Class of 2026: Top Quarterbacks in WNY
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These are the best gunslingers in Western New York that have 2 more seasons of high school football to be played. Justus Kleitz NY #33 QB #6 HEIGHT 6'0" WEIGHT 160 POS QB CLASS 2026 View Profile Justus Kleitz State:…
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Continue ReadingThese are the best gunslingers in Western New York that have 2 more seasons of high school football to be played.
The most experienced player on this list is Justus Kleitz Justus Kleitz 6’0″ | 160 lbs | QB Iroquois | 2026 State NY . Kleitz has been a varsity starter since the first game of his freshman year, when he ripped through opposing defenses for 2,267 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2022. He hit a bit of a sophomore slump but was still effective. Justus has a quick release and is extremely accurate. His 69.2 career completion percentage is remarkable. He is agile and possesses amazing awareness. Justus Kleitz Justus Kleitz 6’0″ | 160 lbs | QB Iroquois | 2026 State NY is a 2 time All-State and 2 time All Western New York selection as well as a 5 time Connolly Cup Player of the Week nominee. If he can go back to his freshmen form and improve on that, he may leave high school as the Section VI all-time passing leader.
Dominic Anzalone Dominic Anzalone 6’1″ | 205 lbs | QB Bishop Timon-St. Jude | 2026 State NY is a 2-time All-Catholic selection, as well as All-State and all Western New York honoree. He has a strong arm and quick release. But he is also a threat with his legs when his receivers are covered. He enters his junior season with 2,673 career yards and 30 touchdowns, including 20 in 2023 that led the Monsignor Martin League. Anzalone has good size for the position and will continue to impress scouts with his great throws and leadership. Collegiate offers should start coming his way in 2024.
Highlights
Carter Capozzi Carter Capozzi QB Gowanda | 2026 NY
Carter Capozzi Carter Capozzi QB Gowanda | 2026 NY
In just his first year on varsity, Carter Capozzi Carter Capozzi QB Gowanda | 2026 NY led Section VI in passing touchdowns (24) and was 4th in yards (1,934), making the All Western New York team and earing 2 Connolly Cup nominations. He has the ideal size standing at 6’4 and fantastic deep ball accuracy. He can run an offense from various formations, whether it’s under center or in shotgun. Carter doesn’t run much but he possesses agility when the situation calls for it. He rolls out a lot and throws on the run very well.
A dual threat Quarterback, Joe Mest Joe Mest 6’1″ | 165 lbs | QB Olean | 2026 State NY is versatile and can roll out to his right or left and throw on the run with pinpoint accuracy. He always keeps his eyes downfield looking for the open receiver. As a runner, he is tough; not afraid to put his head down and fight for extra yards. Joe Mest Joe Mest 6’1″ | 165 lbs | QB Olean | 2026 State NY has good arm strength and accounted for 25 total career touchdowns for a struggling Olean team.
Graham Schultz Graham Schultz 5’10” | 155 lbs | QB Lockport | 2026 NY made his varsity debut in the last game of his freshmen season, throwing for 241 yards and 4 touchdowns. In his sophomore season, he continued to impress with his strong arm and fast release. He has good pocket awareness and excellent timing on his three and five step drop backs. He knows how to “threads the needle.” Schultz finished the 2023 campaign with 1,127 yards and 14 touchdowns on the way to a Class A championship appearance.
Brayden Gibbs
Brayden Gibbs
Because of his small school status, Brayden Gibbs is one of the more underrated prospects in Western New York. He has impeccable timing with his receivers and makes high percentage completions. Brayden can make all the throws and his deep ball accuracy is astonishing. On top of his arm strength and accuracy, Gibbs is also mobile. He has a sixth sense when in the pocket and his agility makes him hard to defend.
Josh Kandefer Josh Kandefer 6’3″ | 220 lbs | QB Canisius | 2026 State NY is the only player on this list not to take a varsity snap yet. But with Canisius’ previous QB off to Mount Union, it is presumed Kandefer will be the heir apparent. Josh has a big arm and steps into his throws well. His big solid frame will allow him to withstand the hits at the next level. Canisius JV in 2023 ran a two QB system and it was obvious their offense ran extremely well when Kandefer was at the helm. If his talents transfer to the varsity level, Josh Kandefer Josh Kandefer 6’3″ | 220 lbs | QB Canisius | 2026 State NY is a player to watch for the next two seasons.