Rising Stars of Mississippi Football
The Mississippi high school football season is set to kick off in just over two months, and anticipation is already building across the state.
The Clarion Ledger has compiled a comprehensive list of the top returning running backs for the 2026 MHSAA and MAIS campaigns, spotlighting the athletes who are poised to dominate the backfield.
Among the standouts is Christian Alexander, a Mississippi State commit who amassed 1,364 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns last season, adding 297 passing yards and three scores to his versatile skill set.
Kylan Bobo, a senior who logged 1,726 rushing yards and 29 total scores while averaging 8.9 yards per carry, is another name drawing attention from recruiters.
Ty Keys, the MHSAA 4A Mr. Football winner and Miami commit, rushed for a staggering 3,285 yards and 45 touchdowns, cementing his status as a premier talent.
Other notable performers include Acely Brown, who holds offers from a slew of Power Five programs, and Desi Monix, who finished the year with 36 total touchdowns and over 2,100 rushing yards.
The list also reflects the depth of talent across Mississippi’s diverse communities, from Petal and Brandon to Jackson and beyond, illustrating how the state’s football culture continues to produce college‑ready prospects.