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2026 Sleeper QBs: 4 Underrated Arms with Something to Prove

2026 Sleeper QBs: 4 Underrated Arms with Something to Prove
Eric Bergman
Eric Bergman July 23, 2025 @ 08:00 AM
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In this article:

Brendan Mecher
Brendan Mecher 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB/WR | 2026
IL
Leo Slepski
Leo Slepski 6'1" | 165 lbs | QB | 2026
IL
Karter Krutsinger
Karter Krutsinger 6'3" | 205 lbs | QB/DB | 2026
IL
Ellis Johnson
Ellis Johnson 5'11" | 185 lbs | QB | 2026
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><p data-start="500" data-end="892"><strong data-start="500" data-end="557">[player_tooltip player_id='287947' first='Ellis' last='Johnson'] – QB – Bradley-Bourbonnais (5'11", 185)</strong><br>Johnson is a true dual-threat who does a great job extending plays and keeping his eyes downfield. He's mobile, efficient, and makes smart decisions under pressure. Whether it's on designed runs or broken plays, Johnson is always a threat to move the chains. He brings leadership, athleticism, and a confident presence to the field.</p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><p data-start="500" data-end="892"><strong data-start="894" data-end="948">[player_tooltip player_id='401620' first='Leo' last='Slepski'] – QB – Providence Catholic (6'2", 190)</strong><br>Slepski is a smooth passer who throws with timing, accuracy, and poise. He's calm in the pocket and shows a strong understanding of the game. At 6'2", 190 pounds, he has the frame and polish to keep developing into a next-level prospect. He plays within structure but can create when needed—making him a steady, reliable leader under center.</p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><p data-start="500" data-end="892"><strong data-start="1294" data-end="1350">[player_tooltip player_id='401613' first='Karter' last='Krutsinger'] – QB – Bishop McNamara (6'3", 205)</strong><br>Krutsinger is a big-bodied dual-threat quarterback who brings physicality and arm strength to the table. He can break tackles in the run game and push the ball downfield as a passer. His combination of size and athleticism makes him hard to handle when he gets rolling. Krutsinger is poised to take on a larger role this fall and could become a breakout name.</p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><p data-start="500" data-end="892"><strong data-start="1714" data-end="1760">[player_tooltip player_id='1732085' first='Brendan' last='Mecher'] – QB – Lockport (6'0", 180)</strong><br>Mecher is another dual-threat weapon who brings toughness and competitive fire to the position. He's a capable passer who reads defenses well, and he's not afraid to take off when the pocket breaks down. Mecher leads by example and plays with a chip on his shoulder—traits that often separate good quarterbacks from great ones.</p><hr data-start="2092" data-end="2095"></hr><p data-start="2097" data-end="2346"></p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Ellis Johnson Ellis Johnson Ellis Johnson 5'11" | 185 lbs | QB Bradley-Bourbonnais | 2026 IL – QB – Bradley-Bourbonnais (5'11", 185)
Johnson is a true dual-threat who does a great job extending plays and keeping his eyes downfield. He's mobile, efficient, and makes smart decisions under pressure. Whether it's on designed runs or broken plays, Johnson is always a threat to move the chains. He brings leadership, athleticism, and a confident presence to the field.

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