Elite Football Combine: 2026 Offensive Standouts

Here is a look at the top 2026 offensive skill players who were at the 2023 Elite Football Combine.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='402120' first='Jaylen' last='Ballard'] | RB | Francis Howell | The speedy Ballard has been impressive over the course of the last year in camps and during his freshman season. He came in and was the fastest 2026 skill player at the combine with a 4.69 laser forty, and also had a 27.4" vertical jump, while showing great quickness and explosiveness in other testing and drills. Not only was Jayden fast with his straight line speed, but he plays with in high gear and shows good ability with stop/start speed and being able to separate quickly from defenders on cuts and in a passing routes. He did a very good job in one on ones and is a difficult man to cover at running back or in the slot at (5'7" 174). It will be interesting to see how he does with the loaded Vikings team this fall.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='402113' first='Courtney' last='Rivers'] | RB | CBC | Another speedy running back was the talented CBC Cadet Rivers (5'8" 184), who showed great speed )4.7 laser) and athleticism (27" vertical) in testing, and very good skills in running back drills and in his ability to catch the ball one on ones. Courtney has impressed me in game action with his strength, power and ability to zigzag through defenses when he was a freshman. He was not only tough to tackle but showed good ability to avoid them and I never saw him caught in the open field. He will be another tough weapon for opponents to try and stop when facing a re-loaded CBC backfield.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1104666' first='Jayden' last='Noel'] | WR | Ft. Zumwalt North | One of several 2026 wide receivers who attended and showed that they are ready to contribute for their teams passing game in 2023 was the impressive Noel. At (6'1" 178) Jayden has great size to go with his superior athleticm and playmaking ability as a receiver. He does a very good job getting separation from defensive backs with his speed (4.88 laser) and is explosive in his ability to go up and catch the ball over a defender using his 33.5" vertical well to his advantage. The sophomore-to-be, who played 7v7 with Boom Football, has had a great off season and appears ready have a breakout season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1112544' first='Chance' last='Taylor'] | WR | Park Hill | Another big play caliber receiver who looks ready to have a breakout sophomore year was the talented Taylor. He also has good size at (6'0" 170) and is well skilled with his route running and receiving ability. Chance has great hands and the athleticism and moves to be a go to playmaker. He just missed the 30" mark in his vertical jump and ran a 4.8 laser forty. Chance also impressed me at other camps I saw him at this spring and is on an upward trajectory as a player. He's one to watch in his class in the KC area and state for 2023.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='402122' first='Jaylen' last='Marshall'] | RB | CBC | Another running back weapon the Cadets will have in their stable is super talented Marshall, who has been impressive the last two years playing with Boom 7v7 and as a freshman at CBC. Jaylen is a bigger back at 6'0" 175 who can do it all. He's fast (4.8 laser forty), athletic (30.1" vertical) and can run inside or outside and make big plays or take it to the house on any given carry. His feet, balance and vision are very good. He also has good hands and ability catching the ball. He could be a weapon on either side of the ball with his talent.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1125472' first='Tavion' last='Ware'] | RB | East Prairie | The powerfully built running back Ware started as a freshman and rushed for over 1,000 yards while being one of the top players in the Southeastern part of the state last year. I was very impressed watching him from the sidelines in a game and made sure to invite him to the combine. I was not disappointed as the (5'11" 201) back showed the athletic ability that made him so tough to stop last year at the combine. Tavion had a 4.88 laser forty and 30" vertical jump among his top testing numbers, while showcasing good quickness and agility in other testing, drills and one on ones. Not surprising, he showed good hands as well. Despite being a hidden gem where he plays I think colleges will be willing to make a trip to see his talents on display over the next three years.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />     OTHERS WHO STOOD OUT   [player_tooltip player_id='284043' first='Nick' last='McClellan'] QB CBC - The younger brother of Jeremiah was one of the top quarterbacks at the combine. He has the athleticism to contribute at another position while waiting his turn at QB.   [player_tooltip player_id='741163' first='Cash' last='Newberry'] QB Glendale - Another young quarterback in attendance who showed advanced skills for his age. Should compete on varsity this year.   Jay' Veon Scott WR Chaminade - The 6'1" 180 Scott is on a par with the other two top WRs I mentioned. Good speed (4.9 laser) and athleticism (27.5" vert). Could also play DB.   [player_tooltip player_id='926017' first='Brett' last='Ottensmeyer'] QB Parkway West - The young 6'3" QB will also have to wait his turn, but has the talent to see the field and contribute now. One to continue to watch.   Antonio Hickenbottom II RB Portageville - Another talented young running back from the Bootheel of SEMO. Antonio showed very good athleticism with an 29" vertical jump.

Here is a look at the top 2026 offensive skill players who were at the 2023 Elite Football Combine.