Offseason Notebook: Top Positional Units In The State (Pt. 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diving back into my "Offseason Notebook" series, I wanted to take a look at some of the top positional groups returning to the field in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is my first round of some of the deepest positional groups in the state:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Millard South Quarterbacks</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='426566' first='Trae' last='Taylor'] ('27 - Nebraska Commit) &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2149955' first='Brody' last='Peters'] ('29)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest storylines of the offseason has been the massive out-of-state transfers that joined the Millard South Patriots for the 2026 season. One of them is Nebraska Cornhuskers pledge [player_tooltip player_id='426566' first='Trae' last='Taylor'], who transferred in from Carmel Catholic (Illinois), where he had established himself as one of the top prep QBs in the country. As a junior, Trae completed 81% of his passes (205/255) for 3,571 yards, 38 passing touchdowns, 156.8 QBR, 633 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns. Right behind him will be [player_tooltip player_id='2149955' first='Brody' last='Peters'], who started to turn some heads in limited varsity reps as a freshman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='426566' first='Trae' last='Taylor'], 6'4" 200 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Qb6Trae" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Qb6Trae)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21009211/691dee4ed546aafa16c9903e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a2351"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2149955' first='Brody' last='Peters'], 6'3" 190 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/BrodyPeters09" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@BrodyPeters09)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/25449536/68c76782c4628c0a80309563' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a23a1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Omaha North Offensive Line</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1204466' first='Malik' last='Nichols'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='2071048' first='Ethan' last='Hays'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1662623' first='Devin' last='Cox'] ('27), and [player_tooltip player_id='1085630' first='Alex' last='Weber'] ('27)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Omaha North offense will return several players from one of the better offensive lines in Class A last season and get a big boost with an out-of-state transfer. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2071048' first='Ethan' last='Hays'], [player_tooltip player_id='1662623' first='Devin' last='Cox'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1085630' first='Alex' last='Weber'] were all key players on a line that helped pave the way for over 2,300 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. They also held up well in pass protection, as the offense ended with 1,100+ passing yards and 14 touchdowns. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1204466' first='Malik' last='Nichols'] comes over from Council Bluffs Jefferson were he emerged as one of the top prep linemen in Iowa.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1204466' first='Malik' last='Nichols'], 6'4" 260 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/MalikNichols19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@MalikNichols19)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19433713/6916d01d1e12c59908cc12e9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a23cb"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2071048' first='Ethan' last='Hays'], 6'3" 265 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Ethan_Hays1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Ethan_Hays1)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20204286/6913510210678cbff3df125c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a23ef"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1662623' first='Devin' last='Cox'], 6'2" 285 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/TheBoyZzTw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@TheBoyZzTw)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20216820/68f2d82e62023d1685abff8a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a2410"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085630' first='Alex' last='Webber'], 6'3" 275 lbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19574413/69059c5e735a9c4a56786713' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a242e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Lincoln North Star Defensive Backs</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='722336' first='Kobe' last='Allen'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='2110892' first='Josh' last='Anderson'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='2155989' first='Landon' last='Steiger'] ('27), and [player_tooltip player_id='1394677' first='Braylon' last='Kelley'] ('28)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The North Star DBs group is going to be a good place to look for prospects in the upcoming couple of recruiting cycles, with two players already holding D1-FCS offers. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='722336' first='Kobe' last='Allen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2110892' first='Josh' last='Anderson'] each recently received offers from Northern Iowa, with the former also receiving offers from Dartmouth. Kobe has been a three-year contributor (two-year starter) on defense and recently wrapped up his most complete season yet with 41 tackles, three TFLs, four interceptions, and a forced fumble from the safety position. At CB, [player_tooltip player_id='2110892' first='Josh' last='Anderson'] proved he can be effective in coverage and against the run with 42 tackles, two TFLs, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. The Gators also have a hidden gem at free safety in [player_tooltip player_id='2155989' first='Landon' last='Steiger'], who ended his junior season with 60 tackles, three TFLs, and three interceptions. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1394677' first='Braylon' last='Kelley'] had a limited role last season but is expected to work himself into a bigger role this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='722336' first='Kobe' last='Allen'], 5'11" 170 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/KobeJallen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@KobeJallen) </a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19468645/6911432b626691989133761c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a244e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2110892' first='Josh' last='Anderson'], 5'11" 165 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Joshand23435026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Joshand23435026)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19471084/691e20eb2727ce863ba2dd9d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a246b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2155989' first='Landon' last='Steiger'], 6'3" 185 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Landonsteiger_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Landonsteiger_)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19748761/6924bee1381e2f0f3900e68b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a248b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1394677' first='Braylon' last='Kelley'], 5'11" 155 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Braylon_Kelley1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Braylon_Kelley1)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22650189/6900fdcc72554d600e1daaa8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a24a9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Archbishop Bergan Wide Receivers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085194' first='Cale' last='Sheets'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='1616938' first='Alex' last='Kimminau'] ('27), and [player_tooltip player_id='2155991' first='Gavin' last='Dean'] ('27)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bergan Knights will miss their gunslinging QB (Scheuler), but their new starter should have no problem making plays with an excellent receiving trio returning to the offense. The trio is led by last year's team leader for receiving yards, [player_tooltip player_id='1085194' first='Cale' last='Sheets'], who ended his junior season with 44 receptions for 824 yards and 12 touchdowns. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2155991' first='Gavin' last='Dean'] had a great breakout campaign with 25 catches for 575 yards and five touchdowns. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1616938' first='Alex' last='Kimminau'] also recorded 25 catches as he posted 299 receiving yards and two touchdowns. This receiving trio gives the Knights a versatile trio that can attack at all levels of the field and can be mixed around to find the best matchups. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085194' first='Cale' last='Sheets'], 6'1" 180 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/CaleSheets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@CaleSheets) </a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16396313/68dc20e261250f60ec942acc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a24c9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1616938' first='Alex' last='Kimminau'], 5'11" 150 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/alex_kimme21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@alex_kimme21)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19964433/69af0f704637b3b5da473699' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a24e6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2155991' first='Gavin' last='Dean'], </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16396311/69a1d4142b4704d472a90107' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a2503"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Lincoln East Linebackers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085162' first='Will' last='Manning'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='2062081' first='Huxton' last='Katt'] ('27), and [player_tooltip player_id='644078' first='Colton' last='Tucker'] ('27)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln East's junior LB trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1085162' first='Will' last='Manning'], [player_tooltip player_id='2062081' first='Huxton' last='Katt'], and [player_tooltip player_id='644078' first='Colton' last='Tucker'] was one of the more productive groups in the state last season, and each player has proven to be a legit next-level prospect. Will cracked the "100 tackle" plateau with 117 total tackles, 12 TFLs, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked kick. Huxton erupted for 85 tackles, eight TFLs, a sack, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Colton continues to be a dominant presence in the middle of the Spartans' defense, totaling 70 tackles, seven TFLs, and a half sack. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1085162' first='Will' last='Manning'], 6'0" 205 - <a href="https://x.com/_WillManning_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@_WillManning_)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21341911/6917bf5f1e12c59908cc6fd1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a2521"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2062081' first='Huxton' last='Katt'], 5'11" 205 - <a href="https://x.com/huxtonkatt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@huxtonkatt)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19601336/691407a11e6fee66dfb5c286' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a2542"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='644078' first='Colton' last='Tucker'], 6'0" 225 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/ColtonTucker34">(@ColtonTucker34)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19485927/691369b3cc4483b5a6c13ee7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c0bc40a2560"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->