Malachi Cross
Malachi Cross
About Malachi
Expert Analysis
Matthew Layton | Prep Redzone Scout
Philip Barbour’s 2026 lineman Malachi Cross Malachi Cross 6'3" | 275 lbs | OL Philip Barbour | 2026 State WV enters the postseason as one of the more technically polished big men in his class. His wrestling background shows up in the way he controls leverage, and his 6’4 frame gives him the reach to lock out defenders and keep them where he wants them. Cross consistently wins with strong, accurate hand placement and a firm punch in pass protection, traits that helped land him on our Perfect OL Recruit list. With that combination of size, length, and refined technique, he’s become a key piece up front and a standout 2026 OL prospect heading into the semifinals.
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Read EvaluationMatthew Layton | Prep Redzone Scout
Philip Barbour has one of the top offensive lone prospects in the 2026 class with Malachi Cross Malachi Cross 6'3" | 275 lbs | OL Philip Barbour | 2026 State WV , who has been a standout for the Colts since his sophomore year. He’s developed well over the past two years and is poised for a big senior year as the leader of that group now. Cross is the big, physical athlete that colleges are looking for in their prospects and has D1 ability. Morehead State saw that in him this summer, extending Cross his first offer from that level, and he’s capable of adding more this fall.
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Read EvaluationMatthew Layton | Prep Redzone Scout
2026 Philip Barbour big man Malachi Cross Malachi Cross 6'3" | 275 lbs | OL Philip Barbour | 2026 State WV uses his wrestling background well on the football field and earned a spot on our Perfect OL Recruit list for his hand use. Cross has a good understanding of leverage and has a long wingspan with his 6’4 frame to aid in his reach. He has good hand placement on defenders keeping them inside and getting good extension with his arms. Cross does a nice job in pass protection as well because of those traits along with striking in pass sets. He has some big paws to utilize as an offensive lineman which paired with his other physical traits make him a top OL prospect in the 2026 class.
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Read EvaluationMatthew Layton | Prep Redzone Scout
Another very talented and promising Philip Barbour offensive lineman that you need to know this season is 2026 OL Malachi Cross Malachi Cross 6'3" | 275 lbs | OL Philip Barbour | 2026 State WV . Cross flashed a ton of upside and potential as a sophomore starter for the Colts in 2023 and will help anchor a very strong Colts offensive line again this season. He has quality 6’3 270 size who will further grow into his frame over the next two years and is developing his body and strength well coming into his junior year. Cross is a good athlete and has agile feet for his size and age that could translate well as a tackle or guard at the next level.
He showed some very good things as a run blocker in 2023 and should show his pass-pro ability more as a junior with the potential to pick up some early college attention.
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Read EvaluationMatthew Layton | Prep Redzone Scout
Philip Barbour seems to be churning out offensive linemen at a high level lately and Malachi Cross Malachi Cross 6'3" | 275 lbs | OL Philip Barbour | 2026 State WV looks to be the next one in line for the Colts. Great size already at 6’4 270 and is one of the bigger linemen in the class currently on our radar. Small sophomore highlight tape but it does the job and gives you a good idea of what he can become eventually. Only had run-blocking highlights to show which hurt his evaluation a bit, but I thought he moved well for a young tackle his size and I believe he can potentially play tackle in college. Very apparent early physical strength driving defenders back like they aren’t there at times but can take it to the next level with a big off-season in the weight room. Cross is still raw right now but you can see flashes of great potential and he’s another high-upside player in the 2026 class showing early signs.
The below video was too good not to share and speaks to how strong the young man is at 15 years old wrestling in the 285-pound weight class.
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