Written By: Coach Buckets (@PreWarWesley)
The wait is over!!! High school football in the Heartland is back. The state of Missouri kicks off August 29th, while Kansas follows with opening night on September 4th. Both states feature perennial powerhouses and have loaded rosters, but every season also brings a new wave of hidden gems ready to explode on the recruiting scene.
We highlight some of the players who could see their stock rise dramatically with big performances this fall.
Kansas Standouts
Carston Simmons – QB – 2026 – St. Mary’s Colgan HS (Pittsburg, KS)
6’1” | 190 lbs | Twitter: @simmons_3
Simmons elevated Colgan’s dynamic offense last season with his dual-threat ability, accounting for 1,073 passing yards, 18 TDs, plus 253 rushing yards and 10 scores. The Panthers’ tradition of state-level dominance fits Simmons perfectly, and he’s already earned offers from Kansas Wesleyan, McPherson, Ottawa, and Bethany. With another strong year, more schools will take notice.
Reign Illian – QB – 2027 – Maize South HS (Maize, KS)
6’4” | 210 lbs | Twitter: @reignillian
A transfer from Kapaun, Illian landed at Maize South where his big arm and clean mechanics will be fully showcased in a pass-heavy scheme. He impressed scouts at Kansas State’s MEGA Camp, flashing Division I size and a quick release. Training with Justin Hoover’s Spin It Passing Academy this offseason, Illian is primed for a breakout sophomore campaign.
Damario Brooks – WR/S – 2027 – Shawnee Heights HS (Tecumseh, KS)
Twitter: @DamarioBrooks1
A transfer from Topeka Seaman, Brooks will be a reliable weapon to QB Aiden Scott’s arsenal. He’s a crisp route-runner who excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage. Defensively his field vision and awareness make him a disruptive safety. Shawnee Heights hasn’t had this much talent in years, but Brooks could be the missing piece that elevates them to more wins in their bag this season.
Braxton Wagner – QB – 2028 – Blue Valley North HS (Overland Park, KS)
6’2” | 190 lbs | Twitter: @BraxtonWagner11
Already showing the polish of a seasoned quarterback, Wagner enters his sophomore year with high expectations. He trains with nationally know Spin It Academy and is mentored by elite Midwest QBs like Drew Lock, Avery Johnson, and Brady Cook. Wagner’s combination of skill, size, and work ethic sets him up to be a future Power 4 recruit.
Adonis Dunnigan – WR/DB – 2029 – Manhattan HS (Manhattan, KS)
5’10” | 160 lbs | Twitter: @Adonisdun
A rare freshman varsity starter at powerhouse Manhattan High School, Dunnigan has already turned heads. His natural instincts, route recognition, timing, and ball skills, make him a playmaker you can’t ignore. Expect him to rise quickly and potentially become the top recruit in Kansas’ 2029 class.
Rickey Giles Jr. – WR – 2026 – Louisburg HS (Louisburg, KS)
6’2” | 190 lbs | Twitter: @RickeyGile14351
A physically gifted wideout with elite leaping ability, Giles uses his frame to dominate contested catches. He posted elite testing numbers at the McPherson Camp this summer (32.9” vertical, 9’8” broad). With a strong senior season, Giles should see his offer list expand.
Tremaine Savage – CB – 2026 – Highland Park HS (Topeka, KS)
5’10” | 150 lbs | Twitter: @TremaineSavage1
Simply put: speed kills. Savage ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the McPherson camp this summer and he translates that quickness to lockdown coverage as a DB. He posted 22 tackles, 18 PBUs, and 4 INTs last season, excelling in man-to-man schemes truly locking down his side of the field. Savage is ne of Topeka’s brightest talents with high ceiling as a recruitable prospect.
L.J. Bowens – RB – 2026 – Blue Valley Northwest HS (Overland Park, KS)
5’10” | 175 lbs | Twitter: @bowenslj5
Already holding an offer from Howard University, Bowens is a workhorse back who piled up 1,177 rushing yards and 11 TDs in Kansas’ toughest league (EKL). His combination of balance, burst, and acceleration makes him a candidate for a 1,500+ yard season in 2025.
Missouri Standouts
Chase Brookings – WR/DB – 2028 – St. Pius X (Kansas City, MO)
6’0” | 170 lbs | Twitter: @ChaseBrookings
A polished young receiver who played with StrongsideKC 7v7 during the offseason, Brookings is a deep-ball threat who plays like veteran even though he is only a sophomore. His ability to separate and track the ball in flight makes him a name to remember in the Kansas City area.
Shaun “Duece” Johnson – WR/DB – 2028 – Hazelwood East HS (Hazelwood, MO)
5’9” | 160 lbs | Twitter: @onetwodeuce
Johnson plays with swagger and controlled aggression. A sticky cornerback in man coverage with elite quickness, he thrives in press situations. A product of 5P 7v7, Johnson brings a competitive edge that should shine on Friday nights.
Zemar Cheatam – RB – 2026 – Liberty North HS (Liberty, MO)
5’10” | 195 lbs | Twitter: @Zemar_C
Cheatam is a compact, explosive back who thrives at the line of scrimmage and has breakaway speed. Despite having only six starts last season, he produced 831 yards and 12 TDs. On a loaded Liberty North team, Cheatam has the chance to be one of Missouri’s most electric playmakers.
Trashundon Neal – WR/DB – 2026 – Liberty North HS (Liberty, MO)
6’2” | 185 lbs | Twitter: @ToptNeal
Already holding 10+ offers, Neal is a two-way standout. At wide receiver, his speed and length make him a deep threat. When he lines up at cornerback, his size and athleticism give him lockdown ability. Neal has true Power 4 potential and could be one of Missouri’s most recruited players this cycle.
Gavin Nash – WR/DB – 2026 – Blue Springs South HS (Blue Springs, MO)
5’10” | 175 lbs | Twitter: @gav_nash13
A versatile playmaker with elite quickness, Nash shines both as a receiver and as a return specialist. His ability to create separation and thrive in open space makes him a perfect fit for a spread or west coast offense at the next level.
These are the names you’ll want to keep an eye on this season as Kansas and Missouri high school football heats up.
