OPINION- New Mexico high school football has a ton of talent, and it’s time to highlight some of the state’s top talent. The 10 players listed were a cumulation of the 2026, 2027, and 2028 class. Remember, we have 220 high schools in New Mexico, and unfortunately, I don’t have eyes and ears in every corner of New Mexico. However, I have seen a ton of football, I watch as much film as I can, and have plenty of sources throughout the state. 

1. Carlsbad linebacker Colton McKibben (class of 2027)- McKibben is the top prospect of the 2027 class, and the only four-star prospect in New Mexico per 247 Sports. McKibben possesses the kind of length, size, and athleticism that blue chip programs covet. Currently, McKibben has a mountain of offers from D1 programs which includes schools like Stanford, Michigan, Arizona State, Auburn, Oklahoma, just to name a few. This past season, McKibben had 111 total tackles, and helped the Carlsbad Cavemen secure their first playoff win in more than a decade. Another important part of McKibben’s profile is his leadership and character. His coaches, and teammates, rave about him and it’s easy to recognize when you watch him play and interact with his team and opponents.
2. Cleveland receiver Evan Nanez (class of 2028) – Before the season started, Storm players repeatedly warned me to watch out for sophomore Evan Nanez who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Nanez is the best receiver in the state, and when this Summer rolls around, I believe Nanez will receive a flurry of offers and be THE DUDE of the 2028 class. Nanez is incredible after the catch, and a weapon when used in motion or on screens. He’s also superb in his route running, change-of-direction, and a true separator on all three levels of the field. Besides football, Nanez currently holds D1 offers to play basketball. It’s easy to be excited about Nanez, and I’ve spoken to a few scouts who feel the same way.
3. Cleveland offensive lineman Moses Sparks Jr. (class of 2026)- Per 247 Sports, Sparks is a three-star prospect, and the number one player in the class of 2026 (New Mexico).. Sparks is a four-year varsity lineman with violent hands, and a guy who brings a ton of nasty to the trenches.He’s also one of the undisputed leaders of the Cleveland Storm football team which has been a perennial championship team since the school opened in 2009.  I’ve spoken to plenty of EDGE rushers throughout New Mexico who have pointed out that Sparks’ punch, hand placement and technique is by far, the best in the state. Sparks fielded a ton of D1 offers before verbally committing to the University of Utah July 20. 
4. St. Pius X running back Hershul Olloway Jr. (class of 2027)- Olloway is the number one running back in New Mexico, and one of the most athletic guys in New Mexico. This past Spring, Olloway ran a 10.81 100-meter dash at the APS Metro Tournament, and the home run speed shows up on film. Now, marry the speed with his patience and you have a rare player. When watching him play, it’s like the game is moving in slow motion, and Olloway is just changing gears in the transmission to adjust. The Sartan’s tailback has racked up 1975 scrimmage yards and 26 total touchdowns this season, and has helped his school to back-to-back state championship appearances. Olloway already has offers from UTEP, UNM, and NMSU; expect the offers to continue rolling in.
5. Lovington offensive lineman Alex Rivera (class of 2026)- Rivera is a mauler, and someone with the strength, kick side, and feet to play anywhere on the line. The three-star prospect (per 247 Sports) dancing bear has already verbally committed to play for Fresno State. I am super excited to see what head coach Matt Entz and offensive line coach Zach Crabtree are able to make of Rivera. Another part of Rivera’s game is the presnap recognition, he definitely dives deep into film on a weekly basis.
6. Cibola linebacker Hayes Baum (class of 2026)- Baum has the twitch, explosiveness, and motor to be a relentless defender at the next level. This guy never gets tired, and has zero fear when crashing in on ball carriers or quarterbacks. Cibola head coach David Howes utilized Baum as a two-way player, and the outcome was the best year for the Cibola Cougars in years; and a district defensive player of the year award for Baum. The star Cougar has verbally committed to play football at the University of New Mexico, and plans to major in engineering. I expect the Lobos to use Baum as an off ball linebacker in the same mold as current Lobo Mercury Swaim, who is currently a nuclear engineer.
7. St. Pius X quarterback Isaiah Carpenter (class of 2027)- Isaiah Carpenter has all the tools to be a quarterback at the next level, and then some. Carpenter is disciplined, goes through his reads, and always has his eyes downfield. He’s got a big arm, athleticism to be a threat as a runner, and the kind of mental fortitude to handle the duties and spotlight of a quarterback. Carpenter is on plenty of team’s radars, and it’ll be exciting to see who will be the first to offer Side note, Carpenter is also a fantastic basketball player.
8. St. Michael’s EDGE Ryan Hunt (class of 2027)- In the past two seasons, no one in New Mexico has had more sacks than Ryan Hunt. He has some serious juice, and has a refined pass rush profile. Now, Hunt also plays tight end, and some people I talked to like him as a tight end at the next level while some prefer him as a true defensive end. My take: PUT HIM ON DEFENSE! Nonetheless, Hunt is uber talented, and will have a few D1 offers to choose from as his high school career rolls on.
9. Las Cruces running back Daniel Amaro (class of 2026)- For the past two seasons, the focal point of the Las Cruces offense has been Daniel Amaro. In that span, Amaro has 2906 rushing yards, 59 rushing touchdowns, 770 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns. Those numbers have come from facing off against plenty of the top schools in New Mexico. Amaro has a great build, burst, and sense for where to carry the rock. His style reminds me of Minnesota Golden Gopher David Cobb who is currently the assistant head coach & running backs coach at NMSU. Another thing that sticks out about Amaro, he gets faster as the play goes on. A cherry on top, he’s also shown to be an asset in pass pro. Amaro is probably the front runner to win the New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if D1 teams make a last minute offer to land the Bulldawg star.
10. La Cueva tight end Cash Brewer (class of 2028)- Cash Brewer has the length, build, and motor to be one of the hottest prospects in the 2028 class. The sophomore broke out onto the scene showing off a ton of potential as a blocker and a receiver. Brewer can seal the edge, and dig out linebackers to set up big plays for the Bears offense. He’s a true weapon that can line up inline, in the slot, and as an x. After the catch, he’s a hard man to bring down, and will carry guys as he gains extra yards. His high school career is just getting started but he has already made an impression on a ton of people.