15 Massachusetts High School Football Players to Watch in 2026

Massachusetts enters the 2026 high school football season with an impressive collection of established stars, major Division I recruits and younger prospects already drawing national attention.

With kickoff approaching, here are 15 players to watch across Massachusetts in 2026, listed in no particular order.

1. Chris Vargas Jr., QB, St. Johns Prep

Vargas is Massachusetts first five-star quarterback, and he recently committed to Ohio State. Vargas is a 6-foot-5, 205-pound player who is the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2028. As a sophomore at St. Johns Prep, Vargas tallied 2,000+ passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and just 3 interceptions.

2. Peter Bourque, QB, Tarbor Academy

Bourque, a 6-foot-4 quarterback at Tabor Academy, has been committed to Virginia Tech since May. Bourque, a four-star senior recruit, is coming off a perfect 9-0 season last year.

3. Jeremiah Figaro, Edge, Dexter Southfield

Figaro is four-star edge rusher who also plays wide receiver for Dexter Southfield. The 2028 athlete has received more than 30 Division I offers from schools like Notre Dame, Ole Miss, and Florida State.

4. Will Wood, QB, Xaverian Brothers

Wood is a four-star quarterback playing for Xaverian Brothers, one of the best programs in the state. Wood, a Penn State commit, enters his senior season looking to help Xaverian Brothers capture another state championship.

5. Brady Scott, S, Tarbor Academy

Scott is the second Tabor Academy player to be featured on this list, but this time on the defensive side of the football. Scott is a four-star safety committed to Indiana, who has been named an Under Armor All-American and is ranked No. 27 nationally at his position by ESPN.

6. Simon Nuamah, DL, Tarbor Academy

Nuamah transferred from Brooks to Tabor Academy for his senior season. He is a four-star defensive lineman who knows how to disrupt an offense. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive lineman earned first-team all-league honors last season.

7. Isaiah Rogers, RB, Central

Rogers is a four-star running back committed to Notre Dame. His relentlessness is what makes him so impactful. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound is rated No. 12 in his class by Rivals.

8. Benjamin Walker, D, St. Sebastians

Walker is a three-star defensive Swiss Army Knife who can play anywhere on the line, and also give you impact as a tight end. He was first-team all NEPSAC last season for St. Sebastians and currently has seven Division I offers despite being uncommitted.

9. Liam Conlon, LB, Tarbor Academy

Conlon, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker in the Class of 2028, is ranked No. 7 nationally at inside linebacker in the country. He currently holds 17 Power Four offers from schools like Louisville and Georgia Tech. The former Catholic Memorial star has transferred to Tarbor Academy.

10. Jackson Tucker, DB, Catholic Memorial

Tucker is yet another defensive stud, this time for Catholic Memorial. The 6'2, 195 pound defensive back is a three-star recruit despite missing three games in his junior season.

11. Dante Snoonian, LS, Buckingham Browne

Snoonian is an all-around talent for Buckingham Browne and Nichols, but mostly recognized for his talent as a long snapper. Snoonian is committed to Yale as the No. 6 long snapper in the country and also contributes at running back and linebacker.

12. Gavin Brady, WR, Willston Northhampton

Brady is a Lehigh commit who excelled in his role as a receiver with Williston Northampton. He is a 6-foot-1 athlete who has qualified twice for nationals in track, and recently won MVP of the M2 QB Academy camp.

13. Cayden Blanchette, OL, Dexter Southfield

Blanchette is the first offensive lineman to appear on the list. Entering the 2026 season, Blanchette is a 6-foot-4, 340-pound junior offensive lineman at Dexter Southfield. Despite his size, Blanchette has drawn attention for his mobility and strength and still has two high school seasons remaining.

14. Isaiah Green, TE, Lawrence Academy

Green is an all-around talent for Lawrence Academy, playing receiver and tight end primarily. He has accumulated 17 Division 1 offers as a three-star recruit, but is committed to Delaware. Last season, Green recorded more than 900 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns while adding five interceptions on defense.

15. Osiris Niven, DL, Milton Academy

Niven has emerged as one of New England's top defensive line prospects and has received seven Division I offers while playing at Milton Academy.

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