As the 2026 outdoor season reaches its midpoint, the "Class of 2029" is already proving that the future of Georgia track and field has arrived ahead of schedule. While most freshmen are still adjusting to the rigors of high school competition, these young athletes are already recording marks that are turning heads at the state and national levels.
From sub-50 second quarter-milers to distance runners handling elite varsity paces, here are 12 freshman boys who have emerged as leaders during the mid-season, based on the latest MileSplit GA rankings.
Treshaun Grant (Richmond Hill): Grant has established himself as the premier freshman long-sprinter in the state. His 49.73 in the 400m at the Savannah Country Day Varsity Meet is one of 3 sub-50 marks for a freshman in Georgia this spring, marking him as a future star for the Wildcats.
Brayden Thompson (Buford): Keeping the tradition of Buford speed alive, Thompson has been electric in the early season. His 50.07 400m performance at the Gwinnett County Championships ranks him fourth in his class and shows he has the range to be a major contributor in the Wolves' relay pools.
Ajani Richardson (Bradwell Institute): Richardson is proving to be one of the most versatile young athletes in South Georgia. Not only does he hold a top-ten class mark in the 400m (51.11), but he has also shown elite middle-distance potential with a 2:02.21 in the 800m.
Bryce Blue (Carrollton): Blue has been a consistent force in the 100m dash. Clocking a 10.74 early in the season, he leads all freshmen in the pure sprint categories, demonstrating the explosive start and top-end speed necessary to compete in Georgia's highest classifications.
Caden Page (Holy Innocents'): Page has set a high bar for freshman middle-distance running this year. His 1:56.96 in the 800m is a phenomenal mark for a ninth-grader, making him one of only four freshman in the state currently under the two-minute barrier.
Luke Jordan (Denmark): Denmark's freshman class is looking particularly deep, led by Gross in the distances. He currently leads the class in both the 1600m (4:22.40) and the 3200m (9:38.55). The 1600m was clocked at the competitive Forsyth County Meet, proving he can handle the heat of a big-meet environment.
James Justice (Westminster): A name to watch in the private school ranks, Justice has shown impressive range early on. He ranks third among freshmen in both the 800m (1:58.99) and the 1600m (4:29.49), establishing himself as the next great distance hope for the Wildcats.
Caden Gross (Richmond Hill): Gross is continuing the Richmond Hill tradition of distance excellence. His 9:41.28 in the 3200m is the second best freshman mark in the state, showing a level of aerobic maturity rarely seen in ninth graders tackling the eight-lap event.
Jaylin Sims (Eagle's Landing): Sims has been a revelation in the Long Jump pits. His leap of 22-07.25 at the Golden Eagle Invitational not only leads the freshman class but puts him in the conversation for a podium spot at the state meet regardless of age.
Braylon Jones (Winder Barrow): Jones has dominated the early season High Jump competitions. Clearing 6-04 in early-March, he possesses the spring and technical fluidity that suggests he will be chasing the 6-06 or 6-08 mark by the time the state championships roll around in May.
Trent Fountain (Bleckley county): In the throwing rings, Fountain has stood out with his consistency in the Discus. His toss of 140-05 is the leading mark for freshmen in Georgia, showcasing a technical proficiency in the circle that usually takes years to develop.
Casidy Smith (Norcross): Smith has emerged as the top freshman Triple Jumper this spring. With a mark of 44-06.00, he is one of two ninth-graders currently eclipsing the 44-foot mark, proving he has the phases and power to be a scoring threat for the Blue Devils.
As the 2026 outdoor season reaches its midpoint, the "Class of 2029" is already proving that the future of Georgia track and field has arrived ahead of schedule. While most freshmen are still adjusting to the rigors of high school competition, these young athletes are already recording marks that are turning heads at the state and national levels.
From sub-50 second quarter-milers to distance runners handling elite varsity paces, here are 12 freshman boys who have emerged as leaders during the mid-season, based on the latest MileSplit GA rankings.
Treshaun Grant (Richmond Hill): Grant has established himself as the premier freshman long-sprinter in the state. His 49.73 in the 400m at the Savannah Country Day Varsity Meet is one of 3 sub-50 marks for a freshman in Georgia this spring, marking him as a future star for the Wildcats.