Buy the Stock: Top 10 Stock Rising Guards (2026)

The 2026 class in Texas is loaded, but what's really stood out to me this season is the number of guards who've taken that next step—guys who didn't just show up, they showed out. I've been in gyms across the state and watched this group elevate their stock through tough matchups, clutch performances, and sheer competitive fire. These are the guards who've turned heads, silenced doubters, and made it impossible not to take notice.   This isn't just about stats—it's about growth, upside, and impact. And just when you think you've seen it all, I've got a Bonus Player at the end of the list—an under-the-radar name that's playing his way into serious conversation.    Josh Goodwin has flat-out dominated this season—scoring at a high clip while also being the engine behind his team's offense. What jumps off the film is his combination of size and feel; he can create, score, and lead—all while playing within the flow. He brings true positional versatility, able to slot into multiple spots on the floor and create matchup issues. Goodwin plays with a mature pace and makes winning plays, whether it's a timely assist or big-time bucket. His recruitment might be open, but programs looking for a high-upside, Day 1 contributor should move quickly.   Translatable Skills ✅ Scoring Versatility ✅ Leadership ✅ Positional Size     [player_tooltip player_id='2077359' first='Avery' last='Webb'] has taken a major leap over the past year, and the results are loud—he's stronger, more confident, and far more complete as a scorer. The fiery sharpshooter hasn't just added range—he's added depth to his game, using the entire floor to score efficiently at all three levels. What stands out is how much more physical he's become; the added muscle lets him absorb contact and finish plays he couldn't a year ago. He's still lethal from beyond the arc, but now he's a threat off the dribble and in traffic. St. Mary's is getting a polished, battle-tested guard who's ready to contribute.   Translatable Skills ✅ 3PT Shooting ✅ Physical Toughness ✅ Scoring Versatility     [player_tooltip player_id='1750107' first='Jaxson' last='Thompson'] has been on a tear all season, locking himself in as one of the top scorers in Texas and a true Division I steal for Rice. He plays with an edge that you can feel from the moment he steps on the court—chip on his shoulder, fire in his game, and a motor that just doesn't quit. His scoring package is deep: pull-ups, floaters, deep threes, and tough finishes through contact. What separates Jaxson is the work ethic—he's in the gym relentlessly, and the results speak for themselves both live and on film. Rice is getting a high-character, high-production guard ready to make noise early.   Translatable Skills ✅ Shot Creation ✅ Scoring Mentality ✅ Work Ethic     [player_tooltip player_id='2803783' first='DJ' last='Driver'] has taken his game up a notch, and it starts with the physical growth—stronger frame, more explosive bursts, and a confident presence on both ends. He's becoming a real problem off the dribble, with an improving perimeter game that makes defenders think twice about giving him space. What really stands out is his defensive versatility—he can switch 1 through 3 and take on tough assignments with pride. DJ fits perfectly in an up-tempo system where toughness, athleticism, and development are valued. He's a glue-guy guard with upside and grit.   Translatable Skills ✅ Defensive Versatility ✅ Slashing Ability ✅ Athletic Tools     [player_tooltip player_id='1593935' first='Nehemiah' last='Lawrence'] has been the heartbeat of every game he steps into—no one has brought more intensity, consistency, or pride to the floor this season. He's an undersized guard with oversized heart, playing every possession like it's his last and bringing a gritty, blue-collar edge that every coach dreams of. He sets the tone as a true floor general, organizing the offense, defending full court, and making winning plays over and over. What makes him special is his motor—he never takes a play off, and his toughness is contagious. Hampton is getting a battle-tested leader who's ready to compete from day one.   Translatable Skills ✅ Leadership ✅ Motor ✅ On-Ball Defense     [player_tooltip player_id='1590876' first='Antoine' last='Almuttar'] has built his reputation the hard way—through toughness, defense, and an unmatched will to win. He's the definition of a culture-builder, anchoring one of the top programs in Texas with energy, grit, and leadership on a nightly basis. His defensive motor is elite—he guards full court, makes life miserable for ball handlers, and sets the tone for his entire team. Antoine doesn't just win games—he changes programs, and Parish Episcopal is proof of that. Northwestern State is getting a cornerstone guard who brings championship habits with him.   Translatable Skills ✅ Defensive Intensity ✅ Leadership ✅ Winning Mentality     [player_tooltip player_id='1424792' first='Silas' last='Rodriguez'] has been a name in Texas hoops circles since day one, and he's continued to back it up with production, poise, and progression. Even with a young, inexperienced supporting cast, Silas has kept Guyer competitive by doing what he does best—putting the ball in the hole at a high level. His shotmaking is elite—whether it's off movement, off the bounce, or spot-up—he's a walking bucket who commands constant attention. Defensively, he's made noticeable strides, using his strength to absorb contact and compete on both ends. Coaches looking for a proven scorer with toughness and experience will be lining up this spring.   Translatable Skills ✅ Shotmaking ✅ Offensive IQ ✅ Physical Toughness     [player_tooltip player_id='1560901' first='Dakari' last='Spear'] has been a consistent name in the top prospect conversation, and this year he backed it up by leveling up his game on the prep circuit. Going the prep route has paid off—he's added strength, sharpened his tools, and shown he can get buckets against elite national competition. His scoring ability is special—he's a three-level threat who doesn't need much space to get it off, and he lives for the big moments. The physical growth has made him even harder to contain, as he's now finishing through contact with authority. Texas Tech is getting a battle-tested, high-octane scorer ready to compete in the Big 12.   Translatable Skills ✅ Scoring Versatility ✅ Physical Development ✅ Big-Game Ability     [player_tooltip player_id='1590877' first='Jaxon' last='Sneed'] has stepped into the spotlight this season and made the most of his moment, emerging as a key piece for a reloaded Mansfield Summit squad. With last year's core gone to prep, Sneed has taken the reins and shown he's more than ready—scoring at all three levels, creating for others, and locking in defensively. His poise stands out the most—he plays at his own pace, never rattled, always in control, which shows a new level of maturity. He's a versatile guard who can run the show or get a bucket when needed, and his defense on the perimeter is active and tough. College coaches looking for a late gem with real production and polish need to circle this one.   Translatable Skills ✅ 3-Level Scoring ✅ Poise ✅ Perimeter Defense     [player_tooltip player_id='2453368' first='Jirehn' last='Mitchell'] is really starting to come into his own, and his shotmaking in big moments this season has turned heads. The sharpshooting guard from Duncanville brings excellent positional size and defensive versatility, making him more than just a catch‑and‑shoot guy. He's shown elite confidence when games are on the line, knocking down clutch shots—like the game‑winning triple to topple top‑ranked Parish Episcopal—and dropping 18 points in limited minutes against the nation's No. 1 player, Tyran Stokes. What makes him even more intriguing is his athletic upside paired with a blossoming frame that can grow into a true two‑way role. For programs that value development and high‑level shooting, Jirehn is a genuine steal who can make an immediate impact.   Translatable Skills ✅ Clutch Shooting ✅ Positional Size ✅ Defensive Versatility       Brannan's transition into the prep circuit has been seamless, showcasing a poise and confidence that instantly stands out. He's a high-level playmaker who doesn't just make the right reads—he delivers them with flair and purpose. His jumper is smooth and reliable, especially off the bounce, and he's quietly become a knockdown guy from deep. On the defensive end, he's deceptively good—staying in front, anticipating well, and making plays without gambling. Coaches in need of a steady, cerebral floor general with a scoring punch should have him circled this spring.   Translatable Skills ✅ Playmaking ✅ Shot Creation ✅ Perimeter Defense

The 2026 class in Texas is loaded, but what's really stood out to me this season is the number of guards who've taken that next step—guys who didn't just show up, they showed out. I've been in gyms across the state and watched this group elevate their stock through tough matchups, clutch performances, and sheer competitive fire. These are the guards who've turned heads, silenced doubters, and made it impossible not to take notice.