Cincinnati's Top Uncommitted Preps Football Players Ahead of Signing Day

The Enquirer highlights the best unsigned high school football players in the Cincinnati area before National Signing Day.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:31pm

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The Enquirer has compiled a list of top uncommitted high school football players in the Cincinnati area ahead of the upcoming National Signing Day period. These players have stood out on the field and are still weighing their college options, with many receiving interest from Division II, Division III, and NAIA programs.

Why it matters

Highlighting these under-the-radar players helps shine a light on talented local athletes who may have been overlooked in the college recruiting process. The Enquirer's coverage aims to connect these players with college programs that could be the right fit for them.

The details

The list includes players from various high schools across the Cincinnati region, showcasing their key statistics, awards, and intangible qualities that make them valuable prospects. The players span positions on both offense and defense, with standouts at quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, linebacker, and more.

  • The NCAA's National Signing Day period begins on Wednesday, February 4th.
  • The signing period extends until around April for Division I colleges and August 1st for Division II schools.

The players

Ben Abbott

A versatile, physical force who makes his presence felt on both sides of the ball, excelling as an offensive lineman and defensive lineman for Fenwick High School.

Kayleb Perkins

The all-time leader in tackles at Milford High School, a two-year starter who has been recruited by Division II and upper-tier Division III programs.

Jamier Bates

A true do-it-all defender with elite football intelligence, the Miami Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year who demonstrated the ability to line up at virtually any position on either side of the ball.

Griffin Ridner

A three-year team captain and the Miami Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year, a 6-foot-5 quarterback with full control of the offense and the ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground.

Daniel Swift

A very explosive defender with elite speed and closing ability, a versatile athlete who can line up at multiple positions and compete wherever he's needed.

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What they’re saying

“Ben Abbott is a versatile, physical force who makes his presence felt on both sides of the ball. As a cornerstone of the offensive line in the Wing-T, he has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and intelligence, excelling at tackle, guard and center throughout the season. On defense, Ben's power, leverage, and relentless motor anchor the line of scrimmage, while his precision and consistency as the long snapper make him indispensable on special teams. With a high football IQ, unmatched toughness, and relentless work ethic, Ben Abbott embodies the grit and dependability that define Fenwick football.”

— Fred Cranford, Fenwick High School Coach

“Jamier Bates is a true do-it-all defender with elite football intelligence. He had a full understanding of both the offense and defense and demonstrated the ability to line up at virtually any position on either side of the ball, offering premium positional versatility. He's a pure football player and the ultimate defensive chess piece. He's effective both in the secondary and in the box, plays with a relentless motor, is a reliable, physical tackler, shows outstanding ball skills, and was a turnover machine. He watched a lot of film, was well-prepared, quickly diagnosed plays, and impacted the game nearly every single play. He's the most physical player on the field and an instinctive playmaker.”

— Calvin Renfroe, Coach

“Griffin Ridner was a three-year team captain. He's a true servant leader. The 6-foot-5 quarterback had full control of the offense. He communicated lengthy play calls and handled checks and protections at the line of scrimmage to ensure the offense was in the right play. He's an elite information processor who excels at making pre-snap reads, working through progressions, and protecting the football. Griff is a smooth, natural athlete with good feet and quick hips, effective both in rhythm and off-script. He has the arm strength to make every throw on the field, along with the athleticism and touch to deliver accurate throws off-platform. While he's not a run-first quarterback, he's savvy enough to create with his legs when necessary and can be effectively utilized in the designed run game. Griffin is a no-brainer.”

— Calvin Renfroe, Coach

What’s next

College coaches will continue evaluating these players and making offers ahead of the upcoming signing period.

The takeaway

These Cincinnati-area high school football players have flown under the radar, but their talent and potential make them valuable prospects for college programs looking to add impact players to their rosters. Their stories highlight the importance of shining a light on overlooked athletes and ensuring they get the opportunities they deserve.