With Friday Night lights back upon us, here are the Top 30 Colorado high school football players to watch in 2026.
, Sr. Edge, Mullen (Stanford commit) — After 8 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss last year, Mailo is about to be an even bigger problem for opposing offenses in 2026.
, Sr. OL, Valor Christian (Washington) — The son of former Broncos executive Matt Russell is a dominant force in the trenches and anchors the Eagles’ line at left tackle.
, Sr,. OL, Cherry Creek (UCLA) — U.S. Army All-American will be a linchpin of the Bruins’ offensive line as Creek goes for its seventh Class 5A title in eight years.
, Sr. CB, Cherokee Trail (Northwestern) — One of the top cover corners in the state, the speedy Mbamarah is capable of picks and can open-field tackle, too.
, Sr. QB, Mountain Vista (Colorado State) — The gunslinger led Class 5A with 3,314 passing yards and 44 TDs last fall, and remains central to the program’s title hopes.
, Sr. RB/S/LB, Sand Creek (Drake) — The Scorpions’ Mr. Do-Everything rushed for 2,001 yards and 20 TDs in 202, and will again be a key figure in Sand Creek’s secondary.
, Sr. WR, Valor Christian (Notre Dame) — Eagles coach Mike Sanford admits Coleman didn’t get the ball enough in ’25. That won’t happen again in ’26 for the dynamic playmaker.
, Sr. S, Eaglecrest (Boise State) — The Raptors’ secondary linchpin has length, speed, tackling ability and instincts as he’s emerged as one of the top safeties in Colorado.
, Sr. QB, Fairview (University of Saint Thomas) — The Knights’ high-flying aerial attack is again highlighted by Ellison, who threw for 2,964 yards last year and ran for 395 more.
, Sr. WR/DB/RB, Ralston Valley (Wyoming) — The son of 1995 Gold Helmet Award winner Matt Rillos, the younger Rillos is a threat in all three phases of the game for the Jeffco power.
, Sr. QB, Pomona (Wyoming) — After leading Big Black to the Class 3A state title last year with 2,620 total yards and 39 TDs, Ingersoll is back under center in Arvada.
, Jr. RB, Cherry Creek (uncommitted) — The Most Outstanding Player of the ’24 Class 5A title, Cromwell is poised for a breakout following the graduation of Jayden Fox.
, Jr,. QB, Valor Christian (uncommitted) — The son of former NFL QB Brock Huard, Valor Christian’s signal-caller has the pedigree plus all the tools to lead the Eagles on a title push.
, Sr. WR/DB, Palmer Ridge (uncommitted) -- The Bears' centerpiece is dripping with speed and athleticism, and will again be a two-way force following 1,085 all-purpose yards in '25.
, Sr. WR/CB, Mountain Vista (San Diego State) -- Bailey can head-top the other team's best cornerback for a TD, then go out the very next possession and shut down a No. 1 receiver.
, Sr. OL/DL, Pine Creek (uncommitted) -- Talk about the eye test: The Eagles' powerhouse lineman is 6-foot-7, 270 pounds, and a constant mismatch on both sides of the ball.
, Sr. TE, Grandview (uncommitted) -- The Division I recruit is poised for a breakout senior season, and his 6-foot-6 length will be an asset on routes and in the trenches.
, Sr. OL/DL, Palisade (Colorado State) -- At 6-foot-7, 260 pounds, the physicality of the right tackle and defensive end will again make the Bulldogs playoff contenders in Class 3A.
, Sr. OL, Ponderosa (Army) -- There are a handful of reasons the Mustangs believe they are Class 4A title contenders this season; Capehart's size is one of them.
, Sr. TE/DE, Montrose (Michigan State) -- The Western Slope star had an eye-popping 28 tackles for loss last year, and his presence on offense will also be key for the Class 4A contender.
, Sr. WR, Legend (uncommitted) -- After catching 39 passes for 734 yards and 12 TDs last year, Marchand will again be key to the Titans' deep Class 5A playoff dreams.
, Sr. RB/LB, Columbine (uncommitted) -- A three-year starter for the Rebels, Vialpando is one of many seniors who could spark a playoff run in the Rebels' move to Class 4A.
, Sr. TE, Evergreen (UNLV) -- The 6-foot-4 target averaged 17.4 yards per catch last season, and his enhanced skillset will be an even bigger issue for opposing defenses this season.
, Sr. DB, Cherry Creek (Wyoming) -- A multiple-year pillar of the CCHS secondary, McKenzie can play safety and nickel; capable of multiplying his two-pick tally from '25.
, Jr. QB, Regis Jesuit (uncommitted) -- The Raiders' star is being recruited by a bevy of Power 4s, and has the arm and football I.Q. to steer Regis through another tough schedule.
, Sr. Edge/DT, Grandview (Kansas) -- For a Wolves program that has long prided itself on physicality and toughness, built-like-a-tank Dorsey perfectly fits the bill.
, Sr. TE, Fossil Ridge (Arizona State) -- The Sabercats standout is poised for more production in '26, continuing Camping's rapid rise as a coveted Division I tight end prospect.
, Jr. QB, Arapahoe (uncommitted) -- After bursting onto the scene as a sophomore, Lee and his speedy, talented wideout corps are capable of making serious noise in Class 5A.
, Sr. WR, Cherry Creek (Wyoming) -- With Max Lovett and Ty Goettsche graduated, there will be plenty more targets this fall as Landrum-Hamilton is sure to be CCHS' featured wideout.
, Jr,. OL/DL, Windsor (uncommitted) -- The big fella was central to the Wizards' run to the Class 3A title game last year and will again act as a trench stabilizer on both sides of the ball.
