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As the countdown to the 2026 high school football season begins, the Big Bend region is once again proving to be a fertile recruiting ground for college programs across the country.
From explosive playmakers and versatile athletes to proven leaders and Division I commitments, this year’s senior class features some of the area’s most intriguing prospects. Several players have already secured Power Four and group of five offers, while others enter their final high school season poised for breakout campaigns that could dramatically elevate their recruiting profiles.
The common thread among this group is momentum. Whether it’s production on Friday nights, eye-catching performances on the camp circuit, or increased attention from college recruiters, these athletes have positioned themselves among the Big Bend’s top senior prospects entering the fall. With recruiting battles intensifying and college coaches evaluating final film before signing day, the stakes — and opportunities — have never been higher.
Here is the next installment of our Big Bend senior football prospects ranking.
10. Donterrious Figgers II, ATH, Rickards
Height/Weight: 5-foot-10, 160 pounds
2025 stats: 24 receptions, 283 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns
College offers: Jackson State, Gardner-Webb, South Alabama, Dartmouth, Troy, Mercer, Stanford
Analysis: Figgers may not receive the same level of attention as Rickards’ teammate Davion Crumitie, a Vanderbilt commit, but college recruiters have taken notice of his all-around skill set. Primarily operating out of the slot, Figgers is a polished route runner with the ability to create separation and make plays in space. He also stands out as a willing and effective perimeter blocker, an often-overlooked trait that adds value to his game.
With offers ranging from Stanford to Jackson State, Figgers has attracted interest from programs at multiple levels. Rickards expects him to take on an expanded role as a senior, including responsibilities on both sides of the ball, giving him another opportunity to showcase his versatility and athleticism.
9. Aaron Johnson Jr., WR, Florida High
Height/Weight: 5-foot-10, 165 pounds
2025 stats: 15 receptions, 271 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns
College offers: Howard, Kentucky, Troy, Jackson State, Miami (Ohio), Jacksonville State, Western Kentucky
Analysis: Speed remains Johnson’s biggest weapon. Clocked in the 4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash, he possesses the type of explosiveness that can change games with a single touch. Whether lined up in the slot or outside, Johnson creates matchup problems for defensive backs and has become an increasingly attractive prospect on the recruiting trail.
After making his mark at Rickards, Johnson has transferred to Florida High, where he will look to elevate both his production and recruiting stock during his senior campaign. With offers from Kentucky, Miami (Ohio) and Western Kentucky already on the table, Johnson enters the season as one of the area’s most dangerous deep threats.
8. Ashton Callahan, RB, Florida High
Height/Weight: 5-foot-10, 200 pounds
2025 stats: 158 carries, 1,218 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns
College offers: East Carolina, Troy, Liberty, Maryland
Analysis: Few running backs in the Big Bend combine power, speed and burst as effectively as Callahan. The former Gadsden County standout eclipsed the 1,200-yard mark last season thanks to a blend of vision, balance and home-run ability.
Callahan’s physical running style allows him to pick up tough yardage between the tackles, but his acceleration in the open field is what separates him from many of his peers. That combination has earned him Division I attention from programs such as Maryland and East Carolina. Now at Florida High, Callahan will have an opportunity to build on an already impressive résumé in his final high school season.
7. Trevor Jacobs, WR, Lincoln
Height/Weight: 6-foot, 180 pounds
2025 stats: 35 receptions, 526 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns
College offers: South Alabama (committed), Coastal Carolina, Jacksonville State, Troy, Alabama State, FIU, Florida A&M, Appalachian State, Maryland
Analysis: Jacobs has emerged as one of Lincoln’s most reliable offensive weapons and projects as a key leader for the Trojans this season. His ability to turn short completions into explosive plays makes him a constant threat whenever the ball is in his hands.
With strong hands, quick acceleration, and natural instincts after the catch, Jacobs has attracted scholarship offers from programs across the country. Ultimately, he chose South Alabama, following in the footsteps of his brother, TJ Jacobs. Despite his commitment, Jacobs still has one final high school season to cement his standing among the area’s premier receivers.
6. Jaylen Jones, DB, Wakulla
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 185 pounds
2025 stats: 1,526 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 8 interceptions; 410 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns; 18 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups
College offers: Jacksonville State (committed), The Citadel, Gardner-Webb, Rhode Island, Florida A&M, Army, Navy, Texas Southern, Mercer, Charlotte, Mississippi State, FIU
Analysis: Jones may be one of the most intriguing athletes on this list because of his success on both sides of the ball. Last season at Blountstown, he excelled at quarterback while also playing defensive back, helping establish himself as one of the region’s top all-around talents.
Now back at Wakulla, where former Blountstown offensive coordinator Derek Allen Jr. has taken over as head coach, Jones is expected to focus primarily on safety — the position many college programs project him to play at the next level. His combination of size, range and ball skills makes him a natural fit in the secondary.
The last time Jones suited up for Wakulla, he recorded eight interceptions, showcasing the instincts that have made him a coveted defensive prospect. Committed to Jacksonville State, Jones enters his senior season looking to create more turnovers and help lead the War Eagles into a new era under Allen.
Big Bend football’s Top 20 prospects
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Big Bend football seniors to watch countdown: 10-6 rankings
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
