Watchlist-To-Ranked: 2028 Update

One of my favorite groups of players during our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2028-rankings-preseason-update/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rankings updates</a> is the watchlist-to-ranked group. These are the players who showed enough potential early in their careers to get on our radar, but have only recently broken through. Since this was an offseason update, we only had eight players move from our watchlist to the 2028 rankings, but each one deserves recognition. Let's break them all down.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 Watchlist-To-Ranked Players</h2>    Collins is a guy who's been on my radar for a while, but I haven't been able to watch much of his film until this rankings cycle. Originally on the watchlist as a defensive lineman and potential tight end, he added some weight and played well on the offensive line last year for East Rutherford.     Funny story: Smith was moved twice into the rankings by two different writers, once as a quarterback and once as a defensive back. He was a successful dual-threat guy on offense last year, and he should open it up and let it rip a bit more as a passer in 2026. He may be destined for the defensive side of the ball at the next level, as he moves well and could thrive at safety.     Matthews is a guy who slipped through the cracks during the last rankings cycle. He had a productive year at safety, but we weren't alerted to his talent until he picked up an Akron offer in the offseason. Now, we've had the chance to look at some of the tape. We like his range and willingness to come down and make a tackle. He has a good opportunity to move up in the rankings with a strong start to his junior season.     I tend to gravitate towards "do-it-all" guys from smaller schools, and in that regard, Smith checks a lot of boxes. He's electric in the open field, and when healthy last season, averaged over 120 scrimmage yards per game. If he can stay healthy as a junior, R-S Central has some pieces around him to have a potent 4A offense.     It was time to bump Knox, who sat on our watchlist all of last season, while also leading HPCA to an undefeated season. His only knock was that he's a low-volume passer on a run-heavy team. He has some athleticism to escape the pocket and pick up yards, even though he's not going to be asked to have many designed runs. We like his arm, pocket awareness, and leadership, and he could have a bigger year in 2026.     McKoy is a compact back with plenty of burst and a good amount of power. He moves from Fuquay-Varina to Willow Spring in 2026, and the Storm have showed the ability to churn out running backs this decade. He wasn't a high-colume rusher last year, averaging about 12 carries per game, but he was efficient, averaging nearly 7.5 yards per carry.     I picked Franz for our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/preseason-all-breakout-offense/">All-Breakout Team</a>, and wanted to get him into the rankings before the season started. He's a strong, tough interior lineman who battled injury last year and still played well. This year, he looks bigger, stronger, quicker, and healthier, and he could be one of the best linemen in Charlotte.     Bailey is a high-academic worker who also happens to be a verified 4.44 speedster. He caught my attention at the Carolinas Coaches' Combine, where he was the fastest player in attendance. Last year on the field, he made 27 tackles, and I think that natural athleticism could lead to a big season in 2026.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, Zane Rowland, and me on the 2028 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.

One of my favorite groups of players during our rankings updates is the watchlist-to-ranked group. These are the players who showed enough potential early in their careers to get on our radar, but have only recently broken through. Since this was an offseason update, we only had eight players move from our watchlist to the 2028 rankings, but each one deserves recognition. Let's break them all down.