Certainly one of our favourite workout routines whereas wanting on the high highschool expertise within the nation is rating the highest 25 faculty soccer recruits no matter their highschool graduating class. Whereas the 2026 ESPN 300 and 2027 ESPN Junior 300 are each effectively represented, we additionally dipped into the rising sophomore 2028 class.
We have seen these high-level prospects compete in scouting camp settings and on movie since February. This checklist blends the attention check, character traits, on-field manufacturing and mix testing information with assessments on how all of these variables will come collectively to ship future impression on Saturdays.
Let’s dive in.
2026 ESPN 300 rating: 1
How are these for measurables? Brown stands 6-foot-5, 285 kilos and runs a 4.85 40-yard sprint, which matches the second-fastest time amongst defensive tackles eventually 12 months’s NFL mix. A professional prospect on both facet of the road, Brown is the top-ranked recruit in 2026 with uncommon vary and mobility. For now, the LSU commit plans to start out his faculty profession on protection. He strikes extraordinarily effectively and performs with wonderful leverage, stability and ending energy for a participant his measurement. Brown has immense upside.
2027 ESPN Junior 300 rating: 1
Brown has the instruments to change into among the best offensive sort out prospects in latest reminiscence. Do not let his 6-4 top idiot you. The highest prospect within the 2027 class boasts a 7-foot wingspan and large 11-inch arms, each of which might have ranked on the high of final 12 months’s marks amongst offensive linemen on the NFL mix. Brown possible is not finished rising, which may assist handle his want so as to add weight. Brown’s athleticism already stands out. He is mild on his toes with good physique quickness, bend and, at occasions, easy go safety. His bodily upside is thru the roof.
3. Zion Elee, DE | Maryland commit
2026 ESPN 300 rating: 2
The in-state Maryland commit is arguably probably the most athletic edge rusher we now have ever evaluated. His 4.43 40-yard sprint would place him within the high 5% all time on the NFL mix for defensive ends. At 6-4 with an 80-inch wingspan, Elee is lengthy, lean and explosive, with loads of room so as to add extra bulk. That size, paired with a superb first step and robust motor, wreaks havoc off the sting. He broad-jumped greater than 11 toes this spring, the best ever recorded on the Beneath Armour Camp Sequence platform. Elee can be an prompt impression faculty defender in fall 2026.
2026 ESPN 300 rating: 3
Cantwell, a two-time state champion shot putter who holds a number of nationwide highschool throwing information, has the prototypical measurables of a first-round NFL sort out. The Miami commit stands 6-7, 320 kilos with loads of athleticism and adaptability. He has wonderful toes in go safety however is much more superior as a run blocker, exhibiting highly effective arms and the power to complete on the level of assault. He is a plug-and-play kind in Coral Gables and will in the end change 2023 five-star lineman Francis Mauigoa, who’s projected as a excessive first-round NFL draft decide in 2026.
5. Dia Bell, QB | Texas commit
2026 ESPN 300 rank: 4
The son of 12-year NBA veteran Raja Bell, Dia Bell is coming off a win at Elite 11 this summer time and has a protracted monitor file of manufacturing. He is a three-year starter at nationwide energy American Heritage, the place he threw for two,597 yards and 29 touchdowns whereas finishing 70.6% of his passes final fall as a junior earlier than struggling a season-ending leg harm. The Texas commit is kind of just like Arch Manning. He is a proficient passer with clean mechanics and a quiet, steely confidence. Bell can lengthen performs and work by way of his progressions, and he is a greater athlete and runner than former Longhorns starter Quinn Ewers.
Dia Bell got here out and confirmed precisely why he is a 5-star with a dominant efficiency on night time one of many @Elite11 Finals 🎯🔥
Texas obtained themselves a particular one 🤘@DiaBell3QB1 pic.twitter.com/cmJpZttA9f
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) June 18, 2025
2026 ESPN 300 rank: 5
Henry has been dedicated to Ohio State for 3 years, the longest-running dedication within the nation amongst ESPN 300 prospects, and dominated as an underclassman earlier than a knee harm sidelined him for many of his junior season. The 6-5 elite playmaker caught 71 passes for greater than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore and is a matchup nightmare for corners due to his body. With a 78.4-inch wingspan, Henry can merely outreach defenders and haul in passes along with his elite arms. And whereas most receivers his measurement battle to speed up to full pace, Henry has clocked a 4.59 laser-timed 40-yard sprint. His uncommon mixture of measurement, pace and athleticism makes him the highest receiver within the nation.
7. Jamier Brown, WR | Ohio State commit
2027 ESPN Junior 300 rank: 2
Sure, the Buckeyes have the highest receiving prospect in every of the subsequent two lessons. Brown has NFL-caliber go off the road and regularly beats defenses excessive. Undersized at 5-11, 170 kilos, his pace is his biggest asset; Brown has run a 4.49 laser-timed 40-yard sprint and a ten.15-second 100-meter sprint. He has clean toes and clearly understands learn how to run wonderful routes. Brown’s off-ball acceleration and downfield pace make him a matchup nightmare for any defender who falls even half a step behind.
2026 ESPN 300 rank: 6
Curtis checks each field from a measurables standpoint. He is 6-3, 225 kilos with coveted arm power and spectacular pace for his measurement. He has put all of it on tape, too, exhibiting the power to evade defenders and make troublesome throws inside and outdoors the pocket. Curtis is so dominant at the highschool stage that he would not must run usually, however the hallmarks of a dual-threat quarterback are clearly there. He is a lot assured as effectively, coming into a crowded quarterback room at Georgia that options a number of former elite prospects.
2027 ESPN Junior 300 rank: 3
Meredith is the highest-rated defensive participant within the junior class, with the instruments to impression a sport in all phases. He settled in at cornerback this season, rising as a dynamic playmaker with wonderful ball instincts. At 6-2 with a 78-inch wingspan and a lightning-fast 4.42 40-yard sprint, he has all of the markers of an elite nook. Now that he is locked right into a place, we’re desperate to see how he continues to develop. Meredith has each probability to solidify his standing as the highest defensive participant within the nation.
2027 ESPN Junior 300 rank: 4
Forstall is the second-highest-rated defender within the ESPN Junior 300, however the 6-4, 235-pound finish already seems like he belongs on a Energy 4 roster. He is an explosive edge defender with a large body who overwhelms offensive tackles when he will get off the ball. His bend and relentless pursuit result in game-changing performs and pop on tape. With good arms, a excessive soccer IQ and positional versatility, Forstall tasks as a real three-down defender able to lining up at a number of spots. He is solely getting greater and stronger, so do not be stunned if he makes a push for the No. 1 spot with a dominant fall.
2026 ESPN 300 rank: 7
Cooper is the highest-rated working again within the nation and was an offensive power for nationwide powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna School Prep, main his workforce to a Florida 1A state championship with greater than 1,000 yards, 14 touchdowns and key contributions at linebacker on protection. At 6-1, 205 kilos, Cooper has the power and explosiveness to burst by way of holes and bounce off defenders. His athleticism additionally exhibits up on protection, the place he makes use of his straight-line pace to roam sideline to sideline. His outstanding two-way impression towards the perfect competitors in Florida explains why he is among the best offensive prospects within the 2026 class.
2026 ESPN 300 rank: 8
Brandon picks aside defenses with precision. The Tennessee commit threw for greater than 2,100 yards, 27 touchdowns and had only one interception as a junior. The 6-4 quarterback exhibits sturdy pocket presence on movie and delivers a superb deep ball. Brandon processes defenses and reads the complete area rapidly, particularly on damaged performs, which helps him restrict turnovers. His decision-making and skill to push the ball downfield make him a powerful match for Josh Heupel’s offense.
Class of 2028
At 6-4, 215 kilos, the Jacksonville product out of Mandarin Excessive Faculty is remarkably bodily for his age. Many in Florida eagerly anticipated his debut, and he delivered with 31 catches for 646 yards and eight touchdowns in simply 11 video games. On tape, Wright flashes a uncommon mixture for a freshman: an 80.1-inch wingspan, an enormous catch radius, fluid motion and fast acceleration off the road. Add in his 4.61 laser-timed 40-yard sprint, and he is a playmaker in each the quick and vertical passing sport. Wright ought to solely get quicker as he will get older, and he may change into the perfect participant within the 2028 class.
Class of 2028
Do not depend McFarland out of the race for the No. 1 spot within the 2028 class. He ran a surprising 4.37 laser-timed 40-yard sprint at simply 14 years previous, and the slot receiver already makes use of his burst and clean top-end pace to separate himself from opposing — and infrequently older — defenders. McFarland additionally has nice ball expertise, constantly hauling in passes exterior the framework of his physique. He is undersized at 5-8, 165 kilos, however he has loads of time to develop whereas sustaining elite pace and athleticism. He is primed for an explosive sophomore season catching passes from Dia Bell on among the best highschool groups within the nation at American Heritage.
2027 ESPN Junior 300 rank: 5
At 6-3, 210 kilos, Guyton already has a powerful physique and athleticism off the sting. He overwhelms offensive tackles with a mixture of power, power and quick, highly effective arms. Guyton usually opts for energy as a substitute of finesse, content material to run proper by way of blockers to punish quarterbacks. He is explosive in pursuit of the ball, which is backed up by his 11.5-second 100-meter sprint. With 16 sacks by way of his first two highschool seasons, Guyton is a confirmed playmaker. Whether or not he in the end profiles as a conventional exterior linebacker or edge defender, he is solely going to get greater and stronger.
Class of 2028
One of many youngest prospects on this checklist, Wade has a promising future forward. At 6-3, 175 kilos, he has the body to fill out and change into a bodily presence as he will get older. The incoming sophomore impressed at IMG Academy’s professional day with one of many quickest and smoothest strokes we now have evaluated. For such a younger expertise, Wade is already comfy within the pocket and has the mobility to evade defenders and lengthen performs. He is an correct passer and a legit dual-threat with the instruments to be particular.
2026 ESPN 300 rank: 9
Florida retains stacking five-star line of defense expertise, with McCoy the police to hitch the combination after flipping from LSU. McCoy has elite size, a giant body and a relentless motor, and all of the items got here collectively for him on a large stage in the course of the Beneath Armour All-America week this winter. McCoy exams off the charts on mix settings (6-7, 260 kilos, 4.88 40-yard sprint) and exhibits the abilities and flexibility on tape to recommend he may line up in a number of spots alongside Florida’s line of defense. He additionally would not draw back from main teammates. Do not be stunned if McCoy develops right into a game-wrecker within the Swamp.
2026 ESPN 300 rank: 10
There is likely to be quicker receivers on this checklist, however few can match Keys’ mixture of size and ball expertise. The 6-3, 190-pound Mississippi native has a knack for hauling in something thrown his approach. He is comfy lining up in numerous spots throughout the formation and utilizing his measurement and catch radius to his benefit. His physique management on contested catches helps compensate for any limitations in short-area quickness. All of the instruments are there for Keys to develop right into a reliable chain mover in Baton Rouge.
2026 ESPN 300 rank: 11
Wesley ought to match proper in with a stacked line of defense group at Texas. At 6-5 with nice size and bulk, he is explosive off the ball with heavy arms and the flexibility to line up inside or on the sting. He is additionally very younger for the category after reclassifying from 2027, an element that can assist sooner or later with NFL entrance places of work if he turns his deep toolbox into manufacturing alongside Colin Simmons and Justus Terry. We’re betting Wesley could have a really productive profession in Austin.
Class of 2028
Ghioto already has the constructing blocks of a future impression defensive finish. At 6-5, 240 kilos, he is a bodily, aggressive athlete who has excellent preliminary quickness, bend and physique management at a younger age. He is starting to layer in a number of pass-rush strikes and will proceed to blossom as he develops. Ghioto’s management expertise in camp settings stood out to coaches regardless of his relative youth and inexperience. He might be a dominant power by the tip of his prep profession.
2026 ESPN 300 rank: 12
Tight ends utilizing basketball backgrounds to their benefit is not something new. Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham are all examples of it working on the highest stage. Of the three, Harrison may examine finest to Graham, who was additionally nationally ranked as a prep basketball star. Harrison is an incredible athlete at 6-6, 250 kilos, able to backboard-shattering dunks and rating No. 60 on ESPN’s Prime 100 highschool basketball recruits. Unsurprisingly, that athleticism, large catch radius and leaping potential make Harrison a nightmare to defend on the gridiron. He is a singular multisport standout, and Oregon is giving him the prospect to pursue each sports activities in faculty.
2026 ESPN 300 rank: 13
Good luck discovering a extra bodily imposing lineman within the 2026 class. At 6-7, 350 kilos with a large 86-inch wingspan, Iheanacho has a mixture of measurement, mobility and energy to dream on. He performs with good stability, pad stage and violent arms within the run sport. He is nonetheless refining his change-of-direction expertise, however Iheanacho is flashing superior go safety traits as effectively. He impressed at each sort out and guard on the Beneath Armour All-America sport, however long run, his highly effective decrease physique and body may translate finest to left guard. With continued growth, he has the bodily instruments to change into a difference-maker on Saturdays — and doubtlessly Sundays.
2027 ESPN Junior 300 rank: 6
A high-upside nook with blazing pace and wonderful size, Dobson brings the instruments faculty coaches covet and will maintain including power onto his 6-1 body. He has nice fluidity with short-area quickness, lengthy arms and good instincts in protection. Coaches rave about his competitiveness, and he impressed at Beneath Armour’s Future 50 occasion. The most effective half? He is nonetheless within the early levels of refining his method at nook. As soon as all of it comes collectively, be careful.
2027 ESPN Junior 300 rank: 7
Simply how athletic is Brewster? Regardless of his measurement, the 6-3, 305-pound defender lined up as a wildcat quarterback and working again for his Cedar Hill Excessive Faculty workforce in Texas. Possessing violent arms and wonderful play power, Brewster is a power-based go rusher with the power to shut with shocking quickness for his measurement. These are the elements of an elite, disruptive inside defensive lineman. Coaches reward his motor, and there is not any scarcity of blue bloods vying to land his dedication.
Class of 2028
Lawrence is simply coming into his sophomore 12 months, however all the indications are there that he is a budding star. He was one of many high passers in South Florida as an eighth-grader and adopted that up by throwing for almost 2,800 yards and 31 touchdowns as a freshman. Lawrence did not look misplaced throwing to five-star receivers Chris Henry Jr. and Tristen Keys — who’re each on this checklist — in 7-on-7s this 12 months. He oozes arm expertise with the adjustability to ship correct passes from a number of arm angles, even when compelled off platform. He is additionally evasive sufficient to make performs along with his toes. In a loaded 12 months for Florida quarterbacks, Lawrence belongs close to the highest.