Minnesota's Biggest Returning Producers

We're coming into the 2026 season fast and furious, and as we draw closer to September 3rd's kickoff date, the excitement only grows larger. As I piece together our inaugural Preseason small school and Big School All-State teams, as well as a 2027 ranking's update, all in anticipation of the season starting, PRZMN wants to make sure to hit on some key points for our readers in terms of who to watch for post-season honors such as Mr. Football, All-State, All-Metro, and All-District. Let's get to know some of Minnesota's biggest returning producers from the 2025 season, below. Offense, defense, and special teams included!   *stats from MNFootballHub.   *not every team has publicly available stats   --   Passing    #1 returning passer in Minnesota.   2025 stats: 151-224 (67.4%) for 2,413 yards and 35 TDs to 6 INTs. Finished as the #5 passer in yardage in MN in '25.   Committed to Dordt College to play some NAIA ball.   Kuehn was a QB who PRZMN has been very high on since he took over the reigns for the Class A powerhouse as a sophomore for the 2024 season. Especially in the small school ranks, where consistent and effective passing attacks are harder to find, Kuehn really stands out as a kid who can move the football and lead an offense. Kuehn has three big things I really look for in a QB. 1) game reps/win percentage. 2) accuracy. 3) ball security & TD/INT ratio. The Springfield product also had a big showing at our PRZMN spring showcase, and I liked how he looked at the South Dakota Prospect Camp in June, which helped him earn offers from Northwestern (IA) and Southwest Minnesota State, with Dordt offer in mid-May on a strong and earlyish evaluation. I think he was somewhat overlooked in the MN 2027 QB race and eventual recruitment, especially given how strong the game tape is. Not to mention the production. Dordt has one of the better offenses and passing attacks in all of NAIA, so I really like this fit for both sides. First up, however, Kuehn and his Tigers have Class A state championship talent and aspirations in 2026.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ParkerJKuehn12/status/2071936014327697828 </div></figure>     #2 returning passer in Minnesota.   2025 stats: 171-229 (74.7%) for 2,221 yards and 27 TDs to 2 INTs. Finished as the #9 passer in yardage in '25.   Committed to Minnesota.   Not a lot that is left to be said about Moorhead and their QB1 [player_tooltip player_id='1194605' first='[player_tooltip player_id='1194604' first='Jett' last='']' last='Feeney']. Finished as the #9 passer in MN in 2025 despite missing five games of regular season action with his Spuds. Earned his Gopher offer after an unofficial visit in January and committed in June, along with his three Spuds' teammates. Also earned offers from South Dakota State, Wyoming, NDSU, Montana State.   Arguably the best passer I've seen live out of Minnesota and was downright electric in the Spuds' 2025 state championship runner-up finish. The natural arm talent combined with in-game comfortability are a very fun watch. Can generate impressive velocity and accuracy from off-platform angles and is able to fit the ball into tight windows at the high school level as well. Will be the first MN P4 QB signing since Aidan Bouman in 2020.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jettfeeney3/status/2030999089039438111 </div></figure>     #3 returning passer in Minnesota.   Committed to MSU-Mankato.   2025 stats: 141-263 (53.6%) for 1,915 yards and 16 TDs to 8 INTs.   The 6A experience and production from 2025 will serve Sieben incredibly well this fall as Anoka looks to turnaround their program from their winless campaign last season. Arm pops, Seiben can stretch the field and is accurate to all three levels, and he's the most athletic QB in the state. Looked good and stood out amongst a big group of QBs at one of the Golden Gophers' prospect camps from the summer. Surrounded by some fun talent and weapons for the fall as well.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BlakeSieben15/status/2072445553510605083 </div></figure>    Rushing    #1 returning rusher in Minnesota.   Committed to North Dakota State.   2025 stats: 162 rushes for 1,908 yards (11.8 YPC) and 29 TDs - #5 rusher in MN in '25.   2025 100M PR of 10.76, 2026 100M PR of 11.03   2025 200M PR of 21.83, 2026 200M PR of 22.41   Legitimate game-breaking speed that smoothly glides and powers past defenders like they're stuck in slow motion. Cut-on-a-dime twitch and start/stop ability that can go 0-60 and 60-0 equally as easily. Track speed absolutely shows up on tape. Combination of lower body strength, natural balance, and consistent leg drive through contact also helps him break tackles with power. Returns some beef along his OL in 2026 to sweeten the pot and is a good bet to surpass that 2K yardage mark if he stays healthy.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MartinSleen27/status/2043086406998987259 </div></figure>     #2 returning rusher in Minnesota.   Committed to South Dakota State.   2025 stats: 238 rushes for 1,879 yards (7.9 YPC) and 23 TDs - #6 rusher in MN in '25.   2026 outdoor T&F 100M PR: 10.87   2026 outdoor T&F 100M PR: 22.22   Produced a 74-yard punt return TD that was <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Sg5CM">flat-out absurd</a> in 2025. Also popped off a 100-yard KOR TD against Apple Valley. Special teams ace in addition to a top RB in MN. Ridiculous contact balance and fight to stay upright carry to carry. Did the most with an undersized OL during the 2025 season facing a legit 5A schedule. Game-breaking, legit, verified track speed in addition to the raw power and physicality with ball in-hand.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Zack_Shatek/status/2027507489655189985 </div></figure>     #3 returning rusher in Minnesota.   Committed to Minnesota-Duluth.   2025 stats: 205 rushes for 1,843 yards and 26 TDs - #8 rusher in MN in '25.   One of the least-fun 'backs to tackle in the entire state. Ferocious size, fight, and physicality from the tailback spot. Built like an ATV and was a can't-miss performer at multiple stops on the 2026 Summer Camp Circuit. Rising four-year starter for Litchfield who started at linebacker as a freshman for the Dragons. Really moves well laterally and has fluid start/stop ability on that XL frame.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AnthonyTay4271/status/2074715885491662906 </div></figure>    Receiving    #1 returning receiver in Minnesota.   Committed to Minnesota.   2025 stats: 121 catches for 1,607 yards and 26 TDs. #1 in MN in yardage, receptions, and TDs in '25.   Best route runner and best WR Ive seen while working with PrepRedzone, formerly NorthstarFootballNews. Ultra-competitive and ultra-productive in his career with Moorhead and in his overall athletic disposition. Was the heart & soul of Moorhead when [player_tooltip player_id='1194605' first='Jett' last='Feeney'] went down with an injury, filling in and becoming the go-to target for then-backup Austin Dryburgh. Route running skillset, nuance, and naturalness translate well to the collegiate and P4 level, where creating separation will always be king. Legit shot to surpass 2K receiving yards in 2026 and is one-half of the most fearsome offensive duo in the state going into the season.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/david1mack/status/2028949035785052411 </div></figure>     #2 returning receiver in Minnesota.   Committed to North Dakota.   2025 stats: 61 catches for 1,025 yards and 12 TDs. #3 in MN in receiving yardage in '25.   Continues a very impressive recent trend of CDH TEs, though he's heading to Grand Forks to rush the passer. #3 producer in receiving yardage in all of MN from 2025 and #1 out of the TE position as well. Good route runner, good length and ball skills, and YAC ability at his mismatch size as well. Looked good at the Golden Gophers' prospect camp at the DE spot, wherein he earned the UND offer, thanks to some natural speed and bend off the edge. Great frame to add weight and develop into monstrous proportions in college. Just a good all around football who can do a lot of good things on either side of the ball.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Dre2tuff/status/2069120034509599178 </div></figure>     #3 returning receiver in Minnesota.   Uncommitted.   2025 stats: 41 catches for 889 yards and 5 TDs.   A big-time sleeper out of the 2027 class that PRZMN recently discovered at the Bemidji State Big School War on the Shore Team Camp. Williams-Robertson slipped through our recruiting radar's cracks and made us look silly for the oversight, as he was a one-man wrecking crew against MN and ND Big School competition, showing off a huge catch radius and strong hands, playmaking speed and strength with the ball in-hand, and a nose for the endzone. Did a lot of different things for RJM and did them all impressively. Big body and what looked like plus-length also created an eye-catching frame capable of adding a lot of good weight in a college S&C program. Junior highlights show off a big-time vertical threat, both before and after the ball is in the air, as well as after the catch, where Williams-Robertson can finish runs for six once given space. Can line up and win 1v1 from multiple WR spots, tracks and plays the ball well in the air, and is strong and balanced after the catch. Also throws a good ball and threw a TD pass in 2025 and owns explosive burst off the LOS. Made it look easy at times as a playmaker and wideout.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Akitjwilliams/status/2076467939142762524 </div></figure>     #4 returning receiver in Minnesota.   Committed to MSU-Mankato.   2025 stats: 45 catches for 844 yards and 9 TDs.   One of the biggest winners of the 2026 Summer Camp SZN who recently shut down his recruitment and committed to MSU-Mankato to play both football and baseball. Explosive deep threat and man-coverage buster who can burn you as a route runner or after the catch and with the ball in-hand. Big, tall, long, and verified measureables and athletic numbers. Missing his QB from the 2025 season but should be a safety valve and valuable, consistent presence for whoever steps in at QB for the Raiders.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BenIms22/status/2087965251887141303 </div></figure>    Sacks    #1 returning sack artist in Minnesota.   Uncommitted.   2025 stats: 9 sacks. Also 105 tackles (66 solo) and 9 TFLs. Finished third in MN in sacks in '25.   Wrestling resume: 4x state placer, 2026 state runner up at 139AA (lost to nationally-ranked Christian Jelle from Grand Rapids) , Northern Plains FS junior runner up, 2026 Fargo JR Grego All-American (4th place at 150 pounds), 2026 Fargo JR FS All-American (7th at 150 pounds)   Twitchy, nightmare game speed for opponents, absurd dynamic ability, especially at his size, and ultra productive. The Kujawa's are some of the best athletes in the state and shows up in their production and game film, even if they never create condensed highlights. Really fun prep player who will more than likely wrestle at the next level. Brother Landen wrestles at Augustana (SD).   @KujawaBennett     #2 returning sack artist in Minnesota.   Uncommitted.   2025 stats: 8 sacks. Added 48 tackles (38 solo) and 10 TFLs. Finished tied for fifth in MN in sacks in '25 and #1 in Class 6A.   The #1 sacker in Class 6A from 2025 is back! And back with a vengeance. Ogunti made some waves during the Summer Camp SZN thanks to his skillset, earning offers from Northern State and Minnesota-Duluth, and he's got an applicable skillset for the college ranks thanks to his speed and explosiveness off the edge, ability to run the hoop, and effectiveness when going speed to power. Good tackler in space as well. He's going to make some serious noise as an uncommitted pass rusher if he can eclipse that 10 sack mark in 2026 as a senior.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ogunti33/status/2064190498252734868 </div></figure>    Tied for #3. [player_tooltip player_id='2128341' first='Dadjuah' last='Karmo'] (Robbinsdale Cooper) 2027. DL., [player_tooltip player_id='1691430' first='Kormick' last='Smith'] (New Prague) 2027. DE/TE., [player_tooltip player_id='2081508' first='Anthony' last='Benson'] (Brooklyn Center) 2027. DL/OL., Mason Johnson (Grand Rapids, 2027, LB, 6', 200 lbs.) - 7 sacks   Tackles    #1 returning tackler in Minnesota.   Committed to Illinois State.   2025 stats: 119 tackles (69 solo), 14 TFLs, 2 sacks.   A big piece of Minnetonka's 2026 roster and the heart and backbone of the Skippers' defense going into the season. One of the best LBs in the state and is taking his talents to Illinois State to play his college football in the heavyweight Missouri Valley. Long, rangy, hammer at the contact point, and a good nose for the football and can sniff out plays before they develop. Lived in opponents' backfields in 2025 as a junior off-ball 'backer and is a tough combination of speed, size, and strength for OL and would-be blockers to try and corral. Should be a monster senior season for the Skippers' LB1.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/mylesaugustyn/status/2057594676354470221 </div></figure>     #2 returning tackler in Minnesota.   Uncommitted.   2025 stats: 116 tackles (63 solo), 7 TFLs, 1 INT.   The 5'11, 200 lber. doesn't have any updated tape or active social media, so this top returning producer shall remain a mystery skillset-wise and visually until he puts some tape out into the public.     #3 returning tackler in Minnesota.   Uncommitted 2028.   2025 stats: 114 tackles, 5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 2 FF.   We just broke down Allen's junior tape and athletic profile in depth for a recent piece on the n<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/next-up-minnesota-prospects-on-the-cusp-of-their-first-d1-offer/">ext Minnesota prospects in line to earn their first D1 offer</a>. An All-State wrestler and the Next Great Recruit out of Caledonia, [player_tooltip player_id='1695513' first='Cooper' last='Allen'] is a beast on the gridiron and a massive off-ball 'backer with a three-down skillset and a frightening combination of speed, quickness, and power at 6'3, 220ish. Smooth mobility, COD ability, and tackling skills in space, and is a monster at the contact point. Had a good showing at a Minnesota Gophers prospect camp this summer and is on a short list of potential P4 'backer targets out of MN in the coming cycle.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Cooper138752q/status/2084103206343188548 </div></figure>    INTs    #1 returning ballhawk in Minnesota.   Uncommitted.   2025 stats: 6 INTs. Also 37 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 FFs.   Park Christian's all-time record holder in the 100M dash with a PR of 11.20. Added other impressive track data points such as a 23.94 200M, 44'8.5" shot put, 138' discus, and 18'6" long jump PR. Talk about versatile! Also posted 850 rushing yards, 16 TDs, 33 receptions for 284 yards, and a kickoff return for six in 2025 as a junior. The Fargo product transfers that track speed to the gridiron excitingly well, and owns game-breaking speed that can consistently finish big runs and outpace those last pursuers when given the opportunity. Elusive and quick in the open field, good vision, and always explosive with the ball in-hand. Also a rangy defensive back with ball skills, instincts, and the speed and athleticism to seemingly be in the right position at the right time when playing and breaking up the ball. Giese is a massive sleeper in the 2027 class with one of the better prep resumes in the state going into the fall.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LoganBGiese/status/2075624643285618790 </div></figure>     #2 returning ballhawk in Minnesota.   Uncommitted.   2025 stats: 5 INTs. Also added 34 tackles (26 solo), 5 TFLs, 1 sack.   Besides Minnetonka's [player_tooltip player_id='2113349' first='Jonah' last='Cummings'], Forest Lake's 2027 CB [player_tooltip player_id='1579132' first='Ndifor' last='Tamukong'] has my pick for the purest and silkiest man-coverage cornerback in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. We originally saw Tamukong two summer's ago at the Bemidji State War on the Shore Team Camp, and he translated that team camp's success to a big-time junior season in the 6A ranks that involved 5 INTs against some of the best offenses and WR competition in MN. Holds offers from MSU-Mankato and Augustana (SD). Tamukong was also the stickiest CB we saw at the second South Dakota State prospect camp of the summer, where his natural comfortability playing on an island produced a lock down performance that saw him shut down high-level competition and eventual D1 WR commits from all over the Midwest. The hips, short-area quickness and body control, start/stop ability, speed that allowed him to stay in WR's pockets, and consistent eye discipline + aggressive play in coverage equaled an uncountable amount of PBUs and 1v1 wins. We'll see if anyone dares to throw his way in 2026 as a senior.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NdiforTamukong/status/2055055642390372475 </div></figure>     #3 returning ballhawk in Minnesota.   Uncommitted 2028.   2025 stats: 4 INTs. Also 40 tackles and a FF. Also added 35 receptions for 651 yards and 10 TDs on offense.   The Springfield Tigers' have state championship aspirations and talent going into the fall, and despite their plethroa of scholarship talent in the 2027 class, their highest-ceiling prospect may come out of their 2028 ranks. Lendt is a productive, game-changing performer on both sides of the ball with great production as an underclassman and second-year starter with the Class A heavyweight. Lendt's first play of his highlights shows him turning a routine hitch into an electric TD run after the catch that saw him absolutely snatch a DB's ankles in highlight-reel-fashion. Deep threat with great ball skills, dirty in the open field, and a big-time frame with green verified measureables and athletic data backing him. Big chance of upping that 4 INT finish from his sophomore year in 2026 this fall.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MaddenLendt/status/2089180273636147428 </div></figure>    TFLs    #1 returning TFL producer in Minnesota.   Uncommitted.   2025 stats: 22 TFLs. Also 113 rushes for 798 yards and 14 TDs, 10 receptions for 280 yards and 3TDs, 73 tackles (38 solo), 4 sacks, 3 PBUs, 2 FFs.   There's a case for Elk River's Kleffman being the #1 most overlooked and underrated 2027 recruit in the state. A rising four-year starter who posted 94 tackles with the Elks as a freshman and first-year starter with the 5A heavyweight back in 2023, Kleffman is outrageously versatile, instinctive, and fast, and his range and ability to make plays on the gridiron in a variety of situations knows no bounds.   Electric in the open field and can break tackles in a variety of ways, not to mention a multitude of tackles in a single rep. Dynamic offensive and defensive weapon with game-breaking speed, especially in the Elks offense. Also an explosive, physical blitzer who finds paydirt more often than not, demonstrates excellent defensive range and overall play speed, and is pound-for-pound one of the hardest hitters and overall best football players in the state. Where the offers at?   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CarsynKleffman/status/1991621398452924637 </div></figure>     #2 returning TFL producer in MN. Also tied for 4th in returning sack artists.   Uncommitted.   2025 stats: 20 TFLs. Also 40 tackles and 7 sacks.   A sleeper in the DL market for MN 2027s. Finished 5th at 285AA in 2025-26 on the wrestling mat. Outstanding production over the course of his ensuing prep career with Brooklyn Center, where he starts at both OL and DL for the Centaurs. Lead in his hands and one of the biggest and most effective punches in the state, big-time base and balance that cannot be moved out of the gap, and great hand usage + quickness was a devastating combo in the trenches for Class 3A opponents. Powerful, physical, and great pad level in addition to the raw and effective strength.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AnthonyBenson27/status/2028175535080341693 </div></figure>     #3 returning TFL producer in Minnesota.   Uncommitted 2028.   2025 stats: 18 TFLs. Also 104 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, 1 INT.   285 lb Bench, 415 Squat   Very exciting and potentially high-ceiling blend of size, game film, and production out Two Harbors High School. Massive, hulking off-ball ILB in his 2025 highlights and can bench 285 pounds and squat up to 415, according to his bio on X. Nose for the pigskin, tackle machine, and takes good angles to the football. Can flip his hips and instinctively work under routes as a zone coverage defender in the flats or hook/curl zones. Noticeable closing speed and a strong, technically-sound 1v1 tackler who reads and diagnoses plays quickly, especially runs, and is an effective blitzer who can stunt and twist as well. PRZMN cannot wait to get some updated tape on this kid and his physical and on-field development.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/RyanSto24419429/status/2086246492256272755 </div></figure>    --

We're coming into the 2026 season fast and furious, and as we draw closer to September 3rd's kickoff date, the excitement only grows larger. As I piece together our inaugural Preseason small school and Big School All-State teams, as well as a 2027 ranking's update, all in anticipation of the season starting, PRZMN wants to make sure to hit on some key points for our readers in terms of who to watch for post-season honors such as Mr. Football, All-State, All-Metro, and All-District. Let's get to know some of Minnesota's biggest returning producers from the 2025 season, below. Offense, defense, and special teams included!