It's game week so it's time to pick the Herald-Times Preseason Offensive Football Player of the Year for 2026. Readers may vote as much as they like until the poll closes on Thursday, Aug. 20 at noon. Here are the nominees:
Braxton Carpenter, Edgewood, Sr. RB Will be aiming for a 1,000-yard season. Ran for 921 on 168 carries with seven TDs last year. Hayden Clark, South, Sr. RB In his first year as the lead back, has 441 yards and five TDs for his career. Duncan Combs, South, Sr. QB One of the most accurate quarterbacks in school history, went 149-of-214 for 2,276 yards and 26 TDs. Eli Engleking, Eastern Greene Sr. WR/RB Team's top producer last year was a multi-purpose threat, running for 508 yards and seven TDs and catching 27 passes for 332 yards two scores. Rashon English, North, Sr. WR Top receiver and cornerback for the Cougars with 38 catches for 624 yards and six TDs. Jake Heidrick, Owen Valley, Sr. RB Do-it-all guy for Patriots. Leading rusher with 114 carries for 471 yards and five TDs, On defense, was No. 2 in tackles with 57. Brayden Johnson, North, Sr. RB Cougars' leading rusher last year with 610 yards and four TDs. Braylon Linerode, Edgewood, Sr. QB First-year starter last year threw for 984 yards and 16 TDs. Carter Matthews, North, Jr. RB Found the end zone nine times while rushing for 456 yards as a sophomore. Connor Parker, South, Sr. WR Big-play receiver caught 23 passes for 468 yards and three TDs in nine games last year. Saxton Pennycuff, Eastern Greene, So. QB Will look to build on a freshman season that saw him throw for 1,335 yards and nine TDs. Parker Phillippe, Owen Valley, Jr. QB Will bring two-years worth of varsity experience into the season. Threw for 857 yards and six TDs, and ran for 181 and four scores. Nate Walker, North, Sr. WR Caught 35 passes for 575 yards and seven TDs. Will also start on defense. Jonathan Winstead, South, Sr. WR Will be a top receiving threat and remains the backup QB. Caught 18 passes for 314 yards and three TDs.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: VOTE Who is the Herald-Times Preseason Offensive Football Player of the Year?