Title: Rivals Unveils Top 10 Prospects in the 2026 Class, Highlighting Five Five-Stars
Introduction
Carrollton (Ga.) High School star Julian Lewis has been officially recognized as a five-star prospect in the 2026 class by Rivals. Lewis, a prodigy quarterback, has shown exceptional skills on the field, leading his team to a state championship appearance and impressing college evaluators. He is joined by other top prospects, including Jahkeem Stewart, Jackson Cantwell, Chris Henry Jr., and Keenyi Pepe. These young athletes possess immense talent and potential, drawing attention from college programs across the nation. Let’s delve deeper into the profiles of each of these rising stars.
1. Julian Lewis: A Prodigy Quarterback Destined for Greatness
Julian Lewis, hailing from Carrollton (Ga.) High School, has long been marked for stardom. As the first five-star prospect in the 2026 class, Lewis has lived up to expectations, leading his team to a state championship appearance and displaying exceptional skills as a quarterback. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds, Lewis possesses all the necessary traits to succeed at the college level. With a strong arm, impressive mechanics, and high football IQ, he has already garnered attention from top collegiate programs like USC. Lewis has the potential to dominate the field not only in the 2026 class but also at the next level in college football.
2. Jahkeem Stewart: A Dominant Defensive Lineman
At just 15 years old, Jahkeem Stewart from New Orleans (La.) St Augustine High School has already made a name for himself as a dominant defensive lineman. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-6 and weighing 266 pounds, Stewart possesses incredible strength and power, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field. His performances at the Rivals Camp Series and competition against older players have earned him offers from top college programs such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Texas, and USC. Stewart’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and disrupt opposing offenses has drawn comparisons to NFL stars. Expect him to be a top contender for recruitment in the 2026 class.
3. Jackson Cantwell: The Next NFL Left Tackle
With both of his parents being former Olympic athletes, Jackson Cantwell from Nixa (Mo.) possesses an unrivaled athletic pedigree. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-8 and weighing 300 pounds, Cantwell’s potential as an NFL left tackle is undeniable. Despite his young age, Cantwell displays a rare combination of size, athleticism, and body control that make him a prototype for the position. Already on the radar of top college programs like Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Georgia, and Alabama, Cantwell is poised to become a standout player in the 2026 class.
4. Chris Henry Jr.: The Complete Package at Wide Receiver
Following in the footsteps of his late father, Chris Henry Jr. from Cincinnati (Ohio) Winthrow High School is destined for greatness as a wide receiver. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing 190 pounds, Henry Jr. possesses the physical attributes and skills to excel at the position. His ability to stretch the field, win contested balls, and deliver punishing blocks sets him apart from his peers. With his immense upside and pedigree, it comes as no surprise that Henry Jr. has committed to Ohio State, following in his father’s footsteps.
5. Keenyi Pepe: Emerging Talent from IMG Academy
At just 16 years old, Keenyi Pepe from IMG Academy has already made a name for himself as an emerging talent. The 6-foot-7, 290-pound offensive lineman possesses the size and skill set required to succeed at the college level. Pepe’s ability to seamlessly transition to starting right tackle and his impressive technique in both run blocking and pass protection have earned him more than 20 scholarship offers. While he remains open to colleges from all regions, Pepe has expressed admiration for the play style of football in Florida.
Conclusion
The 2026 class boasts an exceptional group of young talents, and Rivals has identified the top 10 prospects. Led by five-star prospect Julian Lewis, these young athletes have already drawn attention from college programs across the nation. Whether it be their on-field performances, physical attributes, or family pedigree, each player possesses the potential to leave a lasting impact on the football world. As they continue their journey through high school and into college, their development and development will be closely monitored by fans, coaches, and scouts alike.
