Next Up: 2026 QBs Ready to Make Noise and Boost Their Stock

The 2026 quarterback class is loaded with talent, and these rising stars are proving why they deserve to be at the top of every recruiter's list. [player_tooltip player_id='683105' first='Cayden' last='Benson'] of Creekside High School, [player_tooltip player_id='1109172' first='Jordan' last='Do'] of Archer High School, [player_tooltip player_id='283913' first='Travis' last='Burgess'] of Grayson High School, [player_tooltip player_id='908934' first='DJ' last='Bordeaux'] of Douglas County High School and [player_tooltip player_id='283826' first='Darnell' last='Kelly'] of Peachtree Ridge High School. From state champions to dual-threat playmakers and pro-style passers who look like they were built in a lab, this group has it all. Some have already racked up double-digit Division I offers, while others are on the verge of national recognition. Whether it's elite arm talent, poise under pressure, or the ability to take over a game with their legs, these quarterbacks are ready to make their mark. With their senior seasons approaching, one thing is clear—the future of college football is in good hands.    Some quarterbacks can sling it with precision, others can torch defenses with their legs—but few can do both at an elite level. That's what makes [player_tooltip player_id='683105' first='Cayden' last='Benson'] so special. Cayden is coming off a monster season with 2,395 passing yards, 30 touchdowns through the air, 1,085 rushing yards, and 12 rushing scores, he's proven he's one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the country.   His dominance earned him recognition as a Georgia Junior Peach Award Player of the Year finalist, 4A Region 4 Offensive Player of the Year, and All-State honors from both GPB Sports and the AJC. But if you ask him, he's far from satisfied. He's been putting in the work, transforming his body and sharpening his game, proving to recruiters that he's ready for the next level.   What separates good quarterbacks from great ones is their ability to stay calm under pressure, process the defense, and deliver the ball with confidence. He's mastered that. His pocket presence is advanced beyond his years, effortlessly stepping up to avoid pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. Defenses that bring the blitz quickly regret it—he can escape, reset, and fire a strike with pinpoint accuracy.   Cayden's throwing mechanics are clean and effortless, generating power while maintaining touch when needed. Whether he's driving the ball on deep outs, hitting a receiver in stride on a post, or dropping a perfectly placed fade into the corner of the end zone, his arm talent speaks for itself. He can make every throw on the field, and he does it with a natural confidence that elite QBs possess.   While Cayden's arm is dangerous, his ability to take over a game with his legs makes him a nightmare for defenses. He's not just a scrambling quarterback—he's a true playmaker with the ball in his hands. His running style is a unique blend of speed, power, and elusiveness, allowing him to shake off defenders, burst through open lanes, and extend plays when everything breaks down.   Unlike some mobile QBs who rely on their legs too early, he's patient—he reads the field, exhausts his progressions, and only takes off when the play demands it. When he does tuck and run, he attacks defenders with physicality and speed, turning routine scrambles into game-changing plays.   This offseason, he's transformed his body in the weight room, adding strength and durability to handle the physical demands of the position. The extra work has made his throws even stronger, his movement in the pocket sharper, and his ability to break tackles more dangerous. He's fully committed to elevating his game, and the results are already showing.   With his elite arm, high football IQ, and unmatched athleticism, there's no question he's ready to take his game to the next level. Recruiters need to take notice now—because this quarterback is on the verge of something special.     Every great offense needs a field general, and that's exactly what [player_tooltip player_id='1109172' first='Jordan' last='Do'] has become. After putting up 2,639 passing yards, 27 touchdowns through the air, 850 rushing yards, and 13 rushing touchdowns, he's proven he's more than just a passer—he's a complete offensive weapon. His efforts earned him All-State Honorable Mention, Gwinnett County QB of the Year, and Region Offensive Player of the Year, but he's far from satisfied. With his poise, elite arm talent, and leadership, he's determined to show why his name should be at the top of every recruiter's list.   Quarterbacks who can extend plays and scramble are valuable, but the ones who can stand tall in the pocket, read the defense, and deliver strikes under pressure are the ones who separate themselves. That's where he thrives. No matter the situation—blitz coming, collapsing pocket, tight coverage—he remains calm, makes the right read, and puts the ball exactly where it needs to be.   His arm talent speaks for itself. Whether he's rifling a pass into a tight window, dropping a deep ball in stride, or throwing with anticipation before a receiver even breaks his route, his accuracy is undeniable. He's a true gunslinger, capable of making every throw in the book with confidence.   A quarterback's job isn't just about putting up stats—it's about leading the team, making adjustments, and controlling the game. He does all of that and more. His ability to read defenses, diagnose coverages pre-snap, and make quick decisions under pressure sets him apart from the competition. He's not just executing plays—he's orchestrating an offense, making sure every player is in the right spot, and delivering in the biggest moments.   Coaches trust him to take control, whether it's a crucial third down, a two-minute drill, or a red-zone situation. He thrives in high-pressure moments, showing the maturity, leadership, and confidence of a quarterback beyond his years.   While his arm is elite, his ability to hurt defenses with his legs makes him even more dangerous. With 850 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, he's a threat in every phase of the game. He can sit back and dice up defenses from the pocket or take off and punish defenders with his athleticism.   Defenses have to respect his ability to run, which opens up even more opportunities in the passing game. Whether he's escaping pressure to extend a play or calling his own number in a crucial moment, his dual-threat ability makes him nearly impossible to contain.   Despite his incredible production and well-earned accolades, he's still looking to earn the respect he deserves on the recruiting trail. He's already proven he can dominate at the high school level, and with another year to sharpen his game, he's only going to get better.   With his arm talent, leadership, poise, and playmaking ability, there's no reason why he shouldn't be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2026 class. The programs that recognize his potential now will be the ones landing a true game-changer at the next level.   It's time for recruiters to wake up—because this QB is ready to take over.     Winning a state championship is one thing. Running it back for another? That's the mark of a true competitor. [player_tooltip player_id='283913' first='Travis' last='Burgess'] a 6'6” quarterback isn't just one of the most highly recruited signal-callers in the country—he's a proven winner, a leader, and the kind of player that every college coach dreams of having under center.   With 21 Division I offers already on the table, he's firmly on the radar of top programs across the nation. But instead of letting that slow him down, he's using it as fuel. After leading his team to a state championship victory, he's locked in and determined to do it all over again his senior year.   At 6'6”, he's built like an NFL quarterback, and he plays like one too. His size gives him a clear vision of the entire field, allowing him to read defenses and make throws with precision. But it's not just about stature—his arm talent is next-level.   Whether it's firing a laser into a tight window, lofting a deep ball with perfect touch, or throwing on the move, his ability to make every throw in the book is undeniable. Defensive backs don't stand a chance when he steps into a pass, and linebackers struggle to read him because he processes the game so quickly.   Beyond the physical tools, his football IQ and leadership are what set him apart. He's a commander on the field, making pre-snap reads, adjusting protections, and ensuring his offense is always in the best position to succeed. His teammates trust him, and his coaches know that when the game is on the line, he's the guy they want leading the charge.   Some players would be content after winning a state title, but he's not wired like that. He knows that getting to the top is one thing—staying there is even harder.   With his senior season approaching, he's more focused than ever. He's putting in extra hours in the film room, sharpening his mechanics, fine-tuning his footwork, and getting stronger in the weight room. He's working to ensure that when the moment comes to defend the title, his team will be more than ready.   “I'm not satisfied,” he's said. “We're coming back even stronger.”   That's the mentality that separates good quarterbacks from great ones. He's not just playing for another ring—he's building a legacy.   With 21 offers and counting, the competition for his commitment is fierce. Power Five programs are lining up for the chance to land a quarterback with his size, arm talent, and leadership.   The schools that recognize not just his talent, but his work ethic, championship mindset, and ability to elevate those around him, will be the ones securing a game-changing quarterback for the future.   As he heads into his final season, one thing is clear: he's not done yet. The mission? Back-to-back titles. And with him leading the way, it's hard to bet against it.     For some, a deep playoff run is enough. For [player_tooltip player_id='908934' first='DJ' last='Bordeaux'] standing at 6'3” and currently holds 28 Division I offers, anything less than a state championship is a failure. Last season ended one game short of the title fight, falling to powerhouse Grayson in a hard-fought battle. Now, heading into his senior year, he's on a mission—not just to return to that stage, but to finish what he started.   With his size, arm talent, and leadership, he's already caught the attention of top college programs across the country. But this season isn't about recruiting rankings or personal accolades. It's about revenge, redemption, and bringing home the trophy that slipped away.   At 6'3”, he has the ideal frame for a next-level quarterback, and he plays with the swagger and confidence of a proven leader. He stands tall in the pocket, delivering precise strikes under pressure, and his ability to extend plays with his athleticism makes him a nightmare for defenses.   His deep-ball accuracy is deadly, but he's just as dangerous in the short and intermediate game, picking defenses apart with quick reads and elite ball placement. Whether it's dropping a perfectly timed fade into the corner of the end zone or threading a pass between defenders, he makes the tough throws look effortless.   But what truly separates him is his mentality. He plays with a chip on his shoulder—a fire fueled by last year's heartbreak. He's the type of quarterback who thrives under pressure, the kind of player who wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.   His talent hasn't gone unnoticed. With 28 Division I offers, some of the biggest programs in the country are in a battle for his commitment. But if you ask him, recruiting is secondary right now. His only focus? Winning it all.   College coaches aren't just getting a talented passer; they're getting a leader, a competitor, and a player who refuses to be denied.   A true leader doesn't just play for himself—he elevates everyone around him. That's what makes this quarterback so special. He's spent the offseason working with his receivers, studying film, and preparing his team for another deep playoff run.   Last year's loss still stings, but instead of dwelling on it, he's using it as motivation. Every rep, every practice, every workout is done with one goal in mind—finishing the job.   With his combination of size, skill, and a relentless drive for redemption, there's no doubt that this season will be his biggest yet. The only question is, who's going to stop him?   This time around, he's making sure the answer is nobody.     Some quarterbacks look like they were built in a lab—perfect size, elite arm talent, high football IQ. That's exactly what people are saying [player_tooltip player_id='283826' first='Darnell' last='Kelly'] standing 6'2” and true pro-style quarterback. With 16 Division I offers already in hand, his skill set has college recruiters buzzing. From his textbook mechanics to his elite pocket presence, he's proving why he's one of the most polished passers in his class.   He's not just a big arm with numbers—he's a true field general, capable of diagnosing defenses, making every throw, and leading his team with confidence. Coaches and scouts look at him and see the prototype of a next-level quarterback—a player who checks every box.   As a pure passer, he operates with surgical precision. His footwork is clean, his throwing motion is effortless, and his ability to stand tall in the pocket and deliver under pressure is advanced beyond his years.   His deep ball? Flawless. His intermediate accuracy? Pinpoint. His touch on short throws? Next level.   Defenses have a hard time throwing him off his game because he's not just a thrower—he's a quarterback in every sense of the word. He understands coverages, makes adjustments at the line, and knows exactly where to go with the ball before the defense can react. He processes information like a veteran, playing the game two steps ahead of his opponents.   With 16 Division I offers and counting, he's become one of the most coveted pro-style quarterbacks in his class. Coaches know that his skill set translates perfectly to the next level, and his combination of talent and intelligence makes him a dream recruit.   For schools looking for a pass-first, high-IQ quarterback who can command an offense, he's the guy. He's proving every week why he should be one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the country—but for him, the focus isn't on rankings or hype.   He's already put up impressive numbers, but he's not done yet. With his senior year on the horizon, he's looking to cement his legacy and show why he's one of the best pro-style quarterbacks in the country.   His goal? Lead his team, dominate every snap, and let his play do the talking.   Some players just have it—that created player feel, where everything seems built for success. This quarterback is exactly that.   And when the lights are brightest, he's ready to shine.

The 2026 quarterback class is loaded with talent, and these rising stars are proving why they deserve to be at the top of every recruiter's list. Cayden Benson Cayden Benson 5'11" | 175 lbs | QB Creekside | 2026 State GA of Creekside High School, Jordan Do Jordan Do 5'11" | 180 lbs | QB Archer | 2026 State GA of Archer High School, Travis Burgess Travis Burgess 6'5" | 195 lbs | QB Grayson Highschool | 2026 State GA of Grayson High School, DJ Bordeaux DJ Bordeaux 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB Legend | 2026 CO of Douglas County High School and Darnell Kelly Darnell Kelly 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Peachtree Ridge | 2026 State GA of Peachtree Ridge High School. From state champions to dual-threat playmakers and pro-style passers who look like they were built in a lab, this group has it all. Some have already racked up double-digit Division I offers, while others are on the verge of national recognition. Whether it's elite arm talent, poise under pressure, or the ability to take over a game with their legs, these quarterbacks are ready to make their mark. With their senior seasons approaching, one thing is clear—the future of college football is in good hands.