2026 Rankings: Underrated Sleepers to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The spotlight rarely lingers on the middle of the rankings, but that's where hunger lives. These 2026 Arkansas prospects aren't headliners yet, but they're grinding in the shadows, sharpening their tools, and stacking moments that matter. 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":["2411202"],"_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-689f5c3ee2513"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rainey's game hums with quiet electricity. At 6'2", he's a slashing wing who glides into space and elevates with ease. His jumper is smooth, his instincts are sharp, and his frame has room to grow. If he locks in defensively and embraces contact, Rainey could flip the script on his ranking by season's end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2731357"],"_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-689f5c3ee257f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Butler plays like a guard who's been overlooked one too many times. He's twitchy off the bounce, confident in traffic, and has a scorer's swag that's hard to teach. With a tighter handle and more reps against tough comp, Butler could become one of the most disruptive mid-tier guards in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2841723"],"_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-689f5c3ee25ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Boren is a 6'6" hybrid with vision and versatility. He sees plays before they happen and can initiate offense or finish above the rim. His feel for the game is advanced, and if the jumper becomes a weapon, he'll be impossible to ignore. Boren's ceiling is quietly one of the highest in this sleeper group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382366"],"_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-689f5c3ee261a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Makan is a rhythm guard who thrives on the perimeter. He's easy to find in transition and has a knack for timely buckets. His poise under pressure and ability to hit deep shots make him a tough cover. If he sharpens his shot selection and becomes a vocal leader, Makan's rise will be loud.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2690999"],"_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-689f5c3ee2664"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Easter is a compact, high-motor guard who plays with purpose. His first step is explosive, his jumper is clean, and he competes like every possession is personal. He's already a problem in space—add strength and command, and Easter could be the heartbeat of a breakout backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->