Now that VarsityWA has finished its positional breakouts and class  rankings leading up to the 2026 season of Washington high school  football, it’s time to look at things in a different way.

By classification.

After Class 1B and 2B, it's time to rank the top 20 standouts from 1A football.

Much like the selection process for the VarsityWA Preseason 100, preseason positional rankings and preseason class rankings, the criteria for the classification rankings is a mixture of what a player has already accomplished individually, team success and offseason recruiting buzz:

PRESEASON 1A RANKINGS

1. RB Dax Jenks, Royal, sr.

Arguably most well-rounded player in “1A” football, he could push 2,500 total yards.

2. LB Kaden Veldman, Lynden Christian, sr.

All-state performer in football and basketball, he moves fast and hits ball carriers hard.

3. DL Grey Jacobson, Cashmere, sr.

Reigning SCAC defensive MVP had 16 1/2 sacks as a junior — can he get 20 in 2026?

4. QB Grant Wardenaar, Royal, sr.

Spent most of summer in basketball, but should return as state’s premier dual threat.

5. ATH Nate Rembisz, La Center, sr.

If Wildcats needed decisive red-zone points, he could pass, run, catch — and kick.

6. RB Chris Kooiman, Lynden Christian, sr.

Likely a college tight end, he steamrolled defenses for nearly 1,400 yards as a junior.

7. DL Kell Reardon, Mount Baker, sr.

Giant backfield attacker with natural leverage, he does damage from all line spots.

8. DL Orlando Santillan, Royal, sr.

Short, stocky two-time all-state performer relies on uncanny quickness to do damage.

9. RB Maddox Rodgers, Rochester, sr.

Reigning state powerlifting champion was second fiddle a year ago. He is top dog now.

10. DL Cole Sullivan, Seton Catholic, sr.

If he sees clear lane to the quarterback, quick-footed Trico defensive MVP gets home.

11. LB Jacoby Tait, Cashmere, jr.

12. DL Connor Steen, King’s, sr.

13. QB Owen Paulsen, King’s Way Christian, sr.

14. ATH Adam Mauia, Connell, jr.

15. WR Colt Landstrom, Elma, sr.

16. LB Jackson Flood, Royal, jr.

17. LB RJ Curfman, Zillah, sr.

18. RB Jayce McMahon, Cashmere, soph.

19. QB Tanner Cummings, Lakeside of Nine Mile Falls, sr.

20. ATH Henry Sigfridson, Kalama, sr.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by content-sharing partner VarsityWA, founded by journalists Todd Milles and Lauren Smith. Milles and Smith bring nearly 40 years of sportswriting experience — much of it at The News Tribune in Tacoma (while Todd also spent six years at SBLive Washington). Support that venture at VarsityWA.