PrepRedzoneMN 2026 Rankings Update: Top Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am incredibly excited to be writing for <em>PRzMN </em>and on a full-time Minnesota high school football beat. It was fun contributing to <em>PRzIL</em>, as that site needed help and I do have ties to the state. Still, my heart is, and always will be, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and after nearly a half decade out of the state I cannot explain how thrilled I am to be back in Minnesota for this upcoming high school football season. Before games kick off during week 0 however, there is A LOT to do and a lot of content coming on the <em>PrepRedzoneMN </em>site. Before we get into the vaunted Preseason All-State teams during August, rankings updates are incoming, and yesterday the 2026 update went live and was published. It grew to a Top-75, with nearly 100 new additions to both the rankings and watchlist, and within the renovation, we saw some major rising sophomore raise their stock and climb up the rankings in significant fashion. Below, we'll highlight the PRzMN 2026 updates top stock risers. Let's get to it! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["592117"],"_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_0_evaluation":"#2 to #1rnrnWe have a new #1! It's not that our old #1 (u003cemu003eJCC'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss']u003c/strongu003e) did anything wrong, in fact, I think there's still very much a case that he stays #1, but it's more so about what u003cemu003eForest Lake'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='592117' first='Howie' last='Johnson']u003c/strongu003e did this summer. An excellent representation of what the summer camp szn can do for a prospect's stock and recruitment, u003cstrongu003eJohnsonu003c/strongu003e, who is now grown to 6'4, 240 lbs. (he was 220ish during his freshman season), showed up and showed out at multiple B1G prospect camps, particularly the home state Gophers and the border rival Badgers. He performed particularly well at the Badgers prospect camp, where he caught the attention of both the Wisconsin staff as well as the media in attendance. In our estimation, they're late to the party, as u003cstrongu003eJohnsonu003c/strongu003e has been a known commodity and future heavyweight prospect since the fall of 2022. A weight room beast who is up to a 315 lb. front squat, 405 lb. back squat, and 275 lb. hang clean, he's a sure bet to have bested his tested numbers from April's u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMNu003c/emu003e Showcase, where he posted nearly a sub-5 second 40, a 4.6 short-shuttle, and an 8'4u0022 broad jump. There's already impressive bend and twitch to his game, speed in his get-off and pursuit, strength in his initial pop and ability to disengage from blocks, and a high-motor, high-effort mentality that you just can't teach. He's done nothing but improve and build upon what was already a very robust freshman campaign, and with his stock rising from P5 programs and the work he's put into his game over the summer he simply made too much of a case to not move him into the top spot for the 2026 rankings. Tons to be excited about for u003cstrongu003eHowieu003c/strongu003e, 2023 is his for the taking.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["591732"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"#42 to #4rnrnThere has been a ton of off-season hype surrounding 6'6, 270 lb. u003cemu003eRocoriu003c/emu003e OT [player_tooltip player_id='591732' first='Andrew' last='Trout']. First off, the u003cemu003eSpartan'su003c/emu003e strength u0026amp; conditioning program has easily become one of the top in the state, which obviously has a lot to do with the players themselves buying in and working hard. Some of the times, lifts, and gains that u003cemu003eRocoriu003c/emu003e football players have been posting this off-season are flat-out ridiculous, which includes the massive rising sophomore that is u003cstrongu003eTroutu003c/strongu003e. Showing off eye-popping flexibility and strength for a kid of his size who is still growing into his body, u003cstrongu003eTroutu003c/strongu003e recorded a 370 lb. back squat back in early March, which makes it fair to assume he's pushing or potentially over the 400 lb. mark heading into August. Additionally, he had a strong showing at the initial Minnesota Gophers prospect camp in June and he and his family got pulled aside for 1-on-1 time with HC PJ Fleck and OL coach Brian Callahan, a surefire sign he drew some attention, performed well, and got the Gophers big board for instaters and in the 2026 class. He's drawn high praise from other sources in the state I trust as well, so we're confident in making the u003cemu003eRocoriu003c/emu003e rising sophomore the new #1 OL in the class of 2026 despite the limited film from last fall. u003cstrongu003eTrout'su003c/strongu003e a well-developed, strong, bendy, and well-built lineman coming out of a program who has produced more than its fair share of D1 and high-profile OL and overall prospects over the years. He's got the chance to be one of the best since Eric Decker, but a lot will be riding on this fall. We can't wait to see what happens.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["489731"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"WL to #40rnrnOne of the biggest jumps of the entire update,u003cemu003e Maple Grove'su003c/emu003e QB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='489731' first='Kaden' last='Harney']u003c/strongu003e climbed from the watchlist up to #40 overall on the latest 2026 rankings. One of two highly-touted rising sophomores from u003cemu003eMG - u003c/emu003ewho possess an absolutely loaded 2025 and 2026 class of prospects - u003cstrongu003eHarneyu003c/strongu003e is making big waves inside the u003cemu003eCrimson'su003c/emu003e program and has a good shot of being the starting QB for the 2022 state 6A champs this season. It's not surprising, but I'm a big fan of QB's with an accomplished baseball background, and u003cstrongu003eHarneyu003c/strongu003e fits the mold, as he was a varsity infielder for u003cemu003eMGu003c/emu003e this past spring and runs with the MN Iceman, a decorated 17U travel squad out of Blaine. Last fall, the freshman gunslinger posted 1,326 passing yards and 10 TDs and added three more TDs on the ground while showing off touch, a smooth throwing motion, quick release, the ability to throw on the move, and the athleticism and pocket presence to escape pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. Additionally, the 6'2, 170 lber led the u003cemu003eCrimsonu003c/emu003e freshman team to an 8-0 record. Winning is a huge part of a QB's resume as a prospect, and I believe he's got the stuff to continuing winning at the varsity level. Going to be a big year for him in 2023, but he's one of the front runners in what has the chance to be a prolific 2026 QB class in MN.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["551400"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"#29 to #10rnrnAnother weighty climb in the rankings comes out of Central Minnesota and u003cemu003eLitchfield High School'su003c/emu003e massive 6'6, 280 lber. [player_tooltip player_id='551400' first='Noah' last='Dietel']. With solid bloodlines (brother Dom plays for MSU-Mankato), nice strength for his age (320 bench), three-sport athletic experience, and some good performances during this summer's camp grind, u003cstrongu003eDietelu003c/strongu003e is reportedly on the Wisconsin Badger's recruiting board going into the fall,  no small feat for a freshman lineman. The Badgers recruit and develop linemen at a very good clip, and u003cstrongu003eDietelu003c/strongu003e has the makings to eventually turn into a FBS kid. A varsity starter as a freshman last fall, u003cstrongu003eDietelu003c/strongu003e demonstrates good initial pop, a crushing finishing ability, and the skills and control to break down in space to corral second and third-level defenders. He also flashes off some lateral agility and pass-pro experience, and a bit of a bully mentality once he gets his way with an opponent, which I like. Long way to go still, but there's a good foundation of skills, size, and strength to work with. Can't wait to see how the off-season has bettered him this fall. DL and LBs better keep their head on a swivel.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["445957"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"#7 to #3rnrnBy my count, u003cemu003eBuffalo'su003c/emu003e 6'4, 230 lb. DE [player_tooltip player_id='445957' first='Hans' last='Pederson'] is one of only two MN 2026s to currently hold a college football offer. After a strong showing at the Wisconsin Badger's prospect camp this summer camp szn, u003cstrongu003ePedersonu003c/strongu003e left with a FBS scholarship out of the MAC from Central Michigan, a heckuva start to what has the chance to be a fruitful recruitment for the rising sophomore. With good size, a ton of varsity experience as a freshman last fall, and a skill set that includes a good get off and first step, strength in his hands, lower body, and chest, which helps him shock and shed blocking attempts smoothly, closing speed, and lateral agility, all of which have been noted on film and from in-person evaluations (see u003cemu003ePRzWIu003c/emu003e Lead Scout Mark Johnson's review of his UWRF Minnesconsin camp showing), u003cstrongu003ePedersonu003c/strongu003e has the chance to be a heckuva force in the Metro and 5A ranks these next three years. I've watched his freshman film so many times I'm itching for some updated tape. I would not want to have to line up against u003cemu003eBuffalo'su003c/emu003e DL this year.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["343080"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"#26 to #20rnrnThe u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings are littered with high-potential WRs, and there will be a lot of continued movement from this group as they develop, grow, and excitedly add varsity experience to their enlarging resumes as college football prospects. One of these wideouts who will more than likely be a mainstay at or near the top of the charts isu003cemu003e St. Michael-Albertville'su003c/emu003e [player_tooltip player_id='343080' first='Owen' last='Egge'], who was the most productive freshman receiver in the Land of 10,000 Lakes last year. He didn't get varsity reps however, but u003cemu003eSTMAu003c/emu003e is a 6A program who had an established crop of offensive weapons last fall, so I'm not too worried about the lack of varsity action in 2022. However, he'll need to contribute to varsity this fall, as his fellow WR peers in the top end of the rankings surely will. Luckily, he's got the qualities to make it happened. A big reason he surpassed some of the wideouts he was previously behind was his testing numbers at our u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e Showcase back in December, where his top end speed and COD skills came out better than his competitors. He also sports a noticeably strong lower body, a good frame, and after meeting his dad, I think he's got the potential to keep growing significantly. He's also one of the most well-traveled freshman competitors in MN, and has competed at camps and showcases across the state, region, and nation, all with success.rnrnThen there's the production and freshman tape, in which he posted 1,010 receiving yards and 9 TDs and displayed splash play ability in all three phases of the game. u003cstrongu003eEgge u003c/strongu003ehas the speed to take the top off the defense and out-run pursuers to finish big plays, the capacity to drop his hips to create separation at the top of the route, elusiveness, burst, and contact balance after the catch, and ball skills, concentration, and control while playing the football in the air. He was dominant vs. non-varsity competition in 2022, and now needs to transition and apply it to big boy varsity ball in the Metro.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["212360"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"#30 to #25rnrnThere's simply too much going for u003cemu003eMankato East'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='212360' first='Braden' last='Petzel'] u003c/strongu003eto not have him move him up the rankings. Besides the eye-catching, God-given, verified and still growing 6'9u0022, 245+ frame, what really excites us at u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e is his basketball background. Ranked as the #6 overall and #1 center in MN's 2026 class, u003cstrongu003ePetzelu003c/strongu003e is highly touted by Ryan James at u003cemu003ePrepHoopsu003c/emu003e and was named the top prospect in his entire section back in October, one of only four freshman to earn the distinction from the GOAT of Minnesota high school hoops. In a state as prolific in high school basketball as Minnesota, that is an obvious sign of u003cstrongu003ePetzel'su003c/strongu003e quickness, body control, and athleticism, and multi-sport backgrounds and accomplishments, particularly in basketball, is an excellent asset for a high schooler to have on his football resume. Plus, he's got some solid things working for him on film, especially the varsity reps, length, leg drive, and ability to break down and handle second and third-level defenders in space. There's also indications that he's strong enough to handle power rushes and overwhelm smaller defenders, and he does have pass pro experience, although the footwork needs to be cleaned up. If he can work on lowering the pad level consistently, adding strength to that massive frame, and improving on his technique, he's too much of an athlete with too many hard-to-find measurables for D1 and potentially P5 programs to ignore. In a state who puts such high-quality OL prospects like MN, u003cstrongu003ePetzelu003c/strongu003e is a must-know and must-follow name in the 2026 class. I'm more excited about following this recruitment and development than usual. Keep grinding, u003cstrongu003eBradenu003c/strongu003e!","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":7,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c2b7ae933b5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->