The New Contenders: Six Quarterbacks Enter the 2026 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 is stepping up, with six quarterbacks earning their way on our rankings with the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/arizona/rankings/2026-rankings/">latest update</a>. Arizona's high school football scene just got a fresh batch of arm talent at the helm. From precision passers to agile playmakers, these young QBs are setting the stage for electrifying junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1134311"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1134311' first='Gunner' last='Fagrell']'s season at Higley was nothing short of spectacular, blending undeniable, raw talent with an astute understanding of the game. Leading Higley on a 5A championship run, Fagrell looked calm and poised in each and every game. A quarterback who excels with deceptive speed and an uncanny ability to dissect defenses. He has a great balance between taking risks when the opportunity presents itself, while also being open to taking whatever the defense gives him. This all leads to his game looking much more mature and refined than you'd expect from a sophomore. His journey this season – highlighted by leadership in crucial moments and an unwavering poise under pressure – will prove to be extremely valuable experience for him moving forward. Fagrell's arm strength, coupled with exceptional footwork and impressive accuracy, combine to torment opposing secondaries. Finishing his sophomore campaign leading all of 5A in total yards (3,593) with a 65.3% completion rate, he put the state on notice. If he's able to add some weight onto his tall frame and work on his burst, he could add another dynamic element to his game and make himself nearly impossible to defend. As he continues to grow, Fagrell embodies the complete package. His ascent to the third-ranked QB (with a case to be higher) in his class is a testament to his hard work and potential, making his progress in the off-season something to watch.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cc61a76acd4"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/gridironarizona/status/1742919984471572511","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/gridironarizona/status/1742919984471572511 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1177554"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1177554' first='Nash' last='Ott'], despite being only a sophomore at Yuma Catholic, has rapidly emerged as a quarterback with an exceptional command of the field, showcasing a maturity and skill set far beyond his years. His impressive ability to seamlessly navigate through his progressions sets him apart on the field. The synergy Ott has developed with his receivers is evident on film with his willingness to give his receiver a chance down the field. It's not just his big arm that's impressive when he uncorks a deep ball, it's his timing. His understanding of when to release the ball and be able to throw his receiver open is a trait that will translate very nicely to the next level.Finishing the year with 3,100 passing yards (the most out of anyone on this list) Ott displayed his football IQ all throughout the season. Perhaps the best example of his understanding of the game was his 4.71 TD/INT ratio; rarely ever putting the ball in harm's way. Ott's consistent performance, marked by his calm demeanor, has not only propelled him into the class of 2026 rankings but also solidified his status as a must-watch talent with a bright future as he continues to evolve and lead his team.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1134320"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1134320' first='Joe' last='Yoney Jr.'], already a standout at Mohave with his unique blend of accuracy, decision-making, and dual-threat ability. Not boasting the strongest arm in the state, he picks apart defenses with pinpoint accuracy. His completion rate of 67% on the season highlights that precision and mature approach to the game. Yoney will lull a defense to sleep by taking the underneath routes, baiting them in, and then will take his shot over the top for a big gain. The scariest part of his game is his ability to terrorize defenses on the ground, just as well as through the air. His quick feet and excellent top speed allow him to constantly pull away from defenders, but he's still a strong enough player to fight for the tough yards when his team needs it. Finishing the year averaging over 100 rushing yards a game, Yoney proved he's one of the most dynamic play makers in the state. When you combine the passing and rushing, he totaled 45 touchdowns to just seven turnovers – six interceptions and one fumble. It's hard to imagine how he can improve on such a productive sophomore season; but with another offseason of work and the past year of experience under his belt, the sky is the limit for this young man.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1177566"],"_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":"Another dynamic quarterback added to the 2026 rankings was [player_tooltip player_id='1177566' first='Ivan' last='Higuera'], quarterback for Douglas. A shifty runner with the ball in his hands, Higuera has a knack for making people miss in open space. What might be even more impressive when he takes of running the ball, is his incredible vision from behind the line of scrimmage. His ability to spot a sliver in the trenches and maneuver his way through it, popping out of the other end at full speed, is rare to find in a quarterback. Higuera is a natural playmaker; in the most crucial moments, his team puts the ball in his hands to get the job done. Once the passing game slows down for him, he'll be an extremely complete player. The pace of the game can catch up to him sometimes as hes reading the defense and can cause him to rush through things. With more experience, that part of the game will start to come easier to him and Higuera will be off to the races. Just his pure athleticism is enough to get people's attention.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1177569"],"_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":"Damir is set to have a breakout season in 2024. The Valley Vista quarterback immediately stands out for his powerful arm, and the 11.8 yards per attempt he recorded this past season is in no way indicative of a lack of arm strength. In fact, it actually more represents his understanding and comfort within the offense. Even in games where he didn't perform at his best, Ilicic always seemed confident in the pocket and maintained good rhythm. I was able to see his arm strength in person on full display at the Throw It Deep Arizona camp. With a wet ball due to constant rain throughout the day, Ilicic launched it 60 yards to win the long-ball competition. You can tell from his form that this was far from the first time he had been in a setting like that as well; carrying really fine tuned mechanics with him from the practice field to gamedays. On the run, Ilicic keeps this pristine form and mixes it with his arm strength to leave us in awe as he effortlessly flicks the ball down the field. I know first hand that he has been, and will continue to, hone his craft throughout this offseason; and if he isn't on your radar yet, he will be.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cc61a76adf2"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/thehonestupdate/status/1749564562708558075","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/thehonestupdate/status/1749564562708558075 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1177571"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1177571' first='Mason' last='Wicker'] was a great field general for Desert Heights this past season, orchestrating an explosive offense from the first to the last whistle. He showed all year that he has the ability to keep plays alive with his legs, and his offensive scheme took advantage of it. With many designed rollouts, it allowed Wicker a few extra seconds to let the routes develop down the field, while also adding another element for the defense to cover with his legs. He has some raw arm strength, which can be held back by his form at times. Would love to see him work on generating more torque with his upper half and focus on his follow through when releasing the ball. With some focus in that area, he could unlock that natural power that's in his arm and help expand his game even more. I was really impressed with his decision making when he had time to sit in the pocket. You can clearly see him going through progressions as he works to find the open receiver. Though his deep ball accuracy wasn't the most spot on; his accuracy on short and intermediate throws was incredibly impressive. As Wicker continues to develop his game, he's sure to continue turning heads in the 1A division.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cc61a76ae59"} /-->