Philadelphia Athletes Just Outside Top Local Under-25 List
The Philadelphia Inquirer published a list of top local athletes under 25, and this article highlights those who narrowly missed the cut, either due to age or not quite making the final selection. Notable athletes mentioned include Tyrese Maxey, Jalen…

Philadelphia, PA, August 20, 2026 —
While The Philadelphia Inquirer recently unveiled its list of top local athletes under the age of 25, several prominent figures just missed inclusion on the prestigious roster. These athletes, who were either too old for the under-25 category or were not selected for the final list, represent a strong pool of emerging talent in the region.
Among those highlighted for narrowly missing the cut are several well-known names in the sports world. Tyrese Maxey, a dynamic player for the Philadelphia 76ers, was noted as a significant talent who did not make the final selection in the under-25 category. Similarly, Jalen Carter, a defensive force, was also mentioned as an athlete who did not quite make the published list.
The list also includes athletes from beyond Philadelphia’s immediate professional sports scene. Trevor Zegras, a rising star in hockey, and Jett Harrison, another athlete of note, were also identified as individuals who were close to being recognized on the Inquirer’s list but ultimately were not included.
The exclusion of these athletes underscores the competitive nature of being recognized among the top young talents in the area. While the exact reasons for each athlete’s omission were not detailed, the selection criteria likely considered a combination of current performance, potential, and specific achievements within the defined age group.
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s compilation aimed to identify the most impactful athletes under 25, and the discussion around those who were close but not selected reflects the depth of athletic talent developing locally. Further details regarding the selection process and the full list of recognized athletes were published by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Story summarized from the original created by Isabella DiAmore on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.