Who is the top prospect from New Jersey’s 2026 class?
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The PrepSoccer state rankings for the class of 2026 for New Jersey were released on Monday. Check out the full rankings here. Learn more about the PrepSoccer ranking process here. Yesterday, we took a look at some of the names…
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Continue ReadingThe PrepSoccer state rankings for the class of 2026 for New Jersey were released on Monday. Check out the full rankings here. Learn more about the PrepSoccer ranking process here.
Yesterday, we took a look at some of the names to know from the rankings. Below is a rundown of another slate of top names from the rankings.
Left center back – Good size. Right footed. Great qualities for an off-ball center back. He does well when he is free of a mark. He adjusts his position often and doesn’t get his feet stuck in one spot. Stood out for how he handled crosses as he intercepted a few with his positioning.
Forward – Saw him play as both a winger and a center forward. Looked better when he was the center of the attack. Good on the ball attacker. He can fool defenders with his ball skill. Can create chances for himself. Strong on the ball, can play with back to the goal.
Defensive mid – Does an excellent job in protecting the back four. Likes to a float free and win the long clearance. Good at decision-making on when to hit away or when to bring the ball down off of drop kick. Consistency of first touch needs to improve. Had a ball bounce off his foot when it was zipped into him, but did show a soft touch when trapping a long ball. He gets into the right spots. Smart player. Developing
Highlights
Left back/Midfielder – left footed. Plays as a left back in theory, but he likes to tuck in and be another midfielder. He gets back to his spot, but he can pop up anywhere on the field to create an advantage for his team. Good on the ball. Clean first touch, good quick decisions. Difference-maker in that position.
Highlights
Center back – Right. Fluid athlete. The game seems so easy to him that it looks like he is on a Sunday stroll out on the field. It’s not a knock on his quality, but it doesn’t translate well on film. He is a long strider and makes up ground quickly. Comfortable on the ball and will make forwards look silly when trying to press him. Elite athlete for the position.
Center back – Left or right. Very good 1v1 defender. Could be an outside back with how well he does in duels. He likes to take the space when in possession. He’s a good dribbler and combines well with teammates. He has unique offensive qualities for a center back, which make him standout. Much better going forward with conviction than many players in this spot. Captain of his team. Previously called into a US Soccer Talent ID event.
Highlights
Center back – Saw him play left center back. Big leg. Right footed. Can hit a ball 50 yards easy. Looks like a good athlete, had a nice pop-up slide tackle in a game. Saw him have a nice goal line clearance.
Highlights
Center midfielder/defensive midfielder. Listed as a 2026 on player profile. Not verified. Played for CSA Bergen U17 and U16 MLS Next teams during the fall. He moves different. Never in a hurry but always in the right spot. He doesn’t make big plays, but he is impactful. Looked good at stopping counter. Every touch was clean. Pretty impressive prospect for this class.