THE NEXT TIER OF ATHLETES IN MICHIGAN:
The depth of talent across Michigan high school football is on full display with the NXTGEN Recruits 2026 Pre-Season All-Elite 2nd Team selections for both Large Schools and Small Schools. These Class of 2027 standouts (with a couple of rising 2028 names mixed in) may have landed just outside the 1st Team, but they are every bit as capable of dominating Friday nights and elevating their programs this fall.
From dual-threat quarterbacks to physical trench warriors and playmaking skill players, this group is loaded with athletes who will produce big moments, force coaches to game-plan around them, and help push their teams deep into the postseason. Here’s the position-by-position breakdown of the 2nd Team selections and why they are primed for strong 2026 campaigns.
Quarterback
Large Schools: Anderson Adams (Lake Orion) brings a polished arm, mobility, and leadership to the Dragons’ offense. Expect Adams to make accurate throws under pressure and keep drives alive with his legs as Lake Orion aims for another strong season.Small Schools: Evan Towne (Hillsdale) is a dynamic dual-threat signal-caller who can beat defenses through the air or on the ground. Towne’s ability to extend plays and deliver in critical moments will make Hillsdale a dangerous offense in 2026.
Both quarterbacks have the tools to light up scoreboards and lead their teams with confidence.
Running Back
Large Schools: Lundon Hampton (Kenowa Hills) is a powerful, elusive runner with excellent vision. Hampton will wear down defenses between the tackles while still possessing the burst to break long runs for the Knights.
Small Schools: Cole Reinhardt (Monroe St. Mary’s) combines size, toughness, and quickness. Reinhardt is built to handle a heavy workload and will be the engine of the St. Mary's ground attack all season.
These backs give their offenses reliable, physical options who can control the tempo of any game.
Wide Receiver
Large Schools: Blake Francis (Bay City John Glenn), Elliott Neff (Thornapple Kellogg), and Will Fussman (Kenowa Hills) form a dangerous trio. Francis’s speed, Neff’s route-running polish, and Fussman’s big-play ability will create constant mismatches and highlight-reel catches.
Small Schools: Jace Cummings (Grand Rapids Catholic Central), Blake Karr (Vassar), and Austin Jensen (Montabella) bring similar explosiveness. Cummings’s athleticism, Karr’s reliability, and Jensen’s ability to stretch the field will force defenses to stay honest.
This receiver group is full of playmakers who will fill highlight reels throughout the 2026 season.
Tight End
Large Schools: Anthony Cartwright III (Detroit Country Day) is a complete tight end with the size to block and the hands to be a reliable target in the passing game. Cartwright will be a mismatch weapon in both the run and pass phases for the Yellowjackets.
Small Schools: Liam Payne (Union City) offers the same two-way value. His athleticism and physicality make him a tough cover and a solid contributor in the trenches.
Both tight ends give their offenses versatile weapons that can tilt matchups in their favor.
Offensive Line
Large Schools: Caleb Pugh, Hunter Hankamp (Coopersville), Eric Anderson (Detroit Catholic Central), Jakari Lipsey (Kalamazoo Loy Norrix), and Jameer Henry (Detroit MLK) form a strong, physical unit of linemen that will excel for their respective programs this fall. This group will create running lanes and provide solid protection as their offenses look to control the line of scrimmage.
Small Schools: Luke Godlewski (Monroe Jefferson), Greg Muzyk (Grand Rapids Catholic Central), Lincoln Ordway (Merrill), Brayden Foster (Montabella), and Colin Fuller (Jackson Lumen Christi) bring toughness and technique. These linemen are built to dominate in the trenches and open holes for their skill players.
A solid offensive line is the foundation of any successful team, and both of these groups look ready to deliver for their schools this season.
Defensive Line
Large Schools: Lucas Pinder (Portage Northern), Max Bollman (Big Rapids), Dawoud Issa (Saline), and Myles Smith (Farmington) are disruptive forces up front. They will pressure quarterbacks, stop the run, and create negative plays all season long.
Small Schools: Chris Matyas (Dansville), Conrad Haack (Bishop Foley), Dwight Bowden (Mount Clemens), and Bradyn Kosiorowski (Allegan) bring relentless effort and physicality. Expect consistent pressure and run-stopping ability from this unit.
These defensive linemen will make life difficult for opposing offenses week after week.
Linebacker
Large Schools: Carter Czapski (Utica), Ryan Kerry (Rockford), Parker Friess (Williamston), and Jalen Montlouis (Detroit Catholic Central) form a fast, physical, and instinctive group of backers that will absolutely dominate in the second level for their programs. They will fill gaps, cover ground, and deliver big hits.
Small Schools: Kane Romano (Dansville), Tanner Snip (Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Class of 2028), Jael Djouguem (Grand Rapids West Catholic), and Cordairo Knighten Jr. (Ecorse) are equally impressive. Sideline-to-sideline range and tackling ability define this corps.
These linebackers will serve as the heart of their defenses in 2026.
Defensive Back
Large Schools: Elijah Goins (Dakota), Wendall Childs Jr. (Clarkston), and Giancarlo Vitti (Divine Child) give large-school secondaries coverage skills and physicality. Expect interceptions, pass breakups, and strong run support.
Small Schools: Luke Beaudrie (Monroe Jefferson), Grayson Tidd (Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Class of 2028), and Logan Emerick (St. Frances Cabrini) bring similar ball skills and toughness. They will lock down receivers and make plays on the ball.
Michigan’s secondary depth is outstanding, and these defensive backs are ready to shine.
punter
Mayson Burgett (Dansville) Burgett’s strong leg and consistency will be a major asset in the kicking game, helping flip field position on a regular basis for an Aggies program going through a major transition from 11-man ball to 8-man through the 2026 season.
The 2026 season is loaded with talent at every level, and these NXTGEN All-Elite 2nd Team selections are primed to prove they belong among Michigan’s best. Whether it’s making big plays in the open field, controlling the trenches, or locking down opponents on defense, these athletes will be difference-makers for their programs.Keep a close eye on every name on this list. Many of them are just getting started, and the best is still ahead. #NXTGENELITE
