Breaking Down Nevada’s Top 15 Football Recruits for 2026

By: Jordan Reese

· Preps
broken image

Las Vegas has long been a hotbed for prep football talent, and the 2026 class is no exception. From Bishop Gorman’s national dominance to hidden gems across the valley, Nevada’s top recruits are making waves on the field and catching the attention of college programs nationwide. Here’s my breakdown of the top 15 players in the state, their strengths, and why they’re worth watching.

1. Jett Washington (Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, NV) – Safety

At 6-5 and 200 pounds, Jett Washington is a generational talent. His size, athleticism, and football IQ make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. With a 98 rating, Washington is the highest-ranked player in Nevada and a surefire Division I prospect. Expect him to anchor Gorman’s defense and dominate on the national stage.

2. Gavin Day (Faith Lutheran, Las Vegas, NV) – Safety

Gavin Day is another standout safety, measuring 6-3 and 190 pounds. His 90 rating reflects his ability to read plays and deliver hard hits. Faith Lutheran has a rising star in Day, and he’s poised to be a leader on and off the field.

3. Dre Pollard (Clark, Las Vegas, NV) – Athlete

Dre Pollard is the definition of versatility. At 6-0 and 175 pounds, he excels in multiple positions, making him a valuable asset for Clark High School. His 88 rating highlights his potential to shine at the next level.

4. Dominic Harris (Clark, Las Vegas, NV) – Offensive Tackle

Dominic Harris is a mountain of a man at 6-7.5 and 335 pounds. His 88 rating underscores his dominance in the trenches. Harris is a cornerstone for Clark’s offensive line and a top prospect for college programs seeking size and strength.

5. Prince Williams (Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, NV) – Edge

Prince Williams is a force off the edge, standing 6-3 and weighing 255 pounds. His 87 rating reflects his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and make game-changing plays. Gorman’s defense is stacked, and Williams is a key piece of the puzzle.

6. Joey Thomas (Bishop Manogue, Reno, NV) – Cornerback

Joey Thomas brings speed and agility to the secondary. At 6-0 and 165 pounds, his 87 rating highlights his ability to lock down receivers and make crucial interceptions. Reno’s Bishop Manogue has a star in Thomas.

7. Kole Cronin (Bishop Manogue, Reno, NV) – Offensive Tackle

Another standout from Bishop Manogue, Kole Cronin is a 6-6, 255-pound tackle with an 86 rating. His size and technique make him a reliable protector for his quarterback and a top recruit for college programs.

8. Matthew Mason (Faith Lutheran, Las Vegas, NV) – Safety

Faith Lutheran’s Matthew Mason is a 6-3, 180-pound safety with an 86 rating. His ability to cover ground and deliver big hits makes him a key player for his team and a prospect to watch.

9. Evan Williams (Green Valley, Henderson, NV) – Athlete

Evan Williams is a versatile athlete at 6-1 and 200 pounds. His 86 rating reflects his ability to excel in multiple roles, making him a valuable asset for Green Valley High School.

10. Kaina Watson (Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, NV) – Wide Receiver

Kaina Watson is a dynamic receiver at 6-1 and 175 pounds. His 85 rating highlights his ability to stretch the field and make big plays. Gorman’s offense is loaded, and Watson is a key weapon.

11. Maika Eugenio (Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, NV) – Quarterback

Maika Eugenio is a 6-0, 180-pound quarterback with an 85 rating. His leadership and accuracy make him a standout for Gorman’s offense, and he’s poised to lead the team to more victories.

12. Andreas Diaz-Nicolaidis (Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, NV) – Tight End

At 6-3 and 235 pounds, Andreas Diaz-Nicolaidis is a physical presence at tight end. His 85 rating reflects his ability to block and catch, making him a dual-threat for Gorman’s offense.

13. Major Pride (Canyon Springs, North Las Vegas, NV) – Wide Receiver

Major Pride is a 6-3, 180-pound receiver with an 85 rating. His size and athleticism make him a standout for Canyon Springs, and he’s a player to watch in the coming season.

14. Poe Purcell (Eldorado, Las Vegas, NV) – Defensive Lineman

Poe Purcell is a 6-4, 315-pound lineman with an 84 rating. His strength and ability to clog up the middle make him a key player for Eldorado High School.

15. Ocean Taufa (Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, NV) – Edge

Ocean Taufa is a 6-2, 240-pound edge rusher with an 84 rating. His speed and power off the edge make him a disruptive force for Gorman’s defense.

Final Thoughts

Nevada’s 2026 class is stacked with talent, and these top 15 players are just the beginning. From Bishop Gorman’s dominance to rising stars at smaller programs, the Silver State continues to produce athletes ready to shine on the national stage. As always, I’ll be tracking their progress and advocating for local talent to stay home and represent the 702. Let’s keep these stars in Nevada and build a pipeline for the future!