MD 2026 Rankings Update, QBs Who Cracked the Top 100

<p class="text-gray-700">McDonough's [player_tooltip player_id='401992' first='Braeden' last='Palazzo'] takes the top QB ranking spot after our Maryland Staff placed him atop the 2026 QB board following film evaluation.</p>   <p>6'3, 190, although Hudl lists him at 6'4, 205. Holds offers out of Syracuse and UNC Charlotte. Worth noting the Syracuse offer came prior to the year turning, UNC Charlotte came through almost 19 months ago. Palazzo might be cooling off in terms of recruiting heat, yet there is plenty of time to rekindle the hype he once had as a FROSH/SOPH. </p>   <p>Lefty passer, operates out of 10 personnel often, spread offense. Shows off safety awareness both pre and post-snap. Early reps on tape showcase he can make a read based on safety pre/post snap alignment. Likes to attack vertically via posts, nines. Has a linebacker build, a build that can move out of the pocket and create with his legs, not a statue after the snap. Accuracy downfield is a huge plus, has touch to his passes often dropping balls where only his target can play them. Ton of production on tape too, I'm not in the loop on all things McDonough, but there is about seven minutes' worth of good reps on tape. I can see why he was big on the recruiting trail early on. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/braeden_palaz09/status/1594177778920091648 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Self-listed at 6'2, 205, also reports that he's at St. John's College HS, not Good Counsel. 3.0 GPA. </p>   <p>Dual-threat ATH/QB who currently holds offers out of South Florida, UNC Charlotte, and Marshall. Sophomore tape is a bit limited in terms of depth, yet still plenty of quality reps to uncover. First rep on tape surprisingly has Williams stationed at wideout. He comes away with an impressive grab downfield, helping his "ATH" case. This kid is likely a moldable piece to any FBS program that brings him in, position versatility sticks out immediately. Most if not any reps taken behind center come with wild-cat sets, having Williams work a zone-read and pulling to attack a defense with his legs/athleticism. All other varsity reps are at WR. Williams does have scrimmage reps with him showcasing his arm talent, it's undeniable. I'd call for Williams to switch to the "ATH" designation sooner rather than later. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_Drewwilliams_/status/1789378426287128861 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Self-lists at 6'3, 175 pounds. Impressive basketball participant, 3.6 GPA. </p>   <p>Un-offered currently. Basketball highlights are worthy of a look if you want to get the full spectrum of the type of athlete you're getting. First rep has Yates taking a QB Draw/Keeper 55+ yards through the heart of a defense for a score, fully showcasing his stride and open-field awareness, would love to know if this result was improvised or called in the huddle. Operates in a spread attack, spacing a huge factor in a play succeeding, Yates at the helm makes things a bit easier in terms of running a proficient offense predicated on space. A majority of Yates's early reps have him creating with his legs, both creating yards with his feet, as well as creating passing lanes/windows for Yates to throw to while off-platform. You're not going to have Yates sit in the pocket and break down a defense with timing and tempo, this is a true athlete behind center who is likely to help a Division One program on either side of the ball. He, much like the above-mentioned [player_tooltip player_id='212345' first='Drew' last='Williams'], might see a future move to "ATH". No matter his position, this is a promising prospect who can and has helped St. James win football games.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">6'2, 185 pounds. 3.5 GPA. </p>   <p>Not too active on Twitter, knowing if he's been camping and working this offseason would be good to know, especially for the colleges who might have him on their boards. Two separate Twitters. What's more important is his sophomore tape. 12-0 as a sophomore starter, a young man who led Wise HS to a 4A State Title. All of this packaged into one tape infinitely outweighs what he might have going on in the offseason. </p>   <p>Didn't account for a single interception all year. Tape starts off with Wedge under center in an I-formation set, coaches at the next level will certainly be intrigued with a quarterback who is accustomed to working a drop and play action sets. Mesh handoffs are witnessed with Wedge tucking/pulling the football for himself, kid is an athlete. Tape goes back and forth between spread and tight looks, this again bodes well for his future. Having experience in various sets (21,10 personnel) will help his stock among potential suitors. Sees the middle of the field well when tasked with sitting in the pocket and throwing the football. Hits digs, posts, and seams well off a hitch. Unsure if colleges will view Wedge as an ATH or a QB, as his tape isn't exactly littered with next-level throws. A college working similar sets as Wise HS might entice recruiters to bring in Wedge for his experience and playmaking skills. I wouldn't be surprised to hear it.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/10flavas/status/1737246156248224183 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Self-listed 6'4, 190. Is a Delaware kid out of Red Lion Christian Academy. 3.82 GPA. This ranking would call [player_tooltip player_id='401343' first='Evan' last='Budinger'] the best 2026 quarterback in the state he resides in. High praise from our PRZ Maryland staff. A passer who is a frequent at camps all offseason, had a busy January through June visiting the likes of Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina, to name a few.</p>   <p>Based on [player_tooltip player_id='401343' first='Evan' last='Budinger']'s full-season tape, I'd argue he places as high, if not higher, than anyone ranked on this list. Next-level throws are littered throughout his tape, with Budinger's first rep showcasing his ability to hit a nine 50 yards downfield without much body/hip torque and hitch. Budinger is also witnessed effortlessly lofting 30-yard throws downfield before his target breaks open, again displaying for all to see that he's able to throw with anticipation. Consistent accuracy when attacking out-breaking routes, has a sweet rep on tape putting a ball in perfect stride to a wideout running a corner route to the end zone. Calm and confident in his arm, Budinger can relax in the pocket knowing he has the juice to make any throw necessary at this level. He's a 2026 so plenty of time for recruiting to pick up, but based on what I've cut on, I'd argue Budinger deserves to be ranked a lot higher. A three-level passer with a desirable collegiate-ready build.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/EvanBudinger/status/1774234950826394002 </div></figure>