Expected Stock Risers For Spring 2026

Below is a preview of five prospects I believe are destined to post an outstanding 2026 high school season and thus increase their recruiting stock significantly.    Cavanaugh is an athletic and agile lefty who I expect will put his name on the recruiting map this spring. His quick burst, as well as his ability to dodge going left or right and then shoot/pass with either hand, make Cavanaugh nearly impossible to defend 1v1. After Cavanaugh has separated from the initial defender, he can fire from multiple angles while on the run. This versatile offensive prospect can initiate from anywhere on the field and get to the cage. Once he is in close, Cavanaugh's deep bag of fakes and finishing moves keep opposing goalies guessing. Cavanaugh's ability to run through significant contact is impressive. His accurate shooting skills with his feet set must be respected, too. Cavanuagh's high IQ and precise passing skills enable him to deliver dimes that catch opponents napping.     This true two-way midfielder possesses imposing size, remarkable athleticism, and noteworthy speed. Offensively, Filing is a major transition threat capable of going coast-to-coast for a goal or an assist. In 6v6 action, Filing can sweep across an opposing defense and then crank on the run. Filing can fire with his right hand as well as his left while on the move. This midfielder also owns a powerful step-down shot that he will not hesitate to unleash from deep on the perimeter or the wing. On defense, Filing plays a physical brand of SSDM. He has repeatedly demonstrated that he can get into an offensive player early in their dodge and halt that ball carrier's charge. His forceful stick checks and crow bars frequently lead to turnovers. Filing is a plus player on the face-off wing, too.     How Goldman, a First Team All-CIF pick in 2025, remains available is a mystery. But with a monster junior season looming, I am confident a college program will scoop up Goldman shortly. Goldman is an extraordinary three-sport athlete (hoops & wrestling too) with speed, agility, and a powerful build. On the lacrosse field, those assets enable Goldman to repeatedly win clamps cleanly and race into the offensive end to create scoring opportunities. Goldman's filthy stick skills make him a legitimate threat to fire one into the back of the net on those fast breaks. Plus, Goldman also owns fantastic passing instincts that enable him to distribute at the exact right moment. When things get chaotic at the dot, Goldman's physicality will overpower his opponent so that his crafty stick can then secure possession. Goldman also possesses a nonstop motor and a high energy level that is contagious. College coaches will love those elements of Goldman's game.     One of the items that really pops about Kessler is his fantastic passing skills. At both attack and midfield, the trifecta of Kessler's field vision, unselfish nature, and polished stick skills produces a host of creative assists. His ability to draw a double team and then quickly move the ball to the appropriate teammate is especially impressive. When he is looking to score, Kessler can do so as an initiator or by working off-ball. As a ball carrier, Kessler excels at dodging from the wing as well as from X. His quick first step and elusive stick maneuvers allow him to navigate his way to the crease area for high percentage scoring opportunities. Off-ball, Kessler does an incredible job of reading defenses and then sweeping or cutting into open spaces for catch-and-shoot chances. As a midfielder, Kessler is effective when coming out of the box, receiving an outlet pass, and then getting downhill in a flash to create an odd-man break.     Maxwell is an extraordinarily skilled, as well as fleet-footed, attackman who is comfortable operating from X, the wing, and around the crease. Behind the net, Maxwell's filthy change-of-direction moves enable him to cook his initial defender, streak around the corner, and then score in close. Or Maxwell is capable of pushing up the hash and then unleashing a jump shot. Still, Maxwell's ability to feed cutters from behind the cage may be his most impressive X-attack skill set. On the wing, Maxwell excels at streaking across the top of the opposing defense and then ripping on net. Maxwell has also shown that he can initiate from the wing, get to the middle of the field, and then roll back for a shot. Once he has established those scoring threats, Maxwell will execute a hitch and then dip underneath his defender for a charge to the net. Along the crease, Maxwell has a knack for finding open space and then scoring via quick catch and shoots. His ability to absorb contact and still convert is a major reason for Maxwell's success in front of the net.

Below is a preview of five prospects I believe are destined to post an outstanding 2026 high school season and thus increase their recruiting stock significantly.