Athletes Who Will Impact the 8 Man Landscape

*No better time to grab a PRZ subscription than in preview season! Code Johnson30 saves you 30%*   The 8 Man league here in WI is nothing to scoff at as several athletes from the league will end up committing to college programs every single season. Last year one of the best OL in the entire state came from the 8 man level and will be playing FBS football this fall. This year we are set to see the #1 player in an elite Class of 2027 play in the 8 man league with Iola- Scandinavia dropping down from D7. There are plenty of dynamic athletes hitting 8 man fields this fall, and they are names that should be on the radar of college programs across the state and midwest. This is a group that will put up huge numbers, impact games, and be huge factors behind the outcome of the 8 man season. So make sure to keep a close eye on this group, coaches!    That ranking isn't just for the 8 man league. That is for the entire Class of 2027. [player_tooltip player_id='1226882' first='Korz' last='Loken'] is the top player in the state, a Wisconsin Badgers commit, and one of the newest members of the 8 man league. Korz missed the majority of 2025 with injury, so I know he is itching to get back on the field, and lucky for him there will be 3 less defenders there to try to drag him down after the catch this year. That is bad news for the defense because gang tackling is the best chance of bringing down the 6'5" 220 lbs athlete with a massive catch radius, smooth route running, and the athleticism/power combo to be a nightmare to contain after the catch. I can't imagine what the production could look like for the future Badger this season.     If I was to list a handful of athletes who I feel will end up being massive steals for their future program [player_tooltip player_id='2160694' first='Braylon' last='Mielke'] would easily be a member of that group. He is coming off a 2,000+ yard season in 2025, has built a prototypical frame for the RB or LB position, and brings not only the physical dominance to the field but also the athletic tools that will allow him to continue to be an impact player as he develops at the next level. Some numbers from this offseason that verify the athletic gifts are a 10'4" broad jump and 27" vertical. The tape shows a kid who can be a three down ball carrier. He runs hard between the tackles with natural balance through contact and the second gear in the open field to create those big plays. We have seen plenty of small school athletes like this play at a very high level of college football. Braylon is one of my top picks to be one of those next athletes.     The State champ and leader in receiving TDs from 2025 is sure to be an athlete who will impact the 8 man landscape this fall. Luke is a solid individual talent on top of being a big piece to his team's gameplay every week. He has a frame ready-made for the next level at 6'1" 195 lbs. It is impressive how smooth he is at that size. The '27 WR can attack every level of the field. Speed is there to get vertical, he naturally gets in and out of breaks with little wasted motion and time, and he can make things happen after the catch with either tough running or some elusiveness. The highly productive WR is a physical presence who will attack the ball and battle for it through traffic. Luke will be one of the toughest matchups for 8 man defenses this fall as McDonell Central Catholic looks to go back to back in the 8 man league.     Kroix is fresh to my radar, but he returns to 8 man fields as one of the state's top returning rushers from 2025. Not only did he produce among the best RBs in the league, he did it while gathering yards at an insane 10.5 yards/carry average. Safe to say you will have a big impact on weekly outcomes if you average a first down every time you touch the ball. When he isn't in the backfield, Kroix has also proven he can split out wide and be a reliable receiver who can create electric plays in space with his powerful burst and natural elusive running. On the ground and after the catch Kroix's compact frame has made him extremely difficult to get off balance. Don't be surprised to see big numbers from the incoming senior and to see him become a steal for a WIAC or other D3 team down the road.     Hayden's main focus does seem to be on the hardwood where he was a 20+ PPG scorer in 2025, but when he isn't lighting up the scoreboard on the hardwood he is doing the same on the gridiron. Last year he passed for 1,400+ yards and 14 TDs while leading his team to a 4-4 record. He also ran for 400+ yards and 11 more TDs. Those numbers are among the best for returning QBs in the 8 man league. Hayden returns 3/5 of his top 5 receiving threats from 2025 too so that comfort and his dual threats should help NEW pile up points this fall. Watching the tape you see that natural athleticism shine when he tucks it and when he needs to buy time. That smooth athleticism also allows Hayden to get the ball out from awkward angles and without his feet set. The multi-sport standout is a dark-horse athlete to keep an eye on.     Clay is coming off a huge freshman season where he produced 1,274 rushing yards with 16 TDs, 65 tackles, and 5 INTs. He also returned a handful of kickoffs. The 2029 did everything he could to stay on the field, and has set the foundation for him to be one of the most prolific 8 Man participants we have ever seen if he can continue to build on his past production. The tape shows a great base of athleticism for Clay to build on, already showing range at DB and speed to stretch the defense out and then slice it up when he sticks his foot in the ground. The incoming sophomore has already verified that innate ability to create the highlight reel play. I have high hopes for the 2029 standout this fall.     Cain is going to be a major impact player in the 8 man landscape. He mans the not-often seen role combo of RB and DL where he produced over 1,000 rushing yards and 13 TDs with 86 tackles, 17 TFLs, and 2 sacks. Cain has the size of a future DL at the next level at 6'2" 250 lbs. But you turn on the tape and you also see why they give him the ball on offense. The kid can scoot, especially for that immense size. He brings unfair physicality to the backfield and also shows off both of those traits on the DL. That combo of athleticism and violence have made him so impactful in the trenches. The numbers should be outstanding this fall and I won't be surprised to see a lot of the D3 schools in WI wanting to add him to their recruiting class. Don't miss out on this gem.     Another dominant defensive player who is sure to impact the 8 man landscape is Oshkosh Valley Christian's [player_tooltip player_id='2145694' first='Liam' last='Clayton']. The 6'2" 225+ lbs DE is coming off 77 tackles, 20 TFLs, and 12 sacks in 2025. Liam doesn't just look the part, he clearly plays and produces like a college prospect. He is quick enough to shoot gaps or execute twists. The range is there for him to be able to chase down the ball for losses outside of the tackle box. His get-off has led to so many of his highlights showing him running free because OL can't get their hands on him in time. The dude is a mismatch and should be in the race for the top defensive player in the entire 8 man landscape this fall. Liam currently holds an offer from UW-Eau Claire.

*No better time to grab a PRZ subscription than in preview season! Code Johnson30 saves you 30%*