Inside Look at the 2026 Breakout Candidates in the 8-3A

<p>We are less than one week away from high school football kicking off in Arkansas, with week zero coming on August 28. Here is one prospect per team looking to break out in the 8-3A.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fordyce:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1663873' first='Ikeyston' last='Thomas'] makes his transition to linebacker this fall, utilizing his athletic ability and motor to make plays in space. Thomas will more reps this fall, making him a breakout candidate to watch 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/ikeystonthomas1/status/2090315570671452561?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Helena:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1657333' first='RJ' last='Eaton Jr.'] is going to garner more attention this fall. He's a smooth route runner who can stretch the defense vertically with his good foot speed. Eaton can find the soft spots in coverage while showcasing solid hand-eye coordination and body control to adjust mid-route. Keep an eye on him.</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/RJ_Eaton1/status/1975738893090889851?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">McGehee:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2110916' first='Eamon' last='James'] will see an increase in carries this fall. James is elusive in space due to his lateral quickness, allowing him to make defenders miss in space. He's a prospect to watch during the 2026 season.</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/42E_J </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rison:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2341815' first='Kyson' last='Walker'] is the Wildcats ' centerpiece in their offense. He brings experience at running back, quarterback (started their last season), and defensive back. Walker rushed for 1,444 yards and 24 touchdowns last year, making him a prospect to add to the recruiting board. He can evade early penetration, attack wide, and outrun the second levels of the defense. </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/KysonWalker3/status/2063438418818859279?s=20 </div></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700"> </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dumas:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2060729' first='Kyle' last='Young'] is a quarterback prospect to add to the recruiting board. He possesses a strong arm to attack all levels of the field. Young isn't afraid to attack tight windows with his solid ball placement. Expect him to take a major leap this fall.</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/KyleYoungQB9/status/1991595043141116399?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lake Village:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2341822' first='Daylin' last='Johnson'] has next-level potential. He's a force in the trenches, creating havoc at the point of attack between the 3-5 tech. Johnson engages with solid hand placement and leg drive to minimize the pocket and make plays at the line of scrimmage. He will also start at offensive tackle this fall.</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/DayJohn50/status/2088397611845763541?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Drew Central:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1682456' first='Cameron' last='Sanders'] will see an increase in playing time this fall. He's a high-motor prospect who makes plays on both sides of the ball. Sanders utilizes his motor to penetrate the interior to make plays at the LOS or in the backfield. He'll also rotate in at running back, where he showcases his power and contact balance. Keep an eye on him. </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/Camsanders3x/status/2051467411979677698?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Barton:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2341829' first='Quinteryon' last='Wilson'] is an athletic prospect with a basketball background who primarily played at wide receiver and defensive back last fall. This offseason, he competed for the QB1 spot, where his athletic ability will be on display. He's a prospect to monitor this season. </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/quinteryon53478/status/2054723591703249038?s=20 </div></figure>    <p></p>

We are less than one week away from high school football kicking off in Arkansas, with week zero coming on August 28. Here is one prospect per team looking to break out in the 8-3A.