(ABC order; one per team)
Chance Barker
QB | Princeton | 2026
Barker erupted onto the scene last season with over 3,600 yards passing and 48 touchdowns, with only four interceptions. His arm propelled the Tigers to the state title game and helped Dominick Collins win the Kennedy Award. The elite passer will now see another chance at deep playoff success in the new 3A class. The team around him remains very talented with Daniel Jennings, Brad Mossor, Marquel Lowe, Landyn Moore, Jordan Cooper, and Kalum Kiser.
Trevor Bigelow
DL | Fairmont Senior | 2025
Bigelow has been an all-state level player for several seasons now. His disruptive play was a big reason the Polar Bears reclaimed the state title in 2023. They seek to return with a very talented corps of players that include Brody Whitehair, Cannon Dinger, Brock Martin, Jeff Cowger, Damani Johnson, Dominic Fantasia, Tarran Boda, and Navaughn Jones.
Wes Brown Jr.
DL | Bridgeport | 2025
Bridgeport’s tradition of great linemen will continue in 2024 with Brown leading both sides. The rising senior plays the interior with strength and intensity. He will be joined upfront by Bear Methany, Donovan Williams, Carter Zuliani, and Noah West. They block for a promising rush attack featuring Cam Martin, Jon Bender, and Josh Love.
Grant Burdette
WR | Greenbrier East | 2026
Burdette is an underrated prospect in the 2026 class. He possesses legit size at 6’3” and 220 pounds with the athleticism to play wide receiver. The Spartans should see playoff contention in the new 3A, with his talents being a big part of that. He is joined by Brody Hamric in the offensive pass game.
Noah Casto
RB | Ripley | 2025
Ripley is expected to be an immediate contender in the new 3A. Casto’s play at running back and linebacker will be a notable part of this rise. He will double with quarterback Tyson Pritt for what could be a really sound Viking offense looking to get into the playoffs and maybe more.
Logan Gump
OL | North Marion | 2026
The Huskies had an amazing 2023 season, which nearly resulted in a state championship. A large senior class departs as well as several transfers. Gump will be viewed as a key piece in reestablishing an always tough offense. The 6’3” tackle is joined by senior Gabe Bland in their 2024 attempt to make the playoffs.
Dane Hatfield
QB | Herbert Hoover | 2025
Hatfield will go into 2024 as the most veteran player in the state. Few, if any, can match the number of games—and big games—he has played in. The lengthy quarterback has proven his prowess throwing and rushing, often being a one-man offense. He will lean on some talented skill players like Blake Fisher behind a line led by Mighty Lopez.
Kaiden Hayton
RB | Wayne | 2026
Hayton was a significant piece in the Pioneers’ sneaky good 2023 season, which ended with them nearly beating the eventual champions. He is a tall and physical player who will certainly be a two-way playmaker. The skill room is rounded out with the likes of Fisher Fry and Kade Estep.
Lane Lease
DL | Frankfort | 2025
Frankfort will be the smallest school in 3A with one of the biggest players. Lease is a 6’6” force that has really developed on both sides of the ball. The Falcons’ teams of old have always run through their line, and 2024 should be no different with him and Daniel Marley and a defense led by Julian Pattison.
Toby Laughery
TE | Winfield | 2025
Laughery is one of the best prospects in the 2025 class out of West Virginia. The 6’4” athlete is just that, as he has stood out in numerous combines this offseason. He will be a key piece of the offense as well as a strong presence in the front seven. He will be joined in the offensive push by Tre Tanner.
Josh Moody
QB | Nitro | 2025
Moody had a statistically prolific year in 2023 as Nitro found the playoffs for the first time in quite some time. He has a great ability to throw within the pocket and get downfield while improvising outside. His main weapon, Malachi Thompson, returns along with an overall team of good players, including Charles Cantrell, Bryson Sowards, Dom Wise, Eli Littlejohn, Xavier Patterson, and Zaevyon Dickerson.
Damir Mowder
TE | Weir | 2025
Weir was another team that had a memorable run in 2023. Many of that squad have departed due to graduation, but Mowder returns as an elite athletic presence. His role will likely be varied as they look to utilize him in numerous ways while finding new faces to rise into important roles.
Sylas Nelson
ATH | Independence | 2026
Nelson made an impact in nearly every way in 2023, whether it be passing, rushing, receiving, or defending. He is expected to be a key piece in a Patriots team eyeing their fourth straight deep playoff run. He is joined in the skill group by Brady Rose, Taylor Dove, and Christian Linksweiler. They will play behind a talented front that includes Alex Blankenship, Landon Riddle, Dylan Ritchie, and Myles Greenway.
Elijah Pridemore
LB | Chapmanville | 2025
The Tigers showed a lot of great glimpses in 2023, and 2024 looks for them to build off of this. Pridemore returns as a veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball. He is joined by Preston Kovach, another talented linebacker, to form what should be a very stout front seven.
Ty Sperringer
ATH | Brooke | 2026
Brooke is another team looking to see an uptick in expectations with the new classifications. The Bruins will field a relatively young team, but Sperringer will offer experience. The two-way athlete is likely to appear in different roles, including as a key defensive back. They are rounded out on special teams with the leg of Chase Hile.
Alex Schrader
K | Point Pleasant | 2025
Schrader has been a consistent part of the Big Black program for several years now. He is considered one of the top kickers and punters in the state. The rising senior will look to capitalize on a Point Pleasant offense led by Brody Bowen.
Every year, new players make a name for themselves, whether it’s an underrated senior or a breakout freshman. Comment on this post, X, or Facebook with your picks for who should be on everyone’s watchlist in Class A heading into 2024.