Lower ranked 2026s that should make some noise this season

As we wrap up our 2026 rankings coverage, we shift the focus to prospects sitting lower on the board but showing clear flashes of long-term potential. These are players we want to evaluate more closely as the season begins. They aren't finished products yet, but the tools, upside, and early signs are all there. With strong showings, they're capable of making real movement.    O'Donnell is under the radar as he did not have a huge role last season but he's now catapulted into a position where a ton will be asked of him and he will have a significant role. Smoky Hill has an entirely new team and he's one of those players who benefits. He's a player who will have to handle pressure when the ball comes to him, has to space the floor with shooting and score at times. He'll have to be a steady presence and be the type of guard that demands more attention. Excited to see how he evolves.     Dalsaso popped onto my radar this summer as a wing with real size who does all the little things that lead to winning. He hustles, brings energy, and consistently makes the right play. With LOB Elite he defended, cut, spaced the floor, and hit shots that opened the floor. At Cheyenne Mountain he'll handle the dirty-work role, and have to make the most out of the minutes when he's out there. This is his senior season with an clear understanding of what's needed from him. A glue guy like him can rise.     Glynn is a player we haven't seen a ton from but when we did, he let his defense be what separated him. He picks up high, moves his feet and is physical. He plays off of instincts and is dusriptive and those are things that translate. He will have to do that for varsity and allow his defensive identity carry him. With an added offensive growth, that will make him even more dangerous. We expect him to get some opportunity and what happens from there is up to him. He's lower in the rankings but can turn that around with a big season.     We've seen Samson a few times, this summer as well as at Fall showcase, and liked what we saw from Samson. He's a spark for Grandview and has thrived in that sixth-man role and produces as soon as he checks in. He's decisive with the ball, brings real energy defensively, and finds ways to impact games without needing volume touches. He's capable of breakout scoring nights and had a few of those. Consistency is the separator and will earn him even more minutes. We've seen him leave his mark, and he's a solid prospect positioned to build real momentum this year, we just want to see it.     Bennett just showed out at the Fall Ice Breaker, and if rankings waited a week, he'd have skyrocketed. At 6'8 with mobility, he passes the eye test immediately. He blocked shots, altered everything at the rim, and ran the floor for dunks. He's long, athletic, and impactful on both ends. We simply haven't seen enough, but we loved what we did and won't miss again. Get on him now.     We haven't seen Baxter a ton, which is unfortunate because the last viewing showed how much of a difference-maker he can be. He's a shot-ready guard who moves constantly, finds his spots, and scores with confidence. He spaces the floor from deep but also gets inside and disrupts defenders. Defensively is where he must take the next step. With more minutes coming, he has to capitalize every possession.     We saw Gartin early in the summer with Lewis-Palmer at Colorado Live, and his athleticism jumped right out. He has a high motor, constant energy, and always trying to make something happen. That's what you need from a player that jumps in the game from the bench and can create an advantage. We wish we saw him a bit more, which is why the buzz hasn't caught up yet, but he can play. We liked what we seen from him as a rebounder, he rotates the ball and cuts. Defensively he's versatile as well. Those things affects winning. A strong season puts him firmly on the map and has a solid Grandview team in much better spot.

As we wrap up our 2026 rankings coverage, we shift the focus to prospects sitting lower on the board but showing clear flashes of long-term potential. These are players we want to evaluate more closely as the season begins. They aren't finished products yet, but the tools, upside, and early signs are all there. With strong showings, they're capable of making real movement.