The race for the prestigious Matt Wilhelm Award has officially begun, spotlighting some of the most promising high school football talent for the 2026 season. Named after Matt Wilhelm, a standout player from the Elyria Catholic Panthers and the Ohio State Buckeyes, the award recognizes exceptional athletes in the sport. Wilhelm’s impressive legacy includes a BCS national championship and a Super Bowl title with the Green Bay Packers during his seven-year NFL career.
As the season progresses, the initial watch list features a variety of players whose performances are expected to evolve over the weeks. This compilation serves as a springboard for discussions about the top contenders.
Contenders for the Matt Wilhelm Award
Carter Atwater, a sophomore quarterback from Rocky River, is already making waves. Taking over for an injured teammate, Atwater played in five games last season, completing 20 of 26 passes for an impressive 548 yards and nine touchdowns against only one interception in victories over Valley Forge and Lakewood.
From Fairview, junior running back LaMarcus Clark is another standout. Following the graduation of Matt Wilhelm finalist Burke Lowry, Clark is expected to step up significantly. He aims to carry a running-focused offense that could redefine the team’s strategy.
Junior quarterback Patrick Cleary from Bay also enters the spotlight, having played a pivotal role in a new offensive scheme that yielded 1,790 passing yards. Cleary was among the top three quarterbacks in the area with at least 20 touchdown passes last season. With Brody Beggs returning at wide receiver, the Rockets’ offense is poised for a dynamic 2026 season.
Another key player is junior wide receiver Fin Jerdonek from Avon. Jerdonek’s performance in the previous season earned him a spot on the Division II Northeast Lakes All-District honorable mention list, with 40 receptions for 613 yards and seven touchdowns.
In Columbia, sophomore running back Xavier Hendon made a significant impact last season, rushing for 1,211 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. The team finished with a strong record of 9-2 and clinched the LC8 championship. With three of their four starting offensive linemen returning, Hendon will have solid support for the triple-option offense.
Returning Players and Emerging Stars
Junior athlete Tristin Hughes from Rocky River stands out as the only returning finalist for the Matt Wilhelm Award. Recognized as the CWC Player of the Year, Hughes accumulated over 1,000 receiving yards and an impressive 27 touchdowns. He has committed to play for Syracuse in college.
Sophomore wide receiver Rowan Kennedy, also from Rocky River, became the second player in the coverage area to surpass 1,000 receiving yards, finishing with 12 touchdown receptions and earning a second-team all-district selection.
At Keystone, junior running back and linebacker Wyatt McKee narrowly missed a 1,000-yard season, ending with 85 yards shy of the mark. His 15 touchdowns indicate a strong potential for the upcoming season, especially if he can stay healthy.
Sophomore quarterback Dawson TenBrink from Avon Lake threw for 1,666 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Despite the team’s 3-7 record, TenBrink’s promise remains evident, although he will need to adjust following the loss of standout players like Aidan Stewart and Max Riley to college commitments.
Lastly, sophomore running back Amir Silmi from North Olmsted is another notable returnee, having rushed for 1,097 yards and scored nine rushing touchdowns along with three receiving touchdowns.
As the 2026 season unfolds, Tristin Hughes is positioned as the current favorite for the Matt Wilhelm Award, but with numerous talented players in contention, the competition is expected to remain fierce. Each player’s performance will be closely monitored throughout the season as they strive to leave their mark in high school football.
