Fall Watchlist: QBs Poised to Breakout This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Devin Mignery | 2026 | Cardinal Mooney | @devin_mignery</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fresh off leading the Cougars to a 12-2 record, district title, and 2A State Championship appearance, Mignery returns as one of the area's more dangerous dual threats. At 6-1, 205 pounds, he's built like a running back (1199 rushing yards, 9 TD) but can deliver the ball, throwing for 1,637 yards and 22 TDs last year. Expect him to set the tone again as the Cougars aim for another deep run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1114953' first='Caden' last='Osborn'] | 2027 | @Cadenosborn2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Osborn has the arm, size, and poise to take a big time leap. His progress with reads and footwork over the offseason has him trending upward, and this fall could be where he cements himself as one of the area's next big QB names.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Khayse Barrett | 2027 | CCC | @BarrettKhayse</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barrett steps into the starting role after the Newton era and brings a powerful blend of downhill running ability and a live arm. With improved mechanics and confidence, he's ready to lead a high-octane offense into a fresh chapter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Calvin | 2027 | Gibbs | @imjordancalvin9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calvin's arm strength has always popped, but now his decision-making is catching up. This fall, look for him to keep layering throws with touch and confidence as he continues to grow into a complete QB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liam Fernandez | 2026 | Southeast | @Liamf_06</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In his new home at Southeast, Fernandez's dual-threat abilities and leadership qualities will be key in guiding the program forward. A coachable, high-IQ QB who can make every throw and extend plays with his legs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason Bacus | 2026 | Middleburg | @MasonBacus</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bacus combines poise with pinpoint accuracy, staying calm under pressure and delivering strikes. His steady demeanor and work ethic have him primed for a strong season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tysen Norton | 2026 | Springstead | @TysenN2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norton's offseason work showed—his confidence, footwork, and ball placement turned heads. He's a sleeper candidate who could make serious noise this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Everett Russ | 2027 | Lakewood Ranch | @EverettRuss9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russ keeps grinding to refine his game, and this season presents a real opportunity to boost his recruiting profile. With steady improvement, he could emerge as a breakout name.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pedro Martinez Jr | 2028 | Atlantic | @pedro15martinez</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just a freshman, Martinez takes the reins for a rising program. His grasp of the playbook and leadership maturity will be tested, but the long-term upside is clear.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alijah Molina | 2026 | Naples | @Alijah_Molina</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A proven starter for Naples, Molina brings efficient execution, accuracy, and mobility. He's the steady presence under center that every winning program needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->