Top 100: The Republic's top HS football prospects in class of 2026

It's that time of year again to get the Arizona high school football recruiting lists cranking. We've started the Big 150 list for top 2025 recruits. Now it's time to start rolling out the Top 100 in the 2026 class in Arizona high schools.

The Arizona Republic ranks them by presenting 10 per week until it reaches 100. This class is stacked as the state continues to grow. Keep coming back each week to see who is added. High school coaches provide input to rank players.

Top 100 2026

1. Tony Cumberland, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, DL, 6-5, 290

He's been a grown man since his freshman year when he started varsity on both sides of the ball. An injury derailed him last season but coach Conrad Hamilton says Cumberland is progressing well, calling him one of the best college prospects he has ever coached. And he's been around some great high school athletes in his life. Cumberland checks all of the boxes to someday be a Sunday player on the defensive line, primarily at defensive tackle. Big, strong, quick, nasty streak. The 2024 season will be the year of redemption for the Oregon commit.

"Once he puts it all together, it will be scary," Hamilton said.

2. Tait Reynolds, Queen Creek, QB, 6-4, 205

He's not only one of the best baseball players (committed to Arizona State in the sport,) but he is one of the top football players. He is a big, strong quarterback who can make all the throws and will be starting his third season on varsity during his junior year. He recently took an unofficial visit to Oklahoma, where he threw in front of coaches. His football recruiting has ramped up this spring, and when spring football starts he'll continue to juggle baseball with football and show college coaches how ready he is to become a major-college quarterback and baseball player.

3. Rico Blassingame, Tolleson, WR, 6-3, 185

Still growing, he's been on Power 5 recruiting radars for more than a year with his speed, skills, hands and ability to break away from corners with his elite game. He's a matchup problem because he can play inside or outside receiver. Offers include Arizona State, Arizona, Washington, Louisville, Colorado State, NAU and UConn. He's also an impact basketball player.

4. Daylen Sharper, Phoenix Brophy Prep, WR, 6-2, 195

A talented basketball player who helped the Broncos get to the Open, he's the complete wide receiver that major colleges look for. Big, physical target who gets deep over the top of safeties to make plays. Football offers are from Oregon, ASU, Boston College, Wisconsin, Colorado State, UNLV, Arizona and Iowa State.

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5. Bastian Vanden Bosch, Brophy Prep, OLB, 6-1, 190

Still growing, one of the most versatile athletes you will find. His father was a football legend at Nebraska, playing defensive end in the NFL, including a stint with the Cardinals. Offers include UA, ASU, Oregon, Nebraska, Boston College, Iowa, Iowa State, Illinois and Colorado State.

6. Jalayne Miller, Goodyear Desert Edge, OL, 6-5, 300

He's been a man-child on the line since his freshman year at Desert Edge. He keeps getting bigger and better and is expected to have a monster junior season. He's got offers from Georgia Tech, UNLV, ASU, Boston College, Iowa State and Wisconsin.

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7. Zeth Thues, Peoria Liberty, DB, 5-11, 185

An elite safety who starred at Saguaro last season before transferring during the winter break to Open state champion Liberty. Whether or not he has to miss the first half of the season due to the AIA transfer rules, he'll make an immediate impact once he's on the field. Great leader on and off the field. Great instincts with a nose for the ball, he had 78 tackles, 44 solo, at safety last season. He also had two interceptions and eight passes defended.

8. Aveon Williams, Casa Grande, TE/DE, 6-7, 240

He's being recruited on both sides of the ball. He's a big-time target at tight end who can catch the deep ball and create separation on his routes. He had 47 catches for more than 750 yards and 13 TDs last season. He's got offers from ASU, Oregon, UA and NAU with high interest from Kansas State, USC, Notre Dame, Washington and TCU.

9. Tristan Armstrong, Scottsdale Saguaro, WR, 6-2, 170

He transferred over from Chaparral after last season when he was among the best big-play receivers in the state. Great hands, speed, electric moves. Will see if he has to sit out the first five games due to the AIA transfer rule. He's got all the abilities to become a top-flight major college wide receiver. Still adding size to go with the skills.

10. Mason Lewis, Queen Creek Casteel, DB/RB, 6-0, 185

He's got D-I offers from Iowa State, ASU and Washington State. Has a 4.1 grade point average. Played varsity his freshman and varsity seasons. Explosive running back who has a big upside as a defensive back in college with agility and the ability to get his hips over to be in a position to make plays.

11. Gunner Fagrell, Higley, QB, 6-1, 160

He is one of the top three of five quarterbacks in the state and might be the backup next season behind top QB Luke Haugo, who is a year ahead of him. But Fagrell is always ready to lead. He took over from Haugo, who became eligible halfway through the season because Haugo suffered a season-ending injury. Fagrell then led the Knights to a second-straight 5A championship. He threw for 3,084 yards and 33 touchdowns and ran for 509 yards and four TDs. He had 363 passing yards in the 42-41 win over Goodyear Desert Edge in the 5A final.

12. Aaron Thomas, Mountain Pointe. OL, 6-6, 260

Tough, hard worker, offered by Iowa State. He'll anchor the line. Great feet and length, gets out on top of blocks and stays with it.

13. Jaylyn Colter, Mountain Pointe, LB, 6-2, 190

Physical, aggressive linebacker with speed. Could be a strong safety at the next level. Offers include Arizona State, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, UNLV.

14. Javon Bell, Peoria, RB, 5-11, 225

He is cut in the same mold as former Peoria running back Juwaun Price, who now plays at Syracuse. Bell is a bullish runner with speed and power. He ran for 1,150 yards and 17 TDs and had 110 receiving yards as a sophomore last season.

15. Khalil Bender, McClintock, WR, 6-0, 165

He was Jaxon Knutson's main target last year when he caught 66 passes for 1,145 yards and 11 TDs. Knutson will be back to throw to him again. His numbers should be even greater. Home run hitter as a punt returner, as well. No offers but getting looks from San Diego State, Iowa State and Arizona.

16. Case Vanden Bosch, Brophy Prep, QB, 6-2, 180

He could become QB1 next season. Big and athletic with strong will to win. He's got offers from Nebraska and Arizona State.

17. Devin Fitzgerald, Brophy Prep, WR, 6-1, 180

If Vanden Bosch becomes the QB, he'll have fun throwing to the son of former Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald, one of the greatest NFL wide receivers of all time. Devin started coming into his own in the playoffs last season when the Broncos made a run to the 6A semifinals. He's got tremendous skills and the ability to make plays after catches. He has an offer from Bowling Green.

18. Donivan Dixon, Cave Creek Cactus Shadows, QB, 5-10, 185

He made first-team all-region last year, a dynamic dual threat who can take off any time with the ball and make big plays. Ability to extend plays with his legs makes him a home run hitter, leading his dad's offense.

19. Beau Jandreau, Chandler Hamilton, LB, 6-1, 190

The 2026 class is loaded with linebackers and Jandreau is among the best with speed and toughness. He had 66 tackles as a sophomore. Looks like a sure-fire D-I prospect.

20. Eli Cramer-Cronin, Basha, LB, 6-0, 205

He led the team with 114 tackles last year, picking up the slack after Jack Bleier suffered a season-ending torn ACL. A tough, physical backer who runs from sideline to sideline well. He plays varsity baseball.

21. Clarence Tucker, Tolleson, DB/Athlete, 5-10, 165

Has offers from Maryland, Northern Arizona, Bowling Green and Western Kentucky. He had four interceptions in the five games he played last season. Great ball skills. Locks it down in man-on-man coverage. Fast learner in zone coverage. Should see his recruiting rise even more during spring practices.

22. Jacob Brown, Hamilton, RB, 5-11, 207

An April transfer from Saguaro, he broke out big late his sophomore season, leading the Sabercats to the 6A title with a combination of speed and strength. He is a three-sport athlete who picked up his first Division I offer in December from ASU. He ran for two touchdowns in the 6A championship win over Mesa Red Mountain.

23. Jameson Wade, Red Mountain, LB, 6-1, 225

Big, strong, quick, productive, he'll be a third-year varsity starter this season. One of the top linebackers in his class. Led the team last year with seven sacks. He had 85 tackles. Great student with a 4.0 GPA.

24. Marcel Jones, Saguaro, QB, 6-2, 195

It's uncertain how much of his junior season, if any, he'll miss, after transferring midway through last season from Chaparral. But he's got potential. His ability to run and throw on the run, being elusive and athletic will have major college coaches tracking his progress.

25. Niko Jandreau, Hamilton, SS, 6-1, 190

Started every varsity game as a sophomore. Has an ASU offer on the table. Can play strong safety and nickel. Strong man-to-man ball skills. Big hitter. Had 51 tackles, two interceptions and 12 pass breakups last season.

26. Jackson McCarthy, Waddell Canyon View, OLB/DE, 6-4, 205

He had a solid sophomore season on varsity with 58 tackles, 27 solo. Has worked hard to improve in all areas. Stronger, quicker off the ball.

27. Corde Nunnery, American Leadership Queen Creek, DE, 6-1, 220

Returning varsity starter on the Open playoff team, he's athletic and aggressive, and gets into the backfield quickly. Should have a monster junior season.

28. Bryce Greer, Casteel, OL, 6-3, 285

This will be his third season starting on varsity. Big anchor with strong hands and is talented at pass protection and gets after it driving defenders back in the run game.

29. Omar Kaba, Williams Field, OL, 6-4, 280

Returning varsity starter who has gotten stronger and improved footwork since last season. Goes all out every play. Passionate in the weight room and classroom.

30. Thomas Yamashita, Scottsdale Chaparral, OL/DL, 6-4, 285

He started the last five games after becoming eligible due to transfer rule. He can play interior or at tackle on the offensive line. Will likely play tackle next season for the Firebirds. Has a bench press of over 300 pounds and a squat lift of over 400 pounds. Attention from Utah, UCLA and Texas A&M.

31. Kayden Steptoe, Salpointe Catholic, DB, 5-11, 180

He started every game on defense last year as sophomore.  Great athlete who also runs track.  Is going to be a big-time recruit.  Has an offer from Washington.

32. Hudson Dunn, Peoria Liberty, OLB, 6-2, 215

Returning starter from last year's Open state championship team that featured the best defense in the state. Fierce, tough, hard-nosed linebacker who is all over the field to make highlight plays.

33. Collin Campbell, Williams Field, OL, 6-6, 235

Son of head coach Steve Campbell, he's got plenty of room to grow. Great skills, footwork. Exceptional student with a 4.6 grade-point average. His brother was a standout lineman for the Black Hawks two years ago.

34. Trey Knox, Basha, CB, 5-9, 165

He started at corner on last year's varsity, doing a great job in coverage. Smart and discipline, a talented athlete who competes in track. He'll be one of the top cover corners in the state by the time he's a senior with the opportunity to play at the next level.

35. Dominic Carmigiano, Chandler, QB, 6-3, 175

Excellent arm, mobile, strong football IQ, he throws the deep ball with accuracy and on the move. A Division I prospect.

36. Ammon Alexander, Benjamin Franklin, OL, 6-4, 290

He's still growing. Interest from NAU, Southern Utah and BYU. Will hit the camp circuit this summer and get out in front of more college coaches. Older brother Brigham (BYU) and Jake (Southern Utah) signed D-I.

37. Seiji Hegg, Chaparral, Athlete, 5-11, 175

He plays wide receiver, running back, defensive back, returns kicks and punts. Put him anywhere and he's a game changer. Coach Doug Nisenson can't wait to get Seiji in spots to showcase his skills as a junior. He's the brother of top 2025 running back Alex Hegg.

38. Elly’jah Palmer, Chaparral, LB, 6-2, 200

He started at safety on varsity last season. Had a growth spurt and will be moved to outside linebacker. Has length, speed, energy and a motor that's always running. Young for his class, could have been a 2027 prospect. High ceiling on what he can do.

39. Ray Pruitt, Mountain Pointe, LB, 6-0, 200

Great instincts, good speed, tremendous ball skills. He'll make a major impact during his junior season on what could be one of the state's top defenses.

40. Brady Goodman, Mesa Mountain View, QB, 6-2, 195

He figures to be QB1 next season. Has the size, arm and ability to extend plays. Should take off in new coach Andy Litten's offense.

41. Paz St. John, Liberty, DL, 6-3, 260

He can play both sides of the line, but he's a backfield wrecker on defense. Quick, powerful, athletic. He had 44 tackles and six sacks on the state championship team as a sophomore.

42. Kamden Segall, Liberty, WR/TE, 6-3, 205

A three-sport athlete, he transferred in from Saguaro during spring break. He can play multiple receiving positions and also played some quarterback in a pinch at Saguaro last season. But he's a big target with good hands, speed and moves.

43. Ryan McDonough, Desert Mountain, WR/RB/DB/KR/Athlete, 5-10, 180

Talented playmaker on offense, defense and special teams. He averaged 47 yards per kick return last season, leading 5A. He also averaged five tackles a game at defensive back. And he gained nearly five yards a carry running the ball. Fast and quick defender who will have a breakout 2024 season on both sides of the ball.

44. Noah Banhie, Salpointe Catholic, DT, 6-0, 295, 6' 295

Big tank in the middle of the defensive line, he is strong and quick. Started every game on varsity as a sophomore. Arizona has offered him.

45. Canon Garday, Liberty, FS/SS, 6-1, 210

He could play strong safety or free safety. Smart, strong, great instincts and ball skills. Part of one of the best defenses in the state. Big impact sophomore year with 62 tackles. Talented baseball player, as well.

46. Dom Dampier, Phoenix North Canyon, WR, 5-10, 155

He played in only four games last season due to an injury, but caught 12 passes for 232 yards and three TDs. Gifted receiver with speed and the ability to make plays after catches. He is the brother of former Saguaro quarterback Devon Dampier.

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47. Artinel Gardener, Vista Grande, OL, 6-4, 265

Freakish athletic, will garner D-I interest during spring football. He'll also attract interest during summer showcases.

48. Courshawn Hill, Williams Field, RB, 5-10, 192

Could he be the school's next Dylan Lee? Time will tell, but he's put in the offseason work to get there. Speed and powerful enough to break tackles.

49. Apaiata Tengei, Mesa Westwood, LB, 6-2, 215

A rugby player, he's relentless, non-stop on defense. Tough, hard-nosed, big hitter with great instincts and strong on covering backs out of the backfield.

50. Kainan Manna, Centennial, QB, 5-9, 165

Don't look at the measurable but what he can do with the football. Big arm. Accurate. Can extend plays. And he knows how to win. Fearless. Led Coyotes to the Open state final last season. His confidence will only grow his junior year.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Top 100: The Republic ranks HS football prospects in 2026 class