Five “MUST SEE” Ohio Prospects in 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='764214' first='Preston' last='Fryzel'], Toledo Central Catholic, Class of 2026, TE/WR, 6'4", 210 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='764214' first='Preston' last='Fryzel'] is a rising tight-end prospect with exceptional receiving skills, making him a genuine red-zone threat. With 43 catches for 807 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 18.76 yards per catch, he's a big-play weapon for Central Catholic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing at 6'4" with a solid frame, Preston already holds several D1 offers, and as he gets stronger, expect interest from even more prominent programs. Heading into his senior year, he'll aim to lead Central Catholic back to the state championship after falling short to Bishop Watterson in the 2024 title game. Look for Preston to boost his profile further on the 7v7 circuit as he continues to develop into a top-tier prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='573482' first='Kaden' last='Gebhardt'], Olentangy High School, Class of 2026, FS/SS/ATH, 6'1.5”, 195 lbs, 3.5 GPA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='573482' first='Kaden' last='Gebhardt'] is a dominant force on defense and is known as one of the country's hardest-hitting players. He plays downhill with intensity and earned First Team All-State honors. He holds 27 D1 offers, solidifying his status as one of Ohio's premier players in the Class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With his speed (4.51 40-yard dash), great open-field tackling ability, and reliable hands, Kaden makes plays all over the field. A rare talent on defense, he has a legitimate chance to contend for Ohio's Mr. Football—a remarkable feat for a defensive player. Expect Kaden to continue turning heads as he builds on an impressive resume.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matt Ponatoski, Archbishop Moeller High School, Class of 2025, QB, 6'1", 195 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Matt Ponatoski, the 2024 Ohio Mr. Football and Gatorade Player of the Year returns as Moeller's star quarterback after a record-breaking junior season. Leading the Crusaders to a 14-1 record and a state championship appearance, he threw for 4,085 yards and 56 touchdowns and set multiple school records, including a 70.7% completion rate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Matt, a standout athlete with a 4.21 GPA, excels as a nationally ranked baseball player and active community volunteer. Poised for another big year, he's ready to lead Moeller back to the top while solidifying his status as one of the nation's best quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elbert "Rock" Hill IV, Archbishop Hoban High School, Class of 2026, CB, 5'10.5", 170 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elbert "Rock" Hill IV is a standout cornerback at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, Ohio. As a junior, he recorded four interceptions and three pass breakups, contributing significantly to his team's advancement to the Division II OHSAA state semifinals. Demonstrating versatility, Hill also scored five offensive touchdowns and two on special teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In his sophomore year, Hill earned First-Team All-State honors in Division II. He secured seven interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Hill's exceptional performance has garnered nearly 30 scholarship offers from top programs, including Ohio State, Oregon, Alabama, and Michigan. Though his recruitment remains open, he is projected to commit to Ohio State or Oregon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing at 5'10.5" and weighing 170 pounds, Hill combines agility and skill, making him a formidable presence in the secondary. His dedication and impact on defense and special teams underscore his status as one of the nation's top prospects in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently, Hill was selected to represent the Cleveland Browns in Nike's 'Next Ones' program, allowing him to experience behind-the-scenes action at Super Bowl LIX and compete in a skills challenge against other top players nationwide.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As he continues to develop, Hill's athleticism and playmaking abilities position him as a highly sought-after recruit with a promising future in collegiate football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153109' first='Victor' last='Singleton'], Toledo Central Catholic High School, Class of 2026, CB, 6'0", 165 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1153109' first='Victor' last='Singleton'] is a standout cornerback for Toledo Central Catholic and is recognized as one of the top prospects in the nation for the Class of 2026. His junior season was marked by impressive defensive statistics, including four interceptions, 15 pass breakups, four tackles for loss, and a forced fumble, contributing significantly to Central Catholic's success as Division III state runner-up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Singleton's playmaking ability extends to special teams, where he blocked a punt that resulted in a touchdown and a field goal. His athleticism and football IQ have earned him first-team All-State honors and the Division III Defensive Co-Player of the Year title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'0" and 165 pounds, Singleton combines size, speed, and agility, making him a formidable presence in the secondary. He is currently ranked as the No. 3 cornerback nationally in his class and has offers from numerous Division I programs, including Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, and others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As he continues to develop, Singleton's exceptional skills and competitive drive position him as one of the highest-rated prospects in Toledo High School football ever. He has a promising future at the collegiate level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->