You've seen the lists. The glossy photos of teenagers in oversized visors holding up five fingers for the cameras. Recruiting is a circus, honestly. But if you’re trying to figure out who the top 100 hs football players are right now, you have to look past the stars and the hype. We’re in January 2026, and the landscape for the 2026 class has finally settled after a wild early signing period.
It’s not just about who can throw a ball through a ring at a camp anymore. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) valuations hitting seven figures for high schoolers, these kids are essentially pro athletes before they even graduate.
The Battle for No. 1: It’s a Quarterback’s World
Usually, there's a clear king of the hill. Not this year. The 2026 cycle is a three-headed monster at the quarterback position, and depending on which scout you ask after a few drinks, you’ll get a different answer.
Jared Curtis out of Nashville Christian is the "safe" pick, but "safe" feels like an insult for a guy who threw 40 touchdowns and ran for 18 more last season. He’s committed to Georgia, which feels right. He has that Stafford-esque "grip it and rip it" mentality. Then you have Keisean Henderson from Legacy School of Sport Sciences in Texas. He’s the dual-threat nightmare. 2,689 passing yards and a frame that looks like it was built in a lab. He’s staying home to play for the Houston Cougars, a massive win for that program.
And don't forget Faizon Brandon. The North Carolina standout from Grimsley is a Tennessee commit. He’s 6'4", looks like he’s playing in slow motion because he’s so calm, and he rarely makes a mistake—35 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions as a junior.
It's basically a toss-up between these three for the top spot.
The Freaks on the Front Lines
If you want to win a Natty, you need the "big uglies." That’s what coaches call them, but there is nothing ugly about Jackson Cantwell’s tape. The Nixa, Missouri native is a 6'7.5", 325-pound offensive tackle who also happens to be an elite shot putter. He’s committed to Miami. Imagine trying to speed-rush a guy who has the footwork of a dancer and the strength to throw a metal ball 70 feet.
Then there’s Lamar Brown from University Lab in Louisiana. He’s technically listed as an "athlete" by some because he’s so mobile, but he’s 6'4" and nearly 300 pounds. He’s the top-ranked player in Louisiana for a reason.
Why the Rankings Flip-Flop
- Camp vs. Film: Some kids look like gods in shorts at the Elite 11 but struggle when a 250-pound linebacker is trying to take their head off.
- Growth Spurts: A kid who was 6'1" in May might be 6'4" by December.
- Reclassification: We're seeing more players jump a year ahead, which throws the top 100 hs football players lists into a blender every six months.
Skill Position Stars You Need to Know
While the trenches win games, the skill guys sell the tickets. Chris Henry Jr. is the name everyone is whispering about. Yes, he’s the son of the late Bengals star. He’s 6'5", plays for Mater Dei (the NFL factory in California), and has a catch radius that makes life unfair for cornerbacks. He’s been an Ohio State commit for what feels like a decade, but Oregon has been pushing hard to flip him.
On the ground, Savion Hiter and Ezavier Crowell are the thunder and lightning of this class. Hiter, out of Virginia, is a 200-pound workhorse. Crowell is a home-run threat every time he touches the ball in Alabama.
The Defenders Nobody Wants to Block
Defense usually gets the short end of the stick in social media highlights, but Zion Elee from St. Frances Academy is changing that. He’s an edge rusher who plays with a violent streak. If you’re a quarterback and you see him unblocked, just fall down. It’s safer.
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In the secondary, Jett Washington is a name to watch. He’s a 6'5" safety out of Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. That’s not a typo. He’s 6'5" and moves like a corner. He’s also the nephew of Kobe Bryant, so the "Mamba Mentality" isn't just a marketing slogan for him—it’s in the DNA.
Recruiting Realities: The NIL Factor
Let’s be real for a second. The "top 100" isn't just about talent anymore; it’s about marketability. On3 and other sites now track NIL valuations alongside star ratings. Jackson Cantwell already has a valuation near $2 million. Jared Curtis is right there with him at $1.7 million.
This changes how these kids pick schools. It's not just "Where can I win?" It's "Where can I build a brand?" This is why you see kids like Dia Bell (a 5-star QB and Texas commit) or Keisean Henderson making moves that might have seemed strange five years ago.
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Making Sense of the Top 100 HS Football Players
If you’re a fan trying to follow this, don't get bogged down in whether a kid is No. 42 or No. 48. The difference is negligible. Focus on the "tiers."
- The Instant Impact Tier: Players like Cantwell, Henry Jr., and Curtis. They will likely start as true freshmen in 2026.
- The High Ceiling Tier: Players like Rodney Dunham or Kendrey Harrison. They might need a year in a college weight room, but their physical tools are limitless.
- The "Check the Tape" Tier: These are the guys who might only be 3-stars but play for powerhouse schools and just know how to win.
What’s Next for the Class of 2026?
The "National Signing Day" in February is the final hurdle. Most of the big names are already "signed," but there are always late flips. Keep an eye on the transfer portal, too. Even as high schoolers, these guys are watching who their future college team brings in. If a school signs a star transfer QB, you might see a 5-star high school commit start looking for the exit door before he even arrives on campus.
Actionable Insights for Following the Top 100:
- Watch the late-season tape: Junior year highlights are great, but the "senior jump" (which most of these guys will take in the fall of 2026) is where the real NFL prospects separate themselves.
- Follow local beat writers: National scouts are great, but the guys who see these kids every Friday night in rural Georgia or Texas know the real story.
- Ignore the "Committed" tag until the ink is dry: In the 2026 era, a commitment is basically just a reservation that can be canceled at any time.
The 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the most physically gifted in a decade. Whether it’s the massive tackles like Felix Ojo or the lightning-fast receivers like Tristen Keys, the talent at the top is undeniable. Just remember that for every 5-star who makes it, there’s a 2-star somewhere working twice as hard to take their spot. That’s the beauty of the game.