BY RASHAD GROVE
New Jersey Urban News
New Jersey remains a premier talent pipeline, routinely producing game-changing prospects who dominate nationally on the hardwood and the gridiron. This next wave of top Black prep stars features explosive blue-chip athletes and high-IQ playmakers already built for the national stage. Spanning the state’s top powerhouse programs, these must-watch recruits possess the raw skill, athletic ceiling, and big-game pedigree to define the future of college sports.
To bring you up to speed before the upcoming football season commences this week, here are the top 10 High school football players in New Jersey
Oluwasemilore Olubobola (OT, St. Peter’s Prep)
Hailed as the No. 1-ranked recruit in NJ for his class according to High School Football Nation, and one of the top offensive tackle prospects nationally, Oluwasemilore Olubobola is to be reckoned with. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 295 pounds, he is the quintessential five-star offensive tackle. Following his senior campaign, Olubobola will be playing for Notre Dame.
Xavier Sabb (WR / ATH, Glassboro)
Xavier Sabb, an Oregon Ducks commit, is an elite offensive and defensive threat on the gridiron. Named the Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year, Sabb led Glassboro to back-to-back state titles and an undefeated 14-0 season in 2025. Playing receiver, defensive back, wildcat QB, and returner, his junior year featured 897 receiving yards, 13 touchdown catches, four interceptions, and scores in five different ways.
Colt Lumpris (TE, The Lawrenceville School)
A massive 6-foot-7, 240-pound tight end who committed to the University of Michigan is a big-time baller at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. Known for his exceptional athleticism, long frame, and physical play style, Lumpris primarily plays tight end and wide receiver while also displaying high-level upside as a defensive end and strong safety. Rated as a top 5 recruit in the state of New Jersey and a consensus top-15 national tight end prospect, his athleticism, route-running fluidity, and dynamic catch range make him one of the best at his position
Mikahi Allen (LB, Don Bosco Prep)
Mikahi Allen has established himself as one of the nation’s premier defensive high school football prospects, playing for New Jersey powerhouse Don Bosco Prep. A versatile 4-star linebacker and defensive back in the 2027 recruiting class, Allen earned Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors as a junior. Rated among the top linebackers nationally and one of the top overall players in New Jersey, Allen’s standout high school achievements culminated in a verbal commitment to Texas A&M in July 2026.
Adekunbi Adetayo (EDGE, Malcolm X Shabazz)
A fierce pass-rusher standing 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, known for disrupting backfields with 14 tackles for loss last season as an elite high school football player at Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, New Jersey. Although he didn’t play organized football until his freshman year, he rapidly developed into a top-ranked, four-star defensive end. His explosive athleticism and high-powered work ethic attracted major college offers, culminating in his commitment to Vanderbilt.
Chaz Gray (EDGE, St. Joseph Regional)
A four-star edge rusher out of St. Joseph Regional in Montvale, New Jersey, Chaz Gray has established himself as one of the state’s top high school football prospects for the Class of 2027. Standing 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, his combination of size, power, and quickness off the line transformed him into a game-disrupting force on the Green Knights’ defensive front. Gray’s explosive pass-rushing ability drew wide national attention. He recently announced his commitment to the University of Washington.
Tahj Gray (St. Joseph Regional)
An exceptionally disruptive young linebacker already turning heads in the underclassmen rankings, Tahj Gray has solidified his reputation as one of the nation’s premier high school defensive prospects, starring as a versatile linebacker and edge rusher for New Jersey’s St. Joseph Regional. A dominant anchor on a Non-Public A state championship defense, Gray earned Co-Defensive Player of the Year—a top-tier national recruit with invitations to prestigious showcases like the FBU Freshman All-American Bowl.
Austin Barrett (DB, Paramus Catholic)
Paramus Catholic defensive back Austin Barrett has emerged as one of New Jersey’s premier 2027 prospects, earning a top-15 state ranking from major recruiting services. The 6-foot-1 cornerback distinguished himself in Northern New Jersey’s competitive Non-Public league with sharp instincts, reliable ball skills, and standout coverage ability. That high-level play drew widespread interest from the Power Four, ultimately leading to his commitment to Virginia Tech.
Abdul Turay (RB, St. Peter’s Prep)
Running back Abdul Turay quickly solidified his reputation as one of New Jersey’s elite high school football prospects through standout performances for both St. John Vianney and St. Peter’s Prep. Following a freshman season where he rushed for nearly 700 yards, Turay put together a historic sophomore campaign in 2024. He led the state with a school-record 2,517 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns, averaging 8.5 yards per carry and becoming just the fifth player in Shore Conference history to break the 2,500-yard single-season milestone. He’s committed to Virginia Tech.
