2028s Preparing for Their Breakout Seasons

*Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new Prep Redzone subscription*   The Class of 2028 is entering their most pivotal season here in 2026. Their junior season will be the time to show that leap in development, prove they are on a path towards developing their bodies and skills into viable college level weapons. The work is being put in this offseason from what I am seeing across my X feed. But who exactly seems to be in prime position to be able to show off that development while impacting their teams in a big way? I have gone through the rankings and hand picked several of my favorites who fit this scenario that I want to talk about and analyze. So let's get into it!    I'm very excited for the summer/fall that we could be set to see from [player_tooltip player_id='1627979' first='Ty' last='Levy'] out of Homestead. Ty is continuing to grow, and now checks in at 6'4" 200 lbs. A really solid frame for the TE position. Ty has cut his teeth at the varsity level with his impact as a run blocker. He has learned to use leverage, keep his feet moving through the block, and is showing he has the mental tenacity to want to manhandle guys in the trenches.   That is exciting to see because the '28 is most natural as a receiving threat. While he hasn't gotten many chances to show it off, Ty has delivered in his moments. The kid has reliable hands, attacks the ball at the high point, and has the athletic tools to win out wide or coming from the inline position. I'm hoping to see the targets continue to grow a bit for Ty and we see that breakout year. Either way I know he is going to continue to make an impact in the run game.     I'm very excited for what 2026 could be for Indian Trail's [player_tooltip player_id='1244378' first='Sonny' last='Young']. The WR/TE enters the year with the chance to step into the role left by another huge-bodied target out wide. Sonny fits the role so well. A 6'3" 210 lbs frame who uses it all to provide a huge catch radius. A catch radius that wouldn't be possible without his strong hands, ball skills, and body control to be able to find ways to get his hands on the football. The big man has proven to be too strong for DBs after the catch too. The big, physical mismatch has a chance to earn valuable reps on varsity this season and prove the talent he has to offer.     Elliot was able to carve out a starting role on varsity in 2025 already. He was the leading rusher for the team, going for 123/682/11 on the ground. Good numbers for an athlete in the FB role of the Osceola offense. This year will be the chance for Elliot to prove he has taken that next step into becoming an even more dominant force with the ball. The 5'11" 220 lbs athlete can wear down front sevens with the way he keeps his balance and runs behind his pads. He is a north-south runner who is going to take what is there and then create what he can through contact. He will be the lead guy in the backfield after the graduation of seniors. So I want to see him come back even more powerful and we could also see him deliver even more at LB on defense too. I'm expecting Elliot to be the machine that moves this offense in 2026. Keep an eye on him.     The next QB1 for Germantown has large shoes to fill. The man who I believe to be up next at the job is [player_tooltip player_id='1715594' first='Tage' last='Siegert']. The 2028 QB has a frame ready for Friday nights at 6'3" 195 lbs. It is clear that Tage is dedicating time to being ready for that role this offseason. I have seen that he is putting in time with QB trainer Benji Kamrath. Having Tage take the field even more refined in his mechanics is only going to make the mobile QB more accurate and confident in his arm. The tape shows flashes of a kid who can get it out rather quick while still being able to push it deeper downfield. He is also super elusive in the pocket, which will be a great bonus any time pressure gets through one of the best OLs in the state. I'm really excited for what Tage is going to show on Friday nights this fall.     This is an athlete who is working to prove that he is ready to have that breakout. In 2025 he was on the JV team forming his game. The '28 edge has a lot of tools that can catch your eye. Length at 6'4", he has some range to him, but he makes a lot of his impact plays with his physical strength. What I want to see from the impressively built athlete is more of the quick twitch athleticism like his first step get off and more development in his hand fighting and hand use. He is raw, but there are exciting tools to work with. Don't be surprised if this is one of the biggest breakout players of the year if everything comes together.     Carter got just a taste of varsity action last season but it was a highlight-riddled glimpse. The 6' 180 lbs RB is building a frame that can support a large workload, but also holds onto its speed and agility. Carter plays with vision that will get him early success. His ability to find even a sliver of daylight and attack it with speed and no hesitation is going to put him in great position to make plays over and over. He is a slippery runner too. Arm tackles seem to brush right off of him while running between the tackles. It is natural strength and balance and once the kid hits that open field you can trust him to win some races to the endzone. I'm chomping at the bit to see Carter take on a larger Friday night role.     Eli split time for Fond du Lac in 2025, but the athlete who shared time with has moved schools. So I am expecting a big leap in production from the dual threat 2028. You don't have to watch long to realize Eli's mobility is a serious weapon. Not just on the run, but inside the pocket too. His ability to make guys miss in a phone booth is special. During all that time he has the poise to keep his eyes downfield, direct guys, and get the football out. The arm talent is varsity ready too. He doesn't need his feet set to push the ball 15+ yards downfield with velocity and accuracy. I think Eli is going to be a riser this summer and have a big breakout year this fall.     This won't be easy for Charlie to have that outstanding breakout year, but I won't write him off either. The 6'4" 170 lbs multi-sport standout is putting in the work in the weight room while still contributing in a big way on his winter sport. That has me excited for what Charlie could look like on the field this fall. He will have talent around him to compete with, but I can very easily see the 2028 WR find a role in the redzone or in any situation where you can put him in a spot to be 1 on 1 in a 50/50 jump ball scenario. He has tools that make him a mismatch and we could see that be utilized more starting this fall. Keep an eye on him.

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