2026 Quarterbacks: Watchlist Warriors

As we close in on the end of April, the Prep Redzone Kansas Team continues grinding through the tape on Kansas talent looking for potential upgrades and studs who are unfortunately flying under the radar.   My marathon film study will hit the apex point in the next few days as recommendations for 2026 ranking adjustments and additions will be submitted on Saturday (4/28).   In this report, I will be focusing on quarterbacks who are ranked between 50-100. These rising stars join the mid-week five standout QB's who were reported on earlier in the week: [player_tooltip player_id='1113371' first='Kam' last='Staton'], 6'0, 170, Pleasanton; [player_tooltip player_id='1113458' first='Jordey' last='Pierce'], 6'4, 200, Ark City; [player_tooltip player_id='904442' first='Robert' last='Hunter'], 6'0, 175; [player_tooltip player_id='586963' first='Zane' last='Smith'], 5'10, 175, Topeka High; [player_tooltip player_id='611096' first='Aiden' last='Scott'], 6'4, 185, Shawnee Heights.   Here are the five most recent rising-star signal callers for consideration as we amp things up rolling into fall action.   The End-of-the-Week Five are listed below:     [player_tooltip player_id='904445' first='Zane' last='Viegra'], 6'3, 185, QB, Hays, is ranked #26. He is coming off a good start to his high school career and is looking to spark the high-powered Hays passing game this fall. He is a rangy, athletic dual-threat quarterback who can extend plays effectively on designated runs or when scrambling off the broken play. He has an excellent arm that is getting more polished with all of the off-season work he has been putting in. Initially I thought his motion was too elongated, but he snaps the ball off quickly and has a good release point on his passes, so it doesn't appear to slow him down on timing routes. He throws well on the move, particularly when squaring his shoulders and throwing to the left. This kid is a playmaker and is getting ready to bust out this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='585907' first='John' last='Hoytal'], 6'3, 185, QB, Washburn Rural, is ranked #57. A multi-sport athlete who is also an outstanding basketball player, he is already hard at it preparing to take the state by storm on the gridiron this fall. He has a good frame, quick feet and has established well-disciplined pocket mechanics. He has a smooth shoulder rotation when passing, with excellent weight transfer and clean delivery. He throws a catchable ball with top-end velocity on short-to-intermediate routes. He gets the ball out and released in a hurry on timing routes, hitting quick-strike outs, slants and crossing routes. He can dial up the long ball as well, throwing with good touch and accuracy. He also throws well on the move and can throw off platform or from different launch angles as needed. He is getting ready to shine this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='780458' first='Conrad' last='Gomez'], 6'0, 170, QB, Junction City, is ranked #81. He is coming off a solid sophomore year and start to his high school career. A rising star dual-threat quarterback in the making, he is an athletic, elusive runner who has a live arm capable of making any of the throws needed. He has solid mechanics when setting up in the pocket and has a smooth delivery, but where he really excels is in throwing on the move. Whether moving to the left or right, he is capable of making pin-point throws on short-to-medium routes. He also has a strong enough arm to light up the seams and sidelines with the long ball. And, when the play breaks down, he is a slippery, elusive runner who is deceptively fast. Get out and see a stud in the making in 2024 while you still can.   [player_tooltip player_id='945017' first='Traimyre' last='Woodruff'], 5'10, 170, QB/ATH, Shawnee Mission Northwest, is ranked #82. He is coming off a solid sophomore season when he gave fans and opposing teams a glimpse of the future facing the SMNW offense. He is already a dangerous threat running the option, bootlegs or rollouts with his outstanding speed and acceleration. Once he breaks the perimeter and is in the open field, he can make a single cut back against the grain and explodes to the endzone. He appears to be more comfortable throwing on the run, but with time in the pocket he shows good mechanics, with a compact throwing motion and delivery. When he scrambles he keeps his eyes downfield looking for the pass as opposed to running first. Got a star on the rise here, get out and see him while you can.   [player_tooltip player_id='1113370' first='Carson' last='Dixon'], 6'2, 180, QB, Basehor-Linwood is ranked #95. He is coming off a solid start to his high school career and is already developing into one of the bright young quarterback prospects in the state. There is not a lot of gridiron tape available and when I initially looked at his throwing motion I thought he held the ball too low but after watching for awhile realized he was still throwing with a compact delivery with an ultra smooth release. His pocket presence and mechanics appear solid and he can throw the high-velocity short pass on drags, posts and deep outs with good accuracy. He can also strong arm the deep ball as needed and throw off platform or from different arm angles to effectively shred defensive coverage. Get out and see a kid getting ready to make a name for himself.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action this fall. You most definitely will not be disappointed. And, as always, if you know of someone flying under the radar, feel free to reach out to me via DM on X.

As we close in on the end of April, the Prep Redzone Kansas Team continues grinding through the tape on Kansas talent looking for potential upgrades and studs who are unfortunately flying under the radar.