With the class of 2025 firmly in the recruiting spotlight, you have to be a stud to be grabbing offers this early as a sophomore. Lucky for Lawrence Free State High School in the Great State of Kansas, they have two studs manning their OT positions, both of which are in the class of 2026 and are already certified P5 talents with scholarship offers from big-time Midwest programs in the Big12 and/or B1G. The second king-sized half of the Firebirds dynamic duo of Tall Boys is Braden Wilmes, who clocks in at a titanic 6’8, 275 pounds and already holds offers from Kansas State, Kansas, and Minnesota, all of which have rolled in since January 17th. In that time frame, Wilmes has also visited Nebraska and Kansas for junior day unofficials as well.

Just like his fellow 2026 Free State OT, Wilmes has absurd upside, both in his frame and in his skillset, and the LT is a bull at the point of attack who fights to stay engaged and can overpower and dominate in the run game. With noticeably long arms and holding a slimmer 270ish pounds that could explode in a college lifting program, Wilmes‘ mobility is as eye-catching as his brute strength, as the sophomore is an effective and coordinated puller who is comfortable wrapping around the LOS, getting out of his stance quickly, and finding work in space and 1-on-1 situations. I’m also impressed watching him work laterally, especially off the snap, where he can cover a good amount of ground while staying agile and active. Wilmes also plays with a consistent and balanced base and anchor, and he’s also patient and smooth in his pass set and comfortable in pass pro. The overall combination of size, length, flexibility, physicality, and body control are top-notch and he’s going to be deep into double-digit offers by the time his recruitment is finished. Holy cow is Lawrence Free State loaded in their 2026 class.