Week 1 of the 2026 season was one for the books with several stars, breakout performances, and last-minute barnburners across the state. I spent the day checking out incoming film posted on X and decided to do a film review of the players who caught my eye right out of the gate.
These five prospects are the first batch of my standout players from a huge opening week.
Grayson Nolan | 2028 | RB | Ashland-Greenwood | 5’10” 185 lbs | (@Grayson_Nolan31)
In an electric opening week, few players had quite the breakout performance like Ashland-Greenwood’s Grayson Nolan. Grayson ran through the Kearney Catholic defense to the tune of 241 yards and three touchdowns on only 9 carries for an insane 27 yards per carry. Grayson’s top asset is his blazing speed, which makes him dangerous as he explodes through gaps and accelerates past defenses with ease. He also flashed great contact balance that makes arm tackles ineffective. Nolan also has a subtle twitch in his running that lets him change direction or hit a cutback lane without compromising his speed. This also helps him shake defenders in the open field. Don’t confuse Grayson for solely a flashy, speedy back because he can and will drop the pads to lay out a defender trying to meet him 1v1. Great showing from Nolan and the Bluejays, who look focused on making a run at Memorial Stadium.
Sam Beebe | 2029 | OL/DL | North Bend Central | 6’6″ 260 lbs | (@sam_beebe24)
North Bend Central’s Sam Beebe looks like he took some big steps in his development this offseason and is ready to turn some heads in year two. Sam had some great plays on both sides of the ball, starting at left tackle and defensive tackle for the Tigers. He stands out immediately at 6’6″ and 260 pounds with excellent length and plenty of room to continue filling out his frame. Offensively, he impressed with his ability to maintain consistent pad level, displaying great bend at the hips and knees and holding it while engaged with defenders. He does a great job landing his initial punch, using his length, and then working his hands inside his opponent’s frame. Once Sam’s in a good position, he has the power to drive his opponent into the dirt for the pancake. Defensively, Beebe’s run defense stood out as he was able to defeat double-teams at the line of scrimmage and then begin his pursuit once he’s broken through. Good leg drive and power to drive blockers off their spot. Should be one of the top in-state 2029s once our rankings drop!
KJ Fox | 2028 | DB/WR | Millard West | 5’11” 170 lbs | (@KJFox2028)
Millard West’s KJ Fox has been steadily climbing my 2028 big board this offseason, and he continues to show why with a strong showing in Week 1. KJ made an impact on both sides of the field with a huge interception on defense and helped keep the chains moving on offense. The biggest improvement in Fox’s game has been between the ears, where he’s operating with a high football IQ that lets him read and diagnose effectively. Fox had an impressive play where he immediately sniffed out a receiver screen, quickly broke on the ball, blew past the blocking receiver, and got to the ball in time for a PBU. He is very smooth in coverage, showing clean footwork through his backpedal and fluid hips that allow him to change direction sharply. Great job staying in his receiver’s hip while tracking and adjusting to the ball on his interception. Offensively, KJ is a great route runner with a great sense for finding and attacking weaknesses in coverage. Very explosive out of his breaks— can create separation at the break point. KJ also showed some strong hands that allowed him to make tough catches through contact. Big time riser!
Mason Schmer | 2028 | RB | Scottsbluff | 5’10” 200 lbs | (@masonschmer2028)
Scottsbluff’s Mason Schmer is another junior RB who had a breakout performance on opening night. Mason made a statement as he carried the ball 14 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns, averaging over 10 yards a carry. Watching Mason’s Week 1 tape, I was very impressed with his patience as a runner. He does a great job following his offensive linemen, letting them set up blocks while he reads the field and explodes through a crease once it opens. Mason’s underrated wheels also stood out as he quickly hit his top gear once he found open field, putting his 4.52 40-yard speed on display. At 5’11 and 200 pounds, Schmer has the frame to hold up well between the tackles and the strength in his base to power through contact. Great balance. Mason showed his versatility playing defensive end and recording a sack. Solid-looking prospect who is already earning looks from D1 programs.
Carter Margheim | 2027 | TE | Millard South | 6’5″ 230 lbs | (@Carter_Margheim)
Millard South’s Carter Margheim is a prospect I’ve tabbed as someone set to be a big part of this Patriots’ offense, and that seems accurate after last night’s game. Carter led the team in receptions with seven catches for 83 yards as he emerged as the safety valve target for QB Taylor. Carter has a huge frame at 6’5″ and 230 pounds with great length to give him a QB-friendly catch radius. One thing that really stood out about Carter’s game is his ability to play above the rim and elevate over defenders to snag the ball at the high point. His physical strength makes it hard for defenders to challenge him at the catch point and even harder to bring down. Margheim showed some solid wheels on a couple of catch-and-run plays. He is dominant between the hashes and can find ways to attack the open spaces in the defense. Next-level size and upside… get after him ASAP!
