The most important players in high school football are in the trenches.
This is the fourth of a five-part series highlighting quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, linemen and defensive players to watch during the 2026 season.
Here are 10 linemen to watch, with players listed alphabetically.
Caden Castleman, El Paso-Gridley
The 6-foot, 225-pound junior was a key member of the o-line for the Titans, who set a new program record with a 12-1 mark and a Class 2A state semifinalist appearance. Castleman was key in helping EP-G have 1,599 rushing yards and 25 TDs, while adding 55 tackles. He was named all-Heart of Illinois Conference-Large Division first-team offensive line.
Soren Fifer, Morton
The 6-foot-6, 300-pound senior offensive lineman is committed to continue his playing career at Illinois. He helped the Potters to a 7-4 overall record and a Class 5A second-round state playoff appearance. He helped the offense produce 4,271 total yards and 53 TDs. He was all-Mid-Illini Conference first team selection and a Journal Star All-Area first-team pick.
Evan Grove, Metamora
The 6-foot, 235-pound junior played left guard for the Redbirds, who went 8-3 overall and made the Class 4A second round of the state playoffs. Grove, who also played middle linebacker, helped pave the way for an offense that rushed for 2,633 yards and scored 41 touchdowns in 11 games. He earned all-Mid-Illini Conference second-team honors.
Aaden Hasty, East Peoria
The 6-foot-4, 300-pound senior played offensive tackle and offensive guard for the Raiders, who finished with a 4-5 record. Hasty is a Division-I prospect, garnering interest from several FCS programs. He didn’t allow any sacks, while making holes for 1,306 rushing yards and 15 TDs. He was also named an all-Mid-Illini second-team player.
Kemarri Jackson, Peoria High
The 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior returns a big piece on the o-line for the Lions, who went 9-3 and made the Class 5A quarters in the state playoffs. He was instrumental in helping Peoria High rush for 3,435 yards and 45 TDs along with scoring 48.8 points per game. Jackson was named an all-Big 12 Conference second-team offensive lineman.
Kendrick Owens, Peoria High
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior was a one-man wrecking crew on the d-line for the Lions, who went 9-3 overall and earned a Class 5A state quarterfinal berth. Owens posted 16 sacks for Peoria High, which allowed 14 points or less five times. He’ll likely move to linebacker in 2026. He was named all-Big 12 Conference first-team defensive lineman.
Kingston Smith, Dunlap
The 5-foot-8, 265-pound senior will anchor the o-line for the Eagles, who finished 9-3 overall and made the Class 6A quarterfinals in the state playoff. His presence helped Dunlap rush for 2,255 yards and 37 TDs along with 1,274 passing yards. He added six tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Smith earned all-Mid-Illini Conference second-team honors.
Noah Tockes, Peoria Notre Dame
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound senior played both offensive and defensive line for the Irish, who went 8-3 overall and made the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs. He was instrumental in helping PND rush for 4,193 yards and 48 TDs to go with 31 tackles. Tockes was an all-Big 12 Conference second team and Journal Star All-Area honorable mention.
Harlin Toillion, El Paso-Gridley
The 5-foot-10, 215-pound junior was standout defensive end for the Titans, who went 12-1 and made it to the Class 2A state playoff semifinals. His 70 tackles and a team-high 13.5 tackles for loss helped the EP-G defense give up an average of 11 points a game. Toillion was named all-Heart of Illinois Conference-Large Division first-team defense.
Shawndrick Williams-Funches, Manual
The 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior clogged up the middle on the defensive line, while opening holes on the o-line for the Rams, who went winless during the 2025 season. Williams-Funches helped the Rams offense produce 2,025 total yards (1,236 passing, 789 rushing) and 17 total TDs. He was an all-Big 12 Conference honorable mention on the d-line.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois high school football season: 10 linemen to know in the Peoria area
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
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By Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
