2026 South Florida Top 30 (Recently Expanded)

Here Goes…Obviously lot of time. I know it’s kind of a yearly thing to say “next year’s class looks to be better”, but I really think 26 looks like a pretty good year. More high-end, top 100 type talent than '25, as well as more overall potential “4*” and high “3*” types. Big year at WR, which happens every 2-3 years in Sofla. Miami Northwestern on the rebound as well…

Worth noting that 2 of the top 5 players (WR Tone and CB Flowers which makes the difference overall between the two years a little less sizable, but I’d still lean with the 26 class as being better overall)

  1. Derrick Cooper RB/ATH, Chaminade
  2. Calvin Russell WR, Northwestern
  3. Justice Fitzpatrick DB, STA
  4. James Johnson DT, Northwestern
  5. Brandon Bennett WR, Plantation AH
  6. Javian Mallory RB, West Boca (UM)
  7. Jordan Campbell LB, Carol City (UM)
  8. Dia Bell QB, Plantation AH
  9. Jasen Lopez WR, Chaminade
  10. Jeffar Jean-Noel WR, Plantation AH

—————

  1. Karon Maycock LB, Central
  2. Denarius Gray WR, Chaminade
  3. Jabari Brady WR, Monarch
  4. Te’darius Hughes S, South Dade
  5. Daniel Norman DE, STA
  6. Adam Bougouloun- Ali LB,
  7. Ryan Miret IOL, Southridge
  8. Jaydin Bordeaux DB, West Boca
  9. Darry Bell S, Goleman
  10. Dylan Faison WR, St. Andrew’s

—————

  1. Shmar Akande CB, South Broward
  2. Jaboree Riggins WR,Monarch
  3. Javari Luckas OL, Belle Glade
  4. Zamari Sanders WR, Cardinal Newman
  5. Aldarius Johnson, Jr. DB, Plantation AH
  6. Bryant Junius LB, Chaminade
  7. Antoine Sharpe LB, PB Central
  8. Kam’Ron Wilson DE, Southridge
  9. Rodarion Jones CB, Carol City
  10. Jaron Hughley DB, Cardinal Newman

Others: K.Baker RB/ATH, Somerset Academy…C.Simon DT, Plantation AH… B.Guja OL, Cypress Bay…D.Geathers LB/Edge, West Boca…D.Turnbull DB, Tru North…J.Denson WR, Plantation AH…T.Lee S, Columbus…D.Steen OL, STA…K.White DB, Killian…A.Walker OL, Chaminade…C. Santana WR, Stranahan… Clearence Tucker CB, Edison

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Skeeter,I think you were right about the McConathy kid from Spanish Fort, AL. The kid kind of reminds me of Ted Hendricks. I remember Hendricks in high school. He was a terrific athlete in several sports. Tall and lanky, didn’t strike you as a footballer, he had a knack for fighting off big linemen and wreaking havoc in the backfield. It looks like McConathy was a steal as a three star guy. He’s already getting rave reviews in practice. I hope he turns out to be a stork.

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Skeeter,I think you were right about the McConathy kid from Spanish Fort, AL. The kid kind of reminds me of Ted Hendricks. I remember Hendricks in high school. He was a terrific athlete in several sports. Tall and lanky, didn’t strike you as a footballer, he had a knack for fighting off big linemen and wreaking havoc in the backfield. It looks like McConathy was a steal as a three star guy. He’s already getting rave reviews in practice. I hope he turns out to be a stork.

Kid is built a little thicker. But early reports are very good. Should get some snaps this year.

Playing against nationally ranked Milton from GA today on ESPN and scored. Looks like a really dynamic WR.

Dia Bell is not a bad QB either.

Yup, and Nickel dropping dimes…Bell looks ok, Nickel looks better but only a junior.

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Related or just coincidence?

It’s his son.

Wow- trying to do that math. Kid was recruited on 08 right? He was young when he had that boy.

Rooting for him. Always loved Glue Hands.

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Skeeter, it’s early but any smoke with any of these guys? UM had a bit of a down year in the 2025 recruiting class. I’m hoping for better in 2026.

Do we have a shot with Brady or Russell.

It was kind of a down year in Sofla though in all fairness

Usual pre-season vibes…Campbell seems to be a nice get and is recruiting for UM.

Cooper has more UM buzz than anyone. He is on campus ALOT. Gun to my head, I like the kid at safety but he no doubt has big school running back talent too. Major priority, and I know @nole80 likes him as well.

UM is thought to lead for Flowers but all honesty they all the same thing during sophomore and junior years and he will command top dollar for a corner/KR and Russell will likely break the bank. I’ve also heard Jason Lopez has the latin Restrepo vibe and there’s a pretty good chance he’s UM’s slot in this class. I would say UM a slight leader here.

Javian Mallory as far as I can tell has UM in top 2/3 and is a priority. UM was on Mirat earlier than most schools, most likely C/G, but DT not out of the question. Just seems like a CMC guy.

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I have to laugh. I just remember Nevin Shapiro saying something like, “It was always something with this kid. He always needed money. I was a non-stop ATM for him.” or something to that effect. LOL!

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J’vari Flowers (#2) on list, corner from Miami Northwestern…Is now re-classifying to '25. Will sign in March/April

Big target for UM. Smallish corner and maybe the fastest man in the state. Plays offense and returns kicks (housed a few last couple years). One of our top targets for next season.

I think some of these kids are making a mistake re-classifying, but whatever.

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dang that made me feel really old

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Not sure where to put this but 2027 Miami Norland cornerback Kenton Dopson commits. I should live so long to see him suit up for Miami.

Kenton Dopson

A couple guys that have been good sources for Sofl love this kid and say he would be the best pure corner in Sofl THIS year. A couple weeks back there was mention he may be a re-classify candidate has well, but I didn’t read through all the post-commitment posts to see if this is still a possibility.

Great get!

Updated for recent transfer of Ft. Myers DT Johnson (Major UM target) to Miami NW. Helps a top 5 that looked really strong last year but has been weakened after Toney and Flowers reclassified.

And West Boca RB Mallory to UM