Junior Quarterbacks Just Outside Our Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our 2026 rankings in Texas have officially dropped! Per usual, the state of Texas is loaded with talent and the 2026 class is no exception. Today, I'm looking at which 2026 quarterbacks just missed our most recent rankings update, but could make our next one. These are talented Division One prospects with very bright futures ahead of them. Look for them to continue to progress and develop throughout the course of their junior seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1645071' first='Bowe' last='Bentley'], 6'3" 200, Celina</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bentley climbs the pocket with pressure bearing down, he's a feathery deep ball thrower off-platform and has no problem taking shots from unblocked defenders. He's a bb thrower outside the pocket, he can place the football over defenders in zone coverage, and is quite slippery between the tackles, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1645110' first='Jayven' last='Hernandez'], 6" 190, La Vega</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jayven has a lightning-quick release and can expedite his operation time based on incoming pressure. Jayven is willing to check it down to his back if nothing comes open downfield, he can drop the nine ball right over the shoulder into the breadbasket and can easily throw cover two-hole shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1603355' first='Cole' last='Taylor'], 6'4" 215, Pflugerville</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor has the size, pocket manipulation skills, pure arm talent, and touch you want in a quarterback prospect. He's accurate off different platforms, he's an easy tear drop thrower that hits his targets in stride and can add value as a runner in short-yardage or goal-line scenarios. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1645114' first='Joe' last='Castles'], 6'6" 190, Rider</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Castles stands tall in the pocket, he can easily add zip for tighter window throws and has the ability to throw his receivers open. He's a pocket passer who plays free, he can get the ball out of his hand quickly on called RPOs and recognizes 1 on 1 coverage on the outside &amp; will take a shot downfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jayden Maples, 6'3" 205, Wakeland</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maples slides up into the pocket and throws intermediate strikes through zone coverage. He processes well and will work to his third and fourth reads in a progression. He's got the quickness and shake to evade pass rushers, he shows consistent ball placement within the framework, and is quite physical as a runner. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1466629' first='Darien' last='Lewis'], 6" 185, Palo Duro</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A raw dual-threat quarterback prospect with impressive escapability and a penchant for making defenses pay on the ground if you allow him outside the pocket. He's explosive, patient, and has filthy change of direction in the open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->