The Tools Are There: Six 2026 QBs Building Something Real

You might not see these names at the top of every rankings list — yet. But each of these 2026 quarterbacks has some raw tools and the kind of traits that make coaches take notice. They're not finished products, and that's the point. These are the kinds of guys who are still putting the pieces together, still figuring things out — and in the process, showing signs of something real.   From sturdy frames to sneaky good arm talent, this group has a little bit of everything. Some are already starting games at big-time programs, others are carving out their lane in quieter corners of the state. But all six have one thing in common: upside that's starting to take shape.   Let's take a closer look at what stood out on film — and why you shouldn't overlook any of them.    You don't see a lot of quarterbacks built like Rayce Alvarez. Physically, he certainly stands out for a signal-caller — but that's part of what makes him such an intriguing prospect. The size pops right away, and it's not just for show. He's strong, athletic, and uses that frame to his advantage both in and out of the pocket. Alvarez has legit arm strength and throws a pretty clean ball. His mechanics are locked in, especially for his age, though every now and then his arm slot dips a bit on release. That's a fixable thing, and honestly, pretty common. What you're really betting on here is a quarterback with tools: size, strength, athleticism, and a foundation of solid mechanics. In a deep and talented QB room at Salpointe, it'll be interesting to see how the reps shake out — but there's no denying the raw upside here.     [player_tooltip player_id='739481' first='Malachi' last='Wilt'] doesn't force anything. He's the kind of quarterback who plays within himself, delivers on time, and keeps the offense moving. What stood out on film is his ability to throw with precision down the field, especially over the middle — those intermediate shots that are usually tough for younger QBs. He stands tall in the pocket, shows good poise, and isn't easy to bring down once he's set. There's a quiet confidence to the way Wilt plays. He's not flashy, but the ball comes out on time, with touch, and to the right guy. After a strong sophomore year and a bit of a lull this past season, he's got a chance to put together a really big senior season if everything lines up. The foundation is there — accuracy, toughness, and a strong frame — and that gives him a real shot to take another step forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='1177566' first='Ivan' last='Higuera']'s game is all about creativity and athleticism. He's one of those guys who keeps plays alive when most QBs would've already taken the sack or thrown it away. His ability to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield really jumped off the screen. It's not just backyard ball either — he knows where his receivers are and finds ways to get them the ball, even if it means throwing from off-platform angles. Higuera isn't afraid to change his arm slot to make a throw, and he does it without losing much velocity or accuracy. He's a tough tackle in the open field too — slippery, elusive, and just competitive as hell. There's still polish to be added, but when you've got that kind of natural playmaking ability, you've got something real to build on.     Even with limited varsity reps last season, Brayden Stevens showed something a lot of young QBs struggle with — control. He didn't force the ball, didn't panic when things broke down, and didn't try to play hero ball just to stand out. When you know you're only going to get a couple of throws a game — at most — players tend to try and prove something on every snap. Instead, he looked comfortable working through progressions and made smart decisions. He's got a smooth delivery, really clean mechanics, and enough athleticism to move the pocket or pick up yards when needed. Now stepping into a huge opportunity at Liberty — a program with serious expectations off of back-to-back Open Division titles — it'll be interesting to see how he handles the reins. Based on what we've seen so far, he's not going to flinch.     [player_tooltip player_id='739479' first='Brady' last='Scott'] isn't going to wow you with a cannon arm or towering size — but he does the little things right, and that stuff adds up fast. He's smart with the ball, rarely forces a bad throw, and does a solid job of working through his reads when the play calls for it. You can see his comfort level growing as the season went on, and that week-by-week development is what makes him such an intriguing name moving forward. He times the deep ball well and can get outside the pocket when needed. He's not a burner, but he moves well enough to keep defenses honest. As he continues to fill out physically, there's a good chance the rest of his game levels up with it. He's got tools you can build on — and more importantly, he's already showing he knows how to use them.     [player_tooltip player_id='205753' first='Eli' last='Manzanares'] has one of the smoother, more natural releases in this group. The ball jumps out of his hand with hardly any strain, and his deep ball comes with real touch. He's got a big frame that helps him absorb contact and stay upright, but it's the fluid motion and confidence in his arm that really catch your eye. He's a guy who clearly enjoys pushing the ball downfield, and when he's in rhythm, it looks effortless. There's room to grow in the quick game — getting the ball out faster and working more timing routes over the middle — but the foundation is solid. You can see the improvisation skills too. If the play breaks down, he's capable of keeping things alive and getting creative. There's a lot to like here, especially as he sharpens the little things.

You might not see these names at the top of every rankings list — yet. But each of these 2026 quarterbacks has some raw tools and the kind of traits that make coaches take notice. They're not finished products, and that's the point. These are the kinds of guys who are still putting the pieces together, still figuring things out — and in the process, showing signs of something real.