Wichita/Surrounding Area 2026 Quarterback Watchlist

Although this past season was well represented when it came to elite senior quarterback play, it appears next season is going to be just as loaded with the class of 2026 QBs.   There are a number of elite-level quarterbacks spread throughout the state, but in the Wichita and surrounding area in particular there is a solid group who are off and running on standout high school careers.   In this report I am going to take a look at five of the top 2026 quarterbacks who will be gearing up for the all important senior season next fall. Tomorrow, I will follow up with five more 2026 QB's who will be en fuego in 2025.   And, as well as these young-gun QB's have performed to date, there is always room for improvement at this stage in their careers. Over the years I have noticed that when comparing junior quarterbacks to their senior counterparts, there are areas where experience and maturity makes a difference.   Year in and year out, senior QB's typically have better completion percentages, fewer interceptions and higher passer ratings.   Where most junior QB's have completion percentages in the low-to-mid-50% range, the elite seniors are usually in the 65-70+% range. Seniors also usually scale back their interceptions to the low single digits and have passer ratings in the 125.0+ range (reminder: anything above 110.0 is considered elite).   There are a few junior QB's below who are already tracking to those kinds of mature numbers, but for the most part these are areas of emphasis to strongly consider between junior and senior seasons.   And, granted, the offensive schemes run and strength of the supporting cast play huge factors, as well as if you stretch the ball vertically or dink-and-dunk in the short passing game; but these particular stats help shine a spotlight on the fine-tuning required to achieve the maturity and awareness needed to become an elite passer.   So, without further adieu, let's take a look at the next wave of gunslingers from the 2026 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1403641' first='Gannon' last='Jacobson'], 6'2, 180, SE Saline, '26, it was a banner year for the junior gunslinger and comeback artist as he led the Trojans to an undefeated 13-0 record and the 2A state championship. He was huge in sub-state as he fired his fifth TD pass, and the game winner, as time expired to give his team a stunning 34-30 come-from-behind win over Beloit. Then the following week in the state title game no less, he once again came through, firing the winning 29-yard TD pass with just seconds left to secure the championship. On the season he put together an impressive stat line, running and passing for 3,763 total yards and accounting for 44 touchdowns. On the ground he picked up 800+ yards while as a passer, he was 143 of 259 for a 57% completion percentage, while throwing 33 TD passes to 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 108.0.   [player_tooltip player_id='1236247' first='Sam' last='Harp'], 5'10, 180, Andale '26, it was a banner year as well for Andale's talented signal-caller, but the finish was dramatically different as he led the Indians to a decisive 36-19 win over Hayden for the 3A championship. Last year Andale got knocked out of the playoffs and Harp was determine to make that an anomaly. Working hard in the off season he bumped his bench to 300+ pounds and got his 40 down to a scorching 4.5 and then went off in his junior year leading his team to an unbeaten 13-0 record. On the season he ran and passed for 1,870 yards and piled up 34 touchdowns despite generally playing less than half the game due to blow outs. On the ground he was lethal, picking up 1,057 yards on a scant 101 carries and 21 TDs. In the air he was much improved, completing 35 of 54 passes for 813 yards, a 64% completion percentage and zero picks. He is also a top-notch return man.   [player_tooltip player_id='585904' first='Jaylen' last='Mason'], 6'3, 205, Wichita NW '26, the KU-commit was once again taking his game to the next level as he made significant gains in maturity to his already impressive passing game and continued to show the athleticism that has attracted so much D1 attention. He is that rare combination of prototype size, speed and athleticism who has started since a sophomore and is developing into one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the state. For the year he led his team into the playoffs and along the way ran and passed for 2,645 total yards and 33 total TDs. As a passer he completed 107 of 195 passes for 1,960 yards, a 55% completion percentage, 24 TDs and only three interceptions along the way for a lofty 123.0 passer rating. He is also scary-good on the ground, whether it is running the RPO or extending plays he keeps defenses on their heels. He is poised and ready for a monster senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1113456' first='Kris' last='Harding II'], 6'0, 180, Chanute '26, after following up on one of the best sophomore seasons in the state a year ago with an even better junior season you would think this stud dual-threat QB would be getting more attention than he has. He may be flying under the radar playing in Southeast Kansas, but word is getting out as he led Chanute to SEK and Regional championships while amping up his numbers to just under 2,000 yards running and passing and 25 touchdowns along the way. He already has a mature game, with only nine picks in the last two years, four as a sophomore and five this year. He has an elite arm capable of making all the throws, from the quick surgical strikes to the long touch passes as well as the deep velocity throws. He just keeps getting better every year and will be primed and ready to really blow the lid off in 2025.   Manny Meyers, 5'11, 180, Mulvane '26, is a multi-sport standout who played some of his best football coming down the home stretch. On the year he put up some of the top dual-threat QB numbers in the state as he ran and passed for 2,700+ yards and 32 touchdowns. He energized a Mulvane team that got hot late in the season as they made strides taking the program to the next level. When he went to the air, he was effective, completing 92 of 168 passes for 1,264 yards and a 55% completion percentage and three picks. On the ground, he was lightening in a bottle, picking up 1,372 yards and scoring 19 times. He was also a ballhawk on defense, snagging three interceptions and was a dangerous return man as well, taking a punt back for a TD earlier in the year. A great all-around athlete who is just coming into his own, he is also a standout baseball player. Get your popcorn out for him in 2025.   Tomorrow: five more stud 2026 quarterbacks.   In conclusion, these guys are getting ready to go scorched earth in 2025. Get them on your watchlists and follow there progress in the off season. And, as always, if you know of players or teams flying under the radar, give me a shout via DM on X.

Although this past season was well represented when it came to elite senior quarterback play, it appears next season is going to be just as loaded with the class of 2026 QBs.