Prep Redzone WI Player of the Year Watch List

*Use code Johnson30 to save 30% on a PRZ subscription to see all rankings, preseason, & in-season coverage*   Let me be one of the first to say, welcome to the 2026 WI high school football season! Today is Day 1 for teams to get together and begin what is sure to be an unforgettable 2026 season! The incoming senior class, Class of 2027, is loaded to the gills with high level college talent. Talent that is going to control how this season plays out. Many of those impressive athletes already have team success and top tier individual production under their belt. That success has led many of them to being on this list that we have assembled. What follows in this article is the athletes who have made our Watch List for 2026 Prep Redzone WI Player of the Year. Now if you aren't on this list that won't eliminate you from the running. What we have here are athletes who have the previous individual and team success, and also look like they will be in position to repeat both team and individual success. These kids are going to be very fun to watch this season. So let's dive in and share who we will be watching very closely starting in Week 1!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterbacks</h2>    2025 Stats: 147/235, 2,625 Passing Yards, 38 TDs, 161 Rushing Yards, 1 Rushing TD   The state's QB 1 enters his senior season as a Winona State commit, and with a plethora of team and individual career success. The L- Cats ended 2025 with an 8-3 record, finishing 3rd in their conference. That is an exciting base to build on because Lake Mills is sitting in a position where they return so many key players who earned a lot of Friday night experience in 2025. Key members of the OL, three of their best receiving threats, their leading rusher, and most importantly the general of their offense will be back to lead the way. Things are shaping up well for Tyler to make a strong run at this honor while helping the L-Cats pursue a gold ball.     2025 Stats: 201/308, 3,223 Passing Yards, 33 TDs, 267 Rushing Yards, 6 TDs   Quintin returns for his senior season after being in the race for the most passing yards in the state during the entire 2025 season. The 65% passer relies on accuracy and smart decisions to carve up defenses. Lucky for the uncommitted senior QB will also see the return of his top two receivers who produced at an elite level for him in 2025. D-D also returns key members of the OL and multiple defenders. Don't be surprised to see D-D build on their 7-4 record from 2025.     Stats: 138/232, 2,035 Passing Yards, 20 TDs, 1,270 Rushing Yards, 20 TDs, 37 Tackles   When it comes to small school athletes to watch, you have to start with the dual threat signal caller out of Mondovi. Bode is as dangerous on the ground as he is attacking through the air. He has the arm to attack the entire field and speed to outrun every defender he crosses. Mondovi also returns their other key contributors from their 11-2 season. Bode could put up video game numbers in his junior season and lead Mondovi to an unforgettable season in 2026.     Stats: 127/204, 1,795 Passing Yards, 22 TDs, 467 Rushing Yards, 13 Rushing TDs   Joe and the rest of the Blackhawks team put together a fantastic season, finishing with a 12-1 record and one game away from returning to State for their 2nd straight season. Joe was responsible for 2,200+ AP yards and 35 TDs to help maintain the high scoring offense from other recent years at B-W. The dual threat QB does lose more help than others on this list, but he also has a stable of up and coming talent to work with. If those new contributors can step up then B-W is going to continue the strong run they have been on.     Stats: 113/189, 1,786 Passing Yards, 14 TDs, 854 Rushing Yards, 20 TDs   2025 was the launching pad for [player_tooltip player_id='1650969' first='Trent' last='Breitbach']. The 2027 QB has rolled into this offseason and put on a show where he was able to earn multiple D2 offers. Turn on the tape and you can't question the arm talent. The ball jumps out of his hand with velocity and pinpoint accuracy. Heading into 2026 it looks like Trent will be welcoming and building connection with a lot of new receiving options, but his talent and his athleticism should keep defenses honest and give the new weapons time to get open. I'm very intrigued to see if Trent and the rest of the Panthers can build on their 2025 5-4 record.     Stats: 114/175, 1,886 Passing Yards, 28 TDs, 192 Rushing Yards, 4 TDs   In his first season as the QB1 for Catholic Memorial, Dalton stepped in and instantly took over control of the offense. He was a very accurate passer who didn't hesitate to attack vertically. Those high level athletes he was targeting all over the field in 2025 will be back to help him in 2026. Between the OL talent, and skill position depth/talent, Dalton is set to light up the scoreboard and stat sheet. CM finished 11-2 in 2025 and are going to be on a mission to beat that this fall.     Stats: 158/228, 2,068 Passing Yards, 19 TDs, 245 Rushing Yards, 13 Rushing TDs   Waukesha South is coming off of a 3-6 season where they missed the playoffs. In 2026 we are seeing a ton of returning talent and production that will be back to help Jordan and the Blackshirts find more consistent on-field success. They definitely have the talent to lead the way in downfield passer [player_tooltip player_id='1226901' first='Jordan' last='Garcia']. The uncommitted senior QB will have his leading rusher and almost all his targets from 2025 back. There is also up and coming receiving talent who could find their way on the field to help the offense even more. I'm very intrigued by this potentially high-flying offense. Don't sleep on this team.     Stats: 61/113, 828 Passing Yards, 9 TDs, 1,416 Rushing Yards, 18 TDs   Looking at the stats, Ashton and the Neenah offense passed the ball more than I would have guessed. That is because they were one of the better rushing attacks in the state. A big reason why was the imposing physical dominance of how QB [player_tooltip player_id='1226959' first='Ashton' last='Van Beek'] runs the ball. His massive frame and breakaway speed make him a nightmare to contain. He is going to fit really well into the LB room at NDSU with his physicality and size, but until then we are going to watch defenses try and corral the electric athlete on Friday nights. Neenah is in position to try and best their 7-3 record from 2025.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Running Backs</h2>    Stats: 357 Att. 3,436 Rushing Yards, 57 TDs, 5 Receptions, 112 Yards, 1 TD   Kingston produced arguably the greatest RB season we have ever seen in WI in his first year as the RB for GB Notre Dame. Behind a loaded OL, Notre Dame wasn't afraid to give it to the Badgers commit early and often in 2025 on the way to a State Championship appearance. In 2026 you can expect more of the same, and you can look for the entire team to have the goal of finishing the job this fall and bringing home a gold ball. Kingston definitely has the talent to chase down those elite numbers from 2025. I can't wait to watch him attempt it. Safe to say, Kingston will be entering the season as the favorite for this honor.     Stats: 172 Att. 1,839 Rushing Yards, 34 TDs, 72 Tackles, 7 TFLs, 1 Sack, 1 INT, 1 PBU   You could count Ayden in the ATH or RB section. He ended up in this position category because of his rushing tools. The uncommitted incoming senior has the size to handle a heavy workload and two way responsibilities. He is the type of athlete who gets stronger as the game goes on. It is also noteworthy that the Falcons will be looking for a lot of new production in their passing game, so I expect to see them lean on Ayden and the run game even more this fall. The Falcons were 10-2 in 2025. Can they beat that in 2026?     Stats: 161 Att. 1,887 Rushing Yards, 32 TDs, 29 Receptions, 683 Receiving Yards, 5 TDs, 22 Tackles   Tysen and Northwestern had one of the best offensive attacks in the entire state. It was a key piece to their run to a State appearance in 2025. The Dordt commit at RB is one of the top mismatches in the state with his speed, receiving threat, and knack for making insane highlight reel plays. Northwestern's attack helps Tysen get in a lot of advantageous situations as well. Northwestern returns their QB1 on top of the talented RB and several other top contributors. So I won't be surprised if we are watching the Tigers in Midtown once again in mid- November.     Stats: 222 Att. 2,068 Rushing Yards, 26 TDs, 37 Tackles 6 TFLs   This is one of the more slept on recruits in the Class of 2027. He has a powerful, large frame that can easily tote the rock 20 times on a Friday night and should be able to do it at the next level. The big man can grind out tough yards and break tackles, but he also has that 2nd gear when he hits the open field. The explosive RB is going to need to deliver another big year to help his small school find the same success that they had in 2025 when they went 9-2 and won their conference at the 8 Man level.     Stats: 183 Att. 1,853 Rushing Yards, 31 TDs, 6 Receptions, 91 Yards, 1 TD   New Richmond had a very balanced attack in 2025. The NDSU RB commit did his part on the ground to ensure that. The explosive RB has D1 tools that shine when he has the football. Speed, contact balance through traffic, and a strong frame that has space on it to continue to fill out at the next level. NR will be rolling out a new QB1 this fall, so I will be looking for the Tigers to lean on their talented OL and the playmaking RB to take over games. The Tigers are in a very competitive conference, so can they beat their 8-3 record from 2025?     Stats: 265 Att. 1,931 Rushing Yards, 26 TDs, 18 Receptions, 185 Yards, 1 TD   One of the top feature backs from the 2025 season was Grafton's [player_tooltip player_id='1228462' first='Jack' last='Nelson']. His high level play and production helped the Black Hawks to a 14-0 record and a gold ball. In 2026 we see [player_tooltip player_id='1228462' first='Jack' last='Nelson'] return to the backfield. This time around we will see Grafton with a new QB1 and WR1. So I will be looking for Jack and the OL to decide a lot of games for this team. At least early on in the season. The uncommitted senior should be able to put up some big numbers this fall.     Stats: 254 Att. 1,729 Rushing Yards, 23 TDs, 11 Receptions, 130 Yards, 1 TD   Another small school stud to watch this fall is Spencer/Columbus Catholic RB Jack Hooper. The downhill RB has the thick frame to easily handle the abuse of the position and a high number of weekly touches. He can break tackles or flip the field with his speed. S/CC was able to grind their way to a 6-5 record in 2025. The video game numbers that Jack has the talent to produce will be needed to better that team record.     Stats: 201 Att. 1,100 Yards, 18 TDs, 62 Tackles, 13 TFLs, 5.5 Sacks   NBW is an offense that is going to line up and run the ball. They are going to punch you in the mouth and wear you out until they can finally break loose for the chunk plays. The Vikings return a big, imposing RB in [player_tooltip player_id='2103489' first='Aidan' last='Devine'] who has the talent to wear down a defense with how he totes the rock. The physical athlete also seems to be all over the field on defense as well. All the numbers in that 2025 stat line could be surpassed in 2026 as Aidan and the Vikings look to better their 7-3 record from 2025.     Stats: 135 Att. 1,051 Yards, 9 TDs, 6 Receptions, 121 Yards, 1 TD   Bryson had his breakout party in 2025 as a sophomore where he helped Muskego to an 11-2 record and a deep playoff run. The electric RB is so slippery, shifty, and sudden. He turns seems of daylight into unforgettable touches. His vision is going to be a huge benefit to his game behind the Warriors OL this fall. While there will be plenty of turnover across this roster, Muskego has the depth to fill a lot of those holes. So look for Bryson to be in position to beat all his 2025 numbers.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Receiving Threats</h2>    Stats: 73 Receptions, 1,324 Yards, 12 TDs, 10 Tackles, 2 PBUs, 1 INT   Delavan- Darien has the makings of what could be the top passing attack in Wisconsin this fall. They have a QB that can sling it all over the field and get the ball to every spot on time and accurately. They also have the weapons on the receiving end returning. The top dawg there is [player_tooltip player_id='1452367' first='Kaden' last='Garbe']. The WR has the size to win on the outside. He attacks the ball in the air, is fluid through his routes, and knows how to make plays after the catch. I am hyped to see the numbers he produces this fall.     Stats: 66 Receptions, 1,100 Yards, 13 TDs, 47 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 Sack, 7 PBUs, 5 INTs   Joining Garbe out wide is slot WR [player_tooltip player_id='1734109' first='Braedyn' last='McKean']. McKean dominates underneath. He is so quick to get open and give his QB an easy target. After the catch he is lightning quick. The rising senior also is a big time contributor on the defensive side of things. It is so rare to see a trio like D-D has returning to the field. I can't wait to watch the numbers pile up, and the Ws.     Stats: 63 Receptions, 979 Yards, 13 TDs, 24 Tackles   Waukesha South is another high-flying passing attack that looks poised for an even bigger 2026 than they had in 2025. Leading the way out wide is WR [player_tooltip player_id='1862982' first='Keegan' last='DeGeorge']. The electric playmaker can attack every level with twitchy route running and is able to get open in a hurry. Plus he will fight for the ball in traffic really well. If Waukesha South takes a step forward and can earn a playoff berth it will be because Keegan helped push them over the top.     Stats: 49 Receptions, 899 Yards, 8 TDs, 46 Tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 1 PBU, 2 INTs   The small schools are well represented this year with the talent at those schools. Mondovi in particular is a hotbed for the Class of 2028. WR/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2055377' first='Beau' last='Spindler'] is going to have a huge impact on the outcome of the Buffaloes season. Beau is the go to WR and also a strong presence on the edge. His athletic tools have made him a tough matchup on either side of the ball. You can bet that he is going to make a name for himself if the Buffaloes can build on their 2025 success.     Stats: 41 Receptions, 876 Yards, 12 TDs, 16 Att. 154 Yards, 2 TDs   Ben is one of the top big play threats returning among WRs in WI. The 2027 WR averaged nearly 22 yards/rec in 2025. I was able to watch him live and he put on a show that week. While the deep threat will be welcoming a new QB to the offense, it is safe to say that whoever wins the job is going to have a really trustworthy target as the Crusaders try to better their 9-2 record from last season. I recommend watching the uncommitted senior.     Stats: 55 Receptions, 804 Yards, 11 TDs   We can't talk about WRs that can bring home this honor without mentioning the Marathon wideout. Garrett is coming off a very productive junior season where he gave us all a great look at how he can use his size to create space, but also has the athleticism that will allow him to play at the next level. Having a weapon like this at a mid-sized school will be huge for the Red Raiders next QB1. It will be interesting to see if they can better their 4-6 record from 2025.     Stats: 16 Att. 145 Yards, 3 TDs, 6 Receptions, 63 Yards, 1 TD   Ignore the numbers from 2025. Korz was injured most of the season, so you can expect to see him come back with a vengeance as a senior. Iola-Scandinavia will be playing 8 man football this fall and that could lead to some video game numbers. Teams were already having trouble slowing down Loken as a sophomore. Now there will be three less defenders on the field against him in 2026. The Badgers commit and #1 overall player is going to be a key factor in the success of I-S as they look to move on from their 2-7 season in 2025.     Stats: 8 Receptions, 106 Yards, 1 TD   This is an athlete where we are looking to 2026 as the breakout year. Tre has already become a national recruit, and now is the time to leave no doubt. Arrowhead is coming off a D1 State Championship, so it will be hard to beat that. However, Arrowhead will be looking to replace a lot of key contributors. That includes on the receiving side of things. That is where Tre will be positioned to take a big leap forward. QB1 for Arrowhead is back, so I'm excited to see the connection they will have.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defenders</h2>    Stats: 172 Tackles, 6 TFLs   We can't make this list without our first defender being the state's leading tackler from 2025. Ryan was all over the field cleaning up plays and bringing down ball carriers. The '28 LB is fluid through traffic and plays with a high level of instincts as plays develop. The Cardinals finished 4-6 in 2025, so to beat that we are going to need to see Zenner continue to be all over the field making stops for his defense.     Stats: 119 Tackles, 16 TFLs, 6 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR   Waterford is a team that has found success through grit and toughness. They are going to run the football, and they are going to hit you on defense. Leading the way on that defense is LB [player_tooltip player_id='1733905' first='John' last='Cramer']. The incoming senior hits like a sledgehammer and has a nose for the football. His instincts are well developed, and he has the physical tools to be able to get to the football. Don't sleep on this LB. He will be a huge piece to Waterford's weekly success as they try to find more playoff success in 2026.     Stats: 112 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack, 18 Receptions, 166 yards, 3 TDs   The Ferris State commit has spent his entire career piling up tackles on a weekly basis. We are talking 10 tackle weeks, 15 tackle weeks, 20 tackle weeks. Year to year we have rarely seen a defender who is consistently getting stops like Cayden has. Last year we also got to see him contribute at the TE position. All that is coming together to a climax where we could see an elite level of two-way impact for the De Pere Redbird. I'm excited for one last ride watching the talented LB.     Stats: 80 Tackles, 25 TFLs, 9 Sacks, 18 Att. 86 Yards, 2 TDs   Good luck finding a more disruptive DL in 2026. We have already been lucky to witness Deangelo's dominance over the past couple years. If he can better those numbers then we are in store to watch the finale of one of the most dominant forces we have seen in a long time. Clay brings violence, quickness, and explosive athleticism to the field. His technique at the DE position is among the best in the state. Monona Grove is going to be one of the top rosters in the state, and Deangelo can go a long way in helping them make a push for State with one last monster season.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Athletes</h2>    Stats: 160 Att. 932 Yards, 8 TDs, 15 Receptions, 179 Yards, 125 Tackles, 9 TFLs, 1.5 Sacks   Our first two way athlete is Emery's [player_tooltip player_id='1540874' first='Keaton' last='Wollan']. The Badgers LB commit is a force at RB and in the middle of the Warriors defense. At LB the kid is a heat-seeking missile. He plays the game at 100 mph and packs a punch on every tackle. Then on offense he runs angry and has no problem with creating his own yards. Amery will need more of that imposing presence and impact to better their 4-6 record from 2025. I'm expecting a big year from the incoming senior.     Stats: 78/107, 1,376 Yards, 19 TDs, 134 Att. 1,261 Yards, 21 TDs, 45 Tackles, 4 PBUs, 5 INTs   Last season was already an unforgettable performance from the dynamic athlete out of Darlington. His efforts helped the Redbirds to a 14-0 record and gold ball. This season is returns with almost every key contributor from that 2025 run, so sights are set on coming back and being even better than they were last year. That could lead to a season of production that has Zeke locked into the race for Player of the Year in the state. I can't wait to watch him lead Darlington onto the field on Friday nights this fall.     Stats: 123/174, 1,620 Yards, 15 TDs, 158 Att. 1,197 Yards, 23 TDs, 61 Tackles, 14 TFLs, 5.5 Sacks   We are going to have some monsters in the smaller divisions this season. We have mentioned a few already, but we can't overlook the Lourdes Academy QB/LB who seems to be involved in every facet of the game. On offense the incoming senior runs the ball like a bull in a china shop. He is going to break tackles and push the pile. Plus he was a super efficient passer and will have his go to guy back this year again. Then on defense we really see his natural abilities shine as he roams sideline to sideline making tackles and key stops. I can't wait to see the video game numbers he puts up. Lourdes Academy is going to be a tough beat this fall, and is coming off a season where they were a game away from state. Big things ahead for the team and Brady.     Stats: 159 Att. 1,504 Yards, 23 TDs, 20 Receptions, 424 Yards, 6 TDs, 76 Tackles, 9 TFLs, 1 Sack   Another versatile, productive, and extremely talented small school product is the Duluth commit, [player_tooltip player_id='2103484' first='Carter' last='Moesch']. The RB/LB is a force on the field. On offense he is a runaway freight train who will run through arm tackles like a wet paper towel, but also has speed to completely run away from the field and the receiving talents to be a threat. Then on defense that physicality and athleticism blend together to make a prototypical LB recruit who is always around the football. Bonduel will be looking for a lot from him this fall. I can't wait to see what he is able to produce.     Stats: 225 Att. 1,793 Yards, 22 TDs, 4 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD, 98 Tackles, 14 TFLs, 2 PBUs, 3 INTs   The Little Chute team is going to be a fun one to watch as they look to utilize all the returning talent to make a run back to State like they did in 2025. Leading the way for this team is [player_tooltip player_id='2103551' first='Reece' last='Joten'], an RB and LB who is leaned on heavily as a two way player. His bowling ball build wears down defenses and his long speed can spark plenty of big plays. Plus the kid isn't afraid to get his nose dirty and play some physical defense. Little Chute could be even better this fall and that is very exciting for a guy with Reece's 2025 production.     Stats: 25 Receptions, 703 Yards, 8 TDs, 32 Tackles, 1 FF, 8 PBUs, 5 INTs, 2 Pick Sixes   We have another Wisconsin Badgers commit to talk about. This time it is the dynamic WR/S [player_tooltip player_id='1045089' first='Dustin' last='Roach']. Dustin dominates with his vastly superior athleticism, a high level of football IQ and ball skills. They all show on both sides of the ball. Having a guy like this on the backend of the defense is a cheat code. He can easily roam half the field and make plays. Plus he has the tools to dominate while playing WR. Catholic Memorial is going to have the talent to play late into November which gives Dustin time to pile up stats that will put him in the running for this honor.     Stats: 39 Receptions, 681 Yards, 9 TDs, 15 At.. 71 Yards, 2 TDs, 19 Tackles, 2 PBUs, 4 INTs, 1 Pick Six, 25 yards/kick return, 50 yards/punt return   The St. Thomas commit is the type of guy you dominate with on a video game. Faster than everyone on the field, most weeks. Agile and always seems to have a plan when he has the football. He is someone that when he touches the ball you feel like he could take it the distance. So the Crimson Tide will need him to step up big time to help them beat their 6-4 record from 2025. The team will have a lot of new names in key spots, so Eli could be asked to have a big role. At least early on.     Stats: 25 Receptions, 562 Yards, 4 TDs, 101 Tackles, 16 TFLs, 5 Sacks   Those sophomore numbers might just be the tip of the iceberg for Owen going forward. First off I think we could see him become the go to option in the passing game, or at least see a big increase in production. Then you get the absolute dominance on the edge where he is able to win with speed or power. He was constantly in the backfield and also flexing his range to chase down the ball. Owen is a legitimate two way weapon who should only become more dominant and productive.     Stats: 30 Receptions, 494 Yards, 6 TDs, 5 Att. 107 yards, 1 TD, 38 Tackles, 5 TFLs, 4 Sacks   This is going to be an interesting athlete to follow this season. Diesel is going to be a difference maker at safety. He has the frame, the range, and the football IQ to be involved on a snap to snap basis. What is going to be different and very intriguing is that Diesel is going to be the starting QB for the Storm. I'm fired up to see how he performs as a passer, and how his athleticism can change the game. Don't miss out on watching Diesel and Kewaunee this fall.

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