Back to Indiana, we go! About an hour outside of Chicago sits the town of Merrillville, home to a couple of high schools rich in high school football talent that have been popular destinations on the recruiting trail the past couple cycles, most notably Andrean High School, home to our next standout 2026 recruit. 6’6, 320 lb. versatile OL Ben Novak is a massive 15-year-old who earned All-State honors last fall and has seen a fruitful spring that saw P4 offers roll in from Louisville and Indiana, as well as Toledo and Akron.

I saw Novak work primarily as RG and LT, and he’s a skyscraper on tape who also displays some exciting mobility and versatility along the offensive line’s various assignments. Novak is an effective puller who gets out of his stance well and can square up opponents off a full head of steam, a crushing run blocker, who can work to the second level and change direction and adjust his body in space. He does a good job of driving his legs post-contact and owns good balance for a 300+ pounder. I like his pass pro experience and the 6’6 sophomore shows he can gain depth in his pass set while staying square and keeping some bend in his hips and lower body, plus he looks to finish in pass pro as well. Additionally, I saw him take charge and communicate schematic changes and adjustments pre-snap, adding another positive wrinkle to Novak’s overall physical, dynamic, and balanced skillset. Plus, he’s a giant human being. Has P4 written all over him.

Ben Novak is an imposing offensive lineman with the size, strength, and technique to excel at the collegiate level. Ben possesses an imposing size and frame, ideal for a Division 1 offensive lineman, providing a significant advantage in blocking assignments. Novak’s power and strength make him a force to be reckoned with in both run blocking and pass protection, as he can overpower defenders and create opportunities for his team’s offense. Ben excels as a run blocker, using his size, strength, and technique to open holes and pave the way for the ground game. Novak’s talent has garnered attention from MAC schools, indicating recognition of his potential and ability to be a force at the next level.

Twitter: @BenjaminNovak07

Novak started every game this year for Andrean and has quickly become a matchup problem for defenses. He’s as strong as they come, has length that seems to never stop, and can drive through defenders easily with the leverage he gets from his height. His footwork is up and coming, but he’s still got 2 years to continue cleaning that up. I like where he is right now with his development and in 2 years, he’ll be night and day better than he is no, so it’s clear someone is going to land a future star.