10 Hillsborough County Players to Know Entering the 2026 Season

Carl Jones Jr. | DB | Tampa Catholic | 2027

Carl Jones Jr. is a Wake Forest commit who could be a name that has slipped under the radar heading into the season. With Tampa Catholic looking to take a major step forward in 2026, Jones will have an opportunity to show why he is one of the Crusaders’ key pieces on defense. Expect the 2027 defensive back to take on a significant role in a much-improved Tampa Catholic team.

Connor Wills | LB | Tampa Bay Tech | 2027

At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Connor Wills brings speed and physicality to the Tampa Bay Tech defense. He recorded 54 tackles last season and plays with good closing speed and a relentless motor. Wills has the ability to cover ground quickly and should be in position to increase his production this fall.

Dorian Edwards | LB | EAST BAY | 2027

Dorian Edwards is a name to watch as a leader of the East Bay defense. He brings size, strength and versatility to the linebacker position, with the ability to rush off the edge, play inside and make plays in space. Edwards should be in position to take another step and improve his production this fall, giving the Indians a player they can lean on throughout the season.

Kehber Nijher | QB | Armwood | 2029

Kehber Nijher arrives at Armwood after transferring from Plant this offseason, and despite being only a sophomore, expectations are already high. His poise and leadership stand out for a young quarterback, and he will have an opportunity to operate with one of the state’s deepest groups of receivers around him. With a championship-caliber defense on the other side, Nijher is a name to know as he gets his opportunity to lead the Hawks.

Blaze Ingram | ATH | Gaither | 2030

Blaze Ingram has been a name in youth football circles for years, and now the highly touted prospect gets his first opportunity at the high school level. His recruitment has already taken off with offers that include Ole Miss, creating plenty of attention before his freshman season. How Gaither plans to use the versatile athlete will be one of the more intriguing storylines to watch this fall.

Ryan Corrigan | OL | Steinbrenner | 2027

Ryan Corrigan brings immediate size to the Steinbrenner offensive line after transferring from Hudson. At 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds, Corrigan already holds offers from Missouri, USF and Samford. He has an opportunity to make an immediate impact up front and help improve a Warriors offense looking to take another step in 2026.

Aiden Alexander | QB | Plant | 2029

Aiden Alexander arrives at Plant after transferring from Jesuit and steps into an opportunity to showcase his ability at quarterback. After a solid showing in the spring, the 2029 prospect enters the fall with a chance to continue developing in a larger role. Alexander shows a strong arm, good touch on the football and the ability to make good decisions with the ball in his hands.

Kylan Philpot | OL | Berkeley Prep | 2028

At 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, Kylan Philpot already has the frame of an upperclassman despite entering just his junior season. He moves well for his size and has the ability to get on defenders and create movement up front. With plenty of room to continue developing physically, Philpot should be an important part of Berkeley Prep’s offensive line this season.

Alex McCullough | ATH | Armwood | 2027

Alex McCullough joins an already loaded Armwood roster after transferring from St. Petersburg Catholic. At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, he brings good ball skills and the versatility to contribute on either side of the football. McCullough is instinctive and physical in the secondary and already holds offers from UConn, USF and Rhode Island. Where he ultimately fits into Armwood’s deep roster remains to be seen, but he gives the Hawks another player capable of making an immediate impact.

Jaydon Page | WR | Steinbrenner | 2027

Jaydon Page is coming off a productive junior season with 44 receptions for 678 yards and seven touchdowns, and there is reason to believe those numbers could climb as a senior. Quarterback Rylen Dutka returns, giving Steinbrenner a chance to build on what its offense accomplished last season. Page brings speed as a vertical threat while also being dangerous when given opportunities to make plays in space.