The countdown to the 2026 West Virginia high school football season is underway across the Mountain State, several returning standouts have already established themselves as names to know.
From record-setting quarterbacks and explosive playmakers to hard-hitting defenders and rising underclassmen, talent can be found in every corner of West Virginia entering the fall.
Here are the Top 25 players to watch during the 2026 season:
Colton Roberson, Pendleton County, QB/SS: One of the state’s most dynamic all-around players regardless of classification, the Class A standout accounted for 3,424 passing yards, 37 touchdown passes, 1,241 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns while also recording 154 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss defensively. The 6-1, 185-pound Class of 2028 prospect enters the season as one of West Virginia’s premier two-way stars.
Harrison Helbig, University, QB: The 6-5, 190-pound Class of 2027 quarterback emerged as one of the state’s top college prospects after throwing for 3,106 yards and 30 touchdowns in Class AAAA competition. Helbig’s size, arm talent and production make him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in West Virginia entering 2026.
Peyton Grigsby, Herbert Hoover, QB: One of the state’s fastest-rising young quarterbacks, the 5-11, 160-pound Class of 2028 signal caller passed for 3,219 yards and 36 touchdowns while throwing just six interceptions. Grigsby helped Herbert Hoover establish itself as one of the top offensive teams in Class AAA.
Marshall Holland, Cameron, RB/LB: A physical runner with outstanding production, Holland rushed for 1,762 yards and 17 touchdowns while averaging 7.4 yards per carry in Class A competition. The 6-0, 200-pound Class of 2027 standout is one of the state’s top returning power backs.
Hayden George, University, WR/DB: George developed into one of the state’s premier playmakers after hauling in 1,323 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns while also intercepting seven passes defensively. The 5-10, 180-pound Class of 2027 athlete gives University one of the top two-way threats in AAAA football.
Anthony Smith, Fairmont Senior, QB/LB: The 6-2, 190-pound Class of 2028 quarterback showcased major upside after throwing for 2,279 yards and 26 touchdowns with only five interceptions. Smith’s size and athleticism make him one of the top young quarterbacks in the state regardless of classification.
Reezin Stitt, Wahama, RB/WR: One of the state’s most explosive offensive weapons, the 5-9, 138-pound Class of 2027 standout rushed for 1,425 yards and 26 touchdowns while averaging an eye-popping 11.6 yards per carry in Class A competition.
Travis Ownes, Pendleton County, WR/CB: The 6-3, 180-pound Class of 2028 playmaker emerged as one of the state’s top deep threats after posting 1,315 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. Ownes gives Pendleton County one of the most dangerous offensive duos in West Virginia alongside Colton Roberson.
Teagan Hackney, Mingo Central, MLB/FB: Hackney was one of the state’s most productive defenders after piling up 170 tackles and 16 tackles for loss. The 5-9, 190-pound Class of 2027 linebacker established himself as one of the top defensive players in Class AA.
Trey Ward, Chapmanville, WR: Ward showcased elite big-play ability after recording 994 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns while also intercepting seven passes defensively. The 6-2, 173-pound Class of 2027 standout is one of the state’s top all-around athletes.
Landyn Carpenter, Philip Barbour, RB/ILB: Carpenter turned in one of the state’s most efficient rushing seasons after totaling 1,726 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 9.9 yards per carry. The 5-10, 185-pound Class of 2027 standout also contributes defensively at inside linebacker.
Brian Dick, Martinsburg, QB/OLB: One of the top returning players from the state powerhouse program, the 6-0, 195-pound Class of 2027 quarterback passed for 1,871 yards and 26 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,076 yards and 15 scores in AAAA competition.
Dakota Dalton, Chapmanville, QB: The 6-3, 200-pound Class of 2028 quarterback emerged as one of the state’s top young signal callers after throwing for 2,632 yards and 28 touchdowns. Dalton’s size and arm strength immediately stand out from a recruiting standpoint.
Jaden Black, George Washington, RB: Despite being one of the youngest players on the list, the 5-9, 190-pound Class of 2029 running back rushed for 1,596 yards and 26 touchdowns while averaging 6.7 yards per carry. Black already looks like one of the state’s top future stars.
Cameron Slone, Tug Valley, WR/DB: Slone produced one of the top receiving seasons in the state after totaling 1,117 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 16.9 yards per catch. The 6-0, 170-pound Class of 2027 standout also contributed defensively with four interceptions.
Javon LeTourneau, Roane County, RB/DB: The 5-7, 175-pound Class of 2028 standout rushed for 1,260 yards and 17 touchdowns while averaging 10.1 yards per carry. LeTourneau emerged as one of the top young playmakers in Class AA football.
Boston Todd, Martinsburg, WR/DB: Todd averaged an explosive 22.9 yards per reception while totaling 1,110 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns for perennial powerhouse Martinsburg. The 5-11, 160-pound Class of 2027 standout is one of the state’s premier vertical threats.
Jamere Knuckles, Mingo Central, QB/P: Knuckles threw for 2,417 yards and 19 touchdowns while helping lead one of southern West Virginia’s top programs. The Class of 2027 quarterback gives Mingo Central another experienced offensive leader entering the season.
Jacob Maynard, Mingo Central, ATH: One of the state’s top defensive playmakers, the 6-0 Class of 2028 athlete recorded 124 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Maynard’s versatility and physicality make him one of the top young defenders in West Virginia.
Aiden Compton, Ritchie County, LB: The 6-0, 170-pound Class of 2027 linebacker stuffed the stat sheet with 110 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and six sacks. Compton enters the season as one of the state’s most productive returning defensive players.
Kyle Moore, Berkeley Springs, WR/FS: Moore hauled in 1,109 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 18.1 yards per catch. The 6-0 Class of 2027 standout emerged as one of the top big-play receivers in the Eastern Panhandle.
Maddox Twigg, Morgantown, QB/SS: Twigg showcased dual-threat ability after throwing for 1,117 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for 611 yards and 11 scores. The 6-2, 200-pound Class of 2028 standout is one of the top young quarterbacks in AAAA football.
Jalen Miller, Berkeley Springs, QB: The 6-1, 205-pound Class of 2027 quarterback threw for 1,947 yards and 11 touchdowns while facing one of the state’s toughest schedules. Miller’s frame and arm talent make him a prospect to watch entering 2026.
Nico Kusic, Wheeling Central, QB/DB: Kusic helped guide Wheeling Central after throwing for 1,310 yards and 15 touchdowns with only four interceptions. The 6-3, 195-pound Class of 2027 standout brings impressive size to the quarterback position.
Rudy Carillo, Fairmont Senior, RB/CB: Carillo averaged a staggering 22.7 yards per reception while totaling 750 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The 5-10, 185-pound Class of 2027 athlete remains one of the state’s top home-run threats.