Vote for the 2026 Journal Star Preseason High School Football Player of the Year

[ASFN Admin]

High school football season has a week of practice in the books.

Now, we're asking readers to make a fans' choice for the 2026 Journal Star Preseason High School Football Player of the Year. Cast your vote at pjstar.com. The poll runs through noon Friday, Aug. 14.

There are 12 players on the ballot, the same who made our 2026 Dandy Dozen.

This vote has no bearing on who will be selected the Journal Star Player of the Year or will make the annual All-Area team, which are scheduled to be announced after the season.

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

More: Subscribe to the PJStar High School Sports newsletter to see complete coverage of Peoria-area prep sports.

2026 Fans' Choice for Peoria-area Preseason Football Player of the Year​

• Owen Adams, El Paso-Gridley
• Dylan Anderson, Pekin
• Soren Fifer, Morton
• Noah Garcia, Washington
• Braden Gibson, El Paso-Gridley
• Dallas Harder, Peoria Notre Dame
• Rafael “RJ” Jackson, East Peoria
• Cha'von Maxon, El Paso-Gridley
• Drake May, Macomb
• Carson Noy, Farmington
• Kendrick Owens, Peoria High
• Brendan Petty, Morton

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