Eric Sorenson
Well, it sure looks like we did it again.
To be honest, it’s become more of the norm, than the exception, here in Arizona. Once considered “just another state” with a handful of decent college-level players, has turned into a mainstay and fertile area for coaches and scouts to stockpile their rosters. State 48 has churned out numerous elite quarterbacks and skill players, as well as many defensive standouts with the rise of talent here in the desert over the last decade.
With the greater Phoenix area continuing to be one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, combined with the high-level coaching across the state, there’s no reason to believe our home in the southwest won’t continue to churn out prospects at all levels.
In-State Eyes
The loaded current junior class caught the attention of Kenny Dillingham and Brent Brennan quite some time ago, with each in-state Big 12 school foucsed on players from this class for the past couple of years. The Sun Devils have prioritized many of state’s best, including Basha’s Noah Roberts and Jake Hildebrand, Centennial’s massive 6’7, 320-pound tackle Ben Lowther, and Chandler High athlete Jai Jones – all who received ASU’s “Golden Ticket,” a recent initiative started by Dillingham.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats have also been mainstays here in the Valley, already gaining a commitment from Williams Field wide receiver, Trey Smith, widely considered an in-state Top 15 prospect, and targeting a number of other coveted Arizona prospects.
Unguardable is right! Preciate you Coach! @CoachBrennan @ArizonaFBall #beardown pic.twitter.com/IQMLO2oAmy
— Jai Jones | c/o 2027 (@jaigothands) November 20, 2025
With some of the elite Class of 2026 ballers already at their college destination, or set to report after graduating in the next couple of months, “Zone Read” decided, with spring ball rapidly approaching, to explore the Class of ’27, one which appears ready to set their own standard on AZ’s brand of prep football.
We asked Sports360AZ.com recruiting expert Cody Cameron to help us take a high-level view.
Youth is Served
Every recruiting class takes on an identity of their own.
Some have more offensive stars, maybe some skew more towards the defensive side of the ball. This well-balanced group has everything, including size and length, something not always seen in past classes.
My Top 10!!! Where is home 🏡?
I have been so blessed to have received the attention and opportunities to continue my education and playing the game I love. I have been able to see alot of amazing programs and meet so many wonderful coaches with their staff. Thank you to all, so… pic.twitter.com/LwSTtHRiQg— Jake Hildebrand (@JakeH_2027) January 1, 2026
It was also apparent this group had a chance to be special, even before being true household names in these circles, or seeing national recruiting stars next to their names.
“I remember a few years ago, local high school coaches were telling me how talented the 2027 and 2028 classes were going to be,” Cameron said. “At that time, the 2027 class were freshmen, and the 2028 class were in eighth grade. Those coaches were spot on.
“I focus primarily on evaluating varsity high school talent, and even that year there were already a handful of 2027’s not just playing varsity, but making an impact, as well.
Blessed to announce my commitment to UNLV!! Go Rebels!! pic.twitter.com/JCo1Rw1dhB
— Luke Farrell (3⭐️QB) (@LukeFarrell_QB) March 5, 2026
“I’m always amazed by how talented some of these sophomores and freshmen are across the Valley. I think this is a combination of amazing coaching staffs who do a great job of developing kids, mixed with players with tremendous work ethic year round.”
Just How Good?
As “Zone Read” has said many times recruiting is, for the most part, an inexact science with many factors playing into a prospect’s future, especially in the present chaos of NIL and the transer portal. While every AZHS class features at least a couple blue chip prospects, Cameron feels the ’27 class has a chance to be next-level special.
“This Class of 2027 is solidifying itself as one of the better classes in the last 10 years,” he explained. “It is deep at almost every single position group and we will likely see 40-50 kids sign with Division I schools.”
The depth, according to Cameron, even makes it immune in this volatile time of seemingly endless player movement in college football.
“In this day and age where the transfer portal seems to be option one, two, and three for college staffs, 40-plus kids signing with D-1 programs is an incredible feat.”
Despite the uncertain landscape, this group appears poised to handle the turbulence.
According to Cameron, the best is yet to come.
“This 2027 class has some of the top-ranked kids in the country,” he noted. “I’m excited to follow their journey as we make our way closer to the start of spring football.”
