Class 5A blog: Way too early players to watch for the 2026 football season

It is understood that Class 5A has been one of the most challenging and most talented classes for football in the country year in and year out for much of the last decade. The 2025 season saw another group of elite players leave, but there are still young stars all over the field.

Kelsey Adams, Hughes

One of the top offensive linemen in the country in the class of 2027, Adams dominated defenses and opened holes for one of the top rush offenses in the state. He stands at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds and is one of the top commits in UGA's 2027 recruiting class and a top 100 player in the country, and should be even better in his senior year.

Jaden Upshaw, Lee County

Lee County’s elite junior wide out Upshaw is a dominant player and the state's top receiver in the class of 2027. Standing at 6-2, he has the ability to play every receiver position, and the mixture of physicality and speed is what made him the best player on the Lee County team last year.

Kharim Hughley, Gainesville

One of the top quarterbacks in the country, Hughley has dominated his first two years as a starter. The Clemson commit is one of the most polished passers in the state and threw for over 2500 yards in 2025. While only 5-11, his height has not held him back as he has thrown all over opposing defenses.

Grant Haviland, Milton

One of the most underrated players in the state is Milton 4-star 2027 tight end Grant Haviland, at 6-4, 215 pounds. He can play a traditional inline tight end role, but he also has the speed and route running ability to play out wide and play as an outside wide receiver. With more consistency at quarterback, he could be a top weapon.

Elijah Patman, Northside-Warner Robins

One of middle Georgia's forgotten players, Patman is a heavily recruited player that coach Daniel Williams will help develop, as he did for so many at Hughes. Patman stands at 6-2, 295 pounds, and moves exceptionally well for his size. He was productive from his interior defensive line position, making 37 tackles and six tackles for loss last season.

Chase Foster II, Dutchtown

Foster is one of the top defensive linemen in the class of 2028. Standing at 6-4, 265 pounds, he has the ability to move between positions depending on how he develops moving forward. As of now, he can play anywhere from defensive end to nose guard, depending on the scheme and opposing personnel.

Landon Ghea, Milton

One of the top players in 2029 Ghea is a 6-5 270-pound offensive tackle and one of the top offensive tackles to come out of the state in years. He started for the Eagles as a freshman and will only grow as he gets more playing time and refines his already strong technique.

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