Class of ‘25 Rankings Update: New Look Top 5
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There aren’t too many shocking changes from this group in this second Class of ’25 Player Rankings update. However, there was a bit of shuffling around, as two prospects from the previous Top 5 in February now have a new…
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Continue ReadingThere aren’t too many shocking changes from this group in this second Class of ’25 Player Rankings update. However, there was a bit of shuffling around, as two prospects from the previous Top 5 in February now have a new rank. There was also a newcomer that managed to join this elite group of talent in his debut. Here’s a rundown of the latest Top 5 upcoming sophomores for the 2022 season.
No. 1: Carlos German Carlos German 5'7" | 175 lbs | RB McPherson | 2025 State KS – Maize, 5’7”, 160, RB
Not much has changed at the top of the rankings, as Carlos German Carlos German 5'7" | 175 lbs | RB McPherson | 2025 State KS continues to hold down the No. 1 spot. He’s displayed his versatility this offseason; showcasing his skills as a receiving back during workouts, and showing an ability to make plays as a safety during 7-on-7 competition. He may not be the feature back on varsity this season, but he could be a reliable player that Maize can use in a multitude of ways. German has the explosiveness to make an impact out of the backfield, in the slot, or on special teams.
No. 2: Brandon Schmelzle Brandon Schmelzle 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Axtell | 2025 State KS – Axtell, 6’2”, 175, ATH
Brandon Schmelzle Brandon Schmelzle 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Axtell | 2025 State KS moves up one spot in this June update to become the 2nd ranked prospect overall. Not many freshmen in the state had a better year than the top ranked athlete. After helping Axtell win a state title on the gridiron, he continued to shine during basketball season and track. In addition to this, Schmelzle was a standout player for the Kansas Elite 15U 7-on-7 team this past spring. He is truly a jack of all trades and a gifted athlete. Look for him to have another outstanding year as a sophomore.
No. 3: Caden Butler Caden Butler 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Lincoln | 2025 State CA – Olathe North, 6’0”, 170, WR
Butler was first discovered during the Community Film Room series, and now he makes his debut as the top ranked receiver in the class and the 3rd ranked prospect overall. He is without a doubt one of the most dynamic prospects in the entire class. His route running was mentioned during the Community Film Room series, but his playmaking after the catch should’ve been highlighted as well. Butler is great at finding creases in defenses and has the acceleration to out-run defenders. With key pieces graduating from the Eagles’ offense, Butler has the opportunity to be an impact player as a sophomore.
No. 4: Koby Le Koby Le 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Emporia | 2025 State KS – Emporia, 6’1”, 210, DL
Koby Le Koby Le 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Emporia | 2025 State KS continues to maintain his status as the top ranked defensive lineman in the class, and he still holds down the No. 4 overall spot for a second update. He’s been a beast at the two combines he’s competed at, and it’s evident that he’s raised his game this offseason. During one-on-one’s, Le’s skills have looked sharp, he’s been quick off the ball, and he looks very confident against all competition. He was even a finalist for King of the Hill at the first KC Varsity Combines in late April. Le is primed to do damage off the edge this year, and is trending in the direction of being a potential All-League selection.
No. 5: Tate McNew Tate McNew 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Maize South | 2025 State KS – Maize South, 6’1”, 165
McNew checks in as the 5th ranked prospect overall in this update, and is still the top ranked signal caller in the class. The young gunslinger has kept himself busy this offseason, as he also made an impact for the Mavericks’ varsity baseball squad. McNew manned the hot corner as a freshman and managed to pick up an All-League Honorable Mention nod for his solid play. He also had the opportunity to learn and put his arm to the test while attending the 3DQBTexas showcase earlier this year. McNew will look to carry this success over into his sophomore campaign.
Some more elite talent at the top of the class includes No. 6: Graceson Littleton – Goddard (ATH), No. 7: Caden Estrada Caden Estrada 6'1" | 270 lbs | OL Washburn Rural | 2025 State KS – Washburn Rural (OL), No. 8: Creyo Koop Creyo Koop 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH West Elk | 2025 State KS – West Elk (ATH), No. 9: Kye Jegen Kye Jegen 5'10" | 165 lbs | RB Mill Valley | 2025 State KS – Mill Valley (RB), and No. 10: Tyler West Tyler West 5'9" | 150 lbs | ATH Shawnee Mission NW | 2025 State KS – Shawnee Mission NW (WR).