2026 Biggest Rankings Risers: Part 2

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth evaluations of the 2026 prospects making significant leaps in the latest rankings update.</h2>    Williams made a massive move in the updated rankings to inside the top 100 overall after a great junior season being voted First Team All CUSD and First Team All Region racking up 98 total tackles, 40 solo, eight PBU, and an interception. 5'10” 185 lbs. he plays with range and awareness, consistently reading and reacting quickly as the play develops. Whether in deep coverage or rolling down into the box, he shows plus versatility and the football IQ you look for in a safety. His closing speed and ability to break make him a threat in coverage showing good timing and anticipation to make a play on the ball or receiver to break up a pass. He's a physical tackler who takes efficient angles and isn't afraid to come downhill and deliver a hit, plays much bigger than his frame. Has picked up two recent offers from Penn and Fort Lewis and with his ability he projects as a reliable and impactful presence at the next level.      Burnstein has been steadily rising the PRZ rankings and D1 recruiting boards since the 2024 season. This update he moved to number 36 overall and is the #6 defensive linemen in the 2026 class. Checks all the boxes as a highly recruitable edge prospect with his plus athleticism and projectable frame at 6'4” 235 lbs. Smooth movement skills with the flexibility and bend to work off the edge and redirect to the ball effectively. He's quick in the short area chasing with good speed and motor to make plays down the line and from the backside. Multi-dimensional he's able to contain the edge in the run game and has a good mix of speed and power moves to rush the passer. Seven D1 offers most recently picking up Washington State and expect him to be in the double digits before long.      Krien lands inside the top 50 overall and is ranked top 10 at his position. 6'1” 190 lbs. he's a gifted corner that can attach and maintain coverage to all areas of the field. Runs well, 10.9 100 meter, but its his technique and instincts that allow him to shut down bigger or faster receivers. Very calculated with his feet and hands to gain positional leverage and then be physical throughout the play. Uses his length and reach to his advantage when playing the ball at the catch point. Fluid movement skills, he's quick to transition and smoothly changes direction to mirror the route. Great ability to play press coverage, he's aggressive and physical giving him the ability to move receivers off their line and disrupt timing. Recruitment has continued to rise now holding 4 D1 offers with his first FBS offers coming from New Mexico and New Mexico State this month.      Barrett was a standout on both side of the line for ALA-Ironwood as a junior and was selected First Team All-Region and Second Team All-State. 6'0” 275 lbs. he plays with an edge to be a force on both sides but size and skillset project him on the defensive line at the college level. Strong anchor makes him tough to move while playing with good leverage and a low center of gravity. Violent at the POA he accelerates upon contact to shed blockers effectively and drive ball carriers to the ground aggressively. Like his ability to be a two gap defender and stack double teams to clog space and collapse the pocket from the inside. Shows good bend and short area burst to react to play development and make tackles outside his gap. Moved up 50 overall spots this rankings update and recently pulled in offers from Wisconsin-River Falls and Central College.      Wales was another massive mover in the recent rankings update landing just outside the top 100 overall. 6'1” 290 lbs. he's got a compact and powerful frame built for the interior line. He's got good initial quickness and fast hands to go from the snap to engagement without giving ground. He plays with a wide base and good contact balance to drive opponents off the ball and clear lanes in the running game. Like his ability to lock on and control defenders with good hand placement and usage throughout the play. Shows he can work to the second level and be effective blocking in space being able to line up a defender and adjust his angle on the fly to make contact. Engages with heavy contact and great leg drive to create movement off the LOS. Kicked off his recruitment this spring with offers coming in from Black Hills State and Lake Forest.