Missouri’s 2026 QB Class Stacked with Rising Dual-Threat Talent

As Missouri high school football ramps up for the 2025 season, a handful of rising juniors are already turning heads with their dual-threat ability, leadership, and athleticism. The Class of 2026 is loaded with quarterbacks who can beat defenses with both their arms and legs — and they're poised to lead their teams deep into the postseason this fall. Let's take a closer look at four of Missouri's most exciting QB prospects heading into the upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1666611' first='Adarious' last='Brown'] Poised for Breakout Junior Season at Ruskin   As Kansas City's 2025 season approaches, Ruskin quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1666611' first='Adarious' last='Brown'] is emerging as a young signal-caller to watch. Standing 6'1” and weighing 180 pounds, Brown possesses the physical frame and arm strength that coaches covet at the position. In 2024, he threw for 851 yards and 2 touchdowns.   While his 9 interceptions from last season highlight areas for growth, Brown's potential is what has coaches and observers excited. He has a strong arm capable of making throws to all areas of the field, along with solid pocket presence even when facing pressure. He's shown the ability to keep his eyes downfield, maneuver within the pocket, and deliver strikes when given time.   With another offseason of growth and development, Brown is well-positioned to take a significant leap this fall. If he continues trending upward, expect the Ruskin offense to become increasingly dangerous — and for Brown's name to surface in more recruiting conversations across Missouri.   Aden Estep: Mountain Grove's Game-Breaking Dual-Threat Star Ready for Big 2025   Few athletes in Missouri possess the all-around impact that Mountain Grove's Aden Estep brings to the field. A true dual-threat weapon, Estep put together one of the most electrifying seasons in the state in 2024, piling up 1,693 rushing yards and adding 483 passing yards, while accounting for a staggering 33 total touchdowns. His ability to affect the game in so many ways makes him one of the most dangerous players in Missouri's 2026 class.   Estep's versatility extends beyond the offensive side of the ball. On defense, he recorded 56 tackles and 2 interceptions, showcasing his physicality, instincts, and toughness as a true two-way star. Whether taking snaps at quarterback, breaking off long runs, or locking down opponents on defense, Estep consistently finds ways to dominate games.   His athletic profile further separates him from his peers. Clocking a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, paired with a 32-inch vertical and solid strength numbers, Estep has the explosiveness and agility to create big plays from anywhere on the field. As a runner, he combines vision, elusiveness, and burst to make defenders miss and turn routine plays into highlight-reel moments. As a passer, Estep continues to refine his accuracy and field awareness, becoming increasingly effective at distributing the football when defenses stack the box.   Heading into 2025, Estep is poised to take his game to an even higher level. His ability to completely take over games makes him the centerpiece of Mountain Grove's postseason ambitions — and a player who will undoubtedly catch the eye of college recruiters as his highlight reel continues to grow.   Montgomery County's [player_tooltip player_id='1697538' first='Adrian' last='Combs'] Poised for Another Breakout Season   In the conversation of Missouri's top returning quarterbacks, Montgomery County's [player_tooltip player_id='1697538' first='Adrian' last='Combs'] deserves far more attention. Quietly one of the most productive signal-callers in the state, Combs enters the 2025 season fresh off a strong 2024 campaign where he threw for 1,932 yards and 15 touchdowns — averaging just under 200 yards through the air per game.   What makes Combs particularly valuable is his versatility. His ability to impact all phases of the game gives Montgomery County a true weapon who can influence outcomes in multiple ways.   On film, Combs impresses with polished mechanics, a smooth release, and excellent field vision. He consistently reads defenses well, anticipates routes opening up, and delivers accurate throws even under pressure. Perhaps most notably, Combs excels at extending plays with his mobility, showing poise when protection breaks down and creating opportunities with his feet.   With postseason aspirations for Montgomery County, all eyes will be on Combs to once again lead the charge. His leadership, experience, and all-around skill set make him one of the most intriguing and under-the-radar quarterbacks in Missouri's 2026 class. If he continues his current trajectory, expect college programs to take serious notice as the season unfolds.   Savannah's [player_tooltip player_id='1129741' first='Aiden' last='Knechtenhofer'] Emerging as One of Missouri's Elite Dual-Threat QBs   Standing tall at 6'1” and weighing in at 205 pounds, Savannah High School's [player_tooltip player_id='1129741' first='Aiden' last='Knechtenhofer'] is quickly establishing himself as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in Missouri's 2026 class. His performance during the 2024 season offers a strong statistical foundation that highlights both his versatility and dominance on the field.   Through the air, Knechtenhofer showcased precision and poise, completing 45 of his 61 pass attempts — an impressive 73.8% completion rate — for 679 yards and 9 touchdowns. His efficiency as a passer keeps defenses honest, forcing secondaries to respect his arm strength and accuracy on every drop back.   However, what truly sets Knechtenhofer apart is his ability to impact the game with his legs. The Savannah signal-caller rushed for 749 yards and 11 touchdowns, using his 205-pound frame to power through tacklers while displaying the agility to elude defenders in open space. His rushing numbers speak to his vision, balance, and physicality — rare traits for a young quarterback.   Knechtenhofer's combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. His ability to seamlessly transition between delivering accurate strikes downfield and punishing defenses with downhill running creates constant mismatches. As a true dual-threat quarterback, he forces opponents to defend every inch of the field.   With a full offseason of development ahead of him, Knechtenhofer is poised to elevate his game even further. His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role for Savannah as they pursue a deep postseason run in 2025. If his current trajectory continues, [player_tooltip player_id='1129741' first='Aiden' last='Knechtenhofer'] could be a name that garners significant attention from college recruiters in the coming months.   The 2025 Outlook: A Quarterback Class on the Rise What unites these rising juniors is more than just stats. Brown, Estep, Combs, and Knechtenhofer all bring a combination of athleticism and game-breaking ability to their teams. Missouri football fans could be watching the next wave of future college prospects take shape right before their eyes. Keep your eyes on these names this fall — Missouri's 2026 quarterback class is one of the deepest and most dynamic in recent memory.

As Missouri high school football ramps up for the 2025 season, a handful of rising juniors are already turning heads with their dual-threat ability, leadership, and athleticism. The Class of 2026 is loaded with quarterbacks who can beat defenses with both their arms and legs — and they're poised to lead their teams deep into the postseason this fall. Let's take a closer look at four of Missouri's most exciting QB prospects heading into the upcoming season.