We have picked 55-guys from across six (6)-classes who we believe to be the best 55-players the KHSAA can muster entering the ’26 season
Every year we attempt to identify kids who will shine the following Fall. This year we are calling this list the preseason “Nifty double-Nichols,” or just the “Nifty Nichols,” for short. We have identified some small school (1A, 2A, & 3A) players and some large school (4A, 5A, & 6A) studs and we have not applied any of the multipliers. Who are the guys we believe will move the needle this coming football season? Check out our list and let us know what you think.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
This list, preseason, is comprised of whom we believe may be the best fifty-five (55) football players in the KHSAA heading into the 2026 season. This list has been brought to you by Lasaters Coffee & Tea where you are more than served; you are loved! This list will, forevermore, be known as the preseason Lasaters’ Nifty double-Nichols or just the Lasaters’ Nifty Nichols!
This list is in no particular order. We can not stress this enough.
It was hard enough to select just 55-players from around the commonwealth to put on the list. Having to list these 55 in any particular order would have taxed even our knowledge, even our abilities.
If you are on this list and talked about in this article, you rank among the very elite Kentucky players at your position. Where you rank overall is for the recruiting services; not for us.
As our stated goal was to recognize both small and large school specialists, defenders, and offensive players, there was no tangible nor real way for us to list them in either ascending nor descending order. Therefore, this list, in no particular order is what we have. Take it or leave it.
What we have here is essentially the Lasaters Coffee & Tea, preseason, all-state football team, if you will. We are quite sure there are players who should have been included here that we have (regrettably) missed.
No all-anything team, preseason nor otherwise, gets them all. If you are on the list and profiled herein; congratulations. If you are not; we’re sorry.
Our advice to you is to bear down, compete, and we will endeavor to find you this coming season. We will make every effort to recognize you when it is time to select our Big Ass Fans small and large school All-State Football Teams at season’s end.
Until then, enjoy and let the good natured debate commence. It may be the greatest game ever conceived; but, it is still just a game.
These prospect are not arranged in any particular order…
Friday Night Fletch, Lasaters Selection Committee
Small School Guys:
1. Matthew Montgomery, G, ’28, 6’1,”250, Lexington Christian Academy. Who would have thought the Eagles performance up front would get better in ’25 than it was in ’24 with five D-1 guys crossing the graduation stage the spring of 2025? Who would have thought the Eagles would graduate an entire starting front, change coaches, and still win its second title ever? Guys like Matthew Montgomery upfront will do that for a program. With Montgomery leading the way, the Eagles passed for 2,299-yards, completing 156 of 239-passing attempts (66% completion rate approximately), and 26-TDs against only 6-picks. The Eagles rushed for 2,254-yards, on 350-carries (6.44-yards per), with 39-TDs by land. When you play who the Eagles play, those numbers are unbelievable. Fending off the opponent’s pass rush leads to such offensive efficiency. This kid here is the consummate interior offensive lineman in the KHSAA’s 2028 graduating class. Period.
2. Jalen Dantzler, ’27 DB (safety)/ATH, Central High (Lou.): This is one of the fastest and more dangerous players playing KHSAA football anywhere in Kentucky. Can’t coach speed. This guy has it in spades. This kid also has height (6’2″) and length, two other attributes one can’t coach. Dantzler registered 54-tackles and forced a fumble. Dantzler housed a pair of kicks and scored a safety for his team. This guy took a kick back, this year, almost the entire length of the field, easily separating from Christian Academy-Louisville’s pursuit. If you can run away from that many D-1 projected prospects, you should make anyone’s All-State football team. Dantzler was among the more lethal returners in the game, averaging nearly 50-yards a return (49.57) with a long of 82-yards. Dantzler being an all-stater in the sport of football is a hill on which we will gladly die.
3. Tyler Fryman, ’27, ATH, Beechwood: Probably the scariest thing about Fryman and his teammate, Pabst, is the fact they are back this coming Fall, like their QB (Emmett Queen) who also made the All-State team. Fryman caught 62-balls this fall covering 1,320 yards receiving or 21.3-yards per. Fryman scored 23-TDs receiving, scored four (4) TDs rushing, and housed three (3) punts on his way to scoring 180-points on the year. Fryman registered 35-tackles, 2.5-TFLs, and a pair of picks to go with a FF and a FR. This kid is a candidate for “Mr. Football” next season. Write it down…
4. Dremail Carrothers, ’27 QB, Owensboro Catholic: The scariest thing about Carrothers is he is back in the Fall of ’26. Carrothers led his team to a 13-2 finish and narrow loss (5-points) to LCA in the title game. Carrothers completed 68% of his passing attempts (287/427) in 2025 and threw for 4,022-yards and 49-TDs against only eight (8)-picks. This is a school which seems to perpetually churn out wins and QBs. The Aces will be in the hunt in 2026 like every other season.
5. Emmett Queen, ’27 QB, Beechwood:. Beechwood teams which finish 11-2 and don’t win titles aren’t remembered much around Ft. Mitchell, KY. That is what comes with the territory when your team has won 18-titles. However, Queen, who will be back for another tour, had a great year in 2025. Queen threw for over 2,700-yards and 39-TDs against a pair of INTs. Queen completed 150 of his 210 passing attempts (72%) and found the end zone six (6) times with his feet. Tyler Fryman and Nathan Pabst will also be back next year so circle this team as an early title favorite for Fall of ’26. What else is new?
6. Jackson Burke, ’28 QB, Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL): There are lots of scary things about Burke’s game if you are intending to defend against it. For starters, Burke just finished a season where he threw 53-TDs, was intercepted once, led his team to a 15-0 record all while completing 83% of his passing attempts (214/257), a new national and Kentucky high school football record performance. We get to see this kid for two more seasons. CAL has won four straight titles at 3A. It might be awhile before anyone else in 3A will prove a threat to the Centurions’s present title hold. Once the multipliers are attached, this team may move up to 4A. The Centurions may find the sledding a bit more difficult there, but they will still annually contend.
7. JaHyde Brown, ’27 ATH, Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL): Putting Brown on an all-state team feels like a “cop-out.” How hard is it to notice the play of one of the commonwealth’s more highly regarded prospects in the 2027 graduating class? Brown didn’t disappoint. Brown tallied 98-receptions for 1,566-yards and 24-receiving TDs. Brown averaged 15.97-yards per reception and led the team in scoring.
8. Jayvian Meaux, ’29 RB, Danville: Meaux was the best freshman RB in the commonwealth of Kentucky. This kid and his development completely turned around an Admiral program which was going nowhere in 2024 before winning nine (9) games in 2025. Meaux gained 1,869-yards in his 12-games of action on 230-carries with 31-rushing TDs. Meaux averaged 8.1-yards per carry. Meaux completed a pass for 50-yards, averaged scoring 16.7 points a ball game, and caught eight (8) passes rolling out of the backfield, one of which was taken to pay dirt. Steve Stonebraker delivered a 9-3 mark in his first season at the helm coming off an abysmal, winless record in ’24. Danville is back, folks.
9. Nick Greer, ’28 Center, 6’2,” 255, Lexington Christian Academy: Who would have thought the Eagles performance up front would get better in ’25 than it was in ’24 with five D-1 guys upfront graduating the spring semester of 2025? Who would have thought the Eagles would graduate an entire starting front, and change coaches, and win the school’s second title ever? Guys like Nick Greer at center will do that for a program. With Greer, Montgomery, and cohorts leading the way, the Eagles passed for 2,299-yards, completing 156 of 239-passing attempts (66% completion rate approximately), and 26-TDs against only 6-picks. The Eagles also rushed for 2,254-yards, on 350-carries (6.44-yards per), with 39-TDs by land. When you play who the Eagles play, those numbers are unbelievable. Fending off the opponent’s pass rush leads to this type offensive efficiency.
10. Nash Whelan, ’28 QB, Lexington Christian Academy (LCA): Whelan is a member of one of the KHSAA’s best ’28 classes at LCA. One might say the state champion Eagles developed along the same arch as its prized ’28 QB. One thing is certain, we haven’t seen either the last or the best out of this guy. Still, what we have seen has been impressive. Whelan threw for close to 2,300-yards and 26-TDs against only six (6) INTs. Whelan completed 156 of his 239 passing attempts (66%). Unlike a lot of QBs detailed here, Whelan was not just a QB but a RB too. Whelan led the team in rushing this season with 1,000-yards on 135-carries (7.41-yards per) while scoring 14-rushing TDs. The most important statistic is Whelan leading the Eagles to the 2A title, its second all-time. In the end, that is the statistic people will remember about any QB.
11. Eli Thomas, ’28 RB, Breathitt High: Eli Thomas can do things physically kids his age just can’t. I have personally seen him jump, one-legged and sideways, on a 48-50-inch box. Just freaking incredible. So with vertical explosion like that, do you reckon his running speed is pretty good? You bet. Thomas gained close to 1,400-yards as a sophomore in 2025, in only 11-games, and scored 21-rushing TDs. Thomas averaged 8.1-yards per carry. Thomas rolled out of the backfield and caught 13-passes, four (4) of which he took to the house. Thomas led the team in scoring with 14.2-point per outing. Thomas is among the best raw athletes playing high school football throughout the KHSAA. Take our word for it, this is something we would know.
12. Nathan Pabst, ’27 ATH, Beechwood: Pabst is so versatile we don’t even know what to call him. Pabst made our Big Ass Fans team and this one as a receiver but he is way more than just a receiver. Pabst caught 38-receptions for 748-yards. Pabst averaged 19.7-yards per reception with nine (9) TDs. Pabst gained 639-yards rushing and scored 12-rushing TDs on 59-carries. Pabst was the club’s second leading scorer and among the more prolific INT guys in the defense’s back-third. Like Fryman, this cat can play! We love and reward three (3)-phase utility and versatility at KPGFootball. This kid is right up our alley.
13. Miles Hollon, ’28 QB, Breathitt High: Kyle Moore’s Bobcats were 10-3 in ’25 and its young offensive backfield gave Bobcat fans plenty of reason to be stoked about the future of the program. Miles Hollon ranks toward the top of all the in-KY QB want lists and his throwing for nearly 2,000-yards and 25-TDs would explain why all the fuss. Hollon completed 120 of his 189-passing attempts (64%) while rushing for another 238-yards and four (4) ground scores on top of his passing numbers. Hollon is a winner. He keeps leading the team to victory, which is a QB’s most important stat. How many times do we have to say this?
14. Kylan Combs, ’27 DB, Breathitt: Combs was the best freshman safety in Kentucky High School football back in the ’23 season. He was in a serious accident and it was doubted he would ever resume play. Combs missed all of 2024. Combs came back in ’25 and had a very good season. Guess what? He’s still among the best safeties in the 2A game. Combs was credited with 64-tackles for the Bobcats. He played some offense too and logged a TD rushing. He is a “Combs” which is a surname very familiar to mountain football fans. This kid is an all-stater on and off the field. Now that he has his “sea legs” he will be a tremendous threat in 2026. This kid won the KHSAA Comeback Player of the Year in 2025. There has never been a distinction more aptly awarded in our estimation.
15. Placekicker, 3A, Madden Miller, ’27, Christian Academy-Louisville: Like so many other slots, the Centurions have the best placekicker too. Miller was 51 of 52 on PATs and five (5) of six (6) on FGs. Again, a PK scoring 66-points for you can be (and often is) huge!
16. Landen Stiltner, ’27 RB/LB, 6’0,” 210-pounds, Raceland-Worthington (1A): Stiltner carried the ball 174-times for 1,490-yards and 23-TDs in 2025 for a 1A finalist. Stiltner caught a pair of passes, one of which was housed, for 55-yards and scored 144-points. Stiltner registered a hand full of tackles and a FR at LB. Stiltner is ranked the 5th best RB in Kentucky’s ’27 graduating class and has the physique and movement to play OLB at the Division I level in college. This kid is an FCS to FBS, mid-major kid who could end up lots of places.
17. Josiah England, ’27 RB/Corner, Mayfield High (2A), Mayfield, KY: England was doing way more than holding down a roster spot when we last saw him in action, full-time. England, in his last full season in the backfield (sophomore year) carried the ball 188-times for 1,568-yards and 17-TDs in 12-games. England also caught a TD pass swinging out of the backfield. England averaged, in 2024, 8.34 yards per rushing attempt and a TD every 11th carry. Coming forward to 2025, England was off to a fine start before tearing a hamstring early in the year. England managed 62-carries for 486-yards for an average of close to eight yards a carry with his seven TDs rushing coming out to a TD every 8.85-carries. Should he stay healthy, he is clearly among the top 55 or so players in the KHSAA and an elite player at the RB position. England is an elite corner too.
18. Nathanial Saylor, ’28 ATH, Bell County: Saylor is only 5’10, 165 but he plays for a living legend (Dudley HIlton) who yearly develops talent into All-State/Mr. Football-types. Saylor played in the same backfield with All-Stater, Kaleb Miller who rushed for over 2,000-yards and 30-TDs a year ago. In spite of this, Saylor rushed the ball 42-times for 586-yards (13.9523809524 per carry) and 7-TDs (a TD every sixth (6th) rushing attempt). Saylor scored rushing the ball (7-TDs), catching the ball (3-TDs), and on special teams (2-pointer). Saylor contributed on defense with 14-tackles, breaking up a plethora of passes, and snatching an INT returned 44-yards. Is this guy a top-55 type based off of last season? Probably not. However, this is a preseason prognosis concerning this coming season not a commentary on what this kid did last year. You better watch this dude. You heard it here first!
19. Spencer Phipps, ’27 T/OL/DL, 6’4,” 270, Bell County: Phipps plays for Dudley Hilton who enters 2026 with a 455-138 career mark and three (3) football titles. If we have to tell you Bell County can run the ball, you might not know enough about KHSAA football to read us. Phipps helped lead a line which cleared the path for 3,650-yards on 389-carries with 53-rushing TDs. That comes out to around 9.4-yards per carry and a TD every seven and a half rushing attempts. Phipps was his district’s lineman of the year. Here is the thing, the Bobcats threw for nearly 1,400-yards and had an 8:1 TD to INT ratio. For a mountain team, that is pretty darn good. Kaleb Miller (’26 RB) gained over 2,000-yards in 2025 with 30-rushing TDs but has exhausted his eligibility. This means Miller was either Superman in 2025 (which can’t be totally discounted) or someone was getting blocked up front. By the way, the Bobcats made the semis and finished 12-2 on the season. That a’int too bad either.
20. Logan Greene, 6’0,” 195-pounds, ’28 OLB: Greene registered 84-tackles, 6-TFLs, forced a pair of fumbles, and recovered a pair. Greene plays for Dudley Hilton who enters 2026 with a 455-138 career mark and three (3) football titles. Coach Hilton said of Greene, “He plays OLB for me. He is a heck of a football player.” When a Hall of Famer calls a guy a “…heck of a football player,” that is not something we’re going to ignore. Some advocations carry more weight than others. Sorry, what do you want from us? We’re only human, after all.
21. Andrew “Drew” Anderson, ’29 C/WR, Somerset High: Anderson is a 5’9,” 170-pound DB with length and vertical explosion and a frame not fully developed. In spite of this, Anderson squats 405-pounds, bench presses 265-pounds, and power cleans 245-pounds. Anderson runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7-seconds. Anderson played 13-games as a freshman for the Briar Jumpers in 2025. Somerset was an 11-2 ball club, among the top four (4) to five (5) 2A football teams in the commonwealth a season ago, and lost to state finalist, Owensboro Catholic, by eight (8) points (27-19) in Owensboro in the regional championship game. Anderson had 58-tackles, was second (2nd) on the team in solos with 48, picked a pass, recovered a fumble, and led the team with a dozen (12) passes broken up or defended (PBUs). That is both tremendous production and registering 48-stops, in space, out on an island demonstrated (to us) his extraordinary spacial quickness and overall athleticism. Prep RedZone, a leading national prospect service, believed Anderson to be the KHSAA’s best corner in the ’29 graduating class and 10th overall prospect. We would agree, not that they asked.
Close, but no cigar…
Here is a kid who came dangerously close to being on this preseason team; but, in the end just came up a little short. We are including him because this player may well end up on the Big Ass Fans end of the year All-State FB team.
Don’t get it twisted, this kid is a mighty good player. Matter of fact, this kid is an elite football player, right now; or, it certainly seems assured, this player will develop into an elite player at each of his respective positions.
JB Woolum, ’27 RB/DB, Belfry High School, 6’0,” 185-pounds: You have heard of a Jack of all trades, master of none before now, we are sure. Well Woolum has quite a few football skills right well mastered. Woolum, as a junior, had 82-rushing attempts for 1,066 yards from scrimmage (13-yards a carry) with 20-rushing TDs, caught 24-passes for 520-yards and 6-TDs, led the team in scoring with 164-points while registering 50-tackles, a TFL, and four (4) INTs. This kid was, and appears likely to remain, a multi-phase threat for a 12-2 ball club coming off a run to the state semis. Belfry is always a threat to take home a football title. Guys like Woolum are a large reason why that remains true, year after year.
Large School Guys:
22. Ty Ashley, 6’2,” 200, ’27 LB, Owensboro (Senior) High: Ashley has 17 FBS, Division I, offers and climbing. Among the offers are Michigan State, UK, Louisville, and a whole host of other “power fours.” His offer list is among the more impressive in the south. Owensboro is coming off a 5A football title. Ashley will play a huge role in whether the Red Devils are able to repeat. Last year, as a junior, Ashley registered 155-tackles, 13-TFLs, 3-sacks, 4-INTs, 2-FRs. Before we forget, this cat has a 3.7-GPA and is a sure-fire candidate to challenge Seneca Driver (Boyle County) for the coveted Mr. Football award.
23. Christian Bryant, 6’2,” 280, ’28 OL, Boyle County: Bryant is only a sophomore. His being a sophomore and starting along the offensive line for one of Kentucky’s premier football programs should say quite a lot, actually. Behind Bryant and his line mates, Boyle County rushed for 3,333-yards and 40-TDs. Boyle threw for 2,832-yards and another 29-scores through the air. Bryant is already drawing D-1 interest from FBS, Power 4s. Bryant’s the “next big thing” among KHSAA, big-boy college prospects.
24. Tight End: Seneca Driver, 6’7 245, ‘27 TE/LB, Boyle County: This kid here may well be the best high school football player in Kentucky at any level of play. Driver is the most recruited and ballyhooed baller in the ’27 graduating class. Driver, at TE, caught 49-passes for 875-yards and 11-TDs. Driver helped anchor a line which rushed for 3,333-yards and 40-TDs while throwing for another 2,832-yards and 29-scores. Driver rushed for three (3) scores, scored 96-points, contributed 67-tackles, 10-TFLs, three (3)-sacks, while picking five (5) passes for 97-IRNYs and a pair of “pick sixes.” I may need a nap now. Coach Justin Haddix believes in “playing your players.” This cat here rarely leaves the field playing for one of the deeper, more talent-laden rosters in the KHSAA.
25. Damarcus Ganaway, ’27 QB, Owensboro (Senior) High: Ganaway completed 151 of his 214-passing attempts (70.06%) for 2,706-yards, 36-TDs, against only five (5) picks. Ganaway ran the football 53-times for another 307-yards and five (5) rushing TDs. Ganaway didn’t start the year out under center but the team developed as he developed and the Red Devils ended the year the hands down best 5A football team in Kentucky and that classification’s champion.
26. Fox Coons, ’27 QB, Woodford County: Did you ever believe a Dennis Johnson coached football team would throw for these type yards? We didn’t either. This Coons-cat has to be something special. Coons completed 228 of his 366-passing attempts (62.3%) for 3,331-yards and 41-TDs against 8-picks. Coons even scored a couple TDs rushing. Woodford had a tremendous year (12-2) and figures to be right in the title hunt in ’26. Give Johnson credit, he molded his scheme to fit his talent and not the other way around. Smart move, Coach!
27. Maxwell Johnson, ’27 QB, Apollo (Owensboro): Johnson missed a few games early in the year but there was no doubt the team performed optimally with him back there. Johnson played the fewest games of any of our all-state QBs at the 5A level (10-games); still, one can’t deny the skills, one can’t ignore the arm talent. Johnson completed 172 of his 247-passing attempts (69.6%) for 2,270-yards and 24-TDs against only 9-picks in his 10-games.
28. Zane Johnson, ’27 QB, Trinity High (Lou.): Johnson at Trinity, as its starting QB, is 38-7 with three (3) KHSAA, 6A titles to his credit. He still has a season to play. Johnson, as a junior, completed 176 of his 258 passing attempts, good for a 68.2% completion rate. Johnson threw for 2,925-yards and 52-TDs with only three (3) INTs against one of the toughest schedules in the Bluegrass. Johnson also scored a TD rushing. This is as good and successful of a high school quarterback as we have ever seen play in the Kentucky HS game. He is drawing (not surprisingly) quite a lot or Division I, FBS interest in his services.
29. Gavin Johnson, ’27 ATH, has enrolled at Boyle County from Hazard. We said it all year long…Johnson and Hager (Pikeville) were the two best receivers playing 1A football this past Fall. Johnson, in 12-games, contributed 75-receptions for 887-yards and 8-TDs. Johnson was third on the team in scoring, registered 114-tackles, picked a pass, and recovered a pair of fumbles. What an athlete, what a football player! We hear Justin Haddix believes Johnson will play RB/Slot for him in ’26. This 6’1,” nearly 200-pounder has a standing vertical of 40-inches and has been timed, in game, at 21.4-MPH. This kid is a physical freak who may find himself challenging his teammate, Seneca Driver, for the coveted Mr. Football award at season’s end.
30. Avery Thompson, ’28 WR, Tilghman High (Paducah): What a player this particular sophomore turned out to be for the “Blue Tornado” in 2025. Thompson caught 70-passes, for 1,062-yards, with 10-TDs while averaging 15.2-yards per reception. Thompson scored 66-points and picked a pair of passes on defense.
31. Ryder Sandidge, ’27 ATH, Madisonville North Hopkins: All the ways Sandidge impacted games in 2025 was going to be challenging to sum up in just a few words. Sandidge scored six (6) rushing TDs, caught three (3) TD passes, returned an INT to the house, housed a kick-off, rushed for 347-yards, led the team with 26-receptions, registered 74-tackles, recovered a fumble, picked three (3) passes for over 60-IRNYs to go with the pick-six we have already discussed. We can’t confirm this for sure, but we have been told Sandidge may have driven the team bus to one or two of the road games and conducted the marching band at Homecoming. We’re kidding about the last two things. This kid is versatile and a veritable, one-man band who makes any team for which he plays a better team for his inclusion on its roster. Madisonville has some athletes routinely on the roster as it has a very long and storied tradition in KHSAA football. This kid here is as good a “football player” as there is playing 5A football on the western end of KY. End of dictation.
32. Tremayne Clay, ’27 ATH, Christian County Tigers: Clay did a little of everything for the (now defunct “Hopkinsville High Tigers”) in 2025. Clay caught 24-passes, six of which he housed, for 582-yards. Clay returned an INT to the house. Clay returned a kickoff to the house. Clay registered 78-tackles, 14.5-TFLs, three (3) QB-sacks, a pair of FFs, and a FR. Clay also picked a pair of passes, returned them 74-IRNYs, and housed the “pick-six” about which we previously told you. This kid is among the more skilled, versatile, and talented multi-phase threats in the KHSAA’s 2027 graduating class anywhere around 6A, western KY football.
33. Knox Barrett, ’29 QB, Franklin County: Any sophomore QB in the Bluegrass who believe they have had an “All-State” season should stack their numbers next to these babies and let me know how your faired. Playing QB is foremost about winning games and championships. There is a lot more to playing the position than just throwing the ball. Still, this guy here won games (14-1), played for the 4A championship, and had some eye-popping numbers. Barrett completed 225 of his 321-passing attempts (70.1%). Barrett threw for 3,119-yards, 37-TDs, with only 6-picks.
34. Kadence Price, 6’2,” 270-pounds, ’27 G, Madisonville North Hopkins: Price is the son of a coach and, like you would expect, does everything “technically sound” from a standpoint of OL play. Watching Price play football along an offensive front is akin to listening to a symphony written by a master at the craft. With Price upfront, the Maroons won 8-games, ran for 2,738-yards and 41-TDs, developed a finalist for Mr. Football (Markezz Hightower), and tossed the ball around for close to 1,500-yards and another 10-scores through the air. Price had a couple sacks and a TFL playing limited defensive snaps which should tell you something of his aggressiveness. We love this kid, upfront, and believe him to be a solid All-State OL performer, like his dad before him.
35. Jhet Raleigh, ’29 QB, Boyle County. Any coach will tell you the most important statistic of any QB is winning games and titles. This guy here did both as well as any QB in KY, in ’25. Raleigh completed 141 of his 191 passing attempts for a completion percentage of 73.8%. Raleigh compiled 2,067-passing yards, threw for 22 TDs, and managed to throw only two (2) picks all season. Raleigh gained 339-yards rushing with five (5) TDs on 60-carries. Most importantly, Raleigh led his team to an overall record of 14-1 and its fifth championship in the previous six (6) years.
36. Camden Page, ’27 QB, South Warren (Bowling Green): Camden Page had an incredible year for a team debuting in the 6A classification in ’25. The Spartans finished the year in the Semis, with a 13-1 record. Well, that is pretty dad-burn good. Page completed 169 of his 241 passing attempts, good for a completion percentage of 70.1%. Page wracked up 2,343-yards passing with 24-TDs against only 8-picks. Page rushed for 285-yards and seven (7) TDs on the year, fully demonstrating the type athleticism this player exhibited over the course of the ’25 season. South Warren is coached by one of the better staffs in Kentucky and has access to really good talent. This ball club is the “class of south-central/western KY, 6A football” outside of Louisville.
37. Kasen Brock, ’27 RB, Pulaski County (Somerset): Brock gained 1,808-yards this past season, on 267-carries (6.8-yards per), with 22-rushing TDs. Brock also led his team to the 5A title game before dropping the championship to the “Red Devils” from Owensboro. Brock scored 168-points in 2025 to include a housed kick, a “scoop and score,” and four TDs receiving to go along with his rushing output. Brock scored in all three phases. Y’all had to know we were going to notice something like that!
38. Dakari Talbert, ’27 RB, Frederick Douglass High (Lex). Talbert carried the ball 205-times for 1,423-yards and 19-TDs in 2025. Talbert averaged 6.9-yards per carry and played among the more challenging schedules in the 6A classification. Talbert is on many school’s wish lists among ’27 prospects. No body does a better job “coaching them up” than Nate McPeek and his staff at Frederick Douglass. No body develops talent, and helps that talent get recruited, any more efficiently either.
39. Corinthian Barnes, ’27 RB, Madison Central. Barnes carried the football 215-times, averaged 6.8-yards per carry, and gained 1,471-yards rushing from scrimmage. Barnes scored 22-rushing TDs and scored 134-points to lead his eight (8) win ball club on the year. The term “Corinthian,” meaning from Corinth, is a term associated with high-quality among leather goods. Apparently it means the same concerning KHSAA running backs.
40. Kingston Dillard, ’28 WR, Owensboro (Senior) High. Dillard caught 58-passes for 1,294-yards and 18-TDs in ’25. Dillard averaged 22.3-yards per catch, was second on the team in scoring, and made a handful of tackles defensively.
41. Brayden Winchester, ’27 ATH, Calloway County. This Winchester kid could have just as easily made this all-star team, preseason or otherwise, on either side of the scrimmage line. Then again, that is sort of the definition of an “Athlete”… a guy valuable to the team in a variety of ways as opposed to just a singe phase of the attack. Winchester is a guy who can play WR, has the body to slide inside to TE, and certainly is a skilled DE. This past season, the junior playmaker caught five (5) passes, two (2) of which were for TDs. Winchester recorded a safety. Winchester logged 49-stops, eight (8)-TFLs, and 14.5 QB-sacks.
42. Bryson “Mr. B” Johnson, ’28, LB, Perry County Central: Mr. B has made our Big Ass Fans All-State FB teams for two straight years. Johnson made it in 2024 as one of only two freshmen selected. Johnson battled some injuries his sophomore season but still had a tremendous year and added some new elements to the attack. Johnson, in only seven games, accumulated close to 70-tackles with a TFL and a sack. In addition, Johnson forced a fumble, rushed for close to 350-yards with a couple TDs in only 60-carries, and managed to catch eight (8) passes swinging out of the backfield. Now Perry County played 11-games so project his statistics out to the full accouterment of action and you will see he gained, didn’t lose, a step on his ’24 production. Bryson Johnson is one of the commonwealth of Kentucky’s more explosive, twitchy, fast, strong, and specially quick football stars at any level of play. No one outworks this kid.
43. Bryson “Cowboy” Ford, ’29 LB, Christian County Tigers: On a team roster (Christian County Colonels, now defunct) which seemed in chaos for much of the year, the play of this top-rated freshman linebacker must have appeared to be quite the bright spot for the beleaguered coaching staff. Ford has an enviable frame with plenty of length, height, and room for “good weight.” Ford registered 74-tackles, with seven (7) TFLs, and a fumble recovery on the year. Ford also doubled up at TE, mostly blocking for the Colonel run-game. We will miss the Colonel program as it merges with Hopkinsville to make an all-new, conglomerate next season (Christian County Tigers). With all the all-state players the program formerly produced, it seems fitting the last all-stater, in program history, ended up being The Cowboy! Get along little doggies…
44. Logan Seales, ’27 Punter/PK, 6’4,” 182, St. Xavier High (Lou.): Seals is a stud. Seales has a lithe leg. Seales is a weapon in field position (punting, kickoffs) and scoring (FGs and PATs). Last season, the 6’4,” 182-pounder converted all 15 of his point after attempts. Seales was seven for 11 in FGs. Seales sent 88% of his 59-kickoffs (52 of 59) either into or through the back of the end zone for a “touchback.” Ask any team who had to face Jalen Dantzler (Central High, ’27, All-State returner) if it wouldn’t have preferred just kicking that ball into the end zone as opposed to facing the prospect Dantzler just might return the kick or punt.
45. Lucas Flint, 5A, ’28 NG/OG, 6’1,” 285, Scott County: What does one even say about a kid, entering the 11th grade, and (as of press time) still a sophomore who bench presses four plates (405) a whopping eight (8) repetitions, squats around 600-pounds, power cleans better than his body weight (285), and clips off 40-yard dashes in 4.9-seconds? What can one even say about a young interior OL/DL who is already 6’1,” and weighs 285-pounds, while doing all of the above? What can one say about a sophomore nose who registered 29-tackles, playing 5A football at the highest levels for one of the classification’s premier programs and premier coaches? Prior to researching Lucas Franklin Flint from Georgetown, Kentucky, I would have said, “I’ll tell you when I meet one.” Well, I have met one. Flint is the strongest, overall, rising junior (maybe) in commonwealth history and one of his graduating class’s more sought after and skilled football players. If the colleges aren’t on this kid, right now, it is hard for me to fathom on what they are waiting. I can’t imagine what this kid will look like fully grown, fully matured. Pretty scary…
46. Jacob Spitzer, ’27 RB, Breckenridge County: Not too many “Fighting Tigers” make all-state football teams, preseason or otherwise. This one here was flat worthy. Spitzer averaged 8.2-yards per carry, gained 1,561-yards last season, and scored 18-rushing TDs. Spitzer led the squad in scoring (144-points including 18-two point conversions), and even managed to play a little defense, contributing a handful of tackles.
47. Jakari Matchem, ’28 WR, McCracken County (Paducah): The Mustangs generally have some offensive pieces who post some impressive statistics. This past season was no different. Matchem caught 80-balls for 1,239-yards and 21-TDs. Matchem averaged 15.5-yards per reception and led the team in scoring with 128-points. Matchem, on defense, picked three (3) passes and tallied 92-IRNYs. If you think you can do any better than the player who posted these numbers, go out on the field and try to Matchem. Pun intended…
48. Jake Carter, ’27 WR, South Warren (Bowling Green): Carter caught 79-balls in ’25, for over a thousand yards (1,097) with 10-TDs. Carter scored a couple times running the jet-sweep and scored 72-points for his Spartans this past season.
49. Punt Returner: 5A, Kalil “Tre” Shemwell, ’27 Owensboro: How good was Shemwell at returning punts this past season? Well, he returned 13-punts for 321-yards with an average of 24.69 and a long of 84. That is ridiculously good. Oh yeah, he housed two punts to go along with the two pick-sixes he logged.
50. Tayden Lorenzen, ’27 ATH, Highlands (Fort Thomas): Lorenzen completed seven passes, two of which were for TDs. Lorenzen threw for over a hundred yards. Lorenzen rushed the ball from scrimmage 123-times for 541-yards and 18-TDs. Lorenzen caught 26-passes for 321-yards and four (4) TDs. Lorenzen scored 136-points including a two-pointer on special teams. Lorenzen had a hand full of tackles including a TFL. This kid is a pure, pure football player and a chip off the old block.
51. Timmy Emongo, ’27 Athlete, Scott County: Emongo carried the ball, in ’25, 110-times for 1,052-yards and 18-TDs. Emongo caught 21-passes, 10 of which scored, for 660-yards. Emongo scored 174-points which included a defensive “scoop and score” among the computation of points. Emongo registered 20-tackles, picked three (3) passes, and recovered a pair of fumbles. Look for this kid to be a challenger in the “Mr. Football” race in ’26. Look for Scott County to be back in the title chase too.
52. Kade Goodin, ’27 Athlete, Martha Layne Collins High: Kade Goodin was among the best ’27s in Kentucky. As a QB, Goodin completed 164 of 276-passing attempts for 2,357-yards and 22-TDs against only three (3) INTs. Goodin rushed 770-yards and 21-rushing TDs in only 105-carries. Goodin scored 128-points, in only nine (9) games, including his scoring a two-pointer on special teams. No doubt about it, Goodin is a Good’un!
53. William Shoptaw, formerly at Hazard and believed to be transferred and enrolled at 6A, St. Xavier (Lou.), ’28 QB: Shoptaw was at the controls of an offense which played among the harder schedules in 1A. The team finished 5-7 but were virtually in every game and, with a break here or there, could have posted a pretty impressive season. Shoptaw’s performance was amazing, especially considering his tender years. Shoptaw threw for 2,798-yards and 23-TDs while completing 210 of his 346 passing attempts (61%). Shoptaw scored another pair of TDs with his feet. This might be a guy whose name is worth remembering going forward. He won’t be handed a darn thing; but, Shoptaw should be in the thick of the race for QB-1 reps when the season begins.
54. Levi Clemmons, ’28 LB, Madison Southern: This kid has consistently been among Kentucky’s top LBers in the 2028 graduating class. Clemmons only got seven (7) games of run this past Fall but made the most of it, like both Bryson “Mr. B” Johnson (Perry County) and Trevy Barber (Bowling Green, out of eligibility). Clemmons is 6’0,” 230, presses 355-pounds, squats 525-pounds, and clips off 40s in 4.8-seconds with a pro-agility in the 4.6-second range. Clemmons has a 4.0 GPA, registered 46-tackles, 6.5-TFLs, a half a sack, and a fumble recovery. This kid was a monster and will only get better with more PT and some good health. Is this guy a top-55 type based off of last season? Probably not. However, this is a preseason prognosis concerning this coming season not a commentary on what this kid did last year. This is another guy you better monitor like we wrote up above about Nathanial Saylor from Bell County. You heard it here first!
55. Rakale Johnson, ’27, 6’3,” 220, Fairdale High, WR/RB/OLB: Johnson is a multi-phase, multi-sport talent on one of 5A’s better teams. At 6’3,” 220-pounds he is among the more physically imposing too. Johnson played some WR and RB last season as a junior. Johnson caught 24-passes for 443-yards and five (5) TDs. Johnson rushed the ball 77-times from scrimmage for 318-yards and 4-TDs. Johnson scored 66-points on offense for his 8-5 Bulldogs in 2025. Among the points scored were Johnson’s four (4) rushing TDs and five (5) receiving TDs. Johnson also scored a “pick six” returned 57-yards. Johnson contributed three (3), two (2)-pointers scored on special teams. Johnson was even more lethal as a defender in 2025. Johnson registered 51-tackles, four (4)-TFLs, a QB-sack, a FR, and an INT returned 57-yards for six (6) points. Johnson, in the winter of 2026, became both a reliable and versatile performer on the Bulldog basketball team. Johnson averaged 7.3-pts./7.3 rebounds a game and shot 63% from the charity stripe. Johnson carries a 3.2-GPA in the classroom, something not stressed enough but a characteristic colleges recruiting him will absolutely love.
Close, but no cigar…
Here are some kids who came dangerously close to being on this preseason team; but, in the end just came up a little short. We are including them because any of these kids might well end up on the Big Ass Fans end of the year All-State FB team.
Don’t get it twisted, these kids are mighty good players. Matter of fact, these kids are elite football players, right now; or, it certainly seems assured, these players will develop into elite players at each of their respective positions.
Tacori Fields, 6’0,” 195-pounds, ’27 LB, Frederick Douglass High: Fields is holding offers from several FBS, Division I programs from Louisville to Marshall and several more. Fields has power cleaned 300-pounds and that is a Freddy D program record. The Broncos have developed some players under head football coach, Nate McPeek, and Fields is definitely among them. Last season, Fields made the All-District and All-City first teams and set the program record with 24-stops in a single game. In ’25, Fields registered 95 Tackles (46 solo; 49 assisted), Two and a half (2.5) TFLs, three (3) FFs, and three (3) FRs. Perhaps even more impressive, Fields carries a 3.7 unweighted GPA and a 4.3 weighted GPA in his college preparatory coursework. Impressive, in deed…
(Senior) High
Embree Dotson, ’27, 6’1,” 170-pounder, 3.7-GPA, Bowling Green (Senior) High: Dotson is a monster on the coverage units on special teams as well as on defense where he registered 69-tackles, 5-TFLs, a sack, a forced fumble, and a recovered fumble. Embree picked a pass he returned 53-yards in ’25. Dotson is a fixture in basketball where he averages 6.8-pts./5.7 rebounds while shooting over 33% from three (3) for the BGHS varsity basketball team. Both Dotson and Davis play for legendary head coach, Mark “Bruno” Spader. Spader develops talent and wins titles about as well as any coach in Kentucky.
Anthony Davis, ’29 QB, Bowling Green (Senior) High School: Davis completed 142 of 219 passing attempts for 1,971-yards and 21-TDs against 4-picks while also scoring a rushing touchdown. Davis was a freshman in ’25 so look for these numbers to improve rather drastically. Both Dotson and Davis play for legendary head coach, Mark “Bruno” Spader. Spader develops talent and wins titles about as well as any coach in Kentucky.
Chase Bell, ’28 QB, 6’3,” 200-pounds, South Warren High School: Bell is among the more physically gifted young athletes in his graduating class across the Bluegrass. Bell is among the more recruited prospects in his graduating class across the Bluegrass. Bell has a tremendous frame, superior athleticism, and off the charts-type arm talent. Bell is holding offers from Maryland, Georgia State, Bethune-Cookman, and EKU. Bell completed over 76% of his passing attempts in 2025 (51 of 67), for the South Warren Spartans, throwing for 609-yards and eight (8) TDs against a lone pick. Bell rushed the ball 17-times for 71-yards and a TD. With either Page or Bell at the controls, South Warren doesn’t skip a single beat and is the class of 6A on its end of Kentucky.
Jasiah McCarley, ’28 QB, 5’10,” 165-pounds, Christian County Tigers: McCarley doesn’t have the classic build coaches want to see at QB, and he will have to fight off Nehemiah Bailey for the job, who is stacked (6’3,” 200), but it is hard to argue with over 2,000-yards passing and 20-TDs against 6-picks as a sophomore playing 6A Kentucky football. This is a heady kid, with plenty of arm talent, who makes good decisions with the football. McCarley can also play free safety and wide receiver. McCarley will be working under veteran assistant coach, Rusty Goble, who is the son of a Hall of Fame coach (Dan Goble) and who has developed plenty of top-flight QB’ing talent in his illustrious and long coaching career.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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