High school football: Top 10 players overall heading into 2026 season

David Gabriel Georges, Brysen Wright and Elijah Haven headline selections.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Zack Poff
By
Aug 10, 2026, 1:00pm
Ahead of the 2026 high school football season, we broke down the nation's top players position-by-position with the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs.

Up next we zone in on the top 10 players regardless of position.

Leading the way is last year's MaxPreps National Player of the Year David Gabriel Georges. The five-star running back from Baylor (Chattanooga, Tenn.) led the Red Raiders to their first undefeated season since 1973. 

Brysen Wright of Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.) was the the only non-senior selected and checks in at No. 2. The five-star wide receiver has landed over 30 offers and is one of the nation's toughest covers. 

Elijah Haven of Dunham (Baton Rouge, La.) was the only quarterback selected and is our third-rated player. He was named the 2025 MaxPreps Louisiana Player of the Year after throwing for 3,931 yards and a state record 62 touchdowns to go with 794 yards rushing and 11 more scores. 

California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas all had two selections each while Tennessee and Georgia had one player chosen.
1. David Gabriel Georges, RB, Baylor (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 210
Status: Committed to Tennessee | Class: Senior (2027)
Rushed for 1,749 yards and 27 touchdowns as he became the fourth non-senior to be named MaxPreps National Player of the Year.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 215
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2028)
Five-star wide receiver is the top-rated player in the Class of 2028 according to 247Sports.

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225
Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2027)
Has thrown for 9,274 yards and 134 touchdowns to go with 400 carries for 2,375 yards and 44 more scores during his career. 

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 240
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2027)
Five-star edge rusher has racked up 218 tackles, 55 tackles for loss and 27 sacks over last two years. 

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 190
Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2027)
Two-way standout had over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 30 touchdowns to go with 40 tackles and three interceptions on defense.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Miami | Class: Senior (2027)
Five-star playmaker shined on both sides of the ball for West Broward as a sophomore hauling in 42 receptions for 942 yards and 11 touchdowns to go with 61 tackles and three interceptions for Class 6A state runner-up.  

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 275
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2027)
Former Orange Lutheran (Orange) star should make a huge impact in the trenches for one of the best defensive lines in the country. 

8. Landen Williams-Callis, RB, Randle (Richmond, Texas)
Height: 5-8 | Weight: 190
Status: Committed to Texas | Class: Senior (2027)
Four-star running back enters senior season 3,835 yards away from becoming the all-time leading rusher in Texas high school football history. 

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205
Status: Committed to Texas | Class: Senior (2027)
Five-star wide receiver had 57 receptions for 1,374 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. He added 277 yards on the ground and five scores to go with four more touchdowns on special teams. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 305
Status: Committed to Texas Tech | Class: Senior (2027)
Five-star defensive lineman dominates in the trenches and should make an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2027 for the Red Raiders. 

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