Underrated: Rising 2026 running back Jaden Desir scores three touchdowns in blowout win

Westchester, Fla. — It’s hard to imagine that the most successful high school football program in Florida would have players that are under the radar, but such is the case for 2026 running back Jaden Desir.

The under-recruited halfback out of St. Thomas Aquinas put together a dominating performance against Columbus on Friday night, scoring three touchdowns en route to a blowout 42-7 win. Desir is perhaps emerging as the top prospect in that running back room, as he registered five carries for 60 yards (12 yards per carry), scoring two rushing touchdowns, and had a ten-yard touchdown reception.

“We came out on top,” Desir said after the game. “We dominated the first half. Got all of the brothers in. Putting up 42 feels great. A win like this puts us in the right direction. We changed our motto from being a second-half team to a first-half team. Obviously, when you come out and dominate a team like we did today, it just shows how we’re improving each and every day.”

Only Ivy League schools Brown, Dartmouth, and Princeton are showing interest in the five-foot-eleven, 205-pound back, and whatever school he chooses will get a fully dedicated student-athlete.

“What a team would get out of me is commitment. One-hundred and ten percent effort from me each and every day. They would get the best of me, and I would never give up on them.”

The Boynton Beach native transferred from American Heritage Delray to St. Thomas for his senior season this year. Last season, he rushed for 683 yards, averaging 6.6 per carry. Desir is looking to build on his performance this Friday as St. Thomas hosts Western.

“Just keep having faith. That was one of our mottos this week. Trust in the Lord and trust in our coaching staff, and they will lead us in the right direction.”