Tommy had been committed to Illinois State, but the senior RB is back on the market. That is a gift for OCs at the next level. Tommy is a versatile athlete. He has years of evidence that he doesn’t fear the physical side of the position despite playing at 170 lbs. He has handled a huge workload over the years and delivered strong performances on a weekly basis. A major factor towards that is Tommy is excellent at never taking big or direct hits. He is so elusive that defenders never get clean shots on him. His agility allows him to face a lot of arm tackles that he can break with his surprising lower body strength. Tommy can attack a defense inside and outside. His long speed can get him the edge and beat angles downfield. He is so dangerous with the ball in his hands. We just need to see an OC find ways to get it to him in space.

In some breaking news this week, Marquette’s Tommy Novotny Tommy Novotny 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Marquette University | 2026 State WI reopened his recruitment to other coaches and programs. That is a great opportunity for other programs as the senior is the best in the state at his position. The 2026 is an elite playmaker. Making something out of nothing, creating space, making defenders miss in a phone booth. The kid is electric with the ball in his hands. All the athletic tools are there for an elite 5’9″ 170 lbs athlete, but he really separates himself with his ability to handle a large workload at that size along with how he is able to play through contact. The senior RB is one of the best overall playmakers available in the state. Run to his tape to see how he can fit on your roster.

Yards were not easy to come by for RB1 vs the Fondy defense, but Tommy still flashed his exciting talents multiple times last night. Tommy has that special ability to make something out of nothing. So many times it looked like he had nowhere to go, but with his elite agility and elusive running Tommy was able to create space and open up slivers of daylight to slip through thanks to that explosive acceleration. Even at his size, Tommy does really well running between the tackles because of that ability to make you miss or give himself the angle or a step to beat defenders. The standout RB is uncommitted, so don’t miss out on him!

Tommy is building an elite HS career going into his senior season. He is a two time All- Region RB and earned Honorable Mention All State in 2024. The honors list is deep including a D1 State Championship in 2023. Tommy is an exciting back. Speed, fearless running style, and the contact balance that catches defenders off balance with his smaller stature. A massive senior season could be loading.

I love the way that Tommy plays. He can create fireworks in so many ways. He has all the athletic tools. The ’26 RB will make you miss in a phone booth and turn it into a 70 yard TD. Then the next play he will run over a DB and pile up 30 yards after contact. Both plays are going to ignite the crowd and be memorable highlight reel plays. The 5’9″ 170 lbs RB is so rugged and tough too, easily handling 20+ carries on a weekly basis and that drastically improves the odds we see fireworks on every Friday night.

An athlete I have been wanting to see for over a year now is ’26 RB Tommy Novotny Tommy Novotny 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Marquette University | 2026 State WI . I hadn’t seen him live since his State Championship victory as a sophomore. The dude is looking very explosive and very fast. He is loaded up with that quick twitch agility that makes him a nightmare to contain, especially when he gets out in space. The ’26 is one of those top end athletes that can go 0 to 60 in no time flat. The combine verified it with him running a 4.57 40, 4.11 shuttle, 9’6″ broad jump, and a 33.4″ vertical. This 2026 RB Class is loaded with electric playmakers at the top here in WI.

2024 Stats: 3 Kick Return TDs

We wrap up with one of the top talents in WI overall. Tommy is more than a premier RB. The junior is electric back deep returning kickoffs as well. On 14 returns, Tommy averaged an unbelievable 39.8 yds/return. The kick returns are just another way for Tommy to show off his elite traits. Speed, vision, instincts, acceleration, and power flash throughout his highlights on offense and special teams. He is a legitimate weapon that can flip the field, change momentum, and take over a game with just a touch. Get on this kid while you can.

Flipping to the Class of 2026, we can’t go too far into the roster of players we have ranked before we find one that is deserving of more than what he has. Tommy is receiving attention that he deserves, however he has been in the race or at the top of the RB list since he was a freshman. While others around him have earned offers, the Marquette standout is still looking for his first. No doubt it is on the way, though. Tommy is such a natural playmaker. He seems to do everything well. Attack the edges, run between the tackles, make people miss, provide a receiving threat. The junior already has a State Championship and almost 3,300 career rushing yards under his belt. Big things are ahead for this kid. I can’t wait to see who is the first to extend the playmaker an offer.

In this category we needed an athlete who always makes it happen. Do we need a workhorse this week? Great because Tommy can handle 30+ carries. Do we need a back who can flip the field on a single carry? Tommy has you covered there. Do we need an RB who can carry the ball between the tackles with violence and also get the edge and win the race down the sideline? Novotny has tape showing he can do it. Tommy is able to deliver whatever is needed and make it look easy. That is the type of playmaker we need. A versatile athlete who can make the highlight reel play seem like just another carry. No Perfect RB recruit creation would be complete without the Marquette product.