2027 Rankings: Rising names poised for big 2026 seasons

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1203091"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af70c75c152"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bingham checks into our rankings as a top defensive lineman across the region and as he packs on weight to his frame should find his home inside in college. He is quick off the ball with rapid hand sets, shows immediate extension and can reset the line while eating drive blocks and double teams with ease. He shows he can rush the passer with a high motor and some interior twitch and pursuit backside and is a smooth mover for his size that should draw plenty of D3+ interest/offers heading through his senior season for Vallivue. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1506674"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af70c75c1e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stern is a big and physical athlete that can play multiple positions on either side of the ball in college and has some untapped potential and upside heading into his senior year for the Vikings. He can play on the outside, behind center and at multiple spots on defense and is a very intriguing prospect with length and range/a big catch radius downfield while a excellent open field tackler as well. It will be interesting to see how his final season turns out after a impressive start to his prep career and he is more than worth a flyer from a college program at multiple positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1621766"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af70c75c22a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pichardo is one of the top returning backs across the region heading into 2026, and had a solid Junior season campaign for Mountain View. He is a quick and elusive back with good speed downfield and a strong initial burst through the first level and has start/stop skills as well without losing speed and can gain the edge on the outside. He shows he can bounce off tacklers, makes defenders miss in the hole and can receive from the slot or backfield as well with natural hands and route running abilities. Pichardo has been productive up to this point in his career and is a key notable name returning this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1506669"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af70c75c26d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kay checks into our rankings in this update just outside the top 50 overall and should draw plenty of D3 interest through his senior for Teton. He can come downhill and play the run tough, shows open field tackling abilities and is a high motor kid that is seemingly always around the ball and looking to create turnovers. He has disciplined eyes in zone coverage, natural ball skills and forced poor throws over the middle before breaking on the ball. He is a multi-talented two way guy that should have a breakout senior season and earn some post-season accolades by the time his prep carer wraps up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207424"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af70c75c2ab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Banuelos checks into our updated rankings as a top ten linebacker in the class and is a very good overall athlete with plenty of next level potential and plus athleticism for the position. He runs well sideline to sideline, is a efficient tackler that brings a big thump at the POA, can change direction quickly inside the tackles and quickly knifes into the backfield while able to rush the passer as well. Look for him to be atop the tackle ranks through the 2026 season and should have a strong last season for Emmett and gather plenty of D3 offers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->