Julian Lewis, Chris Henry Jr., Tyler Atkinson headline list of top Class of 2026 performers.
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized the nation's top high school football players. Past members of the MaxPreps Freshman All-America Team include Nick Bosa (2012), De'Andre Swift (2013), Trevor Lawrence (2014), James Cook (2015), Jase McClellan (2016), J.C. Latham (2017), Raleek Brown (2018) and Arch Manning (2019).
National Freshman of the Year selection
Julian Lewis of
Carrollton (Ga.) headlines the 2022 MaxPreps High School Football Freshman All-America Team. Lewis led the Trojans to a 14-1 record and to the AAAAAAA state championship game. They finished the season ranked No. 22 in the final MaxPreps Top 25.
Lewis threw for 4,118 yards and 48 touchdowns while completing 65.5 percent of his passes.
In total, 23 different states were represented with California leading the way with 10 selections followed by Florida (8) and Georgia (6). Texas had the fourth most with three selections while 10 other states had two selections.
Selections are based on team success, individual production and local, regional and state honors from recently-completed season. Potential at the college and professional level is not a primary consideration.
First team offense
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 175
National Freshman of the Year threw for over 4,000 yards and 48 touchdowns for AAAAAAA runner-up.
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 165
Following bevy of offers as an eighth grader, Craig scored on his first carry as a freshman.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180
First team All-Central Virginia pick found the end zone 29 times.
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 185
Averaged more than seven yards per carry, finding the end zone 23 times.
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 170
Alll-Detroit selection had 47 catches for 767 yards and nine scores in addition to four special teams touchdowns.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 175
In addition to his impact at receiver, made three interceptions and forced two fumbles at safety. Recently transferred to Withrow.
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 165
Stole the spotlight in August nationally-televised game and never looked back.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 240
Saw limited action for 10-1 AAAAAA team but flashed in a big way, proving to be extremely difficult to tackle.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 285
Also a FBS-caliber talent on the defensive side of the ball.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 310
One of Southern California's top ninth graders hones his athleticism on the rugby field.
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 255
Giant tackle is spending the winter on the hardwood.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 275
SoCal native saw action as a ninth grader for the No. 5 team in final MaxPreps Top 25.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 320
Massive mauler has NFL frame and will only get stronger.
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 160
Dynamic speedster proved he belonged early with 11 rushing touchdowns in his first four games.
First team defense
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
Made instant impact up front for one of Georgia's top programs.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 280
Empire State football is on the rise thanks to talent like Carey, a dominant defensive lineman on the state's top team.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 270
Uses agility from wrestling to be nearly unstoppable at defensive tackle.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 230
Perhaps the brightest star in talented crop of Peach State defenders, Geralds recorded 10.5 sacks.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 190
All-region pick has look of future five-star recruit.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 215
With 120 tackles and 15 sacks, earned all-region and all-state honors.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220
A nightmare to block off the edge, Harris was often found in the opposing backfield.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 165
One of the top young players in the Lone Star State in 2022.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 165
Eye-popping statistics (85 tackles, seven interceptions) for Division III CIF San Diego Section champion.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 155
Talented defensive back has already landed offers from Oregon, Penn State and USC.
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 175
First freshman to be selected as team Captain on the National Team for last game of the season in a 27-16 win over St. Frances Academy (Baltimore).
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 160
Rare ninth-grade varsity contributor for Allen is dynamic in all three aspects of the game.
Second team offense
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 190
Tossed for 3,479 yards and 36 touchdowns in 12 games.
Height: 5-7 | Weight: 160
Elite speedster flashed in his third varsity season, averaging nearly 12 yards per carry.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185
Ripped off 1,725 yards and 22 touchdowns for 13-1 team.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 200
Accounted for over 700 total yards and 10 touchdowns in seven games, recently landed his first FBS offer from Oregon.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 160
Caught 36 passes for 659 yards and seven scores for storied Bolles program.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 165
Hauled in 56 receptions for 934 yards and seven touchdowns.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 170
Finished freshman campaign with 60 receptions for 1,026 yards and 13 scores to go with 400-plus yards rushing, seven touchdowns.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220
In addition to his work at tight end, also played running back, linebacker and special teams.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 275
All-district pick at left tackle, will likely move inside at the next level.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 310
Varsity starter who is already a coveted recruit.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 270
Two-way lineman started as a freshman for state power.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 315
Leader up front for state semifinalist.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 235
Will be even more dominant when he fills out his 6-foot-5 frame.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 305
Started at left tackle and holds numerous FBS offers.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
Was dangerous in the return game in addition to his work at running back.
Second team defense
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 230
Basketball star was extremely disruptive, to the tune of nine sacks and two blocked punts.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 250
Responsible for 46 tackles and 2.5 sacks for 13-1 team.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 310
Saw action on both sides of the ball but projects to be blue chip defensive tackle.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 230
Next in long line on Bosco blue chippers, started as a freshman on a loaded defense.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 260
Became the second freshman to start on defense for one of the premier programs in the country.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 240
Had a strong freshman year for one of the best teams in Washington.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220
Only saw limited reps for national power but looked the part of a future top recruit.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 200
Second team all-state selection amassed a whopping 17 sacks.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 225
Started at middle linebacker and earned all-league recognition after recording five sacks.
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 170
Forced eight fumbles in impressive ninth-grade campaign.
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 165
All-South Jersey pick made four interceptions and 27 tackles.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 165
The next big-time cornerback from Mater Dei saw a lot of action during his freshman season holding his own against elite competition.
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 165
All-state pick with 12 interceptions could be even better in basketball.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 170
Ball-hawking defensive back announced his presence by returning two interceptions for touchdowns in a September game.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210
For one of the country's top programs, Medley made an impact at both linebacker and receiver, showing his versatility.
* Stephen Spiewak is national football emeritus at MaxPreps and has selected the MaxPreps Freshman All-America Team since 2010. He now works for leading ticket marketplace Vivid Seats.
