Football

Top 2026 High School Football Standouts Emerge from Reader Poll

Reader‑voted honorees highlight emerging talent across Ohio and Kentucky

Defensive Backs Lead the Pack

Marino Middleton of Moeller has been voted the top returning defensive back in the Greater Conference League‑South. His junior season featured two interceptions, 35 tackles and two fumble recoveries, establishing him as a cornerstone of the Flyers’ defense.

Julian Dwyer, also a Moeller alumnus, earned third‑star status as a defensive lineman ranked No. 16 among Ohio’s 2028 class. He contributed 2.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery last year, drawing attention from several college programs.

Dynamic Receivers and Quarterbacks

Tysin Weaver, the standout receiver from Anderson, topped the state’s Division II rankings with 91 catches for 1,375 yards and 20 touchdowns, guiding the Raptors to the state final before falling to Avon. Meanwhile, Levi Guttman of Cincinnati Country Day returned as the premier passer in the Miami Valley Conference, posting a passer rating of 206.5 and amassing 1,879 total yards with 27 touchdowns.

Defensive and Offensive Honors Across the Board

Connor Abercrombie, a senior offensive lineman at Campbell County, emerged under new coach Rick Honaker, showcasing versatility in both run and pass protection and attracting interest from several liberal arts colleges. Cash Myers of Covington Catholic anchored the defense as a sophomore, tallying 112 tackles and earning second‑team All‑Northern Kentucky honors while helping the Colonels extend a three‑year postseason winning streak. Gage Croley from Goshen was named the Southern Buckeye Athletic Conference’s offensive player of the year after rushing for 2,007 yards and 24 touchdowns, a performance that also secured him all‑state recognition. Grayson Bedacht of La Salle distinguished himself on special teams, converting 36 of 37 extra points, four of six field goals and averaging 40 yards per punt with six touchbacks.

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