Class 4A Top QBs to Watch in 2026

Today, we move up to Class 4A MN which holds one of the most loaded groups of returning starters and QBs that have clearly placed themselves in the forefront of our radar for the most potent signal-callers in the conference that should continue to generate big numbers into next season. Today, we unveil 8 QBs from Class 4A MN to watch out for in 2026.    Becker took a step back in 2025 compared to previous seasons, but through their ups and downs, they continued to see growth out of their promising signal-caller, [player_tooltip player_id='1293093' first='Tristan' last='Kowalkowski']. Kowalkowski finished with 1430 passing yards, 16 TDs, and 6 INTs while rushing for 118 yards and 7 TDs on the ground. Compared to his sophomore season, Kowalkowski's passing volume increased greatly in 2025, relying more on a well-rounded style that relied on an emphasis of progressions and targeting seams and open windows in the secondary. Kowalkowski will look to increase his consistency in accuracy entering his senior season, but he continues to show considerable improvement in his mechanics.     SMB entrusted Carter Cupito to lead their varsity lineup as an 8th grader, and he did not disappoint, flashing as one of the most impressive QBs within the conference. Cupito finished 2nd in the whole conference with 1599 passing yards to go with 12 TDs and 5 INTs. Carter is the son of former Gophers' QB Bryan Cuptio, who ranks as one of the Gophers' most productive passers in school history, and Carter shows many traits that flash his potential as a potent signal-caller much like his father. Cupito shows good timing on his release, excellent accuracy on the run, and despite his age, he looks confident in the pocket and isn't afraid to take a hit. Cupito will be an exciting player to watch over the next 4 years under Center for SMB.     The passing game for Byron was at times overshadowed by the dominance on the ground from [player_tooltip player_id='1104940' first='Carson' last='Heimer'], but [player_tooltip player_id='1248630' first='Eli' last='Rodemeyer'] continued to show why he is one of the premium QBs in MN for the class of 2027. Rodemeyer completed over 61% of his passes for over 1100 passing yards and 18 TDs while rushing for 115 yards (6.4 YPC) and 1 rushing TD. Rodemeyer is excellent in the pocket, showing impressive power slinging the ball down the field with a flick of the wrist while also excelling in RPO-plays. Rodemeyer also shows a sneaky level of mobility, moving out of the pocket well, and showing great accuracy on the run. Rodemeyer will continue to generate a lot of buzz entering his senior season as a premeir prospect among this upcoming senior recruiting class.     Richfield has a promising future with the potential to take a step forward over the next 2 seasons with their young signal-caller [player_tooltip player_id='1651946' first='Mason' last='Woods'] leading the way. Woods impressed as a sophomore, finishing with 1201 passing yards, 13 TDs, and 10 INTs while rushing for 185 yards and 3 TDs. Woods further showcased his upside during our Showcase Series event back in December, flashing his strong arm and quick zip on his passes. Woods will have plenty of time to continue building chemistry with his players to improve on his timing and placement, but there is a lot of potential to behold not just for Woods, but for Richfield's offense as well going forward.     Simley holds one of the more underrated signal-callers in the conference with [player_tooltip player_id='1120523' first='Christian' last='Urbina'], who despite their struggles had a promising showing throughout his junior season. Urbina finished with 940 passing yards, 11 TDs, and 5 INTs while adding 2 rushing TDs. Urbina flashes a solid level of power in his throws, even when placed under duress, which was often last season, but he still delivered really nice passes on a regular basis. Urbina works well in the RPO-game, making quick progressions and zipping passes through tight windows. Urbina has easily been the shining star for Simley's football team as he enters his senior campaign.     Even playing for a run-heavy team with at least 4 players that amassed over 400+ rushing yards last season, [player_tooltip player_id='1814373' first='Logan' last='Mcnear']'s upside as a passer is so prevalent that he should likely get a bump up in reps as he enters his junior season. Mcnear finished with 580 passing yards, 7 TDs, and 1 INT while rushing for a team-high 765 yards (9.6 YPC) and 16 TDs. His throw in the state semifinal round against Kasson-Mantorville where he hit a 72 yard TD throwing cross-body and finding his receiver in stride still stands out to me today, and it's worth noting he nearly led the team to a comeback-tie in the final 2 minutes of the game down 16 and coming a 2-point conversion away from tying the game. With impressive size, length, athleticism, and arm strength, Mcnear is the total package and he should be on the watchlist toward being one of the best overall players in Minnesota to watch next season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1639327' first='Sawyer' last='Senst'] is another athlete whose physicality and size speaks volumes toward his potential as he continues working toward reaching it. Senst threw for 709 yards, 9 TDs, and 4 INTs while rushing for 124 yards and 6 TDs. Senst stands tall in the pocket and flashes a really nice arm, using his length to fling the ball over the defender's hands and hitting his receivers in stride. His bigger frame makes him elusive in the pocket and difficult to take down on the run, and while he doesn't run the ball a lot, he can easily power through defenders with his frame further additional yardage. A dual standout in both football and basketball, it will be interesting to see which path he will take at the next level, but there is no doubt that the future is bright for Senst.     While dealing with inconsistent performances during the 2025 along with the rest of the team, [player_tooltip player_id='1738349' first='Kyle' last='Keller'] got valuable experience under Center for Winona's offense that could pay dividends over the next few seasons. Keller finished with 760 passing yards, 8 TDs, and 9 INTs while rushing for 2 TDs. Keller's performance was at times intermittent, but he flashed with impressive accuracy on the run, a fearless gunslinger mentality, and his ability to keep his eyes down the field when the pocket collapses to find an opening to attack. As his mechanics continue to improve, Keller could become quite a force among the 4A conference to look out for next season.

Today, we move up to Class 4A MN which holds one of the most loaded groups of returning starters and QBs that have clearly placed themselves in the forefront of our radar for the most potent signal-callers in the conference that should continue to generate big numbers into next season. Today, we unveil 8 QBs from Class 4A MN to watch out for in 2026.