Newsday's top 100 Long Island high school football players for 2026

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

Orji Agwu, Lynbrook, WR/DB, 6-4, 180, Sr.: His large catch radius makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. As the top target for the Owls’ offense last year, he caught 36 passes for 826 yards and five touchdowns. He will also start at free safety.

Patrick Ahern, Bayport-Blue Point, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.: The Zellner Award finalist was a defensive force on the Phantoms’ run to the Long Island Class IV title. The Newsday All-Long Island second-team selection will play football and lacrosse at Cortland.

Anthony Asaro, Garden City, RB/DB, 6-3, 200, Sr.: He had 30 tackles and four sacks in limited playing time as the Trojans took the starters out early in most games. He averaged 13 yards on 59 carries and scored 16 TDs.

Dylan Babek, Bellmore JFK, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.: He helped the Cougars bounce back from an 0-8 season with a 5-3 record and a playoff appearance for first time since 2017. He totaled 855 yards and nine TDs.

Darius Bailey, Glen Cove, DL/OL, 6-2, 230, Sr.: He is a force at defensive end, having totaled 10 tackles for loss and six sacks. He also brings size, strength and a full season of starting experience at right guard. He started his entire sophomore year at left guard.

Xavier Bala, St. Anthony’s, RB, 6-1, 225, Sr.: The Boston College commit rushed for 1,318 yards and 26 touchdowns. He earned Newsday’s Rich Reichert Award, presented to the CHSFL’s top player from Long Island.

Christopher Biondi, Kellenberg, OL/DT, 6-3, 285, Sr.: The Sacred Heart commit totaled 39 tackles, including nine for loss, and three sacks. He’ll also be one of the leaders of an offensive line that will be the backbone of the Firebirds’ offense.

Jayden Bryan, Hills East, RB/LB, 5-10, 200, Jr.: Electric running back who emerged as one of Long Island’s top backs as a sophomore with 1,400 yards and 18 TDs.

Frankie Buffolino, Kings Park, TE/LB, 5-10, 195, Sr.: He is a three-year starter who has exceptional strength and great receiving skills.

Mike Bilello, Farmingdale, OL/DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.: The two-way lineman recorded 32 solo tackles and two sacks as a junior.

Ethan Brake, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, QB/DE, 6-2, 220, Sr.: Leader of a team that finished 5-4 and earned its highest playoff seed in 20 years. He had 36 tackles, including four for a loss.

Kristian Burnett, East Islip, RB/LB, 6-3, 200, Jr.: The speedy inside linebacker had 78 tackles and a sack to help East Islip to the Suffolk II title. He will be utilized in a variety of ways on offense.

Jake Calloway, Westhampton, QB, 5-10, 180, Sr.: The Penn State lacrosse commit suffered a season-ending injury in last year’s opener. As a sophomore, he threw for 600 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 400 yards and 10 TDs in six games.

Michael Calvacca, Seaford, RB/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.: He rushed for 756 yards and six touchdowns on 62 carries and caught 13 passes for 231 yards and another score. He also returned a kickoff for a TD. He will start at strong safety after totaling 54 tackles and an interception at cornerback.

Sean Carnevale, Chaminade, QB, 6-0, 190, Sr.: He threw for 2,109 yards and 14 touchdowns and completed 65% of his passes. He ranked second in CHSFL AAA in passing yards.

Marck Camille, Westbury, OL/DL, 6-4, 265, Sr.: One of the bigger, more athletic two-way linemen in the county. He will lead an experienced offensive line.

Tommy Claro, Chaminade, OL, 6-5, 260, Sr.: In his first varsity season, Claro started every game. He is a ferocious run blocker and is committed to Harvard.

Austin Cohen, Syosset, RB/LB, 5-11, 196, Sr.: He recorded 64 tackles in seven games as a junior.

Michai Crump, Hills East, DL/OL, 6-1, 260, Jr.: He will steady the defense for the RedHawks with physical presence on the D-line. Crump had 75 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, and seven sacks.

Mario D’Alessandro, Carle Place, OL/DL, 6-4, 235, Sr.: He's an athletic, two-way lineman with two years of starting experience both ways. He is a brick wall at right tackle and also a playmaker at defensive end, having totaled seven sacks as a junior.

Colin Darling, Sayville, WR/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.: He caught 48 passes for 596 yards and four touchdowns to help the Golden Flashes to the Long Island Class III title.

Elijah Davis, Elmont, RB/LB, 6-0, 220, Sr.: He averaged 5.9 yards per carry, rushing for 728 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior. He also boasts 143 career tackles through two years as a starting inside linebacker.

Michael DePietro, Manhasset, FB/LB, 5-8, 180, Sr.: He led the defense from the outside linebacker’s spot, racking up 78 tackles, including six for a loss. He rushed for 588 yards and five touchdowns and added nine receptions for 104 yards.

Justin DePietro, Carey, RB/LB, 6-2, 230, Sr.: He played through injuries his junior season. DePietro earned the Piner Award as Nassau’s top linebacker and the Flatley Award as Nassau’s most outstanding defensive player as a sophomore.

Anthony Diieso, St. Anthony’s, QB, 5-10, 185, Jr.: He is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks on Long Island. He threw for 1,902 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 415 yards and two scores. Diieso won the NFF Quarterback Challenge in July.

Adam Erlichman, Mepham, QB/LB, 6-1, 165, Jr.: He completed 99 of 145 passes for 1,244 yards and 11 TDs.

Harry Eynon, Port Washington, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.: One of Long Island’s top returning quarterbacks, he completed 131 of 214 passes for 1,868 yards and 24 TDs as a junior.

Levi Felix, Port Washington, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.: He earned the Pizzarelli Award as Nassau's top receiver as a junior. He caught 34 passes for 728 yards and 10 TDs.

Pat Forthofer, Wantagh, LB/OL, 6-0, 230, Sr.: As an inside linebacker, he led Wantagh with 94 tackles, 60 of which were solo, and added four sacks. At left guard, he is a strong run blocker and helped clear the way for back-to-back Thorp Award winners.

Nathan Furnell, St. Anthony’s, OL, 6-3, 275, Sr.: He is a leader for the Friars' offensive line. He helped pave the way for St. Anthony’s to rush for more than 2,000 yards.

Joe Gambardella, Sachem North, WR/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.: He's the go-to receiver for LaRocca. He also led the team with 63 tackles.

 Luke Garguilo, Massapequa, QB, 6-1, 175, Sr. : He earned the Snyder Award as the top quarterback in Nassau as a junior and led Massapequa to its third straight L.I. Class I title.

Casey Gates, North Shore, RB/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.: He rushed for 650 yards and four touchdowns and added 205 yards and another score on 16 receptions. He will also start at cornerback.

Paulie Genovese, Mepham, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, Sr.: He recorded 49 tackles and two sacks for a stingy Pirates defense. He added three rushing TDs.

Raghav Ghosh, Syosset, WR/SS, 5-8, 170, Sr.: One of the top wide receivers in Nassau, he had 30 receptions for 531 yards.

Carlos Silvestre Gomez, Newfield, OL/DL, 6-4, 290, Sr.: The blue-chip prospect is a three-year starter, team captain and leader of OL-DL.

Evan Gordon, East Islip, OT/DE, 6-3, 230, Sr.: A disruptive force on the edge, Gordon is an exceptional pass rusher with relentless pursuit.

Dom Green, Hauppauge, OL/DL, 6-2, 225, Jr.: He is a strong, explosive interior lineman on defense. At right tackle, he helped pave the way for halfback Liam O’Connor’s record-setting season.

Noah Gregorek, Shoreham-Wading River, QB, 5-9, 165, Jr.: He threw for 1,487 yards and 19 touchdowns and ran for 546 yards and seven TDs.

Terry Hayes, East Rockaway/West Hempstead, DL/OL, 5-10, 180, Sr.: He is a negative-play machine off the edge and totaled 10 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. He is also the Rocks’ starting right guard, entering the season with 11 career starts there.

Timmy Holahan, Sayville, RB/DB, 5-7, 160, Jr.: He ran for 919 yards and 11 TDs on 153 carries and totaled 28 tackles and two interceptions.

Robert Hoss, Sayville, WR/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.: He had 56 tackles, including one for a loss, and three interceptions to lead a stingy Sayville secondary.

Marcus Houghtaling, Locust Valley, FB/LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.: He is a hard-hitting lead blocker who is also effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations, as he rushed for seven touchdowns. As the Falcons’ middle linebacker, he made 102 tackles.

Izaiah Iacono, Comsewogue, OL/DL, 6-2, 285, Sr.: He is a big, athletic hitter at right tackle who wreaks havoc on opposing linemen.

Ethan Johnson, South Side, RB/LB, 5-11, 195, Jr.: As his team’s No. 2 option in the backfield, he rushed for 660 yards and 10 touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry. He also led South Side with 53 tackles as an outside linebacker. He will move inside this year, becoming the defense’s signal-caller.

Christian Jean-Francois, Kellenberg, OL/DE, 6-4, 280, Sr.: He committed to Sacred Heart after a terrific junior season. After playing only three games on defense last year, he is expected to be a disruptive edge rusher and a force on both sides of the line.

Andrew Johnstone, Patchogue-Medford, TE/DE, 6-6, 265, Jr.: He caught 20 passes for 301 yards and one score. He added 30 total tackles and is one of Long Island’s top blue-chip prospects.

Justin Joseph, St. Anthony’s, OL, 6-4, 300, Jr.: He started for the Friars as a sophomore. His size, footwork and strength has generated Division I offers from Nebraska, Virginia Tech and other FBS schools.

Joey Karpowicz, Ward Melville, WR/DB, 6-3, 210, Sr.: The Patriots' big-play threat had 763 receiving yards and nine TDs. He added 39 tackles and four interceptions from defensive back.

Keith King, Glenn, RB/LB, 5-8, 160, Jr.: He ran for 735 yards and four touchdowns and totaled 97 tackles and two interceptions.

Ben Kloska, Sayville, OL/DL, 6-2, 282, Sr.: A three-year starter, Kloska had 37 tackles, including two for loss, and was an outstanding blocker for Sayville’s high-powered offense.

Jake Kramer, West Islip, RB, 5-9, 182, Sr.: He ran for 815 yards and 10 touchdowns on 106 carries and added 12 receptions for 196 yards and two TDs.

Quinn Kurtz, Ward Melville, C/DE, 5-10, 240, Sr.: It all starts at center with him. He led the Patriots in pancake blocks with 13. Kurtz added 24 tackles, including five for a loss.

Zach Lampert, Kings Park, WR/LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.: He is a three-year starter who hits hard and has great instincts. He can also play safety and plays the ball aggressively in the air.

Luke LaRocca, Sachem North, QB, 6-1, 200, Sr.: The three-year starter has passed for 2,540 yards and 23 TDs the past two years and has over 3,000 total yards.

Chase Lordi, Oyster Bay/Friends Academy, QB/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.: He has played multiple offensive positions but is making the full-time switch to quarterback. In limited snaps under center as a junior, he completed 17 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 26 times for 139 yards and two scores. At free safety, he picked off three passes.

AJ Magaraci, South Side, RB/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.: The Cyclones’ lead back rushed for 884 yards and nine touchdowns on just over six yards per carry. He also started at strong safety, picking up 45 tackles and three pass breakups.

Nick Maresca, Calhoun, RB/LB, 5-8, 190, Sr.: He rushed 70 times for 621 yards and six scores and added 13 receptions for 150 yards. He had 25 tackles, including three for loss.

Luke Martini, Wantagh, RB/LB, 6-0, 220, Jr.: The defending Thorp Award winner as the top player in Nassau rushed for 1,954 yards and 22 touchdowns on 168 carries and added another 306 yards on 26 receptions. He makes a lot of plays as an outside linebacker, too, having registered 62 tackles and five interceptions as a sophomore.

Jonas Mendez, Connetquot, WR/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.: He totaled over 1,000 all-purpose yards and scored five TDs. He added 26 tackles as a two-way starter.

Aiden Mirelis, Division, WR/DB, 6-4, 180, Sr.: His size presents mismatches for defensive backs in the red zone. He caught 43 passes for 808 yards and 14 touchdowns in just eight games. He also intercepted two passes.

Ali Mohammadi-Rad, Bellport, OL/DL, 6-0, 285, Sr.: He's one of the top linemen in the division. At 285 pounds, he moves people to clear lanes.

Seth Montgomery, Hempstead, QB, 5-11, 160, Jr.: He rushed for 768 yards and six scores as a sophomore. He also passed for another 1,103 yards.

Chace Morris, Oceanside, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.: An all-purpose performer, Morris had 1,300 rushing yards and 28 TDs and was a Thorp Award nominee as a junior.

Jack Mulligan, Massapequa, OL/DL, 6-3, 220, Jr.: He is one of the anchors on the Massapequa defensive line and a key blocker in the run game.

Christian Myrick, Deer Park, WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Soph.: One of the exciting playmakers in the division, he had 825 total yards and 12 TDs as a ninth-grader.

Evan Nelson, Valley Stream Central, QB, 5-10, 175, Sr.: He's a returning starter who coach Tom Schiavo said will turn heads this year. Schiavo called Nelson one of his best QBs in his 26 years coaching.

Ugom Nnabuogor, Elmont, OL/DL, 6-2, 305, Soph.: He will reprise his role after starting all nine games at left guard as a freshman. He will also start at defensive tackle for the first time, looking to use his size to plug gaps against the run.

Will Noto, Smithtown West, OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Sr.: An imposing force in the trenches, he had 34 tackles, including three for loss, and three sacks to help the Bulls to the Suffolk III final.

Gavin O’Brien, Northport, QB/DB, 6-3, 195, Sr.: He's a big, athletic quarterback playing for the first time since the eighth grade — watch out.

Liam O’Connor, Hauppauge, RB/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.: He ran for a single-season program record 1,145 yards and totaled 17 touchdowns on 150 carries. He had 50 tackles.

Dan Paolella, Mount Sinai, RB/WR/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.: He caught 26 passes for 617 yards and 11 touchdowns and totaled 39 tackles and two interceptions.

Dylan Parker, Oceanside, RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Jr.: He rushed for 733 yards and nine TDs as a sophomore. He added 230 receiving yards and three scores.

Kalen Percer, St. John the Baptist, RB/LB, 5-10, 210, Sr.: He is a strong and explosive player who will be the Cougars’ top running back and one of their best tacklers. He totaled 890 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns.

RJ Peters, Hills East, WR/DB, 5-11, 173, Sr.: He had 46 tackles three interceptions and three forced fumbles as the RedHawks' defensive leader.

Hudson Philbrick, Ward Melville, QB, 6-3, 210, Sr.: He passed for 2,033 yards and 24 TDs and rushed for 495 yards and seven TDs. He led Ward Melville to the Suffolk Division I title.

Ed Princivil, Longwood, OT/DT, 6-5, 295, Jr.: The two-way tackle has the size of a Division I prospect. He’ll play tackles on both sides.

Jax Prokop, Centereach, WR/DE, 6-4, 220, Sr.: The addition of this bruising playmaker will help the Cougars improve on last year’s one-win season. He transferred back from St. Anthony’s.

Brody Riedel, Long Beach, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.: He rushed for 1,097 yards on 158 carries and 15 TDs. He also had 32 receptions for 464 yards and five scores. He added 56 tackles and an INT.

Lincoln Riggs, Commack, QB/S, 6-2, 190, Sr.: He passed for 1,600 yards and 16 TDs in seven games. He's an impactful offensive player for a young squad that graduated 31 seniors.

Brayden Robertiello, Garden City, QB, 5-11, 175, Sr.: He averaged 11 yards per carry with 11 TDs and threw for 12 TDs with only two INTs. He's the leader of a team looking to extend longest win streak in the country.

Ethan Roman, Harborfields, WR/SS, 6-2, 155, Sr.: He caught 25 passes for 350 yards and two touchdowns and totaled 15 tackles and three interceptions.

Mikey Russo, Lindenhurst, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.: He threw for 1,200 yards and led the Bulldogs to the playoffs.

Mark Rutledge, Whitman, RB/LB, 5-8, 205, Jr.: He rushed 108 times for 618 yards and six TDs. He also had 50 tackles.

Kyon Sarwari, Longwood, RB/LB, 5-7, 165, Sr.: He rushed 152 times for 971 yards and 13 TDs as one of top playmakers in Suffolk.

Louis Schneider, Bethpage, RB/LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.: He rushed for 638 yards and averaged 6.8 yards per carry, scoring six touchdowns for a breakout Eagles team. He also totaled 53 tackles, including seven for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

C.J. Siegler, Bellmore JFK, DL, 6-1, 185, Sr.: He had 54 tackles, including seven for a loss, two forced fumbles and seven sacks for a team looking to build on last year’s playoff appearance.

Nic Simone, Westhampton, RB/SS, 5-9, 180, Sr.: He ran for 1,193 yards and 15 touchdowns and totaled 48 tackles.  

  Najee Simpson, Islip, RB/DE, 6-0, 200, Sr.: A disruptive force on the edge, Simpson had 42 tackles, including 12 for loss, and seven sacks.

Isaiah Smith, Malverne, RB/QB/DE, 6-3, 220, Sr.: He transferred back to Malverne after spending his junior year at Christ the King (Queens). He rushed for 1,727 yards and 24 touchdowns, earning CHSFL AA-II Offensive Player of the Year honors. He holds multiple Division I offers.

Luke Tate, West Islip, OL/LB, 6-0, 225, Sr.: His burst through the line of scrimmage makes him stand out as a middle linebacker and his versatility makes him the leader of the Lions’ defense.

Ryan Terwilliger, Floral Park, WR/DB, 6-5, 185, Sr.: He was a finalist for the Pat Pizzarelli Award, given to Nassau's top receiver, after catching 37 passes for 579 yards and six touchdowns. He also has two years of starting experience at free safety, where he has amassed 90 tackles and six interceptions.

Roy Testa, Cold Spring Harbor, LB/RB, 5-11, 200, Sr.:He made 45 total tackles, including three for loss, at inside linebacker. Testa made the most of his limited touches out of the backfield, rushing for 102 yards and three touchdowns on only 10 carries.

Nick Toto, Farmingdale, QB, 6-1, 180, Jr.: He completed 64% of his passes for 1,009 yards and 13 TDs and gave the offense perfect balance.

Anthony Trapani, Chaminade, RB/LB, 5-8, 180, Sr.: He led the Flyers in tackles (88) and rushing yards (898). Trapani averaged 7.5 yards per carry and totaled 11 rushing touchdowns. He is committed to Williams College.

Myles Varley, Babylon, OL/LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.: He had a team-leading 92 tackles to help lead the Panthers to the Suffolk IV final.

Alex Vitale, Cold Spring Harbor, DL/OL, 6-5, 230, Sr.: A disruptive defensive tackle, he totaled 25 tackles, seven for loss, and five sacks. In two years at center, he has anchored a Seahawks offensive line that consistently produces a powerful ground game.

Brayden Waldbauer, Bayport-Blue Point, WR/LB, 6-8, 200, Jr.: He caught 16 passes for 200 yards and a TD. He will become the Phantoms’ top receiver.

Nolan Wieczorek, Massapequa, OL/LB, 6-3, 225, Sr.: The big, physical linebacker is one of the pillars of an outstanding defense.

Tommy Zarcone, Northport, RB/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.: He's the leader of senior-laden team after having 90 tackles, including eight for a loss. 

Newsday's Matt Lindsay, Mike Anderson and Jared Valluzzi contributed to this report.