Rankings Analysis: Who is the best 2026 in Michigan?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PrepSoccer state player rankings for Michigan for <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/updated-2026-michigan-boy-rankings/">the class of 2026 were released on Monday</a>. This is the first ranking for this class as we continue the process of state rankings before the national update. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Michigan 2026 rankings include only players who play club soccer in the state of Michigan. While the 2008 age group is one of the best in recent time from the state, many of the top players have left the state already to play at MLS academies. For example, Austin Su joined Columbus Crew academy prior to the 2022/2023 club season after playing for Nationals last club season. Su is starting for the Crew U17 MLS Next. He will be included in the Ohio 2026 rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While some have left the state, there is still plenty of talent still on display in Michigan from 2026. Here are the names to know from this class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["94077"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Estala is the No. 1 player in the Michigan class for now. The center back moved from Michigan to Utah (and joined the RSL academy) in early 2023. In the next update, he will be moved to the Utah rankings.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eEstala was an early riser in this class. He was identified to play in the MLS Next Best Of game during the Showcase event in Indio - and he was one of the few players who actually played defense in that game. He is athletically a very gifted player. He has amazing recovery speed - just blazing pace in the open field. He is quick to slide tackle, but he is calculated on his challenges and quickly pops up once he hits the group. Estrala is a rare center back - he has the size and speed to make the jump to the U17 level already. As he continues to refine and improve his tactical game, he will be a top player to watch at the national level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["93371"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eWatching Horlings snag a cross at the high point in a traffic of bodies in the box and realizing that there are maybe four goalkeepers in the country with that combination of athleticism, height, confidence, and strength is the main reason he stands alone among this position in Michigan. He is a difference-maker at a high level in the club game now, but his ceiling is so much higher. He has the physical tools to be a top Division I goalkeeper. He has developed every aspect of his game in the past year as well. His distribution has improved immensely and he is pinging his pass with pace and accuracy.u003c/pu003ernu003ca href=u0022https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/ezra_horlings?video=2451291u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eHighlight video u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["93499"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eCacaj stood out from the game film and had the phrase u0022probably the best true player on the fieldu0022 written in one scout's notebook. The center midfielder is a crafty playmaker. He makes good decisions on the ball and showed the ability to consistently make key passes. He uses his body well to shield defenders off the ball. He throws in some body fakes to create space as well.u003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["93495"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Heming is one of the center backs for Michigan Wolves U16 MLS Next side. He has good size and a physical approach to the position. He is good as an on-ball defender and does an excellent job in organizing the defense. He can get caught ball-watching at times on crosses and needs to improve in his scanning while off-the-ball. He is smooth on the ball in possession and does a good job in finding outlets with his passes.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["93498"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eLawrence is a versatile wide player, as he could be either an outside back or a winger. He is very good in 1v1 situations with quick feet. He is dynamic in space and good on the ball. He whips in a cross with pace. He has the tools to be playing at a higher level. Very promising.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["94120"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eAkway, a center attacking midfielder, probably has the highest ceiling of any player on this list. Fluid runner. Smooth as silk on the field. He is showing glimpses when he puts it together and takes over the game, but he is still figuring out how to really dominate at the youth level. FC Cincinnati had him in for a trial recently.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["93374"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eGunnar Guest is a right center back. Reads the game well. Makes key plays at the right moments with interceptions and tackles. Pretty good in aerial duels. Could improve on his decisions in the build-out. Rushes into passes before they are there and forces some long balls when the first option isn't on. Has potential to be a top center back.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["94103"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p2u0022u003eMason Grodzicki is a goalkeeper for Michigan Wolves. He is left-footed. Comfortable off his line - plays pretty far off his line. Secure hands. He won the game for Wolves against Vardar earlier this season.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ebd6e332b9f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->