The future is now for TSSAA football as underclassmen are showing out big time. Area freshmen and sophomores are proving that while they are young, they can be impact players.
Here are the top underclassmen football players from the Nashville area. Statistics were provided by area coaches and from MaxPreps.
Aaden Adams, Antioch, So.: Adams has 20 receptions for 461 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, he's recorded three interceptions and four pass deflections through seven games.
Maddox Porter, Battle Ground Academy, So.: The No. 1 player in Tennessee's Class of 2029, Porter has 33 receptions for 637 yards and 10 touchdowns through six games.
Stream Tennessee HS football live on NFHS Network
threat in TSSAA football
Jay Sharp, Brentwood, So.: The 5-foot-10 sophomore is packing a punch for the Bruins, leading the team with 41 tackles through five games.
Ty Burklow, Christ Presbyterian Academy, So.: Burklow had 44 tackles and a pass deflection through seven games.
Ty Dodson, Columbia, So.: Dodson had 13 tackles with seven for a loss and three sacks through four games.
Finn Hesson, Donelson Christian Academy, Fr.: 30-of-71 passing, 442 yards, nine touchdowns through six games.
Keziah Akins, East Nashville, So.: Akins had 27 tackles, six for a loss and four sacks through seven games.
Terrance Fleming, East Nashville, Fr.: Fleming rushed for 274 yards on 27 carries and three touchdowns in four games.
Drew Brisson, East Robertson, So.: Brisson had four sacks and 18 tackles in five games.
Issac Prince Jr., East Robertson, So.: Prince had 138 carries for 1,043 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. He caught seven passes for 89 yards and a touchdown over seven games.
Kristian Jones, Ezell-Harding, So.: Jones logged 30 receptions for 655 yards and nine touchdowns. He rushed for 415 yards on 17 attempts and scored four touchdowns in six games.
Rellan Langford, Fairview, Fr.: Langford had 50 tackles, 7.5 for a loss and a sack. Offensively, he has 211 yards rushing on 23 carries and a touchdown in seven games.
Julius Carter, Fairview, So.: Carter has 68 carries for 513 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. He has five receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns in seven games.
Carter Kirksey, Forrest, Fr.: Kirksey logged 40 tackles and two sacks in seven games.
Remello Armstrong, Franklin Road Academy, So.: Armstrong caught 11 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns over five games.
Ryder Wolcott, Friendship Christian, So.: Wolcott has 65 carries for 568 yards and eight touchdowns in six games. Defensively, he had 18 tackles and an interception.
Knox Stroup, Gallatin, So.: Stroup had 37 tackles and two interceptions in six games.
Warner Roller, Goodpasture, Fr.: Roller had seven receptions for 196 yards and three touchdowns through five games.
Carter Pray, Grace Christian, So.: Pray went 128-for-174, throwing for 1,804 yards and 15 touchdowns in seven games.
Ethan Wills, Independence, Fr.: Wills caught 17 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns in six games.
Hayden Hawks, Kirkwood, So.: Hawks had 24 tackles, seven for a loss of yardage and 3.5 sacks in five games.
Barrett O'Brien, Liberty Creek, So.: O'Brien was 56-of-91 passing for 656 yards and seven touchdowns. He rushed for 213 yards on 44 attempts and three touchdowns in seven games.
Antonio Cunningham, Liberty Creek, So.: Cunningham rushed for 308 yards on 61 attempts and seven touchdowns. Defensively, he had 20 tackles, five for a loss of yardage, two sacks and a blocked punt in seven games.
Isaiah Poindexter, Liberty Creek, Fr.: Poindexter rushed for 148 yards on 30 attempts and three touchdowns in five games.
Manoach Crockett, Lipscomb Academy, So.: Crockett rushed for 113 yards on 15 attempts through five games.
Cooper Youell, MTCS, So.: Youell has 23 carries for 243 yards rushing and four touchdowns. He has 186 yards on seven receptions in seven games.
Isaiah Vazquez, Nashville Christian, Fr.: Vazquez rushed for 103 yards on 10 attempts and three touchdowns in six games.
Kelan Taylor, Nashville Christian, Fr.: Taylor had seven receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns through six games.
Max Gornik, Nolensville, Fr.: The freshman leads the Knights' secondary with three interceptions and four forced fumbles through five games.
Trenton Gibbs, Oakland, So.: Gibbs had 25 tackles, four for a loss, a sack and an interception through seven games.
Kam Morton, Oakland, So.: The sophomore QB is 48 of 69 for 682 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 151 yards and four touchdowns through seven games.
Riley Crandall, Page, So.: Crandall had 17 receptions for 282 yards and three touchdowns through six games.
Arden Lewis, Rockvale, So.: Lewis went 41-of-69 for 555 yards and six touchdowns through five games. He has 190 yards rushing on 37 attempts and a touchdown.
Jonah Gipson, Spring Hill, So.: Gipson was 49-of-84 passing for 488 yards and six touchdowns. He rushed for 528 yards on 76 attempts and 10 touchdowns in seven games.
Gavin Frazier, Upperman, So.: Frazier has 79 carries for 603 yards rushing and five touchdowns through seven games.
Reach The Tennessean's high school writer, Jack Williams at jackwilliams@theleafchronicle.com and on the X platform @jackgwilliams.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Most impactful TSSAA football underclassmen of 2026 season in Nashville area
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
