High school football season is about to kick off in full force, which means its time to take a look at some of the athletes who will define the next several months.
The Sporting News has, therefore, compiled its preseason All-American team.
Here's a look at the offense (DEFENSE HERE):
QUARTERBACKS
Faizon Brandon, Grimsley (North Carolina); Committed to Tennessee
Brandon, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound signal-caller, led Grimsley to a perfect 16-0 record last fall, culminating in a 4A state title.
He threw for 2,814 yards and 35 touchdowns with an additional 625 yards and nine scores rushing.
Brandon is rated the No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2026 by 247Sports.
Ryder Lyons, Folsom (California); Committed to BYU
The reigning California Gatorade Player of the Year accumulated stunning stats last fall: 3,011 yards, 46 touchdowns, six interceptions; 585 yards,14 touchdowns rushing.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pounds signal-caller is a five-star recruit and is the highest-rated commit in the BYU football program’s history.
Elijah Haven, Durham (Louisiana); Uncommitted
Haven, the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2027, has already started delivering on his immense potential.
As a sophomore last fall, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound signal-caller threw for 3,093 yards and 37 touchdowns with seven interceptions, adding 926 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground.
Haven has a stunning blend of strength and athleticism - and may have the highest ceiling of any quarterback in the country.
RUNNING BACKS
John Hebert, Strake Jesuit (Texas); Committed to Houston
The nation’s leading returning rusher, Hebert isn’t the highest-rated recruit, but his numbers are undeniable.
Last fall, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound ball-carrier rushed for 3,542 yards and 38 touchdowns while averaging 9.8 yards per carry.
He could've produced 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns fewer and still made a case for the list.
Landen Williams-Callis, Randle (Texas); Uncommitted
Williams-Callis put together a season for the ages as a sophomore.
The 5-foot-7, 180-pound back, who already holds more than 60 scholarship offers, rushed for 2,103 yards and 43 touchdowns.
That performance followed up a freshman campaign in which he accumulated 1,946 yards and 23 scores.
A 2,500-yard, 50-total touchdown season is not out of the question.
Williams-Callis is rated the nation’s No. 2 running back in the class of 2027 and carries a five-star rating.
Savion Hiter, Louisa County (Virginia); Uncommitted
Hiter is rated the nation’s No. 1 running back in the class of 2026, and has accumulated offers from some of the nation’s top programs.
Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas and others have all come calling.s
As a junior, the 6-foot, 200-pound back rushed for 1,698 yards 26 touchdowns, averaging 9.8 yards per carry.
Jaeden Hill, Tupelo (Mississippi); Committed to Mississippi State
Hill was one of the most impactful backs in the country last season, leading Tupelo to its first Class 7A state title since 1992.
The 6-foot, 220-pound ball-carrier rushed for 2,262 yards and 34 touchdowns, adding 257 yards and three scores receiving.
But where he truly shined was the playoffs, averaging 214.5 yards and 2.25 touchdowns per game when it mattered most.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Kaydon Finley; Aledo (Texas); Committed to Notre Dame
The son of former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley, Kaydon Finley is already making a name for himself and carving his own path.
As a junior, the 6-foot, 200-pound playmaker hauled in 81 receptions for 1,432 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Finley is a well-rounded, physical receiver with big hands and the ability to both go up and get it or create a big play after the catch.
Kenny Darby, Airline (Louisiana); Committed to LSU
As a junior, Darby was one of the nation’s most productive pass-catchers.
He accumulated 100 receptions for 1,764 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Don’t trust the numbers?
The 6-foot, 175-pound pass-catcher held scholarship offers from double-digit programs, highlighted by Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Tennessee and others.
Brock Boyd, Southlake Carroll (Texas); Committed to Ohio State
Production is king at the wide receiver position, so it’s nearly impossible to create a list that doesn’t at least strongly consider the inclusion of Brock Boyd.
As a junior, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound pass-catcher racked up 111 receptions for 1,875 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Generally speaking, if Ohio State wants a player at wide receiver, it’s best to keep a close eye on that athlete.
Boyd, a three-star prospect, is better than his recruiting ranking.
Jamier Brown; Wayne (Ohio); Committed to Ohio State
Brown set the bar for his athletic career sky-high when he set the national freshman record in the 60-meter dash (6.75).
That burst was on full display last fall, as the 5-foot-11, 170-pound speedster racked up 63 receptions for 1,035 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Brown, the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver in the class of 2027, absolutely dominated the camp circuit this spring and summer, showcasing increased strength and improved route running.
If that carries over into the fall, a massive season is likely ahead.
TIGHT END
George Lamons Jr., Brooks County (Georgia); Uncommitted
The class of 2027 bluechip tight end prospect put on an absolute show during his sophomore campaign.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound pass-catcher generated 62 receptions for 1,940 yards and 20 touchdowns.
That production came almost exclusively at the wide receiver position, but he projects as a tight end at the next level.
Call him a wide receiver, or all him a tight end, but he definitely deserves to be called a Sporting News All-American.
He holds more than 20 scholarship offers, highlighted by Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Tennessee and many others.
Mark Bowman, Mater Dei (California); Committed to USC
Looking for a more traditional tight end?
Enter Mark Bowman.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pound pass-catcher was originally a 2027 prospect, but reclassified into the 2026 group.
As a sophomore, Bowman was a key cog for Mater Dei, which won the high school national championship.
He snagged 32 passes for 435 yards and eight touchdowns.
A significant leap forward in Year 3 is expected.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Jackson Cantwell, Nixa (Missouri); Committed to Miami
Not just a Sporting News All-American, Cantwell could end up as the Male Athlete of the Year.
The 6-foot-7 1/2, 325-pound five-star offensive tackle is the two-time Missouri Gatorade boys track athlete of the year.
Cantwell won both the shot put and discuss and delivered the nation’s longest shot throw (76-11.25), which was the second-longest throw in history.
He’ll be tossing around defenders this fall.
Lamar Brown, University Lab (Louisiana); Committed to LSU
Brown’s future may project on either side of the ball in college, but he’s been an absolute force as an offensive lineman in high school.
And his athleticism is jaw-dropping.
The 6-foot-4, 285-pound mauler is rated the nation’s No. 3 overall prospect and held offers from nearly every major college football program before choosing the Tigers.
Like Cantwell, Brown has several track and field throwing accolades to consider: discus state champion and indoor shot put state champion as a junior and outdoor shot put state champion as a sophomore.
Brown is one of the nation’s best two-way players.
Kodi Greene, Mater Dei (California); Committed to Washington
Greene, a five-star offensive lineman, experienced a true test when he moved from the state of Washington to national powerhouse Mater Dei in California last year.
It’s safe to say he passed with flying colors.
The 6-foot-6, 320-pound lineman was the Offensive Lineman of the year in arguably the nation’s toughest conference, the Trinity League.
That alone is a massive resume-booster.
But Greene was essential in paving the way for the Monarchs offense to win a national title last fall.
Immanuel Iheanacho, Georgetown Prep (Maryland); Committed to Oregon
A raw, hulking offensive lineman, Iheanacho is a 6-foot-6 1/2, 345-pound mauler who absolutely obliterates opponents in the run game.
In pass protection, the Oregon commit didn’t allow a sack last season .
While there’s still some technique things to clean up, Iheanacho’s physical dominance at the high school level is undeniable.
Kevin Brown, Harrisburg (Pennsylvania); Committed to Penn State
Brown, an athletic 6-foot-6, 270-pound offensive tackle, missed most of his junior season with a foot injury.
But all the metrics are there for a massive senior campaign, and folks would be wise to remember him during award season.
During his sophomore year, Brown registered more than 100 pancake blocks to go along with 11.5 sacks on defense.
He now reportedly benches over 400 pounds and squats over 600 pounds and has a wrestling background.
All the markers are there for Brown to have an All-American season.
Leo Delaney, Providence Day School (North Carolina); Committed to Clemson
Last season, Delaney played right tackle opposite Tennessee freshman and five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr.
Now, he’s the star of the show.
The 6-foot-6, 290-pound lineman is strong and athletic with impressive balance, which he may have developed while earning a black belt in Jeet Kune Do, a fighting style developed by Bruce Lee.