Six Standout Class of 2026 Unranked Quarterbacks

As the 2024 season is approaching, we have time to look at some of the best-unranked talents for the 2026 class. In this article, we will discuss the quarterback position. There have been many great performers within the state, but here are the six QBs I have chosen that you should watch throughout the offseason and their senior seasons.    [player_tooltip player_id='474102' first='Carson' last='Welsh'] is on our watch list, and I believe he should elevate in our rankings soon. Welsh is a scrapper and a leader on the field for Grove City who made the All-OCC 2nd team. Welsh finished his junior season with a 22/7 TD/INT ratio with 2,354 yards and tacked on another 4 touchdowns, running the ball with nearly 300 yards in his first season starting. His deep ball is beautiful, and he can stretch the field. His accuracy down the field is quite impressive, not just his arm. In the vertical game, the scheme ran doesn't get to show off his touch with the ball as often as others, but Welsh has it when needed, and there were big plays in his junior season hudl tape that showcased his touch. His willingness to get out of a collapsing pocket and make play after play is astonishing to watch, and he has the will to get yards any way he can.      Jeremiah Thomas is a great athlete and a huge reason for West Branch's 11-0 record. Thomas, the EBC football player of the year, is nearly at a 2,000-1,000 season and has a 29-2 TD/INT ratio with 15 rushing touchdowns. In his first season as a full-time starter at QB, the former wide receiver still showcases plenty of athleticism, and the offense primarily runs off of QB-designated runs with the option to pass. He can make you pay both ways in an offense that utilizes Thomas's strengths. His arm is good, but he could reach something special with consistent reps and training. He is a very accurate passer with great rhythm and timing and is good at throwing off balance.      Bodie Smith turned many heads with his performance and the Newark offense in 2024. In his first season starting at quarterback for Newark, Bodie made the All-OCC 2nd team with 1,930 passing yards and a 22/9 TD/INT ratio. Smith's swift and precise throwing motion will work in today's college game. He can get the deep ball out on time and leads his WRs well. His accuracy downfield is very good, and his intermediate game has improved throughout the season. Smith can work the field and his progressions well and generally knows where to go with the ball before the play. Bodie did well in his first season as the Newark QB, but I suspect him to be someone to watch closely next season.      [player_tooltip player_id='1212499' first='Nolan' last='Peoples'] had a promising first season leading as the Celtics quarterback. Peoples was All-OCC Cardinal 1st team and accounted for 19 touchdowns with 2,213 passing yards and a 61% completion percentage. Peoples showcases a whipping release and a ball that can travel with velocity. Under pressure, Peoples showcases good footwork and the ability to keep his eyes downfield as he evades defenders. He isn't a blazer athletically, but he does have enough mobility to create and extend plays. Peoples is a member of our watch list, but I believe that with a good offseason, [player_tooltip player_id='1212499' first='Nolan' last='Peoples'] is a name you should look out for.      [player_tooltip player_id='213915' first='Ryan' last='Taylor'] is a Saint Vincent Saint Mary transfer who has exploded in his junior season with a fantastic year. Taylor has accumulated 32 TDs with nearly 2,300 all-purpose yards. Taylor has a fantastic release, as he moves quick and fluently and results in great accuracy. Taylor can make defenders miss both evading tacklers to get out the pocket or running downhill and juking his man out. Taylor's arm is good, but his timing is what makes him a great talent. Improvising is another trait that comes with Taylor's game, and at times, he looks like a magician in the backfield.      In his first season starting fulltime, Sam Schweinfurth has taken the Perkins Pirates to a 10-1 record and has them as one of the favorites to win the D4 state title. Schweinfurth possesses a fastball release and can beat you through tight window throws. Schweinfurth is very good at taking what the defense gives him, and doesn't get messy with the football in his hands. On the season, Schweinfurth only has 6 INTs to 27 TDs and over 2,000 passing yards with a 66% completion percentage. As his completion percentage says, he is a very accurate quarterback both in the short game and going vertical. Schweinfurth is the most traditional quarterback on this list, and possesses a ton of traits that will be looked upon positively at the next level.

As the 2024 season is approaching, we have time to look at some of the best-unranked talents for the 2026 class. In this article, we will discuss the quarterback position. There have been many great performers within the state, but here are the six QBs I have chosen that you should watch throughout the offseason and their senior seasons.