The Upstate’s Next Generation
The 2026 high school football season in the Upstate is already generating buzz, as coaches and recruiters turn their eyes toward a new wave of talent on the offensive line.
Leading the pack is Jordan Lewis of Dorman, a 6‑foot‑4, 280‑pound sophomore who tops the state’s rankings for his size, strength and early college interest; offers from South Carolina, Alabama, Auburn and Florida State have already poured in since June.
Close behind is Calvin 'CJ' Brooks from Gaffney, a 6‑foot‑5, 320‑pound senior who follows in the footsteps of standouts like Shedrick Sarratt Jr. and Scottland Dover, and who holds 15 scholarship offers ranging from Appalachian State to East Carolina.
Marques Skinner of Riverside adds versatility to the group, standing 6‑foot‑3 and weighing 255 pounds; capable of blocking at the edge or lining up as a tight end, he earned a Louisville offer as an offensive lineman.
Max Barnes of Hillcrest, a 6‑foot‑0, 300‑pound senior, overcame a injury to re‑establish himself as one of the state’s premier centers, also distinguished as the all‑time faceoff wins leader in lacrosse, and he is now courting an Erskine scholarship.
Jacob Whitehead from Mauldin, a 6‑foot‑4, 305‑pound senior, earned invitations to the Hawaii Tiki Bowl and the U.S. Army Bowl Combine, and his All‑Region 1‑5A honors and honorable‑mention all‑state recognition underscore his rising profile.
Nathan Huff of Greer, the 2025 lineman of the year in Region 2‑4A, brings 25 knockdown blocks and an 83‑percent grade to the table, drawing attention from Newberry and Campbell as he looks to continue his development.
Holden Lane of Wren helped his team amass 2,939 rushing yards in 2025, committed to Charleston Southern, and held offers from Anderson, Newberry, North Greenville and Wingate, signaling a promising next step.
Christian Sullivan of J.L. Mann, a 6‑foot‑1, 300‑pound senior and All‑Region 1‑5A selection, is attracting interest from Kennesaw State, Lenoir‑Rhyne, Newberry, North Greenville and UNC Pembroke.
Ian Jones of Woodruff, a 6‑foot‑3, 300‑pound junior, has been a constant presence since his freshman year and, with an Appalachian State offer, serves as a key blocker for running back Aiden Gibson, who recently pledged to Penn State.
Finally, Victor Sandres from Christ Church, a 6‑foot‑3, 285‑pound senior who graded out at 92 percent and logged 72 knockdown blocks in 2025, is set to pursue opportunities at the University of the Cumberlands and Hampden‑Sydney College.