Metro Detroit Stars Dominate First 2026 Mr. Football Watch List

Cass Tech, Harper Woods, Detroit King, Catholic Central and several other Metro Detroit programs are represented among the early candidates for one of Michigan high school football’s top individual honors.

By Tre Mitchell | Recruiting & Prep Reporter

DETROIT — The road to the 2026 Michigan high school football season is heating up, and some of Metro Detroit’s top playmakers are already receiving statewide recognition.

State Champs! Sports Network released its first 2026 Mr. Football Award Watch List on July 21, featuring 20 players from across Michigan — with nearly half of the early candidates coming from Metro Detroit programs.

The initial list includes established Division I commits, rising underclassmen and several uncommitted prospects who will have an opportunity to raise their profiles once the season begins.

For Detroit Varsity Sports, one thing immediately stands out: Metro Detroit is all over this list.

Cass Tech, Harper Woods Each Land Two

Two programs landed multiple players on the initial watch list.

Detroit Cass Tech is represented by a pair of Class of 2028 standouts in quarterback Donald Tabron II and wide receiver Mylan Griggs. Both remain uncommitted entering the season and will be names to follow as the Technicians prepare for another run through the Detroit Public School League.

Harper Woods also landed two players on the list. Class of 2027 wide receiver Dakota Guerrant, an Oregon commit, is joined by Class of 2028 receiver DeAndre Bidden, who remains uncommitted.

Having two candidates from the same program also creates an interesting dynamic entering the season. Individual awards often follow team success, meaning big seasons for Cass Tech and Harper Woods could keep multiple players from each program in the Mr. Football conversation.

Detroit-Area Programs Well Represented

The local representation extends well beyond Cass Tech and Harper Woods.

Detroit King athlete Darryl Flemister, an Illinois commit from the Class of 2027, earned a spot on the initial list.

Detroit Country Day tight end Anthony Cartwright III, one of the state’s notable 2027 prospects and an Oregon commit, also made the cut.

Defending Division 1 state champion Detroit Catholic Central is represented by 2027 cornerback Gideon Gash, who is committed to Texas Tech.

Warren De La Salle quarterback Grayson Thurston and Brother Rice athlete Tyler Trusel, both members of the Class of 2028, give two more Catholic League programs representation among the early candidates.

Recruiting Stars Share the Spotlight With Rising Prospects

The first watch list isn’t limited to players who have already made their college decisions.

Several highly recruited prospects enter the season alongside younger players who remain uncommitted, making the Mr. Football race another opportunity for athletes to build their profiles on the field.

The statewide list also features Belleville receiver Charles Britton III, a Missouri commit; Orchard Lake St. Mary’s receiver Chad Willis, a North Carolina commit; Dexter tight end Holden Niemi, a Texas A&M commit; and Howell linebacker Bryce Kish, a Clemson commit.

With players from the Classes of 2027 and 2028 included, the early watch list also provides a glimpse at some of the names likely to headline Michigan high school football beyond just this fall.

The Race Is Just Beginning

Being named to a preseason watch list is only the beginning.

Once games kick off, performances against top competition, team success and big moments throughout the fall will begin separating contenders.

And with programs including Cass Tech, King, Catholic Central, Harper Woods, Brother Rice, De La Salle, Detroit Country Day and Belleville represented, Metro Detroit should have plenty to say about who ultimately emerges in the 2026 Mr. Football race.

For Detroit Varsity Sports, those are names we’ll be watching closely as The Road to Kickoff continues and the 2026 high school football season draws closer.