Now that the calendar has moved past Fourth of July weekend, allow VarsityWA to set off a few fireworks of its own.

More specifically: Preseason 100 high school football players in Washington to watch in 2026.

Criteria for how we came up with 100 names:

• Players were selected by what they’ve accomplished in their respective      classification, including all-league and all-state honors, as well as player of the year nods. Also, team success carried considerable weight.

• Players’ offseason camp and combine buzz, as well as their overall recruiting stock, played a meaningful factor.

• Only players who have already seen WIAA varsity action were considered for the selection pool.

• Input from coaches and media was also heavily considered.

For better statewide representation, teams were limited to a maximum seven players on the list.

Players from 56 different schools — in all six WIAA classifications — were selected for the VarsityWA Preseason 100.

VarsityWA will have updated lists midseason in October, and postseason in December:

TE/DL Zach Albright, Glacier Peak, sr. (4A)

UW commit is skilled three-sport athlete who has right level of competitive edginess.

LB Jason Armbruster, Mount Si, sr. (4A)

High-upside, three-level talent is real line-of-scrimmage game changer off edge.

RB Briytan Bailey, Puyallup, jr. (4A)

In loaded offensive cast, his hard running gives talented Vikings strong heartbeat.

LB Toren Baker, Skyview, sr. (4A)

Pick your favorite Storm linebacker — they are all playmakers. Baker’s upside highest.

OL/DL Paz Barraza, Southridge, sr. (3A)

MCC’s best returning two-way lineman has nimble feet and unmatched work rate.

QB Jayden Baum, Evergreen of Vancouver, jr. (3A)

GSHL’s top signal caller will run around more to give golden arm more time to shine.

OL/DL Xavier Berry, Federal Way, soph. (3A)

His skyscraping frame (6-7) and quick feet scream elite left tackle — on future Sundays.

WR/DB Kase Betz, Graham-Kapowsin, sr. (4A)

Every championship squad has a two-way “glue” performer to lean on — and Betz is it.

DL/OL Tycen Bock, Sedro-Woolley, sr. (3A)

Ever been bull-rushed by this all-3A Wesco first-teamer? Many have not survived.

QB Brady Bonnell, Tahoma, jr. (4A)

Operates under the radar as a dual-threat playmaker, but 2026 should be breakout.

RB Thor Brody, Camas, sr. (4A)

Because of home-run playmaking ability as rusher and receiver, he is team’s catalyst.

OL Ayden Bullinger, Graham-Kapowsin, sr. (4A)

Whether in pass protection or a street fight, you want this guy on your blind side.

WR/DB Malik Burns, Graham-Kapowsin, sr. (4A)

Newcomer to deep receiving corps has shown elite after-the-catch playmaking skills.

WR/DB Brody Buxton, Prosser, jr. (2A)

Goals for 2A CWAC’s top playmaker are 1,000 receiving yards, 15 TDs and WIAA title.

DB/WR Elijah Carney, Lincoln of Tacoma, sr. (3A)

Rangy athlete with long arms just effortlessly snatches interceptions out of the air.

QB Kason Carta, Bellevue, sr. (3A)

Might not see it often as Wing-T quarterback, but he’s one of state’s premier athletes.

LB/WR Kaicen Carter, Federal Way, jr. (3A)

Tall and powerful, he can cover any receiver, tight end or running back in his path.

DB/RB Cooper Cissne, Chiawana, jr. (4A)

Two-time all-MCC first-teamer is instinctive safety with closing speed to burn.

QB Connor Collins, Cheney, sr. (3A)

Reigning GSL player of year snaps passes 50 yards — and has mad scrambling skills.

DB/WR Tayven Collins, Federal Way, sr. (3A)

Will play his natural position — safety — with Eagles, but really can impact anywhere.

WR/DB Lee Colomb, Mead, sr. (4A)

Where’s the speed in Spokane? It’s here with this burner who is GSL’s breakout threat.

WR/DB Braylon Comfort, Northwest Christian of Colbert, sr. (2B)

Big pass-catching target with sneaky speed is preseason 2B Northeast MVP favorite.

WR Maxten Cook, Lake Stevens, jr. (4A)

High-point baller, he arguably has most dominant physical skills of any Viks’ receiver.

DL/OL Matthew Curran, Bellevue, jr. (3A)

Impressive-looking NCAA D1 edge rusher has frame to pack on pounds, shift inside.

WR/DB Scottie Dinwiddie, Decatur, jr. (3A)

With lethal stop-and-go moves on the outside, he always has defenders on their heels.

OL Gecova Doyal, Puyallup, sr. (4A)

State’s top 2027 offensive lineman is left-tackle anchor for Viks who gives up nothing.

RB/DB Kutter Driver, Newport, sr. (2B)

Now a bell cow in run-first system, he might be a lock for 2,000 rushing yards in 2026.

QB Ben Druckman, Camas, sr. (4A)

Could be similar to Jake Davidson in state MVP season of 2024 (4,100 yards, 58 TDs).

OL/DB Zach Dykstra, Lynden, sr. (2A)

Strong like an ox, agile like a tap-dancer — he is easily Lions’ most dominant player.

TE/DL Mason Emil, Mount Rainier, sr. (4A)

Quick riser has utilized elite basketball skills to dominate camp circuit at tight end.

LB Ioelu “Lou” Feo, Bethel, jr. (4A)

Plays like ex-teammate Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, 2024 state defensive MVP now at UW.

RB Jayvian Ferrell-Gilkey, Lake Stevens, sr. (4A)

Doesn’t look like a power runner, but he breaks tackles to seize big-play opportunities.

DL/OL Kataferu Galoia, Timberline, sr. (3A)

Physical Oregon State nose tackle commit has been starter since his ninth-grade year.

WR/DB Sirjewel Glover, Rainier Beach, sr. (3A)

Might not be a receiver around with more physical gifts than this all-Metro League star.

LB/QB Max Grindy, Almira-Coulee-Hartline, sr. (1B)

Nobody has dominated eight-man football physically like the 1B MVP has in years.

WR/DB Jayce Halasz, Graham-Kapowsin, jr. (4A)

A route-running maestro, he puts cover guys on skates with smooth, gliding style.

OL/DL Kyler Harden, O’Dea, jr. (3A)

Returned in playoffs to help Irish to another 3A title — and recruiting stock rising.

QB Leo Harnetiaux, Seattle Prep, sr. (3A)

Physical and scrambles like his hair is on fire, all-Metro League dual threat is dangerous.

QB Ryan Harrington, Anacortes, sr. (2A)

WSU commit has live arm, strong determination to bring defenses to their knees.

DL/OL Aedyn Havili, Eastside Catholic, jr. (3A)

Most mature, technically-sound interior wrecking ball there is in Washington football.

DL Grey Jacobson, Cashmere, sr. (1A)

Reigning SCAC defensive MVP is non-stop flinch-and-go backfield disruptor off edge.

RB/DB Dax Jenks, Royal, sr. (1A)

Worst kind of tailback for defenses — sees trouble and doesn’t go down once it arrives.

OL/DL Luke Jennings, Glacier Peak, jr. (4A)

All-Wesco left tackle has shown more explosiveness for college coaches this summer.

DB/WR Kaden Johnson, Bellevue, jr. (3A)

Arguably top 2028 cornerback in state, he knows your breaks on routes before you do.

DL Teaven Jones, Mount Tahoma, sr. (3A)

PSL defensive MVP (20 1/2 sacks) is lone returning wunderkind off elite line from 2025.

QB Sione Kaho, Lincoln of Tacoma, sr. (3A)

Feels like he’s been top in-state quarterback prospect for a decade as Stanford pledge.

LB Mose Kalepo, Bellevue, sr. (3A)

Not only is he middle of three brothers, he’s the mid-level tackling dynamo on defense.

OL Maciah Keene, Sumner, sr. (4A)

How many 300-pounders can shift out to tight end and not look out of place? He can.

LB/RB Drenden Knaevelsrud, Mount Si, sr. (4A)

San Diego State commit is beastly worker with no ego — and does it all for this defense.

RB/LB Chris Kooiman, Lynden Christian, sr. (1A)

Give this physical specimen (6-4, 230) a head of steam out of backfield, and it is over.

DB/WR Michael Kori, Kamiakin, sr. (4A)

Rangy all-MCC first-team cornerback sticks on receivers like super glue in coverage.

OL Wyatt Laughery, Seattle Prep, jr. (3A)

To be voted all-Metro League tackle in first season, must have the skill, smarts to take charge.

OL/DL Rashaun Lavata’i, Curtis, sr. (4A)

In deep group of NCAA D1 linemen, WSU commit might be most imposing (6-7, 300).

QB Jadis Lefono, Lakes, soph. (3A)

Running skills are scary, and when passing efficiency catches up — watch out!

RB/DB Elliot Lenssen, Ferndale, sr. (3A)

Lacrosse standout gives Wing-T offense a big-play element with his speed, vision.

DL/TE Gray Longoria, Sumner, sr. (4A)

SPSL defensive lineman of year beats blockers with brute strength and first-step burst.

OL/DL Nate Lowery, Tumwater, sr. (2A)

With tall frame and long arms, will stay at tackle after playing utility lineman in 2025.

OL/DL Will Lynch, Lake Stevens, sr. (4A)

Colorado State signee just buries defenders in second-level run-blocking for Viks.

DB/RB Amosa Masaniai, Emerald Ridge, jr. (4A)

Explosive all-SPSL athlete who patrols back two defensive levels and ruins drives.

OL/DL Mayes Mayovsky, Kennewick, sr. (3A)

A little bigger than his workhorse-tailback older brother — and just as pain-inflicting.

TE/DL Tytan McNeal, Eastside Catholic, jr. (3A)

Nation’s top-rated 2028 tight end has high motor for competing — and winning.

RB/LB Beau Miller, Adna, sr. (2B)

When all else fails, all 2B preseason favorites have to do is hand ball to this stalwart.

WR/DB J’isaiah Mitchell, Puyallup, sr. (4A)

Massive target (6-5) has ideal combination of strength, athleticism and ball skills.

RB/LB Toetu Moliga, Lakes, sr. (3A)

With quick feet and low center of gravity, all-PSL tailback eventually breaks defenses.

QB Blake Moser, Lake Stevens, sr. (4A)

Most dangerous playmaker in open field in Washington is this Iowa State commit.

DB/WR Markel Newell, Puyallup, jr. (4A)

Strong safety who smashes people — and is major NCAA D1 prospect for Vikings.

DB/WR Jordan Noel, Kennedy Catholic, sr. (4A)

Two-time all-NPSL cornerback is electrifying playing the ball, and is a blur the other way.

DL/OL Tevita Nonu, O’Dea, sr. (3A)

If you’re building a disruptive, pressure-oriented scheme, start with this UW commit.

LB/DB Nate Obasanjo, Mount Rainier, sr. (4A)

Everything he does is fast, and with his strength, he’ll play at all three levels for Rams.

RB/LB Paxton Patterson, Enumclaw, jr. (3A)

Should be against the law to be this big, fast and polished wrapped up into a tailback.

TE Ashton Pillard, Sumner, sr. (4A)

In this offense, being a strong run blocker is a must. But he can catches passes, too.

WR/DB Braylon Pope, Sumner, sr. (4A)

Top overall 2027 wide receiver in state will miss senior season with shoulder injury.

WR/DB Seth Price, Lake Stevens, sr. (4A)

Can make game-changing plays as deep threat and intermediate-area zig-zagger.

LB Michael Pulalasi, Puyallup, sr. (4A)

Just eats up everything in the middle of the field — and what he hits, he destroys.

LB John Rainey, Moses Lake, jr. (4A)

CBBN defensive MVP was team’s heavy coverage linebacker who controlled flats.

OL/DL Ben Rainwater, Inglemoor, sr. (3A)

Boise State commit not a household name — yet — but is athletic with big wing span.

DB/WR/QB Nate Rembisz, La Center, sr. (1A)

One of most unique players in state, he can play quarterback, safety and kick, too.

DL Achilles Reyna, Rainier Beach, sr. (3A)

In one year, he went from football newbie to one of top pass-rushing recruits in class.

OL/DL Logan Rogers, Sehome, sr. (2A)

Doesn’t matter he plays in 2A, Ivy League recruit’s pass-blocking technique is clinical.

WR/DB Mason Severson, Kamiakin, sr. (4A)

All-MCC first-teamer is precise route runner with big-play explosiveness after catch.

DB/RB Cole Sievers, Archbishop Murphy, jr. (2A)

Legitimate classification MVP candidate contributes in all areas for Wildcats.

RB/DB Isaiah Smith, Archbishop Murphy, sr. (2A)

Took over backfield midseason in 2025, and his hard running was key in state title run.

QB Noah Smith, Puyallup, sr. (4A)

Puts the ball on the money every time, and all-SPSL performer can escape trouble, too.

RB/LB Cyion Soeum, Bothell, sr. (4A)

All-KingCo first-teamer’s high-volume physical style wears down defensive fronts.

DL/OL Parker Stewart, Kelso, sr. (3A)

Has more shake-and-bake in his game off edge than brother, Payton, who’s at Michigan State.

QB Chaz Strickland, White River, sr. (3A)

Reigning NPSL offensive MVP is magic man in this offense with his off-script ability.

OL/DL Ofa Teu Tagovailoa Taufalele, Bellarmine Prep, jr. (3A)

When he gets his big paws on you — from any spot on the line — you are grounded toast.

DL/OL Ty Tautolo, Lake Stevens, sr. (4A)

RB/LB Ethan Thayer, Onalaska, sr. (2B)

Also a track champion, beastly fullback rushed for 2,000 yards in first season as starter.

QB AJ Tuivaiave, Graham-Kapowsin, jr. (4A)

A deep-pass maestro, this all-SPSL performer flings it 65 yards with uncanny accuracy.

DL Kitiona Tupua, Puyallup, soph. (4A)

Newcomers haven’t dominated SPSL trenches with firehose destruction quite like him.

LB/TE Kaden Veldman, Lynden Christian, sr. (1A)

All-NWC first teamer has broad shoulders and quick feet — and dominates in his space.

DB/RB Grady Wall, Tumwater, sr. (2A)

All-state safety played everywhere, including in the box as EvCo defensive MVP.

RB/LB RJ Ward, Bellevue, jr. (3A)

Valuable physical presence who can play all three backfield spots in Wing-T offense.

QB/DB Grant Wardenaar, Royal, sr. (1A)

Latest in long line of standout Knights signal callers, his physical skills are elite.

DB/WR Maurice Williams, Timberline, sr. (3A)

“Mo Island” isn’t the place wide receivers visit to catch passes, score touchdowns.

RB J’Shaun Wilson, O’Dea, jr. (3A)

Plays bigger than he looks, his backfield playmaking saved injury-bit Irish last fall.

OL/DL Kamari Wilson, Mount Tahoma, soph. (3A)

Physically holds up against anybody, he’s arguably best offensive tackle in 2029 class.

LB/DL William Wilson, Archbishop Murphy, sr. (2A)

Have you seen how big and fast he is? He’s Fred Warner-esque — and name to watch.

QB Jackson Woodard, Richland, sr. (4A)

Youngest in line of multi-sport brothers, he’s the biggest dual-threat ball of fire.

QB Nathan Zettle, West Valley of Spokane, sr. (2A)

GSL player of the year in two sports, Zettle had 2,397 total yards, 29 TDs as junior.

Editor’s note: This game story was originally published by content-sharing partner VarsityWA, founded by journalist Todd Milles. Milles brings more that 30 years of sportswriting experience at The News Tribune in Tacoma and SBLive Washington). Support that venture at VarsityWA.