Fab 50: The Arizona Republic's top football prospects in the 2026 high school class
Now that The Arizona Republic has the Big 150 for the 2024 class rolling, and the Top 100 for the 2025 class is cranking up, let's start the Fab 50, those current freshmen who will be sophomores next season. Already, the 2026 class looks great in Arizona, from the skill positions to the trenches.
We will start with the top 10 and add 10 more each week until it reaches 50. Let's go.
Fab 50
1. Tony Cumberland, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, OL/DL, 6-5, 250
A two-sport standout athlete, he also plays on Desert Mountain's Open Division state tournament basketball team. Cumberland has made a huge splash already with nine Power 5 offers, including Texas, Ohio State, Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Washington, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Texas A&M. Coach Conrad Hamilton might look at him to play tight end next season but believes he will be a force on the defensive line in college. Hamilton believes Cumberland has the potential to eventually become the No. 1-rated prospect in his class in the nation.
2. Bastian Vanden Bosch, Phoenix Brophy Prep, 6-1, 190, OLB/DE
Son of former NFL defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, Bastian and his twin brother Case were a force on last year's freshman team. But Bastian was the first freshman to play in varsity games under coach Jason Jewell. Great motor. Offers from ASU, UA, Oregon and Nebraska. Will likely play linebacker on varsity next season.
3. Daylen Sharper, Brophy Prep, WR, 6-2, 185
Brophy's 2026 class is off the charts and there could be an argument that he might be the best athlete in the school now. He was a big contributor on the varsity basketball team that reached the 6A final. He's the son of former NFL wide receiver Darren Sharper. He has all the tools to make it big. He's got offers from ASU and Oregon.
4. Marcel Jones, Scottsdale Chaparral, QB, 6-1, 190
He might have been the most dynamic player at the freshman level last year when the Firebirds' freshman team blew out everybody they played. Runs, passes and makes people miss. Expect him to have a monster sophomore season on the varsity.
5. Jaylyn Colter, Phoenix Mountain Pointe, LB, 6-2, 190
He staretd on varsity for Scottsdale Chaparral as a freshman, but at the end of this school year, he has made the move to Mountain Pointe. He has an offer from Oregon. A fast and punishing kid who will get better, stronger and faster. Plays with a hunger that leads to impactful plays on defense.
6. Case Vanden Bosch, Brophy Prep, QB, 6-2, 170
Has offers from Nebraska and ASU, and he can run and pass. He'll continue working and, even if he's in a backup role on varsity as a sophomore, his time will come and he'll become one of the best in the state.
'Trying to make my own path': DE Devan Kennedy leads sons of former NFL players at Brophy
7. Mason Lewis, Queen Creek Casteel, DB/Athlete, 5-11, 170
He started at cornerback during Casteel's 6A playoff run last season. He'll be big in the secondary this coming season. He has offers from ASU and Washington State.
8. Rico Blassingame, Tolleson, WR, 6-3, 185
He's got a 6-7 wingspan and electrifying moves on the field. He's got offers from UNLV and Colorado State and that was before spring ball started. He'll get lots of Power 5 interest as he continues to develop.
9. Jameson Wade, Mesa Red Mountain, LB, 6-2, 215
Already looks like an upperclassman. He had 48 tackles and three sacks on the varsity level as a freshman. Beast on the field and maybe the strongest player in the program. Great natural instincts and high football IQ.
10. Hamisi Juma, Chandler, WR, 6-3, 180
He has a UNLV offer. A long and fast-twitch receiver who makes big plays. He gets most of the 50-50 balls around defenders. Dangerous with the ball in his hands. Made a big impact on the freshman team last year.
11. Tait Reynolds, Queen Creek, QB, 6-2, 200
The top baseball player in his class committed to Arizona State for baseball. But he’s also one of the top football players in his class and projects as a Power 5 quarterback in college. In the five games he started on varsity at QB as a freshman, the Bulldogs went 5-0.
12. Jalayne Miller, Desert Edge, OL, 6-5, 305
Georgia Tech offer before stepping foot on the varsity field. Has a UNLV offer. Started at left tackle on varsity every game freshman year and made all-region.
13. Aveon Williams, Casa Grande, TE/DE, 6-6, 240
Picked up an ASU offer. Has big interest from Oregon, Hawaii, New Mexico State and Arizona. Complete package. A freak athlete who also excels on the basketball court.
14. Langston Asante, Phoenix North Canyon, OL, 6-5, 358
He plays offensive guard. Strong, moves well, and will get lots of interest next season when he starts for the Rattlers on the offensive line.
15. Tucker Smith, Phoenix Sandra Day O'Connor, OL, 6-4, 250
Coach Brian Cole calls him the real deal, a definite Division I prospect. Continues to develop, get stronger and quicker, and will be a big asset to what should be a very good team in the fall.
16. Tevita, Chandler Basha, OL/DL, 6-3, 270
He'll have a good chance of playing varsity on both sides of the ball next season. Tough, physical and great footwork.
17. Marquis Richardson, Chandler Hamilton, S/WR, 6-2, 185
An exceptional athlete who will play a significant role on varsity in the fall. Being hailed as the next great athlete to come to Hamilton.
18. Jaz Tureaud, Tempe Corona del Sol, DE, 6-0, 200
Dominating pass rusher who will play varsity as a sophomore and should get big college interest after next season.
19. Bodie Zamorano, Phoenix Horizon, RB, 5-10, 170
He played varsity last season and made a splash, rushing for 664 yards and nine TDs on 135 carries. He also caught five passes for 90 yards and a score. Has only gotten faster, quicker and stronger since then.
20. Tristen Armstrong, Chaparral, WR, 6-2, 185
Related to NFL cornerback Byron Murphy, he's a big-play receiver who should make an immediate impact on varsity as a sophomore. Great at yards after catches and knows how to find the end zone.
21. Zeth Angel Thues, Saguaro, S, 5-11, 180
He received offers from Boston College and Wisconsin on May 15. He also has an ASU offer. His recruiting has ramped up this spring as college coaches have come through to watch practices. He's a big hitter and will have a major impact on defense this fall.
22. Chase Brown, Flagstaff, QB, 6-3, 170
Maybe the best upside of any of the talented freshman quarterbacks in this class with his size and arm. He started on varsity as a freshman and had a 509-yards, six-TD performance in a win over Rio Rico. He also threw for five TDs in a win over Phoenix Washington.
23. Miles Joseph, Centennial, OL, 6-3, 265
Great feet, moves and runs well. Has size and keeps getting stronger. Watch for him to be a key piece on a tough offensive line on Friday nights.
24. Rex Waterman, Hamilton, OT, 6-5, 265
Power 5 schools are paying close attention to this kid who has a chance to be a part of what could be the best offensive line in the state.
25. Trey Knox, Basha, CB, 5-8, 145
He could wind up being one of the best cover corners in the state by the time he is a senior. Fast, quick, and good ball skills, he also competes in track.
26. Carter Haygood, Campo Verde, WR, 6-0, 175
He was a full-time varsity starter as a freshman. Great understanding of the game, sure hands.
27. Jayden Pico, Surprise Shadow Ridge, QB, 5-11, 175
He threw for more yards (2,011) than any freshman on the varsity level last season, starting all 10 games. He threw for 18 TDs with only four interceptions, completing 63% of his passes. He also ran for 750 yards and eight TDs, averaging 9.5 yards a carry. Tremendous potential.
28. Donivan Dixon, Cave Creek Cactus Shadows, QB, 5-10, 170
Son of head coach Chris Dixon, who won multiple MVP awards as a quarterback in the indoor professional league. Very elusive, fast, dual-threat with a strong arm and accurate. He'll blow up with recruiting after his sophomore season.
29. Bennett Juve, Gilbert Williams Field, WR, 6-0, 165
He led all freshman receivers on varsity last year with 40 catches for 952 yards and 13 TDs out of Gilbert Christian's Double Wing T offense. This is a big step up in competion with his transfer move to Williams Field. But he's got the abilities to transition. He's only gotten stronger, faster and more confident to get even the Power 5 schools interested.
30. Clay Watkins, Chaparral, DL, 6-4, 230
Already looks like a man on the field. Will be an anchor on the defensive line this fall. Major college prospect.
31. Hudson Dunn, Peoria Liberty, LB, 6-1, 205
Runs well sideline to sideline, and can rush the passer. Could have big impact on varsity as a sophomore.
32. Cannon Garday, Liberty, S, 6-0, 190
Physical, downhill defender who can make a big impact his sophomore year.
33. Hyatt Lang, Gilbert Christian, LB, 6-2, 187
He has got a chance to be a Division I college football player. Had a breakout freshman season on varsity last year with 67 tackles, making first-team all-region. Works hard in the weight room and on the field. Outstanding student.
34. Eli Cramer, Basha, LB, 5-11, 200
Expect to see him on the field on Friday night. Can play running back, as well, but should develop into a top-notch linebacker.
35. Jack Marquez, Hamilton, DL, 6-2, 280
He has broken nearly all of Hamilton's freshman weight lifting records. Will be the next great Hamilton defensive lineman.
36. Noah Swope, Chandler, OL, 6-1, 270
Had a 3.8 GPA freshman year. Can play multiple positions. Was MVP of great freshman team. Will compete for a starting job on the offensive line on varsity this season.
37. Kamden Segall, Saguaro, WR, 6-2, 185
He'll play varsity as a sophomore. Big target with good ball skills. Long, athletic, sure hands.
38. Noah Walker, Glendale Ironwood, QB, 6-3, 175
He started varsity the last six games as a freshman and threw for more than 1,000 yards. Dynamic, dual threat, great speed, strong arm.
39. Camar Lee, Sierra Linda, QB, 6-0, 165
He played his entire freshman year as a 13-year-old, and threw for 1,947 yards and 15 TDs. In his first varsity game, he became the fourth freshman in Arizona high school history to throw five TD passes in a game
40. Tyler Burnstein, Shadow Ridge, DE, 6-4, 215
He led an unbeaten freshman team with 24 sacks and 24 QB hurries. He also forced two fumbles and returned two fumbles for touchdowns. He played fullback and tight end on offense. Should garner college attention.
41. Kainan Manna, Centennial, QB, 5-9, 155
Don't be deceived by looks. He might be small but he's extremely smart and crafty on the field, knows how to get rid of the ball to the right guy. Not afraid to take shots downfield. Big-time arm and oozes poise. In the times he saw the field on Friday nights last season, he showed flashes of brilliance.
42. Ammon Alexander, Benjamin Franklin, OL, 6-4, 270
Already has Division I college size. He's well put together, strong, and will continue to develop into a top recruit. He will anchor the line at left tackle, along with older brother Jake (6-6, 250), who plays right tackle. There may be no better bookends in small-school football ranks.
43. Joshua Gaines, Hamilton, RB, 5-10, 188
Tough, between-the-tackles runner who can outrun defenders. Had a big year on the freshman team last season.
44. Aidan Welchman, Mountain Pointe, QB, 6-5, 195
Already has the size and is developing his game with off-season work. Could become one of the state's elite quarterbacks by the time he is a senior.
45. Stockton Dye, American Leadership Gilbert North, QB/DB, 5-10, 175
He could be next in line to follow record-setting passer Adam Damante leading the offense. He is competing for the job this summer. A complete player who can play many positions.
46. Paz St. John, Liberty, DL, 6-3, 250
A big, strong athlete who makes plays on the defensive line. Disruptive force who could make a varsity impact this season.
47. Kash Gunter, Basha, WR, 6-0, 170
He is a long, rangy, explosive wide receiver who has a chance to be special. Competes in track. Big-play receiver.
48. Jude Stevens, Corona del Sol, WR/KR, 5-7, 165
He runs 40 yards in 4.6 seconds. Great return skills and good vision. Will be a deep threat for the Aztecs.
49. E.J. Peeples, Horizon, Athlete, 5-11, 180
He was moved up to varsity at the end of the season. Plays corner and wide receiver. Most athletic player in his class at Horizon and figures to be a key varsity contributor in the fall.
50. Apaiata Tengei, Mesa Westwood, OLB/RB, 6-2, 225
Played varsity as a freshman. Will end up one of the top athletes in the state. Still growing.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert atrichard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fab 50: The Arizona Republic's top 2026 high school football prospects
