Offseason Predictions: 5 Breakout Players in 2026 (Pt. 17)

<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>SOUTH CHARLESTON BLACK EAGLES</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1716431' first='Devin' last='Lazo'] stepped onto the field for South Charleston as a freshman and looked comfortable playing against older competition right away, which is usually the first sign of a receiver with real long term upside. The 2029 prospect showed up in multiple phases during his first varsity season, flashing natural ball skills and the kind of fluid athletic movement that stands out early at the position. What has been noticeable is the physical development he has already made along with how smoothly he runs routes and separates at different levels of the field. He plays with confidence once the ball is in his hands and has the ability to create yards after the catch, which gives the offense flexibility in how they use him. Lazo has the tools to remain one of the premier receiver prospects in the 2029 class over the next few seasons with defensive back upside as well. </p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SOUTH HARRISON HAWKS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='862715' first='Shepard' last='Paugh'] enters the offseason at South Harrison as one of the more intriguing athletes in the 2027 group after quietly putting together a productive junior campaign. At 6'4 200, he has the kind of long frame that naturally draws attention, and he made the most of his opportunities in the Hawks' three headed rushing attack with 760 yards and 8 touchdowns on 101 carries. He also contributed defensively with 53 tackles and 8 tackles for loss, showing he can impact the game on both sides of the ball. Even without film available, the size and production combination points to a player who is still growing into his full potential. Paugh has the physical profile and versatility to turn a solid junior year into a true breakout season and earn college attention if he posts film. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SPRING MILLS CARDINALS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Douglas “DJ” Mayer stepped into a larger varsity role at Spring Mills as a junior and made the most of it, validating the upside that first showed up on his sophomore tape. The 6'1 180 athlete produced on both sides of the ball with 21 receptions for 425 yards and three touchdowns while also picking off three passes defensively, showing the kind of versatility that keeps him on the field in multiple situations. Mayer has the length and athletic profile that translates well at either receiver or defensive back, and his movement skills stand out whether he is working through a full route tree or mirroring receivers in coverage. With more experience now under his belt, the expectation is that he becomes the focal point of the Cardinals' passing attack heading into his senior year. If he continues to build on his physical development and stacks another productive season, Mayer has the type of frame and two-way ability that could draw increased college attention as his final year unfolds.</p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SPRING VALLEY TIMBERWOLVES</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1154726' first='Caiden' last='Lovejoy'] gained valuable experience this past season at Spring Valley after being pushed into the starting quarterback role earlier than expected, and the junior handled the responsibility well within the Timberwolves' Wing T system. The offense does not ask the quarterback to throw often, but when called upon, Lovejoy was efficient, finishing the year with 563 passing yards and nine touchdowns while protecting the football. He also contributed on the ground with 225 rushing yards and two scores, showing the athletic ability that allows him to extend plays and add another dimension to the offense. More than anything, the unexpected varsity reps accelerated his development and gave him a foundation to build on heading into his senior year. With a full offseason to refine the details of the position and grow more comfortable commanding the offense, Lovejoy has a chance to turn that experience into a much bigger impact in his final season.</p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ST. ALBANS RED DRAGONS</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">It was a challenging year overall for St. Albans, but 2028 WR/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1680217' first='Chance' last='Campbell'] emerged as one of the clear bright spots in the Red Dragons' program. The young multi-sport athlete showed his versatility throughout the season with the ability to contribute in multiple roles, including taking snaps in the backfield, but his long term projection points strongly to wide receiver or safety. Campbell has the kind of size and athletic traits that translate well to the position and give him a strong developmental ceiling as he continues to grow into his frame. If his progression continues over the next couple of seasons with a new head coach, Campbell has the tools to grow into a standout playmaker and a name that becomes more widely recognized in the 2028 class.</p>

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