The Cincinnati Enquirer has unveiled its roster of the region’s most highly rated returning high school football seniors for the upcoming 2026 campaign, a group chosen after a thorough review of national rankings, all‑state recognitions and extensive input from coaches and recruiting analysts.
Rising Stars of the 2026 Season
At the top of the list is Ace Alston of Anderson High School, who earned the No. 10 spot among cornerbacks nationwide and has pledged to play at Notre Dame. His inclusion in USA Today’s Top 100 senior players underscores the impact he has already made on the field.
Devlan Daniel from Indian Hill was crowned the Cincinnati Hills League Offensive Player of the Year and earned first‑team district and state accolades. Last season he amassed 1,192 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, numbers that have kept him on the radar of several top college programs.
Tyler Fryman of Beechwood, a Louisville baseball commit, has been discussed as a candidate for Kentucky Mr. Football. In 2025 he recorded 62 receptions for 1,320 yards and 23 touchdowns, a performance that helped his team remain competitive in a tough conference.
Other notable names include Gage Croley from Goshen, who was named Southern Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference‑American Player of the Year after rushing for 2,007 yards and 24 touchdowns; Chuck Alexander of Withrow, a second‑team all‑district receiver with 21 catches for 369 yards and six scores; and Cooper Benke of Highlands, an honorable‑mention Courier Journal defensive lineman who tallied 40 tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks.
Noah Bilinski from Springboro, Avery Conrad of Lloyd Memorial, Kaden Estep of Elder, Crue Gilmour of Lawrenceburg, Levi Guttman of Cincinnati Country Day and Monsanna Torbert Jr. of Princeton each contributed standout statistics — ranging from 84 receptions for 1,082 yards to over 3,600 passing yards — while also leading their squads to impressive win totals and league titles.
The collective presence of these seniors not only highlights individual excellence but also signals a deep talent pool that could shape the narrative of high school football in the region for years to come.