29 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The end of the month is quickly approaching, and what better way to close out the final week of February than with a rankings update? I mentioned earlier this week that the newest update for the freshman class would be complete soon. Well, folks can expect the rankings to go live as early as Monday.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this update there will be a new No. 1 ranked prospect, as well as 25 debuts. Here's a preview of five prospects that are a part of that incoming group. Be sure to see where they land in the rankings next week.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2087768' first='Kendal' last='Bergman'] - Nemaha Central, 6'2”, 155, ATH</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nemaha Central's offense could see a slight change in 2026. They're set to graduate one of the most dominant athletes in the state and will need to find a new dynamic playmaker. Bergman could be just what they're looking for. His freshman tape is filled with highlights. He even earned some varsity snaps this past season, with his best outing being a three interception performance against West Franklin. Bergman is set to have the highest debut out of this group of five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2128004' first='Adidas' last='Madlock'] - Washington, 6'1”, 245, DL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Washington Wildcats have been developing some underrated talent in recent years. One of their next young up and coming prospects is [player_tooltip player_id='2128004' first='Adidas' last='Madlock']. He was an unsung hero for the Wildcats' defense in 2025. The defensive tackle helped clog running lanes, and was relentless as a pass rusher. Madlock finished his freshman campaign with 20 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four sacks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2127990' first='Tatum' last='Eisenbarth'] - Jackson Heights, 5'7”, 155, RB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eisenbarth of Jackson Heights is set to make his debut after finishing the ‘25 season as one of the top rushers from the freshman class. He eclipsed over 600 yards on just 54 carries and hit paydirt seven times. In addition to his rushing numbers, Eisenbarth also caught 10 passes for 207 yards and two scores. He has the potential to put up some monster numbers with an expanded role next season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2128007' first='Jace' last='Gaither'] - Columbus, 6'0”, 210, DL&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another young promising defensive lineman from this incoming group is Gaither of Columbus. During his freshman season he recorded 43 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and forced one fumble. He has the potential of emerging as one of Columbus' top defensive prospects in the fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2127989' first='Ryder' last='Kolterman'] - Onaga, 5'10”, 145, ATH</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kolterman was put into a unique situation last fall. He was named the starting quarterback for Onaga, and while he had his struggles, the freshman did have success as well. His impact went beyond the QB position though. Which is why he'll be grouped with the ATH's. He ended his freshman season accounting for 999 yards of total offense and seven total scores. Defensively, he racked up the second most tackles on his team with 58 total. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->