2026 Quarterbacks Who Are Looking To Have Breakout Seasons

For most freshman quarterbacks the freshman football season is about acclimating to the high school game and learning their offensive system. Being coachable and understanding what the offensive coordinator and head coach want from them as the leader of the offensive is also every bit as important. Physically they'll be held to a higher standard and coached harder. Adjusting to the speed of the high school game comes into play once the ball is snapped. For some the game slows quicker than others. All of these things are reasons why most freshman spend their seasons on a junior varsity or even freshman team. In year two they come in with a year of growth and development under their belt. For some of the more talented quarterbacks it's a chance to challenge for varsity starting positions. Today I will talk about 5 incoming sophomores who will look to not just start but break out.   [player_tooltip player_id='402329' first='Donovan' last='Moorhead'] (Hawken) 6'3 200- Moorhead will get his first big taste of varsity playing time this fall for the Hawks and all signs point to a big Sophomore season. At 6'3 200 pounds Donovan has the requisite size you look for in a D1 Pro-Style passer. He's been putting in the work this summer hitting up many D1 camps. Donovan has already pulled offers from Buffalo, Fordham, and UT Martin. In the passing game Donovan is comfortable in throwing to all 3 levels. You can tell he's processing what he's seeing and has the ability to throw guys open. He doesn't just throw it to receivers he can throw it to spots that put them into position to make plays. I love the ball placement on a lot of his seam throws as he puts it in over the LB's and under the Safeties. He's thrown some beautiful back shoulder throws that are advanced type throws. He should have some really good film this fall that should really pick up the momentum he has going in his recruitment.   [player_tooltip player_id='731524' first='Austin' last='Buescher'] (West Jefferson) 6'4 165- Buescher is a player that I caught onto last year when he was starting varsity as a freshman. Long and lanky, Austin, was slinging the ball to all parts of the field. You could tell that he was still getting comfortable running a varsity offense, but you could see him getting more and more comfortable as the season progressed. I really liked what I saw out of him in his first varsity action. Austin's not just a football player he's an athlete. He plays AAU and can dunk the basketball. This offseason I had a chance to see him at a showcase and some of his 7v7 film. Austin has made strides in his development over this offseason. I've seen an increase in velocity in his throws, which I only expect to continue as he fills out and gets stronger. You can see he has a much better grasp and command of the offense pre-snap. He's now easily getting to his second and third reads. With the development he's seen this offseason I really expect Austin to have a big Sophomore season which should start to get the attention of the G5 D1 coaches in the region.   [player_tooltip player_id='926009' first='Jarin' last='Mock'] (Reynoldsburg) 6'1 190- Mock's film is a fun watch. The sophomore-to-be has a great feel and ability to stretch the field vertically. He possesses great touch on his deep ball. His mechanics are sound, and he has easy arm strength. When it comes to touch, he doesn't float it but he can definitely drop it in the bucket. He can also tuck the ball and run and turn nothing into an explosive play if the defense isn't careful. In the face of a rush Jarin is calm and sudden using quick feet and explosiveness to make defenders miss. Mock will be the starting QB for the Pirates this fall. I look forward to seeing him take command of the Pirates offense this fall and continue his development as a quarterback. With continued work, reps, and a strong sophomore season, Mock, has a chance to really jump onto the D1 recruiting scene.   [player_tooltip player_id='824943' first='Lucas' last='Ecrement'] (Massillon Jackson) 6'0 170- Ecrement saw starting time as a freshman for the Jackson Polar Bears. He's a dual threat QB who can hurt you on the ground or through the air. In the passing game he gets the ball out quickly and accurately. He does a good job of carrying out his run fakes while keep his eyes downfield. Lucas is fluid in his rollouts and comfortable making throws on the run. When he keeps the ball, he accelerates quickly and has the speed to hurt defenses by picking up chunk plays with his legs. In spite of his athletic ability, he's not afraid to hold and deliver the ball in the face of a rush. Jackson plays a strong D1-D2 schedule that will give Ecrement a chance to grow and develop as a quarterback while showing off his ability to make plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='924823' first='Nathan' last='Judy'] (Hudson) 6'3 205- Judy is a two-sport athlete who plays both baseball and football. At quarterback Judy is another with a frame and size beyond his age. In the pocket he's a cool customer who shows good footwork. He can throw the ball with touch, but also has the ability to drive the ball downfield. When things break down Judy is able to maneuver the pocket and does a good job of keeping his eyes downfield to find the open man. If Judy can put together a strong Sophomore season the recruiting interest could quickly pick up.

For most freshman quarterbacks the freshman football season is about acclimating to the high school game and learning their offensive system. Being coachable and understanding what the offensive coordinator and head coach want from them as the leader of the offensive is also every bit as important. Physically they'll be held to a higher standard and coached harder. Adjusting to the speed of the high school game comes into play once the ball is snapped. For some the game slows quicker than others. All of these things are reasons why most freshman spend their seasons on a junior varsity or even freshman team. In year two they come in with a year of growth and development under their belt. For some of the more talented quarterbacks it's a chance to challenge for varsity starting positions. Today I will talk about 5 incoming sophomores who will look to not just start but break out.