The 2026 high school football season in Southwest Idaho is poised to deliver a cascade of highlight‑reel moments, as coaches and analysts have identified a remarkable cohort of 26 players who are expected to dominate the conversation on Friday nights. From Boise’s bustling suburbs to the smaller towns that dot the region, these athletes bring a mix of size, speed, and playmaking ability that promises to reshape expectations.
Returning All‑State Standouts
Among the returnees, Quincey Clay stands out after earning first‑team all‑state honors in both football and basketball and now commanding ten Division I offers as a quarterback. Evert Eells, the 5A sack leader with 15.5 sacks and the defensive player of the year, returns for his senior season with 23 tackles‑for‑loss already on his résumé. Oakley Baxter powered Rocky Mountain with 1,018 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, securing second‑team all‑state recognition, while Alec Campos made the 4A all‑state first team on both sides of the ball after a 153‑yard, three‑touchdown performance in the state championship.
Versatile Playmakers
Landon Bult, a 6‑foot‑5 tight end who attracted four Division I offers, has already scored five touchdowns despite dealing with pass‑interference penalties, and Logan McDonald brings a tradition of two‑way talent, having amassed 1,067 total yards and seven touchdowns last season. Luke Mikita earned second‑team all‑state honors as a linebacker who also contributes on offense and special teams, and Braxton Mowder was named first‑team all‑state as a linebacker and rushing back, averaging 13.3 tackles per game and forcing five fumbles.
Defensive Disruptors
On the defensive front, Ethan Minegar posted 14.5 tackles‑for‑loss and eight sacks, earning second‑team all‑state honors and drawing five Division I offers, while Tyce Fisher racked up 122 tackles and seven sacks en route to first‑team all‑state honors as a linebacker and ball carrier. Brenton Thueson repeated as first‑team all‑conference two‑way starter, notching 83 tackles and 10.5 tackles‑for‑loss, and David Foremaster contributed 5.1 tackles per game and five sacks for Rocky Mountain, earning second‑team all‑state accolades.
Emerging Freshmen and Multi‑Sport Stars
Freshman Moses Irwin already holds 14 Division I offers, including from powerhouse programs such as Auburn, Arkansas and Florida State, and is celebrated for his blistering speed. Mark Lungu burst onto the scene as a sophomore with 1,179 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, capturing first‑team all‑conference honors, while Owen Oelkers, a speedy junior with offers from Virginia Tech, Memphis, Montana and Idaho, is expected to spark a breakout campaign. Titus Vidlak, the reigning 4A football and baseball player of the year, has engineered Idaho’s top offense with 3,223 total yards and 44 touchdowns, and Rocky Weatherspoon earned all‑state honors on both lines for his pancake blocks and first‑step quickness.
With such a blend of proven performers, versatile playmakers and promising newcomers, the 2026 season in Southwest Idaho is set to be a showcase of talent that will keep fans guessing and opponents on high alert. As the first Friday night lights flicker on, the community will be watching closely as these young athletes turn preseason buzz into on‑field reality.