PrepRedzoneMN 2025 Rankings: QB Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If we're being honest, the Great State of Minnesota is in a drought in terms of P5 QBs. Since 2006, when <em>Mounds View</em> legend Adam Weber graduated and went onto a decorated career with the Golden Gophers, things have been pretty dry when talking high-level gunslingers. Digging into the list:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phil Haig (<em>Henry Sibley</em> '07/Illinois) went onto to play baseball in college at Illinois and then FIU, Nate Tice (<em>Edina </em>'07/UCF) transferred to Wisconsin and saw limited game action, Moses Alipate (<em>Jefferson </em>'09/Minnesota) moved to TE while he was a Gopher, Mark Alt (<em>CDH </em>'10) played hockey after high school, Mitch Leidner (<em>Lakeville South</em> '11) was up and down at UMN, and Phillip Nelson <em>(Mankato West</em> '12) showed a ton of promise but was derailed by an off-field decision and had to transfer from Minnesota to ECU. Since then, <em>Eden Prairie's</em> Cole Kramer has been holding down the efforts of Minnesota-born P5 QB prospects, but his role with the Gophers has evolved to a wildcat/hybrid role that relies less on his arm than expected from the QB spot. Trey Lance of <em>Marshall </em>fame has made things interesting, but he was a testament to the development of coach Randy Hedberg was not a P5 polished prospect coming out of high school. Since Joe Mauer chose baseball over football in 2001 the state's QB outlook hasn't been great, but I'm happy to report the future looks bright, starting with this 2025 class of signal-callers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An experienced and physically talent group, only the top-end shows P5 potential, but that doesn't mean the rest of the group doesn't have a bright future and shows scholarship-worthy ability on the gridiron. Let's do some digging into the sophomore crew of quarterbacks below and see who is willing and able to succeed at the next level, P5 or not. Thanks for reading! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">Quarterbacks </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["234766"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The hype has been real and it has been prevalent since now-sophomore u003cstrongu003eRiley Grossmanu003c/strongu003e entered the high school ranks in talent-rich Lakeville for the u003cemu003eNorth High School Panthersu003c/emu003e. u003cstrongu003eGrossmanu003c/strongu003e became the first freshman QB to start for u003cemu003eLNHSu003c/emu003e in decades when he took over the starting role halfway through the 2021 season last fall, and the young buck took the opportunity by the horns, going 3-2 as a starter with the two losses coming from a combined five points. He also threw for 530 yards and 5 TDs to only one INT, and used the offseason to hone his craft and up his game to adjust to varsity competition. 2022 became his first season as a full-time starter, and at the conclusion of the season he had completed 77 passes on 180 attempts (43%) for 1,162 yards and 10 TDs to 5 INTs. Those numbers need to significantly improve if he wants to continue his upward trajectory, but in his highlights you still see him flash some impressive reps game-to-game, highlighted by a booming arm that catapults the ball out of his hand downfield with noticeable strength and over opponents heads and occasionally into tight windows and to their back shoulder. Mobile, great zip when he sets his feet, and can throw off-platform and from non-traditional angles with his lefty cannon. He's poised, athletic, and certainly shows talent, and as a junior I'm hoping to see more consistency and production as he heads into that always important and eventual junior year offseason.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["641133"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cemu003eAlexandria'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003eChase Thompsonu003c/strongu003e, the younger brother of Golden Gopher hooper Treyton, made a helluva case for QB1 in the updated 2025 u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e rankings, but he didn't put a consolidated sophomore highlight tape together and it was hard to get a full gauge and evaluation on him from the limited game film. At 6'7, 200 lbs. and with some of the individual reps he flashed in 2022 though, I wouldn't contest someone arguing he should be QB1 as of right now. Displaying a cannon of an arm that can stretch the field better than anyone in the class and possibly the state, u003cstrongu003eThompsonu003c/strongu003e successfully hit some tougher, out-breaking throws with impressive velocity and accuracy and has excellent upside, physical tools, and arm talent as only a sophomore. Took unofficial gameday visits to Minnesota and Iowa State last fall and is a big-time name to watch in the 2025 class and the aforementioned history of Minnesota gunslingers these last two decades. I'm incredibly excited to see how he develops and improves on his 2022 campaign.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["235957"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eEsayasu003c/strongu003e was originally classified as an ATH after his freshman season with the u003cemu003ePark Wolfpacku003c/emu003e, but after a successful sophomore campaign as the backup QB for u003cemu003ePark'su003c/emu003e varsity offense I believe he was ready to move to QB as his primary position on the gridiron. At 6', 165 lbs., u003cstrongu003eEsayasu003c/strongu003e posted 365 passing yards at a 50% completion clip along with 5 TDs to 2 INTs, and on tape he showed off some noticeable u0026amp; impressive zip on intermediate throws and the velocity to help squeeze the rock into tight windows with solid ball placement that led his WR out of trouble and contact. He also showed some big-time toughness and will step into his throws through contact and with a big hit bearing down on him. With 2023 grad [player_tooltip player_id='313184' first='Sam' last='Berrey'] gone to graduation it's u003cstrongu003eEsayasu003c/strongu003e' time to shine next fall. Let's see what he can do with it!","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["485214"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Coming in as QB4 and at #47 overall in the latest u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e 2025 rankings update, u003cemu003eAnoka'su003c/emu003e sophomore gunslinger u003cstrongu003ePeyton Podanyu003c/strongu003e is a member of a stacked 2025 crop of u003cemu003eTornadoesu003c/emu003e and is my pick for the '25 QB with the biggest chance to climb up the rankings and improve his stock. The 6'3, 175 lber. is also an impressive hooper, and through his limited game-to-game film you can get a sense of his clean and crisp mechanics that include a quick, high release that snaps out of his hand efficiently and smoothly. He led the sophomore class in most passing statistical categories and went 143 for 260 (55%) for 1,670 yards and 16 TDs to 9 INTs, and I also like his mobility and scrambling ability, plus his toughness when hanging in the pocket through a big hit. Throws a solid deep ball and is certain to better his stats, efficiency, and security with the ball in 2023. Strong athlete at the position, arm talent, clean mechanics, and more, the future is bright for both u003cstrongu003ePodanyu003c/strongu003e and u003cemu003eAnokau003c/emu003e.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["234931"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"The darkhorse of the 2025 crop of gunslingers clocks in as the current QB5 and 57-ranked prospect in u003cemu003eBOLD'su003c/emu003e 6'3, 160 lb. u003cstrongu003eJack Gross.u003c/strongu003e The lefty led the Warriors to an 8-2 record as a sophomore signal-caller and showed great touch on his passes down the seam and sideline of u003cemu003eBOLD'su003c/emu003e opposition. Gets the ball out of his hand quickly, shows solid timing on his passes, and throws a killer fade ball. u003cemu003eBOLDu003c/emu003e has put out some studs over the years and Gross is an exciting one to watch out of the Outstate.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["234783"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Still light on varsity action as a sophomore for Class 6A runner-up u003cemu003eRosemountu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eCaswellu003c/strongu003e went 22-31 for 299 yards and 4 TDs to 3 INTs in six game appearances, throwing at an impressive 71% completion percentage. Also added 32 rushes for 238 yards with his legs and punted a ball 40 yards and inside their opponent's 20. At 6'1, 175 lbs., u003cstrongu003eCaswellu003c/strongu003e also wrestles and plays baseball, and on the gridiron the QB can hurt defenses with his arm or his legs, showing off nimble, quick feet and solid burst that makes him dangerous when he tucks and runs. As a passer, he's accurate on the run and from the pocket, able to put the ball on the money of a streaking wideout when touch and/or zip is required. Does a good job of keeping his offense moving and made some clutch throws in 2022 as well. I think u003cemu003eRosemountu003c/emu003e should be excited about their QB job next fall, accuracy and dual-threat capability is a dangerous combination at the high school level. I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest to see his name rocket up the QB board once he's a full-time varsity contributor.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["641143"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Notching in as QB7 and #66 overall on the big board for the c/o 2025u003cemu003e, Champlin Parku003c/emu003e has a talented sophomore class and are led offensively by 6'2, 175 lb. multi-sport athlete u003cstrongu003ePreston Thielkeu003c/strongu003e. In his last year as an underclassman u003cemu003eRebelu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eThielke u003c/strongu003ewent 70-138 for 626 yards and 4 TDs to 8 INTs and was especially dangerous when u003cemu003eCPu003c/emu003e would roll him out in either direction and run multi-level route combinations with their wideouts. Showed solid timing inside and outside the pocket but particularly when on the move, u003cstrongu003eThielkeu003c/strongu003e is a good athlete who can also hurt defenses with his legs when he tucks and runs or changes direction back across the field to improvise more time. With a year of starting varsity experience under his belt I'm hoping to see him expand and develop his game more as a now-upperclassman. Go u003cemu003eRebelsu003c/emu003e!","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["362278"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"The younger brother of former u003cemu003eLakeville Southu003c/emu003e turned MSU-Mankato now University of Sioux Falls 5'11 QB Camden Dean, 2025er u003cstrongu003eGavenu003c/strongu003e shows a ton of the same arm talent possessed by his elder sibling and went 8-0 leading the JV team of the u003cemu003eCougarsu003c/emu003e in 2022. A playmaker with either his arm or his legs, u003cstrongu003eDeanu003c/strongu003e can stretch the field vertically and easily over a chasing DB's head and right into the breadbasket of his wideout. Also shows the capacity to throw accurately on the run, u003cstrongu003eDeanu003c/strongu003e can take off and really hurt a defense as a ball carrier and does a good job of leading his WRs open, especially when passing to the flats on out-breaking routes and allowing his WRs to tip-toe the sideline. I can't wait to see this kid play varsity and his ranking should vastly improve once he sees big-time reps.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["245647"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"One of the most physically impressive QBs on the 2025 u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e rankings update list, u003cstrongu003eHoughton u003c/strongu003eshowed a big arm that could outthrow coverage downfield and hang the ball perfectly in the air for his WR to pluck out of the sky and over a DB's grasp. The 6'5 quarterback is comfortable throwing the deep ball and shows solid touch when fitting the ball in-between multiple defenders. Big arm and does a good job of getting the ball out of his hand quickly whenever possible. Still growing into his frame and needs to clean up his mechanics but can definitely stretch the field.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["348753"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"At 6'1, 175 lbs. and rounding out the Top-10 QB ranks and as the 77th ranked prospect in MN's 2025 class, u003cemu003eAndover'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003eHudson Maynard u003c/strongu003eis poised to eventually lead the Huskies offense and posted 1,300 passing yards and 32 TDs at a 62% completion percentage in the non-varsity ranks of the u003cemu003eAndoveru003c/emu003e program in 2022. Big arm that can deliver the ball accurately downfield, smooth throwing motion with a quick release, and is slippery around the pocket and can scramble and evade pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. Also can run the option and lower his shoulder to lay a boom as a ball carrier.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["362303"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"The u003cemu003eOsseou003c/emu003e sophomore came into December's 2025 u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e Stock-Up Showcase and had a good showing that continually caught my eye throughout the course of the session. 6'2, 160 lbs., ran a 4.43 short-shuttle, jumped 9'1u0022 and 9'4u0022 on the broad jump, and possessed solid arm strength, clean mechanics, and had a strong showing during 1-on-1 competition in the camp setting. No updated film as of right now.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cimg class=u0022alignnone size-medium wp-image-557511u0022 src=u0022https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/181-Tayvin-Smith.jpg?w=300u0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022300u0022 height=u0022200u0022 /u003ernrnSmith ^","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["641144"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"u003cemu003eBloomington Kennedyu003c/emu003e is on the up-and-up and have a bright future in their QB room with sophomore u003cstrongu003eMalik Johnson,u003c/strongu003e who helped lead the Eagles to a 7-2 record in 2022 while throwing at a near 60% completion clip for almost 1K yards. Solid and strong at 6'2, 195 lbs., u003cstrongu003eJohnson u003c/strongu003egets the ball out of his hand quickly and is a great game manager, capable of hitting the routine (but not easy) passes all over the field to keep his offense on the move and trucking downfield. Sees the field well, can work through his progressions, and can put the ball on the money when he has a clean pocket. Also able to throw on the run and outside the pocket. u003cstrongu003eJohnsonu003c/strongu003e has the ability to lead the u003cemu003eEaglesu003c/emu003e to new heights if he can continue to grind and develop his game.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["234900"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"The younger brother of uber-accomplished u003cemu003eBlooming Prairieu003c/emu003e graduate QB turned MSU-Mankato WR Drew Kittelson, younger brother u003cstrongu003eBradyu003c/strongu003e came into December's u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e Stock-Up Showcase and tore it up, catching the eye of multiple scouts and college coaches throughout the course of the session. Ran a 4.7 flat in the 40, 4.5 in the short-shuttle x2, and posted two impressive broad jumps of 9'3u0022 and 9'5u0022. Athletic just like his brother, u003cstrongu003eBradyu003c/strongu003e was also tearing it up in the passing department at the Showcase and on his sophomore film, where he could put some noticeable zip on the ball and was comfortable throwing all over the field during 1-on-1s. In his sophomore tape, he was elusive and electric in the open field as a runner, beating defenders with speed and/or quickness, not to mention great balance, and is one of the better athletes on this list at the QB position. Has a good chance to significantly climb up the rankings next season and may see a positional projection switch to ATH as well. Stay tuned.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["234774"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"Great size at 6'3, 200 lbs., u003cstrongu003eCarteru003c/strongu003e (aka u003cstrongu003eBoomu003c/strongu003e) is possibly heading toward a positional switch to LB, but has played QB in the non-varsity ranks of the u003cemu003eChanhassen Stormu003c/emu003e as an underclassman. Big arm, high release point, and is deadly when moving and buying time around the pocket, which usually results in him taking off and enforcing his will as a runner. Also tough and will hang in the pocket through a big hit to deliver a ball downfield. Next year will be a big one of the u003cemu003eChanhassenu003c/emu003e 2025er.","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["234851"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"Rounding out the list of Top-15 ranked 2025 u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e quarterbacks is 6'3, 180 lb. u003cemu003eChaska Hawku003c/emu003e sophomore u003cstrongu003eJimmy Coddingtonu003c/strongu003e. As a non-varsity gunslinger in 2022, u003cstrongu003eCoddingtonu003c/strongu003e showed he was a dual-threat from the QB spot but relied much more heavily on his legs than his arm last fall. Puts the ball where only his WR can get it on fade routes and can also throw accurately on the run. u003cemu003eChaskau003c/emu003e has a QB returning in 2023 who saw varsity reps last fall so I believe the young buck Coddington will have another year to develop and hone his craft. Soar u003cemu003eHawksu003c/emu003e!","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":15,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f17519f0656"} /-->