New Faces in New Places: Quarterbacks Starting a New Chapter

They likely won't be starting Week 1. Heck, they probably won't even be eligible until halfway through the season. But once they've sat out the five games for transferring, a handful of quarterbacks will finally get to throw on some new colors.   These guys didn't switch schools to ride the bench. And while the wait will be tough, especially with the buzz already building around them, their debut could come just in time to help push a playoff run, revive a struggling offense, or flat-out rewrite a team's identity.   Here are a few signal-callers to keep your eye on once the calendar flips to midseason.    [player_tooltip player_id='739446' first='Luke' last='Berlin'] is one of those quarterbacks who just looks the part the second he steps onto the field. He's long, composed, and has that easy, natural delivery that makes things look smoother than they should be. Last year at Blue Ridge, you could already see the maturity in how he handled himself — calm in the pocket, sharp decision-making, and a real sense of control even when things broke down around him. Now he's landed at Cactus, and it's a spot that makes a ton of sense for what he brings to the table. He's stepping into a system that's got weapons on the outside and a line that should give him time to operate. What stands out most is how he sees the field. He's got the height to survey over the line and the patience to let routes develop. He doesn't force much. He just takes what's there and delivers it with accuracy and confidence. Once he gets the green light to suit up, he's going to be a big-time piece for Cactus.     [player_tooltip player_id='283577' first='Antonio' last='Casias'] brings a lot to the table, and it's not just his speed. He's a true dual-threat guy who can make throws all over the field, and he doesn't hesitate to tuck it and run when the situation calls for it. What makes him stand out, even in what's expected to be a pretty loaded quarterback room at Pinnacle, is the way he mixes that athleticism with poise and polish. He's got good mechanics and delivers the ball on time. But when the pocket breaks down or the defense gives him an opening, he knows how to flip the field with his legs. It's not just scrambling, either — he's smart about when to run, and when to keep his eyes downfield and trust the play to develop. Once he's cleared to play, he could end up being the guy who gives Pinnacle's offense a little something extra.     After splitting snaps at Chandler last year, [player_tooltip player_id='401158' first='Dominic' last='Carmigiano'] now finds himself in a Red Mountain program that thrives on physicality and toughness — and honestly, that fits him like a glove. He's got that gritty edge you want in a quarterback. He stands in the pocket, takes hits if he has to, and still manages to keep his eyes downfield. There's a calmness to how he plays that you don't always get from guys who haven't had a full year as QB1 yet. Mechanically, he throws a super catchable ball — it's on time, it's got touch, and he puts it in spots where his guys can go make a play without having to slow down or take a hit. What's especially impressive is how he avoids the big mistake. He's not afraid to give his receivers a shot on contested balls either. There's a good balance in how he plays — aggressive, but not reckless. With a full season to grow into a lead role and get comfortable with his new team, Carmigiano could be a steadying force for Red Mountain.     Tee Smith is a guy who just plays with juice. He's confident, calm, and already looks like he belongs at the varsity level no matter who's across from him. What jumps out immediately is his delivery — it's quick, it's smooth, and it comes out with some zip. He's the type of quarterback who can hit his back foot and let it rip without needing a clean pocket to set everything up. But what makes him so fun to watch is how comfortable he is outside the pocket. He's got the wheels to make things happen when plays break down, but he's not just a runner — he's a passer who happens to be athletic. When he's rolling out, he keeps his eyes up, stays balanced, and can still put the ball on the money while on the move. Casteel's got talent all over the field, and Tee might be the one who helps unlock it. The receivers will have a blast working with him because he can extend plays and give them more time to get open. Defenses are going to have a tough time pinning him down, and that unpredictability could make Casteel one of those teams nobody wants to see late in the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='930199' first='Brodie' last='Moore']'s got that kind of sneaky athleticism where defenders think they've got a clean shot, and suddenly he's out of the pocket, buying time or picking up yards with his legs. It's not just about running, either — he does a really nice job throwing on the move. The mechanics stay clean even when he's rolling out, and he's shown he can make some tough off-platform throws. There are times you'll see his eyes drop a little early when the pressure's coming, but that will come with experience. What really stands out is his deep ball — he's got great touch and timing on vertical shots, and he's not afraid to take them when the opportunity's there. If Brodie can build that trust in his offensive line and let things develop a beat longer, there's a good chance he taps into an entirely new level. He's got the tools, he's got the feel — now it's about settling in and putting it all together once he's finally able to suit up in those new colors at O'Connor.     [player_tooltip player_id='1682403' first='Trae' last='Walker'] turned some heads at the Prep Redzone Combine, and it wasn't hard to see why. He's got that natural athleticism that just jumps out, but it's the way he combines it with raw arm talent that makes him so intriguing. There's a real snap to his delivery — almost like a whip — and the ball jumps off his hand with ease. He doesn't need to muscle it; it just comes out clean and gets there in a hurry. One of the most impressive parts of his game right now is his ball placement. He puts the ball out in front, in stride, and away from defenders. That kind of accuracy doesn't just help rack up completions; it turns routine plays into chances for yards after the catch. What's exciting about Trae is that he still has a ton of room to grow. Coming from Georgia and stepping into a newer program at Desert Sunrise, he's in a spot where he can take ownership of the offense and really make it his own. The foundation is already there — the arm, the athleticism, the feel. Now it's just about reps, rhythm, and building chemistry with his new teammates. Once he's settled in, there's no doubt he'll be one of the more fun quarterbacks to track as the season rolls on.

They likely won't be starting Week 1. Heck, they probably won't even be eligible until halfway through the season. But once they've sat out the five games for transferring, a handful of quarterbacks will finally get to throw on some new colors.