Signal-Callers on the Rise: 2026 QBs Added to the Rankings

High school football has always been a spotlight for the next wave of talent, and quarterbacks, in particular, tend to steal the show. This year, the PrepRedzone 2026 rankings are packed with some exciting new faces under center. These young athletes aren't just putting up numbers – they're making a name for themselves as leaders and playmakers. In this article, we'll break down what makes these QBs special, highlight their standout moments, and give you a glimpse into why they made the cut for the 2026 rankings. Whether you're a fan of dual-threat dynamism or classic pocket passing, these players have a little something for everyone.    [player_tooltip player_id='1587237' first='Colten' last='Meyer'] made a statement during his 2024 season at Marana, leading the Tigers to an impressive 10-1 record and the No. 1 seed in the Open Division playoffs. Meyer got off to a red-hot start, earning Player of the Week honors after a jaw-dropping performance in Marana's 48-0 win over Canyon del Oro. He threw for 470 yards, completing an unreal 30 of 34 passes with three touchdowns. Meyer kept the fireworks coming with standout games like the 362-yard, three-touchdown performance against Tucson High in a 56-7 rout. His big arm and good decision-making consistently put the team in positions to win, and they just kept winning. By the time the season ended, Meyer had solidified himself as one of Arizona's top 2026 QBs, racking up 3,687 passing yards and 30 touchdowns while completing 74% of his passes. Even though Marana's playoff run ended earlier than hoped, Meyer hit a career milestone with over 5,000 passing yards, showing why he's one of the state's most exciting young stars.     When [player_tooltip player_id='1587244' first='Britton' last='DeWitt'] became eligible midseason after transferring from Casteel, ALA-Queen Creek got the spark it needed. DeWitt wasted no time making an impact once he was given a chance, stepping in during the second half against Highland to lead the Patriots to a 26-7 win. His 42-yard touchdown pass to [player_tooltip player_id='1573414' first='Kingston' last='McCabe'] in that game was just the start of what he brought to the table. DeWitt's ability to step in cold and immediately take charge said a lot about his poise and football IQ. DeWitt saved some of his best work for the postseason. In a high-stakes playoff game against powerhouse Basha, he threw for five touchdowns, including three to McCabe, one of which was a 71-yard bomb. Despite the team coming up just short in a 40-35 loss, DeWitt's performance kept them in the fight until the very end. His ability to make plays under pressure and connect on big throws made him a key reason the Patriots were able to compete with some of the best teams in the state. With more time to grow in the system, he's going to be a player you won't want to miss next season.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/thehonestupdate/status/1863330058326188071 </div></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='1543755' first='Seth' last='Hanson'] was a real bright spot for Desert Vista in 2024. Even though the team had its struggles, Hanson's knack for making big plays stood out and kept them competitive. Hanson's best performance came in a big win over Valley Vista, where he threw for 452 yards and five touchdowns to lead Desert Vista to a 42-36 victory. It was a showcase of his ability to put the team on his back and deliver in a shootout. In another standout game against Corona del Sol, Hanson racked up 439 passing yards and five touchdowns but unfortunately wasn't able to come out on top, losing by just three points. Off the field, Hanson also shined academically, earning a 5.0 weighted GPA and landing on the 2024 Sports360AZ All-Academic Football First Team. His combination of athletic talent and academic excellence makes him a player coaches don't want to miss. As he continues to grow, Hanson is shaping up to be one of the state's most intriguing young quarterbacks.     [player_tooltip player_id='1587252' first='Evan' last='Heinrich'] was a driving force for Arizona College Prep in 2024, helping lead the Knights to a 12-2 record and a spot in the 4A state championship game. Heinrich averaged 176 passing yards per game and contributed a total of 183.8 yards per game, showing just how vital he was to the team's success. Under Heinrich's leadership, the offense thrived, balancing an effective passing game with a strong rushing attack to average 44.8 points and nearly 393 yards per game. I previously discussed what made his '24 season so special, saying:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Heinrich's efficiency and accuracy were unmatched, and his ability to deliver in big moments gave the Knights their first trip to a state title game. The most remarkable part of his season was his incredible decision-making. He only threw one interception on the entire year — that's less than half a percent (0.42%) of his 236 passing attempts. </blockquote>   While the season ended with a tough loss to Mica Mountain in the state championship, Heinrich's growth as a player and leader was very evident throughout the year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1567606' first='Laki' last='Wallwork'] had a big 2024 season leading Northwest Christian, proving himself to be a versatile quarterback who could make plays in all kinds of situations. He threw for 2,781 yards and 22 touchdowns while keeping turnovers to a minimum with just three interceptions. His efficiency and ability to keep the offense moving were key to the Crusaders' success. I recently discussed what sets Wallwork apart and noted, "Despite not being a major running threat, Wallwork's footwork and awareness in the pocket allowed him to consistently extend plays, keeping defenses on their heels." That type of focus on the little things turned into a big season for Wallwork. Going into his final high school football season, this is a prospect coaches will want to keep a close eye on.     [player_tooltip player_id='1587261' first='Luke' last='Keeton'] was all about consistency and making big plays for Casa Grande in 2024. He threw for 2,755 yards and 28 touchdowns while completing 60% of his passes. What really stood out was his ability to stretch the field, averaging an impressive 16.8 yards per completion. Keeton wasn't the slightest bit afraid to push the ball downfield, and it paid off as he passed for over 250 yards in seven different games. One of his best performances came against Buena, where he lit it up for 465 yards and four touchdowns. That kind of production became a theme for Keeton, who consistently delivered when his team needed it most. Casa Grande finished the season with a 6-4 record and earned a spot in the 5A playoffs, thanks in large part to Keeton's leadership and playmaking. As he heads into his senior year, Keeton's ability to put up big numbers and command the offense makes him one of the top quarterbacks to watch.

High school football has always been a spotlight for the next wave of talent, and quarterbacks, in particular, tend to steal the show. This year, the PrepRedzone 2026 rankings are packed with some exciting new faces under center. These young athletes aren't just putting up numbers – they're making a name for themselves as leaders and playmakers. In this article, we'll break down what makes these QBs special, highlight their standout moments, and give you a glimpse into why they made the cut for the 2026 rankings. Whether you're a fan of dual-threat dynamism or classic pocket passing, these players have a little something for everyone.