Several true under-the-radar Texas high school football standouts will take the field Thursday, including more than a handful of players our Senior High School Writer Carter Yates would tag as a ‘Here’s a Guy’ prospect. Defined by tough, hard-nosed play, the category highlights players that college coaches may be overlooking, many of whom remain uncommitted in the Class of 2026.
With the spotlight on, the stage is set for breakout opportunities.
- 11:00 AM: 2A Division II – Shiner vs. Muenster
- 3:00 PM: 3A Division I – Yoakum vs. Grandview
- 7:00 PM: 3A Division II – Newton vs. Wall
One player who has already established himself as a true star is 2026 Yoakum ATH X’Zavier Barnett (6’3, 185). A rare two-way talent, Barnett signed with SMU during the Early Signing Period and has been dominant down the stretch, highlighted by a two-touchdown performance in a 71-27 state semifinal win over Llano. The four-star checks in as the No. 48 prospect in the 2026 DCTX Rising 100. In a tough matchup with Grandview, Yoakum will need Barnett to play up to his ranking and make impact plays, something he has consistently shown he is capable of.
Staying in Yoakum, 2029 RB Germarquis Robinson (5’9, 170) has gotten his varsity career off to an impressive start and continues to show steady week-to-week improvement while playing beyond his years. College programs have already taken notice, as Robinson has picked up early offers from Texas State and UTSA.
2027 Newton RB KJ Porter (5’9, 170) holds offers from Houston and Texas Tech, yet remains one of the state’s true under-the-radar gems. For more than five months, he has created matchup problems for defensive coordinators with his ability to make plays out of the backfield and flex out as a receiver in the Eagles’ difficult-to-defend Wing/Gun offense. His versatility as an all-purpose weapon should continue to boost his recruiting and allow him to fit seamlessly into a variety of offensive schemes, a combination likely to create numerous recruiting opportunities.
Grandview 2026 LB Bleu Hubbard (6’2, 220) brings rare athletic versatility to the defensive side of the ball, as he also sees reps at wide receiver, playing two of the most demanding positions on the field. Once he settles into a primary role at the college level, Hubbard has the tools to emerge as a breakout prospect. Tarleton has already extended an in-state offer, and other programs are also in pursuit.
2029 Grandview ATH Briggs Jentsch (5’11, 175) is another freshman with a chance to put his name on the recruiting map with a strong showing.
Wall enters the matchup undefeated and features three under-the-radar prospects in the 2026 class. It starts up front with 2026 OL Baine Jenschke (6’3, 290), who plays with a nasty edge and has been a model of consistency in the trenches. He holds offers from Angelo State, Missouri Western, Howard Payne, Hendrix, Southeastern and more. 2026 WR Reid Robertson (6’2, 175) has produced impressive numbers all season and has the size to thrive at the next level, earning an offer from Angelo State. 2026 QB Landon York (6’3, 200) is a gutsy signal-caller with good size who has played at a high level and is known for his ability to put up big statistical performances, making him an intriguing option for programs still searching for a quarterback.
Shiner 2027 ATH Quincy Jones remains something of an enigma on the recruiting trail, but his explosive playmaking ability was on display in last year’s game. Since then, he has continued to grow both physically and as a player, making him one underclassman worth watching closely in this setting. 2028 ATH Jarvis Williams is another player on the team we will be watching closely.
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