2026 Quarterback Outlook: Hidden Talents Still on the Board

When you watch [player_tooltip player_id='386267' first='Tristyn' last='Tavares'], the first thing that jumps out is how competitive he is. He's a gamer in every sense of the word, the type of quarterback who's willing to take hits, lower his shoulder, and do whatever it takes to get his team a win. That toughness shows up on film over and over again. As a runner, he's dynamic and decisive. He's got legit vision on QB sweeps and designed runs, and you can tell he's played enough ball to read leverage naturally. His foot quickness and balance in space make him dangerous, and his ability to turn broken plays into chunk gains gives defenses headaches. But what makes Tavares intriguing is that he's not just an athlete, he's a polished passer too. He throws with touch, can drive the ball down the field, and consistently hits receivers in stride on out-breaking routes and deep shots. He's confident throwing on the move, and his improvisation skills are advanced for his age. He's starting to hear from smaller schools, but his upside suggests an FCS-level ceiling. If a college coach takes the time to watch his full midseason film, it's easy to see that his recruitment should pick up in a hurry.       [player_tooltip player_id='1680241' first='Jeff' last='Thompson'] is one of those quarterbacks who doesn't get nearly enough credit for how efficient and controlled he plays. Clairton has plenty of playmakers, but Thompson is the one pulling the strings behind all of it. His arm talent is impressive. The first play on his junior film is a 40-yard throw from the opposite hash dropped perfectly over the receiver's shoulder, showing off real arm strength and timing. He's poised in the pocket, works through reads well, and runs the RPO game with comfort and confidence. He's got that calm presence you want in a QB, never rushed, never flustered, just smooth execution. Even with limited reps due to early blowouts and a team forfeit, he's still one of the leading passers in the WPIAL. Thompson has the natural tools and leadership makeup to play at the next level. He's accurate, composed, and has the football IQ to make things look easy.         [player_tooltip player_id='855326' first='Devin' last='Harris'] has been a favorite of mine for a while, and every new piece of film only confirms why. He's got the look of a true next-level quarterback. His mechanics are crisp, his footwork is clean, and his throwing motion is effortless. He's confident in his drops, stays balanced through his throws, and delivers with consistency. Harris throws with excellent touch and anticipation. He knows when to take a little off the ball and when to rip it. He's athletic enough to escape pressure, and he's smart enough to know when to tuck it and go. His calm demeanor makes him a natural leader, and you can tell his teammates feed off that presence. Holding early offers from Pennsylvania and Princeton, he's already on college radars, but he's the type of prospect who could see more attention come his way with continued production. Based on his tape, he projects as an FCS-level starter with the ceiling to play even higher.     If you're looking for a true playmaker, look no further than [player_tooltip player_id='1156092' first='Kymone' last='Brown']. He's one of the most exciting athletes in the WPIAL. Every time the ball is in his hands, you can feel something big might happen. As a runner, he's explosive, shifty, and fearless. He makes defenders miss in space, breaks tackles with balance, and turns routine plays into highlight reels. But Brown is more than just a scrambler, he's become a legitimate dual-threat quarterback. He's got the arm strength to make throws on the run, and his connection with wideouts like [player_tooltip player_id='914738' first='Jayce' last='Powell'] shows he can push the ball downfield accurately. He's comfortable on designed QB draws and read-option looks, and he's constantly improving as a pocket passer. Brown currently holds an offer from Navy, which makes perfect sense given his intelligence, toughness, and discipline. But his ceiling goes beyond that. With more size and polish, he's got the potential to be a real weapon at the FCS level or higher. He's a leader, a spark, and the engine behind Jeannette's recent success.       [player_tooltip player_id='388091' first='Ryan' last='Messina'] might be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in this entire class. He's built like a college player already with a solid frame, strong base, and the kind of toughness coaches love. He's a dual-threat with legitimate power as a runner. On designed QB power and counter plays, he runs with purpose and physicality. But he's not just a run-first guy, his arm talent is there. He throws confidently in the intermediate game, has the velocity to hit tight windows, and shows nice touch when he pushes it down the field. What stands out most is how much command he has of his offense. You can tell he studies the game and plays with poise. Messina already holds a few Division II and III offers, but his combination of frame, leadership, and versatility gives him FCS upside. He's a gamer, plain and simple, the kind of player who elevates everyone around him.