Newsday's top 100 PSAL football players to start the 2026 season

Newsday's list of the top 100 PSAL high school football players to start the 2026 season, listed in alphabetical order. All stats listed are from last season, unless otherwise noted.

Note: No school can have more than 10 players represented on the Top 100 list.

Nick Acosta, Tottenville (Staten Island), LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.: The Pirates graduated almost everyone around him. Acosta has great instincts and is a sure tackler. He will be the leader of a young defense.

Rudolf Akumani, Mott Haven (Bronx), QB, 5-9, 170, Sr.: Arguably the top returning player in 1A. He threw eight touchdown passes and added 13 scores on the ground, guiding Mott Haven to an unbeaten regular season.

Jireh Aleaga, Fort Hamilton (Brooklyn), OL, 6-4, 305, Sr.: After transferring from Bishop Gorman (Nevada), he was a dominant force up front for the Tigers. Aleaga has earned eight Division I offers.

Houssine Altbouja, William C. Bryant (Queens), OL/DL, 6-3, 265, Sr.: One of the most disruptive linemen in 2A. His play in the trenches was a big reason Bryant won its first 2A football title in school history.

Edwin Arreola, JFK (Bronx), OL, 6-2, 270, Sr.: A three-year starter for the Knights. Arreola helped Kennedy become one of the most effective rushing attacks in the PSAL over the past two seasons.

Ian Bennett Jr, Wagner (Staten Island), DB/WR, 5-10, 150, Sr.: He’ll be one of Wagner’s primary weapons on offense. Bennet is strong in coverage and will help lead the secondary.

Joseph Bido, Stuyvesant (Manhattan), DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.: He led the PSAL with six interceptions. He also had 18 tackles and two defensive touchdowns.

Jordan Bishop, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn), RB, 5-10, 200, Sr.: The Stony Brook commit will make an immediate impact for the Dutchmen. He rushed for 1,312 yards and 16 touchdowns for Cornwall Central.

Emmanuel Boyce, Sheepshead Bay (Brooklyn), RB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.: He will be a dynamic playmaker for a high-powered offense. Boyce can line up at running back or receiver and steps into a major role after the graduation of Nyheem Cooper.

Josiah Brown, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn), WR/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.: One of the most versatile players in the city. Brown can impact a game catching or running the ball, as a returner, at defensive back or even throwing the football.

Kory Brown, Tottenville (Staten Island), RB/DB, 5-8, 175, Sr.: Brown has been one of the league’s most productive players over the past three seasons, totaling 2,975 yards of offense and 48 touchdowns against PSAL opponents in that span. He is committed to Monmouth.

Nasir Brown, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn), LB, 5-11, 215, Sr.: A veteran and leader of the Dutchmen defense. Brown is a tackling machine and a four-year varsity player.

Edwin Caba, Clinton (Bronx), WR, 6-2, 185, Sr.: One of the top playmakers in the Bronx. Caba ranked fifth in 4A with 23 receptions through eight games.

Jayden Caporale, Tottenville (Staten Island), OL, 5-11, 230, Sr.: He is a two-year starter for the Pirates. Tottenville’s ground game has been among the best in the city over the past three years, and Caporale is one of the reasons why.

Christian Carter, Curtis (Staten Island), QB, 5-11, 210, Sr.: Carter won a CHSFL AA-I title with St. Joseph by the Sea in 2024. He now steps in to lead an explosive Curtis offense.

Fynn Chadwick, Stuyvesant (Manhattan), QB, 6-1, 150, Sr.: In eight games, he led 3A with 18 touchdown passes and guided Stuyvesant to six wins and a playoff appearance.

Kyle Charles, Curtis (Staten Island), DB/WR, 5-10, 171, Sr.: After transferring from Tottenville, Charles provides a spark for Curtis on both sides of the ball. He anchored Tottenville's secondary during the run to the 4A title game.

Na’Feese Clark, Boys and Girls (Brooklyn), DE/TE, 6-5, 220, Sr.: He was one of the top pass rushers in 2A, recording seven sacks. He will also be a threat in the passing game for a unit that returns several key pieces.

Jaylen Cobb, Eagle Academy III (Queens), OL/DL, 6-2, 250, Sr.: One of the top linemen in 3A, Cobb totaled 41 tackles and seven sacks in league play. He also anchored an offensive line that helped the offense average 31 points per game.

Jeremy Concepcion, JFK (Bronx), OL/DL, 6-3, 275, Sr.: Concepcion helps Kennedy control the line of scrimmage. The All-City selection is a force at defensive tackle.

Nicolas Constantino, Tottenville (Staten Island), WR, 5-9, 165, Sr.: One of the top route runners in the PSAL. Constantino has developed a knack for the big play and is Tottenville’s top receiving target. He had 33 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns against PSAL competition.

Jonathan David, Stuyvesant (Manhattan), OL, 6-4, 290, Sr.: The two-time All-City selection has established himself as one of the premier linemen in the PSAL. He is committed to Pomona-Pitzer.

Somari DeCoteau, Lincoln (Brooklyn), WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.: After showing flashes last season, a strong offseason has made DeCoteau a receiver to watch in a high-powered Railsplitters offense.

Jason Deonarinesingh, Lincoln (Brooklyn), WR, 5-9, 165, Sr.: He was one of South Shore’s top weapons, catching four touchdown passes. Deonarinesingh transferred and immediately becomes one of Lincoln’s top playmakers.

Beyty Diouf, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn), LB, 6-2, 225, Sr.: He burst onto the scene with a breakout junior season. Diouf earned three Division I offers before the start of this season.

Richuard Dobbin, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn), RB, 5-8, 190, Sr.: He got his opportunity last season behind two Division I running back commits and shined. Dobbin is a powerful runner who totaled 75 yards on seven carries in the season opener against Millville (N.J.).

Chris Farfan, New Utrecht (Brooklyn), OL/DL, 6-2, 332, Sr.: One of the top run stoppers in 3A, Farfan will be one of the division’s top two-way linemen.

Isaiah Flores-Schloemer, New Utrecht (Brooklyn), DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.: A hard-hitting defensive back who had five interceptions and 29 tackles. He had two interceptions in a season-opening 29-22 victory over Port Richmond.

Devonte Francis, Franklin K. Lane (Brooklyn), WR/LB, 6-0, 225, Jr.: He led 3A with 27 receptions in league play. Francis totaled 623 yards of offense and scored six touchdowns. He added four sacks on defense.

Teo Boston-Freed, Brooklyn Tech (Brooklyn), DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.: He made some great plays on the ball, registering three interceptions, tied for the most in 4A.

Vincent Geller, Tottenville (Staten Island), WR/TE, 6-0, 190, Sr.: He flashed an ability to make clutch plays against quality competition. Geller will be one of Tottenville’s top pass catchers and blockers.

Quadare Gomez, Curtis (Staten Island), RB, 5-10, 215, Sr.: A four-year starter, Gomez scored three total touchdowns in Curtis’ season-opening victory over St. Peter’s. He has 34 rushing touchdowns against  PSAL teams over the past three years.

Aidan Gonzalez, Petrides (Staten Island), WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.: He returns as the top player for the defending 1A champions. Gonzalez caught four touchdown passes and added a defensive touchdown and a score on special teams.

Bryce Green, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn), DL, 6-0, 275, Sr.: Green clogs the middle and effectively stops the run. He can beat double teams and provides a veteran presence for a young defensive line.

Daniel Hall, Transit Tech (Brooklyn), WR/RB/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.: He turned 50 carries into 520 yards and four touchdowns. Hall also had 28 receptions for 375 yards and five touchdowns.

Davon Hamilton, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn), LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.: Erasmus Hall traditionally features physical linebackers, and Hamilton is next in line to make an impact for one of New York City’s top linebacking groups.

Sincere Hester, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn), DE/LB, 6-2, 240, Sr.: The three-star recruit consistently gets after the ball carrier. Hester, a Temple commit, had 38 tackles in league play.

Kawan Howard, Sheepshead Bay (Brooklyn), LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.: He’ll be the middle linebacker for the Sharks after playing a pivotal role in their undefeated run to the 3A title.

Michael Howard, Sheepshead Bay (Brooklyn), WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.: He had a clutch touchdown catch during Sheepshead Bay’s 3A semifinal win over APR. He’s a key piece for a talented group of receivers for the Sharks.

Chase Hyacinth, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn), DE, 6-4, 225, Sr.: The Delaware commit is one of the best edge rushers in the state. He had 10 sacks in league play, tied for the most in the PSAL.

Amyr Ivory Jr., Lincoln (Brooklyn), DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.: He had three interceptions, tied for the most in 4A. Ivory is strong in coverage and one of the Railsplitters’ most dynamic athletes.

Nayir Jackson, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn), WR, 6-2, 180, Jr.: He had 189 receiving yards and three touchdown catches against Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn). Jackson holds offers from Temple and UConn.

Peter Jean-Baptiste, South Shore (Brooklyn), LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.: He had 10 sacks, tied for the most in the PSAL. Jean-Baptiste will be the heart of the Vikings' defense.

Zahaire Jones, A. Philip Randolph (Manhattan), WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.: One of the fastest players in 3A, Jones is a versatile offensive weapon who totaled 1,147 yards and 11 touchdowns in league play.

Carl Joseph, Midwood (Brooklyn), RB, 5-8, 190, Jr.: A strong downhill runner who put together a solid sophomore season. He will be the engine of Midwood’s offense.

Jahson Joseph, A. Philip Randolph (Manhattan), RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.: The Cougars have been led by several tremendous running backs over the past five years. Now it’s Joseph’s turn to become the feature back and a focal point of one of 3A’s top offenses.

Frederic Kemajou, Curtis (Staten Island), DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.: A tough cornerback who will be leaned on to cover some of New York City’s top receivers.

Aqeel Khan, Cardozo (Queens), OL, 6-0, 265, Sr.: Khan has earned numerous college offers. Now fully healthy, he is one of the top offensive linemen in 3A.

Jahquest Kirby, Harry S. Truman (Bronx), DE/TE, 6-1, 225, Sr.: He is expected to make an immediate impact for Truman and be one of the top defensive linemen in 3A. He had 42 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks as a junior at Carbondale Area High School in Pennsylvania

Josiah Lawler, Springfield Gardens (Queens), RB/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.: He helped Springfield Gardens reach the 2A semifinals. Lawler had 713 yards of offense and nine touchdowns. He added two interceptions, a fumble recovery and 27 tackles.

Travys Leahy, James Madison (Brooklyn), RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Jr.: Leahy emerged as one of the top offensive players in 3A. He totaled 1,015 yards of offense and seven touchdowns.

Gavin Ledwith, Tottenville (Staten Island), WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.: He put himself on the map in a 38-35 victory over Erasmus Hall, totaling 114 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He is a deep threat in an explosive Pirates offense.

Akai Lewis, Curtis (Staten Island), WR/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.: One of the top deep threats in the PSAL. Lewis had a memorable playoff stretch with touchdown receptions against Erasmus Hall and Eagle Academy II.

Toriano Lewis, Curtis (Staten Island), WR/DB, 5-8, 170, Sr.: He had 27 receptions for 468 yards and five touchdowns in league play.

Hang Yu Li, New Utrecht (Brooklyn), LB, 5-7, 180, Sr.: He had 78 tackles in eight games and rushed for three touchdowns. Li will be one of the most impactful two-way players in 3A.

Juvens Lindor, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn), WR, 6-4, 205, Sr.: Lindor has six Division I offers. His combination of size, speed and hands makes him one of the city’s top receivers.

Justin Lomangino, New Dorp (Staten Island), LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.: A difference-maker as a pass rusher and run stopper, Lomangino anchors the defense as New Dorp looks to make the 4A playoffs.

Alex Lopez, Boys and Girls (Brooklyn), QB, 6-0, 175, Jr.: After leading the Kangaroos to a 2A title-game appearance as a sophomore, Lopez is expected to lead a more aggressive passing attack with his talented arm.

Lorenzo Lopez, William C. Bryant (Queens), WR/LB, 6-0, 168, Sr.: Lopez had 309 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 17 receptions. He added three defensive touchdowns and a rushing score.

Kenneth Lucien, James Madison (Brooklyn), LB, 5-10, 230, Sr.: He registered 29 tackles in five games. Lucien consistently found his way into the backfield and delivered crushing hits.

CJ McCracken, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn), WR, 5-8, 160, Sr.: He is a shifty receiver and an elite route runner. McCracken projects to be one of the top targets in one of the city’s most explosive offenses.

Anthony Milan, Sheepshead Bay (Brooklyn), WR/DB, 6-3, 175, Sr.: He had six touchdown receptions. Milan can go up and make spectacular catches and will also play a key role in the secondary.

Mikey Misla, Lincoln (Brooklyn), QB, 5-9, 160, Sr.: He helped lead Sheepshead Bay to the 3A championship. After transferring to Lincoln, Misla takes over as QB1 in Coney Island following Christian Borhi’s move out of state.

Daryus Mohammed, Eagle Academy III (Queens), WR, 6-4, 160, Sr.: A speedy receiver who creates matchup problems at 6-4, Mohammed is a breakout candidate in an explosive offense.

Wyatt Mulvena, Brooklyn Tech (Brooklyn), LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.: He had 34 tackles, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in just five games.

Mekhi Negron, Lincoln (Brooklyn), RB, 5-7, 165, Sr.: He scored five total touchdowns against JFK in the 4A quarterfinals. Negron is a shifty running back who will be relied on to make plays.

Ebube Victor Onukaogu, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn), WR, 6-2, 188, Sr.: After missing time last season, he opened his senior year with 10 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown against Millville (N.J.). He is committed to Harvard.

Emmanuel Opoku, A. Philip Randolph (Manhattan), QB, 5-7, 160, Sr.: He threw for 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 701 yards and 11 scores.

Sandro Patella, Wagner (Staten Island), WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.: A hard hitter on defense and a dynamic offensive playmaker, Patella had 402 receiving yards and 31 tackles in league play.

Gavin Pelzer, James Madison (Brooklyn), WR/DB, 5-10, 180, Jr.: He caught five touchdown passes during a breakout season and added 21 tackles.

Anthony Pitre, A. Philip Randolph (Manhattan), LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.: Pitre had 37 tackles and helped APR hold all but three PSAL opponents to single digits.

Aiden Porter, Fort Hamilton (Brooklyn), WR/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.: He moves back from quarterback to his natural position at receiver and is expected to become the top target in a revamped Tigers offense.

Darnell Rink, Eagle Academy III (Queens), DB/WR, 6-1, 160, Sr.: Rink helped Holy Trinity win seven games. He will be Eagle III’s top cornerback and also a threat on offense. He recently earned a Division I offer from New Haven.

Kaevon Robinson, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn), LB, 6-1, 210, Jr.: He has been making his impact felt in the PSAL since his freshman year. Robinson had five sacks in league play and holds an offer from Syracuse.

Jon Rose, New Dorp (Staten Island), QB/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.: After missing his junior season, Rose is back and the offense will run through him. As a sophomore, he threw for 584 yards and rushed for 454 yards while totaling 15 touchdowns.

Amadou Samake, JFK (Bronx), RB, 6-0, 190, Sr.: One of the top newcomers in the PSAL, Samake totaled six rushing touchdowns and two receiving scores.

Cole Scanlon, Brooklyn Tech (Brooklyn), QB, 5-10, 165, Sr.: One of the top quarterbacks in the PSAL, Scanlon threw for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns in league play.

Zy’eare Schulters, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn), RB/WR, 5-3, 150, Jr.: One of the quickest players in the state, Schulters totaled 23 touchdowns. He rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown in Eagle II’s 14-12 season-opening win over Friendship Academy (D.C.).

Jeremiah Senat, JFK (Bronx), QB, 5-9, 195, Jr.: He has been the varsity signal-caller since his freshman year. Senat has a strong arm and will look to open up the passing game in Kennedy’s traditionally run-heavy Wing-T offense.

Cameron Smith, Port Richmond (Staten Island), QB/WR/DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.: Smith is an all-around playmaker. He saw time at quarterback, throwing for three touchdown passes and adding two rushing scores.

Devin Smith, Transit Tech (Brooklyn), QB, 6-0, 180, Sr.: A four-year starter, Smith has thrown for 1,949 yards and 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He leads an experienced offense with 2A title hopes.

Jordan Smith II, Eagle Academy III (Queens), QB, 5-10, 170, Jr.: He had a breakout season, throwing for 1,508 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Trevor Smith, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn), DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.: He was an impactful starter the last two seasons at South Shore. Smith brings experience and athleticism to the secondary.

Isaac Sprung, Stuyvesant (Manhattan), DB/WR, 6-2, 195, Sr.: The Williams commit impacts the game in every phase. He totaled 450 yards of offense and five touchdowns along with 40 tackles and 10 pass breakups.

Johnathan Stephenson, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn), DL, 6-4, 235, Sr.: Another Eagle Academy II defensive lineman with Division I offers. Stephenson is a strong run stopper and an important piece of a loaded defense.

Isaac Suazo, A. Philip Randolph (Manhattan), DB/WR, 6-2, 200, Sr.: He scored four touchdowns and had two interceptions in two playoff games. Suazo is one of the top returning players in New York City.

Octavius Sullivan, South Shore (Brooklyn), WR, 5-10, 150, Soph.: Sullivan projects to be one of the Vikings’ top skill players and has a high ceiling .

Jamar Thomas, Sheepshead Bay (Brooklyn), WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.: He quietly made eye-opening plays last season. Thomas displayed terrific open-field tackling and downfield blocking, and this year he’ll be one of the Sharks’ top playmakers.

Efren Thompson, John Jay (Brooklyn), RB, 5-8, 145, Sr.: Thompson had several big games while helping John Jay reach the 3A playoffs. He’ll be their go-to offensive player.

Zyaire Thompson, Port Richmond (Staten Island), WR/DB, 5-11, 150, Jr.: With Kasiem Cromwell graduating, Thompson will take on a larger role with the ball in his hands. He was an All-City defensive back, totaling 37 tackles and an interception.

Luis Tineo, Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn), OL, 6-1, 280, Sr.: Tineo will protect the quarterback’s blind side. He is a terrific pass protector and one of the best tackles in the PSAL.

Eyan Todman, Franklin D. Roosevelt (Brooklyn), RB/DB, 5-8, 175, Sr.: He rushed for 1,020 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 12.8 yards per carry.

Jancell Torres, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn), K, 5-7, 150, Sr.: Torres, a four-year kicker for the Dutchmen, is a key piece of Erasmus Hall’s current dynasty.

Jose Villanueva, Clinton (Bronx), OL, 5-10, 275, Sr.: The anchor of Clinton’s line. He consistently wins matchups and opens rushing lanes.

Daeshawn Williams, South Shore (Brooklyn), WR, 6-2, 190, Jr.: A transfer from Transit Tech, Williams will be a prime red-zone threat for the Vikings.

Shaliek Williams, South Shore (Brooklyn), RB, 5-9, 176, Jr.: The Vikings are expected to run the ball more, with Williams serving as the feature back. He gets tough yards and is a breakout candidate.

Taj Woods, Thomas Jefferson (Brooklyn), QB, 5-9, 170, Jr.: He’ll be tough to stop in 1A. Woods is an explosive runner who rushed for 540 yards and 10 touchdowns in seven games.

Khasir Wright, Eagle Academy III (Queens), WR, 5-9, 150, Jr.: One of the premier players in 3A, Wright combined for 1,141 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in league and playoff games over his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Zakaria Zampalgre, Bayside (Queens), QB, 6-1, 185, Sr.: A dual-threat quarterback who totaled 11 touchdowns in league play, Zampalgre is one of the most dynamic players in Queens.

Tommy Zeh, Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn), QB, 6-0, 175, Sr.: He takes over as the starting quarterback for the defending 4A champions. Zeh showed accuracy in limited action and previously started at the varsity level as a freshman and sophomore at Moore Catholic.