Here are the highest-rated prospects in the state heading into the area round of the playoffs in each classification, along with another name to know.

6A - DI

2026 Landon Barnes (6'3, 220) - Duncanville

The Duncanville defensive front led by Barnes and Ford is going to be highly problematic for any offense. Barnes is an elite edge presence who plays tough versus the run and can apply pressure on quarterbacks. The state's No. 8 overall prospect inked with Ole Miss. 

Another Name to Know: 2026 DE KJ Ford (6'3, 245) - Duncanville

6A - DII

2026 WR Ethan Feaster (6'2, 175) - DeSoto

The DCTX five-star and USC signee tied the DeSoto single-season receptions record with 84 last week and has had a remarkable season, where he has racked up 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns. 

Another Name to Know: WR Brock Boyd (6'2, 175) - Southlake Carroll

5A - DI

2026 ATH Davian Groce (6'2, 190) - Frisco Lone Star

The one-time running back has fully transitioned to wide receiver, using his blend of size and speed to overwhelm defensive backs. The state's No. 2-rated athlete in the Class of 2026 is committed to the Florida Gators.

Another Name to Know: 2026 LB Tank King (6'2, 205) - Port Arthur Memorial

5A - DII

2027 RB Landen Williams-Callis (5'8, 190) - Richmond Randle

The state's most-offered prospect regardless of classification, Williams-Callis has surpassed 60 scholarship offers from programs such as Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Oregon. He combines power with quick-cutting ability and helped lead the Lions to a state championship last season.

Another Name to Know: 2027 OL Brian Swanson (6'5, 295) - South Oak Cliff

4A - DI

2026 QB Bowe Bentley (6'2, 200) - Celina

The Oklahoma commit checks in as the No. 2 QB in Texas in the 2026 cycle and has the arm and the skill to lead the Bobcats to another state championship. Note: Bentley suffered an injury and is questionable to play after leaving the Alvarado game with a shoulder injury.

Another Name to Know: 2026 ATH La'Keyleon Graves (6'0, 180) - Kilgore

4A - DII

2026 RB KJ Edwards (5'9, 175) - Carthage

The Texas A&M commit was the Offensive MVP of last year's state title game. He will pick up the tough yards in the middle of the field, but he also has game-breaking speed that he uses to cash in long TD runs.

Another Name to Know: 2027 RB Khelvy Jefferson (5'3, 150) - West Orange-Stark

3A - DI

2026 ATH X'Zavier Barnett (6'3, 185) - Yoakum

The DCTX four-star and SMU commit has the type of skill to absolutely take over a game on offense or defense. 

Another Name to Know: 2029 RB Germarquis Robinson (5'9, 170) - Yoakum

3A - DII

2027 ATH Kendray Porter Jr. (5'9, 170) - Newton

Porter spends time playing running back and wide receiver, using his speed and quickness to keep defenses off balance. He is a touchdown waiting to happen. Houston, SFA, Texas Tech and UTSA have offered.

Another Name to Know: 2027 OT Caleb Siler (6'8, 280) - Gunter

2A - DI

2026 RB/LB Zander Wills (5'10, 175) - Refugio

Wills has been a star throughout the course of the 2025 season, helping the Bobcats to a 13-0 record with game after big game. He has been awarded the opportunity to play at the next level, with the most recent offer coming in from McMurry. 

Another Name to Know: 2027 ATH Cooper Bragg (6'1, 170) - Joaquin

2A - DII

2026 ATH Kaegan Ash (6'0, 200) - Mount Enterprise

The Texas Tech commit is a bruising running back who set the all-time TXHSFB single-season rushing record after rushing for 505 yards in a regional final win. He’s the type of player you want to lean on for a deep playoff run, and his physical presence makes Mount Enterprise a legitimate state contender. He has the versatility to play running back or linebacker at the next level.

Another Name to Know: 2026 QB Cason Carney (5'10, 170) - Muenster