McLaren got his feet wet in the Atlantic varsity as a freshman during the 2025 season. He soaked up the experience with his older brother, Gavin McLaren Gavin McLaren 6'2" | 245 lbs | RB/DL Atlantic | 2026 State IA , who signed with South Dakota State as a member of its 2026 Class. The younger McLaren rushed for 18 yards and a touchdown on three varsity carries. He contributed 6.0 tackles, four of which were of the solo variety. Like is older sibling, Benton is a multi-sport athlete, ranking third on the basketball team in scoring as a ninth-grader this past winter. There’s not a lot of McLaren’s freshman football film on line, save a clip from a game against Harlan last fall. It shows him taking a handoff, flowing with the blocking to the outside, getting to the edge and turning it upfield with impressive speed for an almost 40-yard gain. It’s only one play, but we can see the quickness, explosiveness and athleticism. With the good bloodlines and a success hoops season already under his belt, McLaren is one to watch in 2026 and beyond.