Offseason Notebook: Predicting Breakout Candidates Class A Teams

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   We are still a ways away from the start of the 2026 season, but that hasn't stopped me from looking ahead at some of the possible breakout players that could emerge this fall (even as early as this spring). To make sure we're not caught off guard when these guys show out, I wanted to highlight a player from each Class A team that I think is in line for a monster year.   Check out my Class A breakout candidates:   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Bellevue East:   [player_tooltip player_id='1581444' first='Aidan' last='Church'] (2028 - DL/OL)   Bellevue East graduates a good amount of their production from last season, but should be excited about the return of two-year contributor [player_tooltip player_id='1581444' first='Aidan' last='Church']. Aidan has been on our radar since his freshman year and has continued to grow and develop each season. Aidan ended his sophomore campaign with 22 tackles, four TFLs, and a half sack. Expect Church to also be the main aggressor on the Chieftains' offensive line.    Bellevue West:   [player_tooltip player_id='1085109' first='DeMarkus' last='Robinson'] (2027 - RB) & [player_tooltip player_id='1085105' first='Dylan' last='Miller'] (2027 - RB)   I'm picking the Thunderbirds' RB duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1085109' first='DeMarkus' last='Robinson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1085105' first='Dylan' last='Miller'] as my breakout candidates after each player flashed signs of upside during their junior seasons. DeMarkus ended the year as the team's leading rusher with 422 yards and five touchdowns on 47 carries. Miller had a few more carries with 63, totaling 351 yards and four rushing touchdowns. With a new QB under center in 2026, Bellevue West should lean on its 1-2 punch at RB to carry the offense.     Bennington:   [player_tooltip player_id='1700292' first='Baylor' last='Uhing'] (2027 - LB/DB)   The Bennington Badgers move up to Class A after emerging as one of the powerhouses in the class in recent seasons. They will have a deep roster to work with, including several young players who "broke out" last season. One player who I think is ready to step into a bigger spotlight is incoming senior [player_tooltip player_id='1700292' first='Baylor' last='Uhing'], who recorded 61 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and an interception as a junior.    Columbus:   [player_tooltip player_id='1683777' first='Evvann' last='Daniels'] (2028 - RB)   Columbus' [player_tooltip player_id='1683777' first='Evvann' last='Daniels'] is a player who has been patiently waiting in the wings to emerge as the feature back for the Discoverers, and he should get that opportunity this fall. Evvann posted up good numbers as a sophomore with 57 carries for 499 yards and five touchdowns, with an additional 72 yards and a touchdown through the air.    Creighton Prep:   [player_tooltip player_id='2110839' first='Nico' last='Kocmich'] (2027 - DB)   Creighton Prep turned some heads last season, marching to an impressive 10-2 record, culminating in a semi-final appearance. One of the biggest reasons for their big season was their suffocating defense with playmakers at all levels of the field, like junior safety [player_tooltip player_id='2110839' first='Nico' last='Kocmich']. Nico ended his junior season with 69 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, five interceptions (one pick-six), and a fumble recovery. On top of being a playmaker on defense, Nico also returned two punts for touchdowns, showing he can be just as dangerous on special teams.    Elkhorn North:   [player_tooltip player_id='1699845' first='Colin' last='Acker'] (2027 - WR/DB)   The Elkhorn North Wolves are another Class B team moving up to A after a quick rise to prominence in their short history. Although they do lose a great senior class, players like junior Collin Acker look primed to step up on both sides of the ball. Acker only recorded nine receptions for 107 yards, but he should see that workload rise this fall as he steps into a bigger role. Collin also looked solid at defensive back, where he recorded 36 tackles, a half TFL, and six PBUs.    Elkhorn South:   [player_tooltip player_id='1581450' first='Gavin' last='Siemek'] (2028 - RB/ATH)   Elkhorn South always has a highly productive back as the cornerstone of their offense, and that should continue next season with a couple of options at RB. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1581450' first='Gavin' last='Siemek'] is a name that stands out as someone who could take over RB1 duties; if not, he could also work himself into the receiving rotation after ending last season with 10 catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns.   Fremont:   [player_tooltip player_id='1091787' first='Garrett' last='Schinning'] (2027 - DB)   Fremont has a few players that I considered here, but I think junior [player_tooltip player_id='1091787' first='Garrett' last='Schinning'] could have a big year in the Tigers' secondary. Garrett led the team in interceptions as a junior with three, to go with his 15 tackles, TFL, and three PBUs.   Grand Island:   [player_tooltip player_id='1086168' first='Maxton' last='Holling'] (2027 - LB)   The Islanders look ready for a bounce-back year after consecutive 2-7 seasons. One player who could help the turnaround is incoming senior [player_tooltip player_id='1086168' first='Maxton' last='Holling'], who did a little bit of everything for the Islanders. He ended his junior season with 367 rushing yards (team-high), 106 receiving yards, five rushing touchdowns, 35 tackles, three TFLs, four sacks (team-high), two forced fumbles, and an interception.    Kearney:   [player_tooltip player_id='2110921' first='Canon' last='Cope'] (2027 - WR)   Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2110921' first='Canon' last='Cope'], who looked primed to have a breakout campaign last year, before an injury cut his season short. Regardless, Canon showed enough to get us excited to see him back on the gridiron this fall after hauling in 13 catches for 210 yards and a touchdown.    Lincoln East:   [player_tooltip player_id='2062081' first='Huxton' last='Katt'] (2027 - LB/RB)   Lincoln East's [player_tooltip player_id='2062081' first='Huxton' last='Katt'] is a player who has already established himself as a star for the Spartans, but I expect him to have a full breakout on the recruiting trail this year. Huxton was very productive on both sides of the ball after totaling 85 tackles, eight TFLs, a sack, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception, 476 rushing yards, 120 receiving yards, five rushing touchdowns, and a receiving touchdown.    Lincoln:   [player_tooltip player_id='2147264' first='Otis' last='Jones'] (2027 - DL)   The Lincoln High Links had their first winning season since 2018 and should be on the upswing with a young squad. One player who should continue to spearhead that turnaround is defensive lineman Otis Johnson, who recorded 22 tackles, three TFLs, and two sacks.    Lincoln North Star:   [player_tooltip player_id='1699841' first='Hector' last='Hosey-Alvarez'] (2027 - DL)   North Star has been a hidden gem for finding talent as of late, and that continues with another solid squad in 2026. One player who looks primed to continue their upward trajectory is junior DL [player_tooltip player_id='1699841' first='Hector' last='Hosey-Alvarez'], who recorded 36 tackles, 13 TFLs, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.    Lincoln Northeast:   [player_tooltip player_id='1653978' first='Braydin' last='Berry-Shaw'] (2027 - WR/LB) & [player_tooltip player_id='1219130' first='Liam' last='Gallagher'] (2027 - WR/LB)   The Lincoln Northeast Rockets have a duo that is ready to take off this fall, both on the gridiron and on the recruiting trail. Juniors Braydin Berry and [player_tooltip player_id='1219130' first='Liam' last='Gallagher'] have the upside to play either offense or defense at the next level. Braydin finished last season with 40 tackles, four TFLs, two fumble recoveries, an interception, 69 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. Liam tallied 31 tackles, seven TFLs, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.     Lincoln Northwest:   [player_tooltip player_id='1309284' first='Cooper' last='Floyd'] (2027 - LB)   It may not have been the season the Northwest Falcons were hoping for, but there were still several bright spots to look forward to going into 2026. Incoming senior [player_tooltip player_id='1309284' first='Cooper' last='Floyd'] will be their main enforcer on defense after leading the team in tackles with 49, to go with his five TFLs, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a blocked kick.    Lincoln Southeast:   [player_tooltip player_id='422371' first='Gavin' last='Semm'] (2027 - QB)   The Lincoln Southeast Knights' offense should benefit from some continuity next season with QB [player_tooltip player_id='422371' first='Gavin' last='Semm'] back under center. Gavin continued to build on the potential he flashed as a sophomore with 1,186 passing yards, 205 rushing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, and three rushing touchdowns during his junior campaign.    Lincoln Southwest:   [player_tooltip player_id='720132' first='Evan' last='Robinson'] (2027 - LB)   Lincoln Southwest has a ton of promising young talent I considered here, but I think linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='720132' first='Evan' last='Robinson'] could really make a splash this offseason and throughout the season. Evan was very productive last season, tallying 36 tackles, 14 TFLs, four sacks, and two blocked kicks.    Lincoln Standing Bear:   [player_tooltip player_id='1699818' first='Calvin' last='Koch'] (2027 - DL)   Have your pick here with a young roster full of rising talent! Looking at the trenches, junior DL [player_tooltip player_id='1699818' first='Calvin' last='Koch'] is set up for a massive year after ending the year as the team's sack leader. Calvin ended last season with 23 tackles, six TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery.    Millard North:   [player_tooltip player_id='2048792' first='Akili' last='Heath-Moody'] (2029 - WR/ATH)   Freshman star [player_tooltip player_id='2048792' first='Akili' last='Heath-Moody'] wasted no time getting comfortable in the varsity ranks, quickly becoming a key part of the Mustangs offense. Heath-Moody had a great first HS season, hauling in 23 catches for 232 yards and a receiving touchdown.   Millard South:   [player_tooltip player_id='1085125' first='Urban' last='Kennedy'] (2027 - LB)   Millard South's [player_tooltip player_id='1085125' first='Urban' last='Kennedy'] is a player who is ready to break out after being somewhat overshadowed by the Patriots' star senior duo of Urban (Teagan) and Williams. Kennedy was no slouch himself, finishing third in tackles with 56 total and recording 17.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception.    Millard West:   [player_tooltip player_id='2064223' first='Easton' last='Loftin'] (2028 - DL)   The Millard West Wildcats are a solid place to go looking for prospects to boost your trenches. They have consistently put out great OL/DL, and that looks to continue with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2064223' first='Easton' last='Loftin']. Loftin ended last season with 16 tackles, seven TFLs, and four sacks.    Norfolk:   [player_tooltip player_id='1051919' first='Kaisen' last='Jones'] (2027 - WR)   Norfolk receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1051919' first='Kaisen' last='Jones'] is a player we've been high on since his freshman season and now looks ready to fully break out as he steps into a WR1 role. Kaisen ended his junior year with 19 receptions for 281 yards and two receiving touchdowns and posted 24 tackles on defense.    North Platte:   [player_tooltip player_id='1085165' first='Jake' last='Kinkaid'] (2027 - DL/EDGE)   North Platte's [player_tooltip player_id='1085165' first='Jake' last='Kinkaid'] is another player who we've been closely monitoring since entering the high school ranks and has continued to deliver on the field each year. Kinkaid drew more attention this season but still recorded 46 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.    Omaha Benson:   [player_tooltip player_id='546742' first='D'Onta' last='Settles-Shelly'] (2027 - QB/ATH)   The Benson Bunnies offense should take another step forward next season with junior QB [player_tooltip player_id='546742' first='D'Onta' last='Settles-Shelly'] back as their leader. Despite some ups and downs, D'Onta still managed to throw for 405 yards and six touchdowns, with another score on the ground.   Omaha Bryan:   [player_tooltip player_id='1192590' first='Javonte' last='Howard'] (2027 - DB)   Omaha Bryan's [player_tooltip player_id='1192590' first='Javonte' last='Howard'] is an under-the-radar prospect who could be on the road to a breakout season for the Bears. Howard tallied 15 tackles, a half TFL, and two PBUs.    Omaha Buena Vista:   [player_tooltip player_id='2147270' first='Rico' last='Williamson'] (2028 - RB)   The Bison are still navigating the ups and downs of being a young, upstart program, but they should fare better next season with more experience under their belt. Rico Williams led the team in rushing yards as a sophomore after toting the ball 33 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns.    Omaha Burke:   [player_tooltip player_id='1085191' first='Brayden' last='Gammel'] (2027 - WR)   The Burke Bulldogs have been one of the top "air-it-out" teams in recent seasons, and that should continue next season with WR [player_tooltip player_id='1085191' first='Brayden' last='Gammel'] back in the fold. Brayden should step into a bigger role as WR1 next season after hauling in 36 receptions for 645 yards and two touchdowns.    Omaha Central:   [player_tooltip player_id='2132147' first='Kavon' last='Turnipseed'] (2028 - LB)   With the Central Eagles dealing with turnover from graduation and transfers, look for some young guys to get in the mix early and really take off. One player who is set to take on a bigger role is sophomore linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2132147' first='Kavon' last='Turnipseed'], who played limited reps and tallied 11 tackles last season.    Omaha North:   [player_tooltip player_id='1590688' first='Michael' last='Valencia Jr'] (2028 - RB/LB)   Omaha North will be without their longtime starter at RB, but have a more than serviceable backup ready to step up in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1590688' first='Michael' last='Valencia Jr']. In 2025, Michael carried the ball 60 times for 399 yards and six touchdowns. He also recorded 38 tackles, two TFLs, and three PBUs on defense.   Omaha Northwest:   [player_tooltip player_id='2147266' first='Reggie' last='Grant'] (2028 - LB)   Despite the Northwest Huskies struggling to find consistency, there were still plenty of players who showed upside for the next level, like sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2147266' first='Reggie' last='Grant']. Grant ended the year with 24 tackles, four TFLs, and two sacks.    Omaha South:   [player_tooltip player_id='2147265' first='Davion' last='Parker'] (2028 - RB)   The South Packers are another program looking to continue their progress despite a disappointing season. They have a solid RB tandem with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2147265' first='Davion' last='Parker'] looking like an interesting breakout candidate. Parker carried the ball 66 times for a team-high 287 rushing yards.   Omaha Westside:   [player_tooltip player_id='2136218' first='Jacob' last='Obermeyer'] (2028 - LB)   The Westside Warriors have quite a list of players who are looking like legit prospects and are set to erupt this season. One player who stands out immediately is sophomore LB [player_tooltip player_id='2136218' first='Jacob' last='Obermeyer'], who should benefit from the loss of production to graduation. Obermeyer still managed to shine during reps, totaling 14 tackles and 4 TFLs.    Omaha Westview:   [player_tooltip player_id='1192554' first='Jermaine' last='Ballard II'] (2027 - LB)   The Westview Wolverines will say farewell to a deep and productive senior class; fortunately for them, they have a few rising stars waiting in the wings. Junior LB [player_tooltip player_id='1192554' first='Jermaine' last='Ballard II'] is a player set to work themselves into a big role on the Wolverines defense after totalling 36 tackles and two TFLs last season.   Papillion-La Vista:   [player_tooltip player_id='1086061' first='Luke' last='Bennett'] (2027 - WR/LB)   Despite a whirlwind of change last season, the Monarchs were able to handle it in stride and were mere points from another playoff berth. They enter the 2026 season with several great players in place for big years, including receiver/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1086061' first='Luke' last='Bennett']. Luke hauled in 29 catches for 293 yards and three touchdowns, while also posting 30 tackles, two TFLs, a sack, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.    Papillion-La Vista South:   [player_tooltip player_id='1591349' first='Chase' last='Gable'] (2028 - DB)   Papio South's [player_tooltip player_id='1591349' first='Chase' last='Gable'] might have only been a sophomore last season, but he played like a seasoned veteran for the Class A runner-ups. Chase's rangy play resulted in 68 tackles, five TFLs, and four PBUs.    South Sioux City:   [player_tooltip player_id='2129212' first='Brady' last='Daugherty'] (2028 - QB)   The South Sioux City offense seemed to get a little boost with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2129212' first='Brady' last='Daugherty'] in the lineup, and he should be able to keep that momentum going in 2026. Despite a small sample size, Brady still flashed on the field with 666 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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