Rising Stars of the Bay Area
The 2026 edition of the Bay Area high school football rankings spotlights a select group of seniors whose on‑field production, athleticism and college‑recruit interest have set them apart. Evaluators weighed performance metrics, measurable traits and the growing competitiveness of local programs to produce a list that reflects both current achievement and future potential.
Among the standouts, Landon Miller of De La Salle‑Concord climbs to No. 20 in the overall Class of 2028 rankings, earning offers from Ohio State, Michigan, Cal and Notre Dame. At Serra, Malakai Taufoou was named the West Catholic Athletic League’s Defensive Back of the Year after recording 50 tackles and four interceptions, and he has committed to Oregon. The list also features two‑way threats such as Prince Staten from McClymonds‑Oakland, who pledged to UNLV, and Lamont McDonald of Hayward, who rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns before committing to Sacramento State.
Commitments Shaping the Next Chapter
Several of the region’s most coveted prospects have already secured their college destinations. Duece Jones‑Drew, son of former NFL standout Maurice Jones‑Drew, has bolstered his speed and strength to earn a UCLA commitment, while Clint Lundin, a 6‑foot‑6, 300‑pound offensive tackle from De La Salle, chose Stanford over a crowded field that included Cal and UCLA. Meanwhile, Lemani Fehoko of Serra, who amassed 19 offers including from Duke, Arizona and Minnesota, ultimately picked Minnesota, illustrating the breadth of options available to Bay Area talent.
The recruiting landscape also reflects shifting coaching dynamics. Will Orr, a freshman at Clayton Valley Charter‑Concord, has already shown flashes of brilliance under new coach Nathan Kenion, a storyline that underscores the dynamic nature of local programs. Across the board, athletes like Aden Owolabi, the state’s No. 4 junior, and George Tyus, a 6‑foot‑6 left tackle who opted for Stanford over 16 other offers, illustrate the depth and diversity of the talent pool.
Beyond the Gridiron
Several of the highlighted players also excel in other sports, adding another layer to their recruiting narratives. Tyler Winkles of Acalanes‑Lafayette, who threw for 2,716 yards and rushed for 356 yards while scoring 35 touchdowns, has committed to Washington State’s baseball team, while Cole Dawes of San Ramon Valley is a top baseball prospect who will join UNLV’s program. These multi‑sport athletes bring a unique blend of skills that could influence their collegiate trajectories in unexpected ways.