Headline: 2026 Arkansas Prep Sports Midseason Football Watchlist – Presented by Shelter Insurance
Sub-Headline: To add any players to this list, please email a nomination to [email protected]. Please be sure to include the athlete’s name, school, grade, and why you think they should be added to the list.
Mario Lewis (Ashdown)
Mario showed his dominance this past week. His hard work throughout the summer is paying off on the field.
Bryson French (Ashdown)
Explosiveness and versatility have been key parts of Bryson’s impact this season. He can move to multiple positions on the field.
Weston Monson (Benton)
Weston is a 6-foot-3, 205-pound linebacker who runs a 4.55-second 40-yard dash and is committed to Harding University. Through Week 4, he has recorded 61 total tackles, five tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries, and three pass breakups. He also returned an interception 18 yards for a touchdown and is regarded as one of the state’s top defensive players regardless of classification.
Cayden Burch (Bismarck)
A dangerous dual-threat quarterback, Cayden also starts at safety. Through four games, he has completed 33 of 60 passes for 596 yards and six touchdowns. He has added 305 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
Clayton Martinez (Bismarck)
Clayton has contributed on both sides of the ball this season. He has recorded 28 tackles on defense while rushing for 329 yards and seven touchdowns on offense.
Andrew Lowe (Central Arkansas Christian)
A senior outside linebacker and fullback, Andrew is a three-year starter, three-year all-conference selection, and team captain with a 4.0 GPA. His athleticism, leadership, and commitment to his teammates make him a role model for younger players. He is active in his school and community and also serves as a captain on the baseball team.
Ross Mounts (Central Arkansas Christian)
Ross is a senior linebacker and fullback, a team captain and a two-time all-conference selection with a 4.0 GPA. He leads through his character and daily example on and off the field. He also participates in student council, chapel, and his youth group while playing basketball.
Matteo Gaona (Charleston)
Versatility makes Matteo an important contributor in nearly every phase of the game. He has been the team’s top receiver, defensive back, returner, and kicker.
Matthew Scott (Charleston)
Matthew has been one of the team’s best overall players to this point in the season. A steady, hardworking contributor, he also provides valuable scout-team reps when he is not in the lineup.
Harold McNabb (Clinton)
Production across multiple roles has defined Harold’s season. He has rushed for 366 yards and five touchdowns, caught four passes, and completed eight passes with one touchdown. Defensively, he leads the team in tackles and has recorded an interception and a forced fumble.
Ian Wright (Danville)
Ian has been dominant at right tackle, recording 36 pancake blocks through five games. He has graded at 90% or higher in every game and holds an offer from Hendrix.
Matthew Krentz (Dover)
At quarterback, Matthew has provided solid leadership for the offense. His presence has helped guide the unit this season.
Riley Fields (Episcopal)
Riley brings strong leadership and athleticism to the team as a senior. His versatility allows him to contribute at multiple positions.
Jamartez Stroud (Fordyce)
An injury to the starting quarterback has pushed Jamartez into additional roles at quarterback and running back while remaining the team’s top receiver. He has scored rushing and receiving touchdowns and thrown a touchdown pass. On defense, he has intercepted five passes in three games and returned two for touchdowns.
Micah Gamble (Fordyce)
Micah is the team’s top running back and has also played quarterback and receiver following an early-season injury to the starting quarterback. Through three games, he has rushed for nearly 600 yards while averaging more than 10 yards per carry and has thrown a touchdown pass. He is also among the team’s leading tacklers and has two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
Cooper Buss & Max Carter (Fountain Lake)
Work ethic and leadership have made Cooper and Max important parts of Fountain Lake’s progress. Both have helped move the program in the right direction and have earned high praise from their offensive coordinator for their leadership at their respective positions. Their commitment and contributions point toward bright futures.
Gage Hood (Glen Rose)
Gage has completed 43 of 84 passes for 636 yards and eight touchdowns with only two interceptions. He has also rushed 53 times for 314 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, he has intercepted three passes.
Leyton Baldwin (Glen Rose)
Great energy and contributions on both sides of the ball have highlighted Leyton’s season. He has caught 11 passes for 178 yards and recorded 32 tackles.
Jamar Allen (Gosnell)
Jamar has compiled a 15-1 record as the starting quarterback, combining a strong arm with explosive, physical running ability. Through five games, he has completed 20 of 32 passes for 525 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 60 times for 671 yards and seven scores. His leadership, toughness, and competitiveness have helped drive the team’s success. He has begun receiving Division II scholarship offers and significant junior college interest.
Thomas Reddick (Gosnell)
At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Thomas combines size, strength, and athleticism as the anchor of an offensive line paving the way for more than 350 rushing yards per game. His physical blocking and ability to reach defenders at the second and third levels have helped Gosnell compile a 15-1 record since the beginning of last season. A dependable, team-first leader, he is committed to the University of Central Arkansas.
Austin Wolf (Gravette)
Austin is a three-year starter, team captain, and two-time all-conference selection who contributes on both sides of the ball. His career defensive totals include 175 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 20 quarterback hurries, an interception, three pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown, and he opened his senior season with a blocked punt. He has played defensive end, outside linebacker and safety, along with H-back, tight end and wide receiver on offense. His blocking has helped the Lions average more than six yards per carry during his career, and he has added 34 receptions for 506 yards and two touchdowns.
JD Beem (Gravette)
A four-year starter and captain on both sides of the ball, JD has earned All-Sophomore recognition, two all-conference selections and all-state honors as a junior. At safety, his career totals include 180 tackles, nine interceptions, a defensive touchdown, 14 pass deflections and three fumble recoveries. He has also played running back, receiver, and quarterback, rushing for 1,543 yards and 23 touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. His offensive production includes 38 receptions for 580 yards and seven touchdowns and a 100% completion rate at quarterback.
Ywa Hay Moo (Green Forest)
Moo has opened the season with 623 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His big-play ability has produced two touchdown runs of more than 80 yards.
Jace Meador (Green Forest)
From his middle linebacker position, Jace has helped lead the team to a 3-1 start. He is averaging 14 tackles per game and has forced two fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown.
Trenden Moseley (Greenbrier)
Trenden has caught 26 passes for 652 yards and 10 touchdowns. His speed is also evident on the track, where he has run the 100 meters in 10.65 seconds.
Braxton Story (Greenland)
Through five games, Braxton has carried the ball 52 times for 502 yards. He has scored seven rushing touchdowns during that stretch.
EJ Johnson (Greenland)
EJ has rushed for 610 yards on 92 carries through five games. He has also reached the end zone eight times.
Braxton Canada (Greenwood)
A junior wide receiver, Braxton has recorded 36 receptions this season. Those catches have produced 406 yards and six touchdowns.
Cruz Coatney (Greenwood)
Cruz has completed 83 of 120 passes for 869 yards and seven touchdowns as the team’s senior quarterback. He has also rushed 22 times for 71 yards and three touchdowns.
Cyler Moore (Har-Ber)
At inside linebacker, Cyler has recorded 25 solo tackles and 13 assisted tackles. His production also includes two tackles for loss and two sacks.
Brice Owens (Har-Ber)
Brice has produced as a dual-threat quarterback, passing for more than 700 yards and five touchdowns. He has also rushed for more than 250 yards and five scores.
Sky Lee (Harrison)
A three-year defensive starter, Sky provides leadership and versatility from his middle linebacker position. Through the first four weeks, he has recorded 48 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a sack, three quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. That follows an 11-game season in which he posted 91 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, 25 hurries, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and a recovery.
Jenner Thomas (Harrison)
Jenner contributes at tight end and outside linebacker while playing nearly every snap. In his second full season at tight end, he has combined strong blocking with playmaking in the passing game, including three sliding or diving sideline catches against Farmington that kept drives alive. Defensively, he has recorded 17 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Barrett Nelson (Haskell Harmony Grove)
Strong blocking and vocal leadership have highlighted Barrett’s season. He has averaged a 92% blocking grade, recorded 10 pancake blocks, and received multiple Division II offers. He also maintains a 3.6 GPA and volunteers with the peewee football program.
Ace Garcia (Haskell Harmony Grove)
Ace is a junior running back and safety with 39 carries for 314 yards and two touchdowns, along with seven receptions for 91 yards. He has added 28 tackles on defense and handles calls for the secondary. His vision and acceleration help him find running lanes, while his tackling ability makes him effective in space.
Noah Adkins (Hazen)
Contributions in all three phases have highlighted Noah’s season. He is on pace to surpass 1,500 rushing yards and reach 100 tackles on defense, and he has also blocked a punt.
Spencer Sugg (Heber Springs)
Spencer is a sophomore quarterback with the potential to become a high-level prospect. Through five games, he has completed 83 of 127 passes for 1,568 yards and 16 touchdowns with five interceptions, along with three rushing touchdowns. His standout performance came against Dardanelle in Week 3, when he completed 20 of 25 passes for 476 yards and seven touchdowns and added a rushing score.
Titus Bullington (Heber Springs)
At inside linebacker, Titus has been active across the field through five games. He has recorded 57 tackles, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He also returned an interception 74 yards for a touchdown.
Dante Carillo (Heritage)
Dante is a junior right tackle. He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 280 pounds.
Diego Cervantes (Heritage)
A junior who plays tight end and defensive end, Diego contributes on both sides of the ball. He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 215 pounds.
Delonte Duff (Junction City)
Delonte is an Arkansas Razorbacks commit who plays with relentless effort at defensive line and offensive tackle. He has recorded 16 pancake blocks on offense. Defensively, he has 28 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and nine quarterback hurries.
Nemo Caldwell (Junction City)
An all-around weapon on offense and defense, Nemo holds 12 offers. Through five games, he has rushed 31 times for 301 yards and six touchdowns and caught eight passes for 253 yards and four scores. Defensively, he has recorded 27 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and four sacks.
Pete Ohman (Lakeside Hot Springs)
Pete is an all-state running back. He is in the process of putting together another strong run this season.
Quadarius Jackson (Lakeside Hot Springs)
Highly regarded by his coach, Quadarius has earned praise as the state’s best wide receiver. His coach also credited him with getting the better of Benton’s Lewis in a one-on-one matchup.
Dalton Mullenix (Lavaca)
Dalton is the team’s starting senior quarterback. Through five games, he has completed 48 of 88 passes for 712 yards and 11 touchdowns with three interceptions. He has also rushed 58 times for 533 yards and nine touchdowns.
Tanner Hamilton (Lavaca)
A junior slot receiver and secondary player, Tanner has caught 25 passes for 384 yards and nine touchdowns through five games. He has also completed a 37-yard pass and rushed six times for 19 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, he has recorded 20 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown.
Wesley Morley (Malvern)
Wesley was injured in the first quarter of the season opener after just three carries and missed the next three weeks. Since returning, he has rushed for 347 yards and six touchdowns on only 14 carries.
Jeremiah Burton (Mansfield)
Production on both sides of the ball has highlighted Jeremiah’s season. He has rushed 59 times for 787 yards and eight touchdowns and caught five passes for 52 yards and another score. Defensively, he has recorded 15 tackles, a tackle for loss, and three passes defended.
Carter Smith (Mayflower)
Carter has thrown for 922 yards and six touchdowns this season. He has completed 69% of his passes.
Mar’Trell Jergins (Mayflower)
A contributor at receiver and cornerback, Mar’Trell has caught 29 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns. He is also regarded as the team’s top corner and has recorded an interception.
Mason Wren (Melbourne)
Mason has recorded 22 receptions this season. Those catches have produced 318 yards and four touchdowns.
Abe Cooper (Melbourne)
Through the season so far, Abe has thrown for 1,012 yards. He has also passed for 12 touchdowns.
Carter Steward (Mineral Springs)
Carter is a sophomore linebacker with 62 total tackles, including 29 solo stops and 33 assists. He has also recorded four tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Jamerian Staten (Mineral Springs)
A sophomore quarterback, Jamerian has rushed 102 times for 918 yards and nine touchdowns. He has completed 12 of 18 passes for 155 yards. His production also includes eight receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns.
Champ McNabb (Morrilton)
Champ has earned praise for his play at wide receiver. He is also a strong contributor on defense.
Davion Johnson (Morrilton)
A talented sophomore running back, Davion contributes to the offense. He also provides strong play at cornerback.
Ford Coleman (Mountain Home)
Ford has been a dominant presence on the Bombers’ defensive line and is an early commit to SAU. Through four games, he has recorded 39 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and 10 quarterback hits or pressures. He has also returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Kobe Dotson (Mountain Home)
A 2028 linebacker prospect, Kobe combines length, speed, natural instincts, and a strong football IQ at outside linebacker. Through four games, he has recorded 40 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. He has also contributed an interception, a blocked field goal, and three pass breakups.
Kooper Caldwell (Murfreesboro)
Kooper is the starting quarterback and also plays safety. Through five games, he has thrown for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns with three interceptions. Last season, he passed for 2,500 yards and 33 touchdowns while finishing second on the team in tackles.
Calmarre Harrell (Nettleton)
Through three games, Calmarre has carried the ball 76 times for 551 yards. He has scored eight rushing touchdowns.
Kie’lyn Hemdrix (Nettleton)
Kie’lyn has recorded 50 tackles, a tackle for loss, two interceptions, and a forced fumble from his defensive back position. He has also returned a punt for a touchdown.
Jesyn Russell (Newport)
From his defensive end position, Jesyn has recorded 36 total tackles. He has also contributed five sacks and 11 quarterback hurries.
Tavarius Hardaway (Newport)
Tavarius has produced 479 total yards and five touchdowns as a versatile athlete. On defense, he has recorded 28 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions.
Jaden Robinson (Newport)
At safety, Jaden leads the team with 50 tackles and has intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown. He has also contributed 233 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns offensively.
Luke Sampson (Newport)
Luke has thrown for 719 yards as the team’s starting quarterback. He has also rushed for 386 yards and accounted for 18 combined touchdowns.
Christain Reeves (North Little Rock)
A team leader enjoying a strong start, Christain has rushed 52 times for 700 yards and 11 touchdowns through five games. He has also caught a 51-yard touchdown pass.
Corwin Couch (North Little Rock)
Corwin has opened the season strongly as the starting defensive tackle. Through five games, he has recorded 21 solo tackles, 12 assists, five sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hurries.
Danny Smith (North Little Rock)
Already starting at wide receiver as a freshman, Danny also contributes at running back. Through five games, he has caught 11 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns. He has added 144 rushing yards on 21 attempts.
Jamir Lee (North Little Rock)
Jamir leads the team in receptions and receiving yards while also providing strong blocking at wide receiver. Through five games, he has caught 26 passes for 407 yards and four touchdowns. He has also carried the ball twice for four yards.
Jeremiah Buckner (North Little Rock)
Before suffering an injury in Week 4, Jeremiah produced 204 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 33 carries across roughly three games. He also caught a 45-yard touchdown pass. The team hopes to have him back for the playoffs.
KJ Summons (North Little Rock)
KJ has made a strong start as one of the team’s starting defensive ends. Through five games, he has recorded six solo tackles, 30 assists, 2.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and 19 quarterback hurries.
Priest Simpson (North Little Rock)
A leader on and off the field, Priest contributes at inside and outside linebacker. Through five games, he has recorded 50 tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, a pass breakup, two interceptions,s and three quarterback hurries. He has also scored a defensive touchdown and accumulated 189 defensive production points.
Robert Jackson (North Little Rock)
Robert provides leadership as the team’s quarterback. Through five games, he has completed 56 of 90 passes for 835 yards and 11 touchdowns with only one interception. He has also rushed 38 times for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Easton Fox (Ozark)
A Harding commit, Fox has contributed on both sides of the ball through four games. He has rushed 60 times for 394 yards and seven touchdowns and caught four passes for 73 yards. Defensively, he has recorded 24 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
John Skolarski (Ozark)
Skolarski has rushed 60 times for 845 yards and nine touchdowns through four games, averaging more than 14 yards per carry. He has also caught three passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. His work ethic and character complement his production on the field.
Brian Woodley (Prescott)
Defensive and special-teams contributions have highlighted Brian’s season. He has recorded 38 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery. He has also blocked two punts and scored a touchdown.
Owen Glass (Prescott)
Owen has caught 12 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown, added a three-yard carry, and completed his only pass attempt for three yards. He has also contributed a two-point conversion. On defense, he has recorded 17 tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery, and two pass deflections.
Caden Harneck (Quitman)
A senior captain, Caden contributes at defensive end and left tackle while providing leadership throughout the team. Through four games, he has recorded 26 tackles, four tackles for loss, and four sacks. On offense, he has earned a 91% blocking grade and recorded 21 pancake blocks. His impact continues despite opposing offenses adjusting their game plans to keep him out of the backfield.
Jack Sexton (Quitman)
Jack is a senior captain and the team’s quarterback. Through four games, he has thrown for 644 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 292 yards and seven scores.
Trey Allen (Southside Charter)
A senior quarterback, Trey is in his third year as a starter. He brings three seasons of starting experience to the position.
Junior Rodriguez (Springdale)
Junior is a 6-foot-1, 305-pound defensive end who earned first-team 7A West all-conference honors in 2025 and holds an offer from Arkansas Tech University. Through four games in 2026, he has recorded 19 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. He has also blocked six kicks.
Orion Leautu (Springdale)
A junior tight end and wide receiver, Orion holds 12 Division I offers. Through four games in 2026, he has caught eight passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns and recorded 12 pancake blocks. He has also rushed seven times for 17 yards and completed three of five passes for 20 yards.
Wilder Lherisse (Springdale)
Wilder rushed for 1,100 yards in 2025. Through three and a half games in 2026, he has carried the ball 69 times for 462 yards and four touchdowns. He has also caught four passes for 15 yards.
Cain Price (Stuttgart)
A four-year starting quarterback, Cain has thrown 103 career touchdown passes and needs 400 more passing yards to surpass 10,000 for his career. This season, he has thrown 10 touchdown passes and added two rushing touchdowns.
Keaton Byers (Stuttgart)
Keaton has intercepted five passes at free safety, returning two for touchdowns, and ranks second on the team in tackles. He has also returned a punt for a touchdown and caught two touchdown passes at wide receiver.
William Schmitz (Subiaco)
A hardworking, hard-hitting,g and coachable junior, William has been a starter since ninth grade. He leads the team in tackles and receptions. His effort on every play has earned strong praise from his coach.
Caden Burnett (Sylvan Hills)
Caden has embraced a leadership role in his first season as the starting quarterback as a junior. Through four games, he has completed 73 of 121 passes for 1,275 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing eight times for 104 yards and two scores. His unselfish approach includes giving teammates credit when he receives recognition. He also holds an offer to pitch for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Ducy James (Sylvan Hills)
An Air Force football commit, Ducy has been the team’s top defensive player at defensive end. His athleticism and aggressive style create problems for opposing offensive linemen. Through four games, he has recorded 25 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble, two pass breakups, and nine quarterback hurries.
Abe Cone (Van Buren)
Abe has developed from a reserve into the team’s top wide receiver during his senior season. Through four games, he has caught 21 passes for 467 yards and five touchdowns. He also starts at cornerback, where he can match up with opponents’ top receivers, and has recorded nine tackles.
Hayden Christenberry (Van Buren)
After starting 11 games last season, Hayden has continued contributing during his junior year. Through four games, he has rushed 72 times for 500 yards and six touchdowns.
Hayden Williford (Van Buren)
Hayden is a three-year starter who has helped lead the team to a 3-1 start. Through four games, he has completed 72% of his passes for 790 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception.
