BJ's 6A Preseason Rankings

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In last season’s 6A preseason rankings, I correctly predicted 19 out of 20 playoff teams with only 2 of my preseason top 20 exceeding their ceiling and only 4 not meeting their floor.

Basha

Rank: 1

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 8-2

‘25 record: 12-1, won Open title

Number of players with D-I offers: 25

Returning Offensive Yards %: 51.9

Returning TDs %: 46.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 45.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 46.4

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 40.6

I don't think I need to do much explaining with this one. When you're the defending open champs returning close to half of your production and have 25 players with D-I offers and 14 seniors committed to D-I programs, you're going to be preseason number one.

On offense, the Bears return a good chunk of their core. 3-star Princeton QB commit Jake Rogers completed 68.5% of his passes for 1,545 yards, 13 TDs, and 4 INTs in 6 starts in relief of now Oklahoma State QB Brodie Vehrs.

On the ground, 3-star Texas commit Noah Roberts rushed 116 times for 761 yards and 8 TDs while catching 50 passes for 562 yards and 6 TDs.

Blocking for Roberts and Rogers are 4-star Arizona State commit Jake Hildebrand, 3-star Cal commit DaJohn Yarborough, '27 IOL Brady Allen, and '28 OL Elias Phillips who both also have D-I offers.

The WR room is also loaded. 3-star Pitt commit Jaden Baldwin caught 64 passes for 820 yards and 6 TDs in his junior season. '27 WR Christian Diaz caught 16 passes for 224 yards and 1 TD.

And then a new weapon came knocking at the door this offseason when '28 WR Makai Nelson transferred in from Mountain Pointe. Nelson now holds double digit D-I offers.

'28 WR Tristan Sailor has also looked good this summer as well. And then for the cherry on top, they return Cornell tight end commit Barry Adams too.

On defense, 3-star NAU LB commit Marc Duerson will be the leader of the Bears defense after leading the team with 119 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 6 PBUs.

3-star NAU DB commit Kyser Wilson also had a great junior season with 3 INTs, 4 PBUs, 5 forced fumbles, and 67 total tackles.

3-star Nevada DE commit Caleb Jordan is also coming off a big year with 11.5 sacks, 21.5 TFLs, and 48 total tackles.

And if you thought I was done, there's more. 3-star K-State DT commit Anitoni Tahi, heading into his 4th year as a starter, recorded 16 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and 33 total tackles in his junior season.

It is hard to understand the depth of this team until you realized 5-star '28 DE Landen Wade did not even get that many snaps last season. Wade recorded 4 sacks, 12 TFLs, and 24 tackles as a sophomore but has had arguably a better offseason than anyone in the state.

Throw in 3-star Utah DB commit Taylan Patterson, 3-star Nevada DB commit Tre Kennard, 3-star Purdue DE commit TK Cunningham (who moved from Georgia and enrolled at Basha), and 3-star Arizona State kicker commit Mikey Barth just for good measures as well.

'27 DB Geremiah Grimes, '29 DB/WR Jayden Jamerson, '29 QB Dylan Cooper, '30 ATH Ahmad Jones, and '30 DB/WR Jayden Tyus all have D-I offers as well.

The toughest games for Basha will come against Chandler, Orange Lutheran (CA), Liberty, Mesa, Red Mountain, Pinnacle, and Brophy. However, I'm not sure if any of them will be able to prevent the Bears from having an undefeated regular season.

Chandler

Rank: 2

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 10-3, lost in Open championship

Number of players with D-I offers: 14

Returning Offensive Yards %: 76.4

Returning TDs %: 75.5

Returning Tackle Production %: 52.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 52.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 37.5

Another nationally ranked team that is absolutely loaded is Chandler. Offensively, this team will be able to score on anybody.

5-star Oregon QB commit Will Mencl is coming off an incredible junior season, where he completed 70.3% of his passes for 3,815 yards, 33 TDs, and 5 INTs while leading the team with 118 carries for 741 yards and 17 TDs.

Losing '28 RB Chase Ochoa to Liberty definitely hurts, but '28 RB David Douglas is ready to fill the void. Douglas rushed 100 times for 500 yards and 3 TDs while catching 13 passes for 129 yards and 1 TD in a split backfield with Ochoa last season.

Blocking for Douglas will be 3-star Utah OT commit Sire Stewart, '28 OL Ahmad Remigio, '29 IOL Michael Rivera, and '27 IOL Mattox Garvey who all have at least one D-I offer.

The WR room might also be the deepest in the state.

4-star Wisconsin commit Jai Jones led the team with 54 receptions for 922 yards and 10 TDs.

3-star Sacramento State commit Maxwell Sprott caught 47 passes for 785 yards and 5 TDs.

'27 Kaydon Gray caught 30 passes for 390 yards and 3 TDs and has multiple D-I offers. And the Wolves' coaching staff has raved about '27 Jackson Colter, who picked up a D-I offer from Drake this spring.

As if Mencl didn't have enough weapons, Weber State TE commit Gage Scheurn transferred in this spring and will be available in Week 6.

On defense '27 LB Iona Kupu returns after recording 62 tackles and 4 TFLs in 9 games. '27 DBs Austin Reese and Jay Arnold are both coming off big junior seasons as well.

In the defensive trenches, 3-star NAU commit Jaxon Zembrycki, Penn commit Jude Jones, and '27 DE Cau're Smith are ready to hold it down.

The toughest games for Chandler will be against #1 Basha, Cathedral Catholic (CA), rival Hamilton, Centennial, and Brophy Prep. 8 or 9 wins is a reasonable expectation given the gauntlet that they have, I'm not sure if they can run the table.

Hamilton

Rank: 3

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 11-1, lost in Open Semifinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 17

Returning Offensive Yards %: 79.6

Returning TDs %: 76.7

Returning Tackle Production %: 64.7

Returning Sack/TFL %: 74.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 63.2

When you have the best WR in the state on your team, you always have a shot at the open state title. That best WR is 4-star USC commit Roye Oliver, who won Gatorade Player of the Year, BJ Media Offensive Player of the Year, and the Ed Doherty Award after totaling 92 receptions for 1,839 yards and 29 TDs as well as 2 punt return TDs.

Oliver technically did this as a sophomore, but this offseason he decided to re-class up to the '27 class and will graduate this December and enroll at USC in January.

This team is also loaded with plenty of other talent.

4-star '28 QB Jax Sculley completed 66.7% of his passes 2,947 yards, 41 TDs, and 8 INTs in 9.5 games before going down with a knee injury last season. It is unclear whether he will be active tonight at Brophy.

They'll also return '27 RB Skyler Cole, who rushed 96 times for 921 yards and 8 TDs while catching 9 passes for 153 yards and 1 TD as a junior.

Blocking for Cole and Sculley will be 3-star Kansas commit Richie Dexter, '28 OL Renzo Wilmarth, and '28 OT Diego Gonzalez, who all have multiple D-I offers and looks.

4-star '29 WR Roman Oliver, the younger brother of Roye, is looking to take that next step after catching 24 passes for 514 yards and 6 TDs as a freshman.

Eastern Washington WR commit Christian Riley is also looking for a big senior year after catching 8 passes for 237 yards and 4 TDs in 6 games in 2025.

Possibly the most overlooked weapon for the Huskies, though, will be '29 TE Grant Zemla, who is expected to play a lot of snaps this season. The 6'3" 210-pounder has some of the biggest hands in the state and has shown off great blocking skills all offseason.

On defense, 6 of 11 starters return and they have some phenomenal lower level talent ready to go.

5-star '28 corner Keaton Fields recorded 4 INTs, 5 PBUs, 1 forced fumble, 43 tackles, and 6 TFLs as a sophomore.

4-star '28 DB Kacey Allen had a really impressive sophomore season with 4 INTs, 8 PBUs, 5 blocked kicks, 79 total tackles, and 9 TFLs.

3-star Air Force commit Derrick LeBlanc Jr was arguably the best edge rusher in the state with 13.5 sacks, 33 TFLs, and 78 total tackles last season.

'28 LB Mitchell Raner led the team with 99 total tackles and also recorded 20 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and 2 INTs.

Other key returners include 3-star '27 LB Connor Strand, '27 LB Dylan Lindler, and '27 DE Nicolas Barrie.

The Huskies also have a pair of '29s ready to make an impact this season. '29 ATH Ar'ieon Stevenson can play anywhere on the field at 6'1" 195 pounds with All-American track speed.

'29 DB Preston DeGraffenreid has been getting a ton of looks during an impressive offseason with offers from Arizona, Mizzou, UTEP, and Sacramento State and will be a great complement to Allen and Fields in the secondary.

The toughest games for the Huskies will come against rival #2 Chandler, Liberty, Arbor View (NV), Casteel, Pinnacle, and tonight at Brophy. Anything short of an open title will be disappointing for the players and coaches in that locker room, but I think just getting back to the title game would be a huge step for the program, especially with so many other top teams being very senior heavy.

Liberty

Rank: 4

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 10-2, lost in open semifinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 9

Returning Offensive Yards %: 29.9

Returning TDs %: 21.3

Returning Tackle Production %: 36.5

Returning Sack/TFL %: 26.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 30

The most stacked freedom schedule I've seen is going to tell us alot very early about the 2023 and 2024 Open Division champs.

This is probably going to be the youngest team they've had in quite some time after graduating a ton of talent last season, especially on defense.

Offensively, the key will be keeping 3-star San Diego State commit Braxton Huynh healthy. The 2024 BJ Media WR of the Year caught 35 passes for 521 yards and 4 TDs in 8 full games of action after being a 1,000-yard+ receiver on the 2024 state title team.

'27 RB Jayden Sanchez will also be key after rushing 110 times for 704 yards and 9 TDs as a junior.

'28 RB Chase Ochoa has also transferred in from Chandler, where he rushed 102 times for 714 yards and 6 TDs and caught 9 passes for 98 yards and 1 TD.

On the offensive line, Eastern Washington commit Quaid Guiney and '27 IOL Tytan Lanier will be key to the run game's success.

'27 WRs Carter Rothe and Evan Adamczyk will also see increased workloads as seniors.

But the Lions '29 class is going to be taking a lot of starting spots this season. '29 QB Jason Haines has been on fire all summer competing with '27 QB/ATH Kenny Raymond for the starting job. Should Haines be the starter tomorrow, I would expect Raymond to also be utilized as a wideout and in some trick plays as well.

'29 IOL Trindon Gardner was also the team's starting center as a freshman and picked up a D-I offer from Northern Arizona this summer, where his older brother Braylon plays wide receiver.

I would also expect '29 WR Brody Huynh, the younger brother of Braxton, to get a decent amount of playing time as well.

'29 TE Jayden Sellers is also expected to take over as the starting tight end. Sellers had a great summer and was particularly impressive at ASU 7s, where he picked up a D-I offer from Northern Arizona.

'29 OT Isaiah Phillips is also one of the more intriguing prospects in the state, standing at a whopping 6'10" and 330 pounds.

Defensively, '28 LB Brecken Garday, '28 DL Christian Garcia, '27 S Kaden Miller, and '27 CB Cannon Collins are the only returners that saw significant playing time.

However, '28 DB Kadin Young has looked extremely impressive this offseason after sitting behind seniors most of last season.

'28 DL Aidan Thompson has also made some noise this offseason, picking up his first D-I offer from Northern Arizona.

The Lions have an absolute gauntlet freedom schedule that features powerhouse Corner Canyon (UT), #1 Basha, #3 Hamilton, and Mesa, and then they visit rival Centennial in region play. Despite that, I expect this team to win 8 or 9 games.

Centennial

Rank: 5

Ceiling: 10-0

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 9-5, lost in 6A championship

Number of players with D-I offers: 10

Returning Offensive Yards %: 59.2

Returning TDs %: 56.8

Returning Tackle Production %: 77.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 67.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 86.3

After back to back 6A title game appearances, I think 2026 is the year Centennial gets back to the Open.

3-star '28 QB Titus Hill completed 55.7% of his passes for 2,525 yards, 24 TDs (1 rush), and 3 INTs as sophomore last season.

His twin and 3-star '28 TE Torrin Hill leads all returners with 38 receptions for 530 yards and 7 TDs as a sophomore last season.

Just when you thought their '28 class was already loaded, 2025 BJ Media RB of the Year Jaylee Abraham transferred in from Desert View in May.

Abraham rushed 192 times for 1,716 yards and 33 TDs while catching 30 passes for 574 yards and 5 TDs in 12 games as a sophomore.

What makes this offense even scarier is that he'll have 3-star Stanford commit Benjamin Lowther and 3-star '28 OT Karmello Calloway blocking for him on each side of the line.

'28 WR Jason Lee should also have a breakout year after catching 3 passes for 47 yards and 1 TD in the 6A state championship.

Defensively, up front '27 LB Joseph Gonzalez is coming off a 113-tackle season, '28 LB Aidan Torres recorded 109 tackles, 8 TFLs, and 8 sacks, and '27 DE Luke Franklin recorded 10 sacks, 12 TFLs, and 99 total tackles.

The secondary is also loaded. '27 DBs Devin Taylor and Nathaniel Olmos led the team

with 4 interceptions each while combining for 13 PBUs and 3 forced fumbles.

3-star NAU commit Elijah Carothers recorded 50 total tackles, a pick six, and 2 PBUs in 8 games while battling through injuries.

And then '28 DB Josiah Carothers had a head-turning sophomore season with 2 INTs, 15 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles, 49 tackles, and 4 TFLs.

The Coyotes' schedule will have plenty challenges with games against #2 Chandler, #4 Liberty, Mesa, Casteel, and Servite (CA). 9 wins likely gets them an open bye and 6-8 wins likely gives them a chance a play into the open quarterfinals.

Mesa

Rank: 6

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in 6A quartefinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 9

Returning Offensive Yards %: 83.2

Returning TDs %: 84.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 60.2

Returning Sack/TFL %: 63.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 54.2

I hate overusing the word loaded, but this Jackrabbits squad is loaded. There's no way around it.

Nearly everyone is back on offense. '27 QBs Kane Anetema and Derek Carr combined to throw for over 2,100 yards, 19 TDs, and 5 INTs while battling through injuries. If at least one of them can stay healthy the whole season, this offense will be cooking.

'27 RB Rio Arnett is coming off an impressive junior season with 275 carries for 1,560 yards and 14 TDs.

In the WR room, 3-star Arizona State commit Kingston Anetema and two-way star Kam Williams are both coming off great junior years.

Anetema caught 39 passes for 471 yards and 5 TDs in 7 games while Williams caught 32 passes for 486 yards and 5 TDs.

On defense, the Jackrabbits return nearly as much talent. Williams recorded 7 INTs, 7 PBUs, and 61 total tackles while Anetema recorded 2 INTs, 5 PBUs, 26 tackles, and 2 TFLs.

3-star '28 DE Sione Taueli is also coming off an impressive year with 65 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks.

'28 LB Kainalu Skipps also had a great year with 75 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, and 3 INTs in just 7 games. Skipps picked up D-I offers from New Mexico and NAU this offseason.

3-star Idaho DE commit Joe Haynie recorded 3.5 sacks, 16.5 TFLs, 60 total tackles, and 2 forced fumbles.

Lastly, '28 DE Motuhifonua Ngaue-Stephenson recored 57 total tackles, 14 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks as a sophomore. Stephenson also holds a D-I offer from NAU.

The Jackrabbits have quite a schedule this season with games against #1 Basha, #4 Liberty, #5 Centennial, Williams Field, Perry, O'Connor, and Mountain View. I expect Mesa to be a 7-8 win team.

Casteel

Rank: 7

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 9-5, won 6A title

Number of players with D-I offers: 6

Returning Offensive Yards %: 73

Returning TDs %: 46.4

Returning Tackle Production %: 31.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 22.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 40.3

After winning the 6A title in 2025, in the words of '27 QB Tee Smith Jr "jobs not finished" for Casteel as they push for an Open title.

Smith completed 63.9% of his passes for 2,325 yards, 22 TDs, and 9 INTs while rushing 141 times for 923 yards and 15 TDs in 9 games after transferring in from Hamilton.

The younger brother of Chargers safety Genesis Smith remains uncommitted despite offers from NAU and Washington, but he is betting on himself this season that the right fit will come.

Helping Smith doing a lot damage through the air last season was '27 ATH Troy Jauregui, who caught 45 passes for 808 yards and 9 TDs while rushing for 3 TDs.

As if their offense wasn't loaded enough, 3-star NAU commit RJ Gory transferred in from Salpointe Catholic after catching 68 passes for 886 yards and 6 TDs for the Lancers last season.

Pair that with '27 RB Wyatt Defreitas returning and '29 WR/DB Hezekiah Smith having a great offseason, and this Colts offense is ready to hit the ground running.

Defensively, they return a good amount of talent as well. '27 DB Luke Gelder picked up a D-I offer from Drake this offseason after recorded 46 tackles, 3 PBUs, and 1 interception last season.

'27 DB Luke Herron led the team with 12 PBUs last season, '28 LB Colton Vohlrich leads all returners with 54 tackles, 3 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, and '27 DT Logan Voss should have a breakout year after recording 40 tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 sacks, and 3 blocked kicks as a junior.

'29 OLB Semion Sykes is ready for his time to shine on varsity as well. Sykes holds D-I offers from Northern Arizona and Delaware State.

The Colts will travel up to Lake Oswego, Oregon to face the defending 6A Oregon state champs as well as dates with #3 Hamilton, #5 Centennial, #8 Red Mountain, and Higley. Despite the tough schedule, I still think this is an 8 or 9 win football team.

Red Mountain

Rank: 8

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 7-3

‘25 record: 9-3, lost in Open Quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 5

Returning Offensive Yards %: 42.6

Returning TDs %: 43.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 27.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 26.9

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 17.6

Red Mountain is going to have a lot of new faces this season, but they are still a very talented group a have a great chance at getting back to the Open.

Offensively, '28 TE Jayden Windom is the biggest returner after catching 22 passes for 352 yards and 5 TDs. Windom picked up his first D-I offer from Northern Arizona this spring.

A big addition for the Mountain Lions will be '28 WR Kaeden Weaver, who moved to the valley from the Seattle, WA area.

Weaver was the King County Conference MVP at North Creek (WA) with 60 receptions for 850 yards and 12 TDs despite missing 3 games with injury as a sophomore.

Also transferring in is '28 QB Dayne Silver, who completed 61.7% of his passes for 2,292 yards, 24 TDs (1 rush), and 11 INTs as a sophomore at Eastmark.

While Silver sits the first five games, '27 QB Caleb Joe is more than capable of commanding the offense after he completed 62.2% of his passes for 569 yards, 5 TDs, and 4 INTs while rushing for 4 more TDs as a junior last season.

'27 WR Jayveon Williams is also expected to have breakout year after catching 30 passes for 265 yards and 4 TDs as a junior. '30 WR Alex Baab has also had a great summer and gotten a ton of reps with the 1s and could have an immediate impact as a freshman.

On defense, Idaho DE commit Leonidas To'oto'o, '27 FS Derek Wilson, and '28 SS Gard Liles are the most prodctive returners.

However, '29 DT/IOL Lyzander To'oto'o, who sits at a massive 6'4" and 370 pounds and moves incredibly well, should have a breakout year after being in the mix on varsity as a freshman.

Leonidas' younger brother picked up D-I offers from Arizona, New Mexico, Northern Arizona, and Sacramento State this offseason and will likely get up to double digits during or after the season.

The toughest games for the Mountain Lions will come tonight at #7 Casteel and against #1 Basha and Williams Field in late September. Another 8-win season is likely in store for Red Mountain.

Pinnacle

Rank: 9

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 6-4

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in 6A quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 7

Returning Offensive Yards %: 31.1

Returning TDs %: 29.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 54.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 68

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 52.5

After 4 different QBs attempted a pass last season and 3 different QBs attempted at least 50 passes last season, there is no longer a QB controversy at Pinnacle, at least for now.

'27 QB/ATH Jackson Reader appears to be their guy heading into the season after he completed 56.9% of his passes for 584 yards, 4 TD, and 2 INTs while rushing 36 times for 309 yards and 3 TDs and catching 3 passes for 58 yards and 1 TD in 6 games as a junior.

The WR room is going to look very different with talented '28 WRs Max Libman and Terik Slaughter coming up from a stacked JV team last season. Slaughter already picked up a D-I offer from San Diego State this summer.

'28 WR Kai Tschen has also transferred in from Desert Mountain and picked up offers from Miami (OH) and Northern Arizona after two years as a varsity starter for the defending 5A champs.

'27 RB Brandon Morgan is also coming off a productive season after rushing 52 times for 425 yards and 6 TDs in 7 games as a junior.

On defense, '27 LB Kash Silva is coming off a great junior season with 80 tackles, 11 TFLs, 4 sacks, 3 INTs, 4 PBUs, 6 blocked kicks, and 4 fumble recoveries. That production earned him a D-I offer from San Diego this offseason.

2025 BJ Media Defensive Underclassman of the Year and '28 OLB/DE Ian Fullmer had a fabulous sophomore season with 12.5 sacks, 20 TFLs, and 48 total tackles. Fullmer earned his first D-I offer from NAU at their big man camp in June.

Perhaps the most intriguing prospect for Pinnacle is '28 P/K Cam Candeleria, who is also expected to be a key contributor on the d-line. Candeleria received D-I offers as a punter from Northern Arizona and San Diego State during an impressive spring showcase in May after averaging 38.7 yards per punt with a long 58 yards and 12 punts inside of the opponent's 20 yard line.

The toughest games for Pinnacle will come against #1 Basha, #2 Chandler, #3 Hamilton, Edison (CA), and Mountain View Mesa. In all likelihood, Pinnacle is likely a 7-win team in the regular season again.

Brophy

Rank: 10

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in Open quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 14

Returning Offensive Yards %: 12.8

Returning TDs %: 10.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 60.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 56.3

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 57.8

Brophy is absolutely loaded once again, but they'll have a lot of offensive skill position players to replace.

'28 QB Noah Stewart will take over for now Case Vanden Bosch. Stewart is the son of former Arizona State safety Riccardo Stewart and has looked great all spring and summer, particularly impressing me at Trey Anderson's Valley QB Showdown event in June.

'27 RB Scout Kinkel will have a much bigger role this season on the ground for the Broncos.

I also expect 3-star Colgate ATH commit Ryder Noche to play a lot more offense at both WR and RB this season after almost exclusively playing DB last season.

In the trenches, the Broncos return one of the best offensive lines in the state. 4-star '29 OT Colin Itule has blown up this offseason as well as 4-star '29 IOL Yuen Taufete'e. 3-star North Dakota IOL commit Shane Reiersgaard is already one of the best linemen in the state and then Colin's twin, Cody Itule, will likely turn the heads of college coaches with his sophomore season tape.

3-star UNLV WR commit Donovan McNabb Jr is the only starting wide receiver to return from last season, but there is lots of young talent ready for their turn.

'28 ATH Julian Ferrari and 4-star '29 ATH Bishop Allen are expected to play more WR after exclusively playing DB last season.

'30 WR Karter Chamblin was absolutely cooking throughout summer 7s and is expected to be a full-year starter on varsity as a freshman. Chamblin already holds D-I offers from Arizona, Florida, Colorado, UCLA, and Miami (OH) before playing a down of HS football.

On defense, the Broncos return a ton of talent as well, especially in the secondary.

Noche led the team with 3 INTs while adding 83 total tackles and 4 TFLs as a junior. '27 LB Braxton Tate led the team in tackles with 91 while recording 2 INTs and 3 PBUs.

Allen led all underclassmen with 40 total tackles and was the lone freshman varsity starter on defense last season.

'27 LB John Michael is coming off a great junior season and '28 LB Evander Vargas is back to playing his natural position after starting 11 games at a mixture of DT and DE last season due to several d-line injuries.

The toughest games for the Broncos will come against #1 Basha, #2 Chandler, #3 Hamilton tonight, Higley, and Williams Field. 6 or 7 wins again is likely for the Broncos.

Williams Field

Rank: 11

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 8-4, lost in Open quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 4

Returning Offensive Yards %: 59.1

Returning TDs %: 38.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 56.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 37.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 45.7

The biggest changes for Williams Field after making the open last season will be their offensive line, which graduated 3 D-I starters, and the RB room, which graduated two D-I backs.

'28 RB Romeo Jones totaled 406 yards and 2 TDs on only 40 carries as a sophomore last season and seems ready to take on the much bigger workload.

But the passing game will have a lot of continuity. '27 QB Dom Barjona completed 66.7% of his passes for 2,208 yards, 18 TDs (2 rush), and 8 INTs last season.

3-star Arizona commit Trey Smith led the team with 36 receptions for 695 yards and 3 TDs.

'27 WR John "Buddha" Booker caught 41 passes for 615 yards and 5 TDs and holds three D-I Ivy Leauge offers.

'29 WR Boston Smith, the younger brother of Trey, will look to fill in for departing WR Knolan Tyler.

On defense, the Black Hawks return their top 3 tacklers from last season. '27 LB Russell Moss totaled 81 tackles, 11 TFLs, and 2 PBUs.

3-star Yale LB commit MJ Glenn totaled 62 tackles, 5 TFLs, 5 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.

To round out their strong linebacker room, '27 OLB Adrian Arizmendiz recorded 54 tackles and 2 TFLs.

The Black Hawks have quite a schedule with games against #3 Hamilton, #6 Mesa, #8 Red Mountain, #10 Brophy and rival Higley.

ALA Queen Creek

Rank: 12

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 6-7, lost in 6A semifinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 3

Returning Offensive Yards %: 31.4

Returning TDs %: 32.4

Returning Tackle Production %: 48.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 45.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 53.8

Up and down was the dictionary definition of ALA Queen Creek's 2025 season. After an 0-5 start, the Patriots won their final 5 games of the regular season, lost in the Open play-in, then went on to the 6A semifinals before losing to Centennial.

The Patriots return a decent amount of production, led by 3-star Oklahoma State tight end commit Talan Scott. As a junior, Scott caught 45 passes for 468 yards and 8 TDs. On defense, Scott recorded 44 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks at OLB.

The other key returners for the Patriots offense are '27 WR Stetson Agne and '27 RB Nash Hall. '28 WR Icey McGowan has also transferred in from Chandler to beef up their WR corps.

They'll also be looking for a big year from '28 QB Cody Lalama, who completed 60.2% of his passes for 721 yards, 7 TDs, and 4 INTs as the backup to senior Britton DeWitt last season.

On defense, Air Force DB commit Bryce Devlin is the team's leading returning tackler after recording 47 total tackles, 3 TFLs, and 3 INTs as a junior.

'27 LB Rigden Michael, the younger brother of Idaho LB Brody Michael, also had a good junior season with 47 tackles, 10 TFLs, 7 sacks, and 1 INT.

'28 DB Jayden Brewer is also coming off a good year with 3 INTs, 1 scoop & score, 1 PBU, and 40 tackles.

The Patriots have quite a schedule with games against powerhouse Lehi (UT), #2 Chandler, #4 Liberty, #5 Centennial, #7 Casteel, and #8 Red Mountain.

Perry

Rank: 13

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 6-6, lost in 6A quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 5

Returning Offensive Yards %: 66.1

Returning TDs %: 70.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 46

Returning Sack/TFL %: 30.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 48.1

New Perry HC Jeremy Hatchcock has found success at every school he's been at. I don't expect that to be any different at Perry.

On offense, he returns a good amount of talent. 3-star Boise State QB commit Kael Snyder completed 5.78% of his passes for 2,720 yards, 29 TDs (2 rush), and 12 INTs as a junior.

'27 RB/LB Talen Frazier rushed 76 times for 322 yards and 6 TDs (1 rec). 3-star '28 WR Amos Augustine caught 42 passes for 780 yards and 7 TDs in his second varsity season.

'27 slot WR Jaylen Singleton caught 21 passes for 378 yards and 5 TDs and has looked like an All-State level player throughout the spring and summer.

'27 OT Carter Topping leads a solid returning offensive line group and has picked up D-I offers from San Diego and Drake.

3-star '27 WR Braylon Kasper has also transferred in from ALA Queen Creek and will be eligible immediately since he missed all of last season with injury.

'27 WR Dominic Hawkins has also transferred in from AZ Compass and is finding his role in the offense as well.

On defense, Frazier, '27 LB Trace Waddell, '27 DB Liam Petrie, and '27 DB Myles Polite, who led the team with 5 interceptions last season, will be the key returners.

'28 DB Jordan Williams, the younger brother of Washington starting QB Demond Williams, has transferred in from Basha as well.

The Pumas' toughest games will come against #1 Basha, #3 Hamilton, #6 Mesa, Higley, and Centennial (NV). I think 7 or 8 wins would be a great year for a program that is trying to get back to the mountain top Brock Purdy took them to back when I was still in high school.

Higley

Rank: 14

Ceiling: 9-1

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in 6A quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 6

Returning Offensive Yards %: 48.2

Returning TDs %: 54.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 48.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 55.2

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 52.6

2025 was not a bad first year in 6A for Higley by any means. After back-to-back 5A titles and then an open division quarterfinal, it was time for the Knights to go up.

In 2026, the Knights return a good amount of talent across the board.

On offense, there isn't necessarily any superstars, but just a solid cohesive group of really good players.

'28 QB Cayden Schlueter is expected to take over as signal caller after transferring in from Chandler last season.

'27 RB Antonio Young and '28 RB Rylan Irwin will likely split backfield duties. And the Knights WR core of '27s Landon Banks, Antonio Palka, Allan Turner, and Kam Richardson is a deep but balanced group.

On defense, '27 LB Dax White was as good as any backer in the state, recording 135 total tackles, 14 TFLs, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

3-star Idaho commit Brysen Wilkinson has also had a great offseason and will have a bigger role on the defense this season.

3-star Arizona State commit Nas Eason leads all returners with 8 PBUs last season as a junior.

'27 DE/LB Aurei Moody led the team with 6 interceptions and 6 sacks, adding 39 tackles and 15 TFLs.

The toughest games for the Knights will come against #6 Casteel, #10 Brophy, #11 Williams Field, #13 Perry, and Highland.

O'Connor

Rank: 15

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 3-8, lost first round

Number of players with D-I offers: 2

Returning Offensive Yards %: 70.4

Returning TDs %: 76.5

Returning Tackle Production %: 20

Returning Sack/TFL %: 21.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 19.5

Last season was pretty rough for O'Connor. But with a lot of production back on offense and a solid '29 class, better days are ahead.

4-star Washington RB commit Jeremy Adeyanju is a great player to have coming back. He rushed 147 times for 1,167 yards and 15 TDs last season and his recruitment blew up after it.

In the passing game, '27 QB/ATH Brodie Moore has been playing some of the best football in his career throughout the summer and at last week's scrimmage.

His key targets will be '27 WR Jaxon Simons, '28 WR/DB Braylon Lopez, and '27 WR Brady Dorsey.

With Moore's athletic ability, don't be surprised to see some packages with '29 QB Arnel Ahmetovic taking snaps with Moore lined up at RB or in the slot.

'29 RB Cole Fahndrich should also be in the mix of the offense and '27 RB/slot Easton McClanahan has transferred in from Mountain Ridge after rushing 115 times for 510 yards and 6 TDs while catching 30 passes for 177 yards and 2 TDs in 8 games last season.

On defense, there will be a lot of new faces. '29 LB JJ Wingler will likely be one of the best backers in Arizona's 2029 class.

Lopez is also one of the Eagles' best DBs as well. And '27 DB Damarkus Allen has had a great offseason since transferring in from Centennial.

O'Connor's toughest games will come against #4 Liberty, #5 Centennial, #6 Mesa, and #8 Red Mountain.

Highland

Rank: 16

Ceiling: 8-2

Floor: 4-6

‘25 record: 4-7, lost first round

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 45.3

Returning TDs %: 61.4

Returning Tackle Production %: 40.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 48.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 58.3

2025 was a very out of character season for a normally dependable Highland team. And the fallout definitely did not make things better.

Weber State TE commit Gage Scheurn, '28 OT Renzo Wilmarth, '28 DB Zues Vasquez, and '29 DB Aydin Rodriguez headline players that transferred out this season.

Despite that, this is still a Highland team that can be very competitive if they can close out tight games.

'27 QB Paiden Dalhaug headlines the returners on offense. The Hawks offense was humming after he returned from injury as he completed 56.1% of his passes for 1,054 yards, 14 TDs (1 rush), and 2 INTs in 6 games.

'27 RB/ATH Kruz Cullimore leads all returners in scrimmage yards.

'27 WR/DB Deshown Johnson has had a great offseason and should have a much bigger role on offense after mostly playing defense last season.

On defense, Johnson, '27 LB Cole Allen, '27 DE Jackson Crawford, and '28 OLB/RB Carter Camac headline the key returners as they look to build off of last year's great year as a unit despite the team's record.

The toughest games for the Hawks will be against #4 Liberty, #8 Red Mountain, 5A #3 Horizon, #14 Higley, Inglewood (CA), and Mountain View Mesa.

Corona Del Sol

Rank: 17

Ceiling: 7-3

Floor: 5-5

‘25 record: 3-7, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 3

Last season was pretty rough for the Aztecs in their first year under HC Eric Lauer. But in 2026, their team looks a lot better.

Lauer brought in his former O-line coach from Mountain Pointe, former UCLA OT Kenny Lacy to help improve a unit that really struggled last season.

That move has paid large dividends. The Aztecs look light years better in the trenches and what was a weakness last season is looking like it could be a strength in 2026.

No one is more thankful for that than 3-star UNLV QB commit Luke Farrell, who completed 54.9% of his passes for 2,020 yards, 12 TDs, and 12 INTs while rushing for 4 TDs.

A better offensive line should also open things up more for '28 RB Cortez Young, who transferred in before last season.

'27 ATH Jamar Patterson also returns after leading the team in receiving last season. The WR corps also got better with '27s Josiah Smith and Keegan Pederson transferring in from Mountain Pointe and Higley, respectively.

'27 ATH Riddik Jerdee has also had a great offseason and is expected be a key contributor on both sides of the ball.

On defense, Patterson, Jerdee, '27 DB Devin Scholl, '27 LB Owen Thies, '27 LB Will Lauffler, and '27 DB Landon Bickford are coming off productive seasons.

Mountain View

Rank: 18

Ceiling: 6-4

Floor: 2-8

‘25 record: 7-5, lost in Open quarterfinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 1

Returning Offensive Yards %: 28.4

Returning TDs %: 19.3

Returning Tackle Production %: 42.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 46.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 42.6

What Mountain View accomplished in the last two seasons getting this program turned around was nothing short of remarkable.

However, when you graduate the caliber of players as Brady Goodman, Talan Arnett, and more, there can be some growing pains, especially with the schedule they have lined up.

Offensively, the Toros are going to lean heavily on '27 RB Coy Bodily, who rushed 137 times for 732 yards and 6 TDs.

'28 WR Teo Weeks, '27 WR Vinny Uriarite, and '27 TE Max Germaine are going to be the top returning pass catchers.

Replacing Brady Goodman, I have not heard whether '28 QB Brock White or Brayden Merwin won the job, but whichever one it is will have to get momentum going quickly.

3-star Washington commit Tye Kennedy will help with protecting whoever the starter is as one of the top returning offensive linemen in the state.

'27 LB Preston Patterson is also probably one of the most underrated players in the state after recording 102 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 3 sacks.

The Toros will face #5 Centennial, #6 Mesa, #7 Casteel, #8 Red Mountain, #9 Pinnacle, #10 Brophy, #16 Highland, and Las Vegas (NV).

Queen Creek

Rank: 19

Ceiling: 6-4

Floor: 1-9

‘25 record: 6-5, lost first round

Number of players with D-I offers: 2

Returning Offensive Yards %: 47.9

Returning TDs %: 46.5

Returning Tackle Production %: 60.6

Returning Sack/TFL %: 47.6

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 75.6

Injuries really derailed last season for Queen Creek, but it also helped the Bulldogs by getting some of the younger players accustomed to varsity game speed sooner than expected.

Among those younger players that got thrusted into action earlier than expected is '28 QB Sawyer Hales, who took over for now Clemson QB Tait Reynolds in Week 2 after Reynolds went down with an injury.

Hales completed 48.2% of his passes for 1,585 yards, 18 TDs (1 rush), and 18 INTs in what was a true up and down year.

He'll have a bunch of new targets this season with pretty much all RBs and WRs that got significant touches last season graduating.

On defense, '28 LB Asher Howard, '28 DB Colton Cox, '27 DB Tustin DeWitt, '27 DB Henry Leavitt, and '27 OLB William Benzing headline the key returners.

The Bulldogs schedule is brutal this season with games against #7 Casteel, #9 Pinnacle, #10 Brophy, #11 Williams Field, #12 ALA Queen Creek, #14 Higley, #15 O'Connor, #17 Corona Del Sol, and #18 Mountain View Mesa.

Shadow Ridge

Rank: 20

Ceiling: 6-4

Floor: 3-7

‘25 record: 4-6, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 30.6

Returning TDs %: 39.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 26.5

Returning Sack/TFL %: 42.7

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 12.5

Michael Zdebski was so close to getting his team to the playoffs for the first since 2013. But a season finale loss to Saguaro was just enough to bump them out despite a head-to-head win over Westwood, who made the playoffs.

On offense, almost eveyone has graduated or transferred. '28 WR Jakhi Epson should have a big year after missing almost all of last season with injury. Epson was on a tear throughout all the summer 7v7 events and camps, especially at JustChilly's Flight Club.

On defense, the Stallions are also going to have to replace a lot of graduating seniors.

A favorable schedule once again will make breaking their playoff drought easier. Their toughest games will be against #10 Brophy, #11 Williams Field, #14 Higley, 5A #5 Millennium, and Westwood. None of their other 5 opponents made the playoffs last season.

In the Hunt

Westwood

Ceiling: 6-4

Floor: 3-7

‘25 record: 4-7, lost first round

Number of players with D-I offers: 1

Returning Offensive Yards %: 51.3

Returning TDs %: 46.9

Returning Tackle Production %: 33.1

Returning Sack/TFL %: 9.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 19.6

Salpointe

Ceiling: 6-4

Floor: 2-8

‘25 record: 7-6, lost in 6A semifinals

Number of players with D-I offers: 2

Returning Offensive Yards %: 38.1

Returning TDs %: 13

Returning Tackle Production %: 37.8

Returning Sack/TFL %: 17.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 39.8

Desert Vista

Ceiling: 6-4

Floor: 3-7

‘25 record: 4-6, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 1

Returning Offensive Yards %: 23.4

Returning TDs %: 26.1

Returning Tackle Production %: 47.3

Returning Sack/TFL %: 27.8

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 36.4

Boulder Creek

Ceiling: 4-6

Floor: 2-8

‘25 record: 3-7, missed playoffs

Number of players with D-I offers: 0

Returning Offensive Yards %: 8.3

Returning TDs %: 5.6

Returning Tackle Production %: 50.9

Returning Sack/TFL %: 61.5

Returning INT/PBU/FF/FR %: 51.7