Potential Minnesota Recruiting Stars Unearth Themselves in 2026

Somehow, someway, we're already nearing the halfway point of the 2026 regular season in Minnesota. With three weeks of continuous, full-throttle prep football action already under our collective belts, PRZMN can really begin to pick up on and identify trends we're seeing across the reported score lines and results, posted and updated prospect film, and small town stories that have captivated us throughout the fall, so far. PRZMN wanted to take an early stab at naming some Potential Minnesota Recruiting Stars Unearthing Themselves in 2026   --    Tell me if you've heard this narrative before. Stud hooper comes out to play football, lands in the skill positions, and boy oh boy, does it look easy for the young man. The SMB Wolfpack are the recipient of this high-level MN trend so far this fall, as senior [player_tooltip player_id='2126708' first='Ayden' last='Green'] has been nothing short of prolific throughout the early portions of the 2026 season. Green kicked off his senior season with a three target, three catches for 140 yards and and TD + four tackles, two PBUs, and one INT showing in Week 1 versus. Winona, wherein he proved himself to be a vertical threat that was torching Winhawk DBs over the top. Tracks the deep ball well, ball skills made for another impressive PBU as well, no problems tackling and playing with physicality, according to the film, and made a very impressive pick on a streaking WR working to the third level of the field. Right in the hip pocket, great ball skills, timed his jump out perfectly, floated, and plucked the rock right out of the air.   Against Delasalle, where he went for six catches for 127 yards, you can see SMB's offense making a concerted effort to get Green the rock, particularly in space. Screens, dumps, etc. First down on a rocket screen showed off good hands and noticeable burst, game-breaking speed, if he hits the corner he's gone, and played the ball beautifully on a well-thrown fade by Cupito. Worked back to the ball and finished the 50/50 ball through good coverage. Also shifty and strong after the catch. Sudden and doesn't go down easy, and also a good punt returner thanks to the speed and vision and showed off three-phase utility against the Islanders. Went for three catches for 65 yards in Week 3 versus Richfield. Talk about some upside in this multi-sport extraordinaire!   @Ayden_Green12   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ayden_Green12/status/2097891024517357585 </div></figure>     The first of two budding Mayer Lutheran standout prospects, 2027 LB Jack Friske has been quickly asserting himself as a must-know darkhorse of a LB prospect in the state's senior class. Friske is coming off a junior campaign that saw him post 102 total tackles, and he's a beast in the weight room with maxes such as a 265 lb. bench, 405 lb. squat, and 225 lb. clean, backing up the big, strong, fast, can't-miss presence on film from his ongoing senior campaign.   Against Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop this past week, Friske recorded an INT on a richotched pass, and he shoots gaps with pace, can tackle at full speed behind the LOS and in space, and suplexed and dumped a tailback in physical fashion.   vs. Martin County West in Week 2, Friske tallied an INT in man coverage, showed he can beat climbing OL with either quickness or power, and recorded a FF by punching the ball loose trailing and pursuing from the backside of the play. The thumper was making plays all around the box.   vs. Sibley East in Week 1, the Mayer product wins at the contact point and showed some range in pass defense. D3 and MIAC powerhouse Bethel University has offered a roster spot mid-season. Great eval by the Royals there, as Friske is looking, playing, producing like a scholarship-worthy 'backer right now this fall.   @Jack_Friske     Yes, we have another Moorhead Spuds' name to know on this unreal 2026 roster. Moorhead has a beast of a DE/EDGE in Reace Boll, a 6'5, 225 lber. who has pumped out some eye-catching film through the first three weeks of the season that displays a versatile skillset his size. Boll, who originally got on our radar after he camped with Northern State this past summer, had a particularly good performance against Woodbury in Week 2, displaying himself as a standup 5T shows some pop at initial contact and can knock blockers backwards upon first impact, setting himself up well to beat the block with his hands and quickness. Boll can shock and shed and make tackles at or behind the LOS, shows a good get-off, identifies and seeks out the ball quickly, and comes flat down the LOS and can make tackles from the backside of the play as well.   Boll produced a very impressive rep as a standup EDGE where he stays assignment sound and right in the TE's hip pocket as he works out, then back inside for an attempted TE tunnel screen. Boll uses that outside arm to swat the ball away like a seasoned CB. Also can shed blocks out on the perimeter, fast enough to pursue to the sideline and out to the edge. Noticeable motor as well. Seven tackles, three TFLs, and three pressures against the Royals. Also two tackles vs. Rogers in Week 1. Buy stock now!   @Reace_boll5   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Reace_boll5/status/2099679224730644869 </div></figure>     How could you not excited about a 6'5, near-200-pound safety at Minnesota's Class 6A level. 2028 eye-popping SAF Kyler Csiki is also quite the physical presence from the defensive secondary, and in his spare time doubles a legit lacrosse prospect as an attack/midfielder with mismatchy size/length and exciting athleticism to go along with the multi-sport utility. Csiki's breakout game came against Eagan in Week 2, as he posted seven solo tackles from his safety after posting four tackles the week before against Forest Lake. Csiki, on tape, is a tall, long, massive, always-looming presence from the defensive secondary of the Lakers. He runs the alley with speed and force, is a great form tackler and does a great job of dropping his hips for a taller defender, and is consistently strong and wins at the contact point. The junior came downhill and made a particularly impressive 1v1 stick of a RB with a full head of steam, halting him right in his tracks and showing off strong fundamentals as well. Very high ceiling as a prospect and first-year starter in the Metro's Big School ranks. We'll be watching Csiki and some of his Lakers' teammates very closely the remainder of the regular season.   @KylerCsiki28     2028 OL/DL George Garbow is the first of two impressive, breakout Duluth East prospects coming alive during this fall. Reportedly up to 6'3, 250 lbs., according to his father, Garbow is a starter since sophomore, two-way contributor, and a good hockey player in the Greyhounds' high-level puck program up there in the 218.   Garbow, vs. Rock Ridge, is a RT who shows a ton of pop and strength at the point of attack, easily and smoothly climbs to the second level, and is athletic and fluid when breaking down in space to corral smaller defenders. He's balanced and nimble in his pass set with heavy hands that show up in pass protection as well, and as a DL/DT, is a gap stuffer with a strong base who is stout in run defense. Quick get-off and first step and slips through gaps along the LOS when he spots them.   The junior highlights as DT/NG display a then-sophomore who was slippery through zone blocking schemes and holes, a strong goal line defender, and owned a quick get-off that got him into opponents' backfields before the play could develop. Good motor and comfortable tackling and hawking down scrambling QBs and a decent sophomore tape and skillset to build on. Garbow really seems to have attacked the offseason and his 2026 film is showing off the results.     A 6'6, 250 lb. junior OT in Minnesota's 6A ranks should always excite MN prep football fans, not to mention the colleges that recruit the Land of 10,000 Lakes and in particular, the Metro area. Former Classic Lake Conference talent-factory Hopkins has a fun and diverse 2026 roster with length, versatility, and athleticism at a multitude of key spots around the gridiron, and the Royals' are anchored on the OL by their LT Dom Thompson. The 6'6, 250 lber. got his upperclassmen campaign going in strong fashion Week 1 against Edina, showing off physicality at the point of attack and a strong run blocking mentality, not to mention active hands and light feet that he keeps choppin' throughout a rep. Can hold up in 1v1 situations against Big School competition and is balanced, long, and strong in pass pro and in his pass set. Versus East Ridge, Thompson was creating a ton of movement and really excelling in his 1v1 assignment and displays his length well when he locks out and extends his arms, is able to create noticeable separation. Lots of tools and traits at a premium position on the gridiron and recruiting trail.   @DomThompson55     Isaac Emerson is a breakout 2028 prospect and player who PRZMN is more excited about than any other recruit revealing themselves so far this fall. A 6'4, 215 lb. powerful dual-threat QB for Duluth East, Emerson's offseason work with 612Q's is translating really well to his junior film, as Emerson has some legit passing ability to go along with his outstanding size + athleticism combination as a ball carrier when he tucks and takes off. Not a ton of information currently available on Emerson, but the film sure is eye catching, especially his Week 1 performance vs. Rock Ridge that saw him tally 14 carries for 117 yards and two TDs + 9/12 passing for 103 yards and one TD through the air.   Emerson can easily stretch the field with touch, accuracy, and timing, and his big arm can push the ball vertically with ease. The Duluth product is a long strider and eye-catching runner when he totes the rock. Covers noticeable ground with each step, powerful cutter/planter, strong lower body easily powers through weaker tackle attempts at his legs and waist. Jittery footwork, impressive burst gets him upfield and into space quickly, and an effective scrambler who can improvise and find success when things break down. Good speed/power combination and highlighted the film with a truck stick over a Rock Ridge defender while getting into the endzone.   Versus Brainerd, Emerson was seeing the field well and got the ball out of his hand quickly. Compact, smooth release and throwing mechanics, and could really put some zip and velocity on the ball when necessary. Was able to fit the ball into tighter prep defensive windows and can also generate said impressive zip off-platform as well. Was hitting WRs in stride and puts them in good positions to succeed after the catch, and the read-option ball-carrier can move dog piles and gain extra yardage post-contact thanks to the sheer size/strength/will combination. Big, physically impressive, composed, and dynamic presence on film that could really create some recruiting momentum if the athletic numbers match up with the tape.   @IsaacEmersn17     We've saved the best for last here, folks! The second of two Mayer Lutheran prospects who are really creating some serious recruiting waves thanks to their 2026 play, [player_tooltip player_id='2246065' first='Chase' last='Zupke'] is looking and playing like the state's TE1 in the developing 2029 class and crop of recruits. Big, long, dangerous and physical after the catch, smooth route runner, and a gnarly and aggressive blocker, Zupke has all of the tools and makings of a potential high-level, FCS or above TE prospect coming out of a state that develops our TEs especially well. In the Crusaders' Week 1 win against Sibley East, Zupke flashed good hands that catch the ball away from his body, physicality that will drop the pads and run your butt over after the catch, and acceleration out of his breaks. The Mayer product shows some juice at the top of the route, with clean, concise breaks and little wasted movement as a route runner, and as a traditional inline TE he's a bruising, physical, and motivated blocker who is equally effective at the LOS or up in space at the second level. Also can flex out into the slot as a route runner or blocker, owns a big catch radius and track/plays the ball well in the air, and can sit down well at the top of his route.   In the Week 2 win over Martin County West, Zupke produced a mauling goal line block absolutely dominated a helpless DE, and his Week 3 film in the win over Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop highlighted his great ball skills on a back-shoulder snag on a wheel route deep downfield. Zupke crushed a DE on a down block, produced an especially twitchy route that got him open down the seam, after which he smoothly plucked the ball out of the sky while elevating above traffic. Also really liked the technique and physicality as a blocker, which should show up well in a padded camp setting. I smell a future D1 signee, ladies and gentlemen! Buy stock now!   @ChaseZupke    --

Somehow, someway, we're already nearing the halfway point of the 2026 regular season in Minnesota. With three weeks of continuous, full-throttle prep football action already under our collective belts, PRZMN can really begin to pick up on and identify trends we're seeing across the reported score lines and results, posted and updated prospect film, and small town stories that have captivated us throughout the fall, so far. PRZMN wanted to take an early stab at naming some Potential Minnesota Recruiting Stars Unearthing Themselves in 2026

Ayden Green

MN #WL

WR #WL

HEIGHT 6'0"

WEIGHT 165

POS WR

CLASS 2027

View Player

Ayden Green

State: Minnesota

School: St. Paul/Minnehaha/Blake

Tell me if you've heard this narrative before. Stud hooper comes out to play football, lands in the skill positions, and boy oh boy, does it look easy for the young man. The SMB Wolfpack are the recipient of this high-level MN trend so far this fall, as senior Ayden Green Ayden Green 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR St. Paul/Minnehaha/Blake | 2027 MN has been nothing short of prolific throughout the early portions of the 2026 season. Green kicked off his senior season with a three target, three catches for 140 yards and and TD + four tackles, two PBUs, and one INT showing in Week 1 versus. Winona, wherein he proved himself to be a vertical threat that was torching Winhawk DBs over the top. Tracks the deep ball well, ball skills made for another impressive PBU as well, no problems tackling and playing with physicality, according to the film, and made a very impressive pick on a streaking WR working to the third level of the field. Right in the hip pocket, great ball skills, timed his jump out perfectly, floated, and plucked the rock right out of the air.

Against Delasalle, where he went for six catches for 127 yards, you can see SMB's offense making a concerted effort to get Green the rock, particularly in space. Screens, dumps, etc. First down on a rocket screen showed off good hands and noticeable burst, game-breaking speed, if he hits the corner he's gone, and played the ball beautifully on a well-thrown fade by Cupito. Worked back to the ball and finished the 50/50 ball through good coverage. Also shifty and strong after the catch. Sudden and doesn't go down easy, and also a good punt returner thanks to the speed and vision and showed off three-phase utility against the Islanders. Went for three catches for 65 yards in Week 3 versus Richfield. Talk about some upside in this multi-sport extraordinaire!

@Ayden_Green12

Great start to the season getting a great team win‼️

Stats-
Offense: One Half, 140 yards, 3 targets, 3 receptions, 1 TD

Defense: 1 INT, 2 pass deflections, 4 tackles @SMBWolfpack @PrepRedzoneMN @grassrootshoops
Film- pic.twitter.com/gCML9P2YFG
— Ayden Green (@Ayden_Green12) September 10, 2026

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Chase Zupke

MN #126

TE/EDGE #3

HEIGHT 6'5"

WEIGHT 210

POS TE/EDGE

CLASS 2029

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Chase Zupke

State: Minnesota

School: Mayer Lutheran

We've saved the best for last here, folks! The second of two Mayer Lutheran prospects who are really creating some serious recruiting waves thanks to their 2026 play, Chase Zupke Chase Zupke 6'5" | 210 lbs | TE/EDGE Mayer Lutheran | 2029 State MN is looking and playing like the state's TE1 in the developing 2029 class and crop of recruits. Big, long, dangerous and physical after the catch, smooth route runner, and a gnarly and aggressive blocker, Zupke has all of the tools and makings of a potential high-level, FCS or above TE prospect coming out of a state that develops our TEs especially well. In the Crusaders' Week 1 win against Sibley East, Zupke flashed good hands that catch the ball away from his body, physicality that will drop the pads and run your butt over after the catch, and acceleration out of his breaks. The Mayer product shows some juice at the top of the route, with clean, concise breaks and little wasted movement as a route runner, and as a traditional inline TE he's a bruising, physical, and motivated blocker who is equally effective at the LOS or up in space at the second level. Also can flex out into the slot as a route runner or blocker, owns a big catch radius and track/plays the ball well in the air, and can sit down well at the top of his route.

In the Week 2 win over Martin County West, Zupke produced a mauling goal line block absolutely dominated a helpless DE, and his Week 3 film in the win over Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop highlighted his great ball skills on a back-shoulder snag on a wheel route deep downfield. Zupke crushed a DE on a down block, produced an especially twitchy route that got him open down the seam, after which he smoothly plucked the ball out of the sky while elevating above traffic. Also really liked the technique and physicality as a blocker, which should show up well in a padded camp setting. I smell a future D1 signee, ladies and gentlemen! Buy stock now!

@ChaseZupke