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2026 Rankings Steady Climbers: Inside the Top 40–80

2026 Rankings Steady Climbers: Inside the Top 40–80
Victor Scott
Victor Scott August 16, 2025 @ 12:07 PM
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In this article:

Jude Roberts
Jude Roberts 6'1" | PG/CG | 2026
AR
Jayden Young
Jayden Young 5'10" | PG | 2026
AR
Evan Allen
Evan Allen 6'5" | SF/PG | 2026
AR
Cooper Moore
Cooper Moore 6'1" | PG | 2026
AR
Kaiden Nelson
Kaiden Nelson 6'4" | CG | 2026
AR
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond the top-tier names, several prospects in the 40–80 range are gaining traction through steady development and strong summer play. These are the players sharpening their skill sets, expanding their roles, and positioning themselves for breakout seasons. Here's a closer look at the steady risers making noise inside the top 40–80. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1487698"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a0bab95d26c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nelson is a 6'4" combo guard with length, fluidity, and a natural scoring touch. He creates off the bounce, finishes through contact, and has shown flashes of shot-making from deep. His defensive versatility and ability to play on or off the ball make him a valuable piece. With continued growth in decision-making and consistency, Nelson has the upside to emerge as a next-level prospect in the class this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2731188"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a0bab95d2cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Roberts is a two-way guard with a smooth jumper and the ability to create off the bounce. He reads the floor well, defends with purpose, and brings a steady presence to the backcourt. After a strong summer, he's gained confidence and momentum heading into the season. Roberts is primed for a breakout that could raise his recruiting profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382367"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a0bab95d317"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allen is a 6'5" hybrid guard with the ability to initiate offense, stretch the floor, and defend multiple positions. His size gives him a natural advantage on the wing, and his court vision allows him to create for others in tight spaces. He's a capable shooter with improving strength and confidence. If he continues to assert himself, Allen could emerge as one of the most versatile breakout players in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2418855"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a0bab95d360"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Young is a quick, confident point guard who thrives in transition and pressures the ball defensively. His ability to pressure the ball and lead with energy gives Rivercrest a spark on both ends. His shooting and leadership give him a chance to take over games. A breakout year could solidify him as one of the top small guards in Arkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2289921"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a0bab95d3b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moore is a smart, skilled point guard. He's a confident shooter, sees the floor well, and competes defensively. His ability to make winning plays, whether it's a timely bucket or key assist, makes him a valuable piece for Bentonville West. With more responsibility this season, he is primed to elevate both his game and his team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Beyond the top-tier names, several prospects in the 40–80 range are gaining traction through steady development and strong summer play. These are the players sharpening their skill sets, expanding their roles, and positioning themselves for breakout seasons. Here's a closer look at the steady risers making noise inside the top 40–80. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR & @VortexSportsArkansas.

Kaiden Nelson

Kaiden Nelson

AR
CG
HEIGHT 6'4"
POS CG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Kaiden
Nelson CG
Class
2026
Height
6'4"
HS
Little Rock Christian
|
AR
2026 Rankings Steady Climbers: Inside the Top 40–80
Nelson is a 6’4″ combo guard with length, fluidity, and a natural scoring touch. He creates off the...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Kaiden Nelson

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Little Rock Christian
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jude Roberts

Jude Roberts

AR
PG/CG
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS PG/CG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jude
Roberts PG/CG
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
HS
Woodlawn
|
AR
2026 Rankings Steady Climbers: Inside the Top 40–80
Roberts is a two-way guard with a smooth jumper and the ability to create off the bounce. He...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Jude Roberts

Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Woodlawn
Club: All Arkansas Red
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Evan Allen

Evan Allen

AR
SF/PG
HEIGHT 6'5"
POS SF/PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Evan
Allen SF/PG
Class
2026
Height
6'5"
HS
Siloam Springs
|
AR
2026 Rankings Steady Climbers: Inside the Top 40–80
Allen is a 6’5″ hybrid guard with the ability to initiate offense, stretch the floor, and defend multiple...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Evan Allen

Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Siloam Springs
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jayden Young

Jayden Young

AR
PG
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jayden
Young PG
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
HS
Rivercrest
|
AR
2026 Rankings Steady Climbers: Inside the Top 40–80
Young is a quick, confident point guard who thrives in transition and pressures the ball defensively. His ability...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Jayden Young

State: Arkansas
School: Rivercrest
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Cooper Moore

Cooper Moore

AR
PG
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Cooper
Moore PG
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
HS
Bentonville West
|
AR
2026 Rankings Steady Climbers: Inside the Top 40–80
Moore is a smart, skilled point guard. He’s a confident shooter, sees the floor well, and competes defensively....
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Cooper Moore

State: Arkansas
School: Bentonville West
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
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Rankings

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Home Arkansas 2026 Rankings Steady Climbers: Inside the Top 40–80

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