2026 Breakout Candidates in the 8-4A

<p>This is the final week without Arkansas high school football, as it returns on August 28. In this report, we give you a breakout candidate from each program in the 8-4A.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stuttgart:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2078025' first='Brilon' last='Hogan'] had a strong 2025 season but still flew under the radar despite earning all-conference honors. He racked up over 50 tackles (39 solo), five interceptions, and five PBUs. Hogan displays the ability to flip his hips quickly in transition and flash his foot speed to run vertically with the opposition. He'll see some playing time at receiver as well. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Brilon_Hogan/status/2010029601666556014?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monticello:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2337010' first='Crews' last='Preston'] could be one of the top quarterbacks to ever come out of Monticello if he continues to develop his footwork and overall mechanics. His arm talent is evident on film and displays the ability to throw accurately on the run at all field levels. Preston could see and/or earn playing time this fall at the quarterback position. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CrewsPreston/status/2082671094092173341?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Warren:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2337016' first='Zaydin' last='Grider'] is going to garner more attention this fall. He's versatile as he will line up at the X, Z, and occasionally at the slot for Warren. Grider is one of their big and physical targets who provides strong hands and the ability to win against contest in the redzone. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ZaydinGrider/status/2082904079676641442?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hamburg:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1524332' first='Jade' last='Canley'] has received college interest this off-season. He possesses good athletic ability for his size and elite frame that will draw attention. Canley can stretch the field with his long strides and displays good hand-eye coordination at the catch point. He also has experience at the quarterback position. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/theoffical_JC/status/2079028676297974154?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crossett:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2337025' first='Cash' last='Forrest'] earned an offer this off-season from McPherson. Forrest passed for over 950 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 790 yards. Forrest is a patient, dual-threat quarterback who wants to get through his progressions but has the athletic ability to improvise. He displays solid arm strength and velocity at all field levels. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/cashforrest_/status/2053523013958619564?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DeWitt:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2337039' first='Kaiden' last='Golden'] primarily started and dominated at tight end last fall, racking up 39 receptions for 515 yards and five touchdowns. He also played some quarterback where he'll start this season as he went 8-10 for 150 yards. Golden possesses the ideal size at the next level and will be monitored throughout 2026. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KaidenGolden9/status/2054593946651677048?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Watson Chapel:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1345288' first='Demonte' last='Lawrence'] is a prospect to add to the recruiting board. He possesses next-level talent and will also see some reps at running back this fall. Lawrence displays solid upfield burst off the snap, engaging the tackle's body with solid UOH to shed and make a play in the backfield. He's tough to block all-around.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DemonteLawrence/status/1984894130418540746?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Star City:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1692233' first='Donell' last='Massey'] is going to open up some eyes this fall. As mentioned before, he won't hurt you vertically, but he's a true possession tight end due to his strong hands and ability to adjust with solid hand-eye coordination. Massey also has experience playing inline and blocking effectively one-on-one. His size will catch coaches and personnel members attention. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DonellMassey/status/2055039802097967412?s=20 </div></figure>    <p></p>

This is the final week without Arkansas high school football, as it returns on August 28. In this report, we give you a breakout candidate from each program in the 8-4A.