‘Edgy’ Tim: Who are the area’s prep football player of the year candidates?
As we get closer to kickoff for the IHSA prep football season, here are some names from the Daily Herald coverage area I consider as player of the year candidates.
Montini Catholic senior QB Israel Abrams
Abrams, verbally committed to the Miami Hurricanes, is seeking his third straight state title in 2026. Abrams last season passed for 4,072 yards and 40 touchdowns while leading the Broncos to a 14-0 record and Class 4A crown. Abrams is an impressive signal caller who still has his best football ahead of him.
Prospect senior QB Jackson Cacini
Cacini, who recently gave Eastern Illinois University his verbal commitment, is another name to watch behind center this season. Cacini passed for 2,142 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior. I fully expect the Week 9 Mid-Suburban League showdown against rival Hersey to have huge implications for both teams and their respective quarterback’s postseason award resumes.
Geneva senior WR Bennett Konkey
Konkey, committed to Illinois, has been an impact player for the Vikings since his sophomore season when he was teammates with current Georgia receiver Talyn Taylor. It also helps that Konkey will have another top area quarterback this season in senior Ben Peterson. Look for Konkey to generate impressive numbers this season.
Hersey senior QB Jake Nawrot
Nawrot is a four-star ranked quarterback by Rivals.com who is verbally committed to Kentucky. Expectations for the Huskies and Nawrot are sky high again after he passed for 3,078 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior in his first season as a varsity starter.
Barrington junior RB Lamar Osterhues
Osterhues has been a varsity starter for the Broncos since his freshman year. His combination of speed, power, exceptional vision and his patience to allow blocks to set up are high level.
Glenbard West senior QB AJ Rayford
Glenbard West possesses a potentially explosive offense led by Rayford, a multi-year starter and a dual-threat signal caller. He has high-level targets in tight end Brady Johnson (Northwestern), senior receiver Jaylen McMiller and running back Bryce Ellens.
York senior TE/DE Owen Roberts
Roberts, committed to Purdue, will be asked to provide leadership on and off the field as well as high-level production on both sides of the football. Linemen seldom wind up as MVP types, but Roberts' strength and physicality will be a huge key for the Dukes this fall.
Batavia senior QB Michael Vander Luitgaren
Committed to Wyoming, Vander Luitgaren has the arm talent, physical tools and overall game of a seasoned veteran. The Bulldogs' offense, and in particular the passing game, will be a strength and features three FBS receivers: senior Darin Ashiru (Western Michigan), senior Brennon Zeng (Northern Illinois) and senior Thomas Prescott (Wyoming). This is an offense capable of scoring big points.
Libertyville senior TE Brock Williams
Williams is a four-star ranked tight end who is committed to Texas. He’ll draw all sorts of attention this season from opposing defenses, but I still expect Williams to produce at a high level for the Wildcats. It'll be interesting to see how much the high school game has slowed down for Williams.