MN Class 1A QBs to Watch in 2026

As we continue our search of the top QB names to watch next season, we move up to Class 1A MN, which holds a large group of returning names who have flashed their worth leading their offenses through 2025 and are primed to lead the conference once again in passing. We reveal 7 QBs from Class 1A MN to watch out for in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='1633417' first='Parker' last='Kuehn'] has continued to grow vastly as one of the most productive QBs in the state as he enters his 3rd year as Springfield's starting QB. Kuehn completed over 67% of his passes last season for 2413 yards, 35 TDs, and only 6 INTs while rushing for 2 TDs. Kuehn has been a favorite during the offseason, particularly after a strong showing at our combine showcase series back in December. Showing exceptional poise, footwork, and body control throwing on the run, Kuehn is in full command of the Tigers' offense, showing great pocket presence and improvisational skills while showing a near complete mastery in hitting the entire route tree. Kuehn is a legitimate threat who deserves some serious attention as one of the top QBs in the state entering his senior season.     Bahl showed considerable growth from his sophomore season, and his high level of consistency has been a sight to behold for Fillmore Central. Bahl completed over 70% of his passes, finishing with 1636 passing yards, 24 TDs, and 3 INTs while rushing for 2 TDs. Bahl excelled as a deep passer, showing an impressive amount of range slinging the ball and hitting vertical routes in stride. Bahl found a great rhythm during his junior year, showing much stronger reads on his progressions and a harmonious connection with his receivers, with his consistency in the passing game perfectly balancing out their effective run game. Bahl is another top-performing QB from one of the lower conferences in the state that could garner some serious attention from scouts entering his senior year.     Sussner was the perfect leader under Center for Minneota as they extended to a 46-game winning streak en route to their 4th straight state championship win. Sussner threw for 1620 yards, 25 TDs, and 9 INTs while adding 188 rushing yards and 8 rushing TDs. Much of the focus for Minneota was their run game, but Sussner was a steady passer who consistently made good reads and flashed impressive deep ball range while also showing sneaky athleticism on the run. Sussner will look to add another state championship title to his belt as he enters his senior season.     On the other side of that state championship game was Riley Kappes, who for much of the 2025 season dominated as a dual threat. Kappes completed nearly 66% of his passes, finishing with 1565 passing yards, 21 TDs, and only 4 INTs while rushing for 741 yards (8.4 YPC) and 12 TDs. Kappes shows exceptional mobility and accuracy on the run, and he's not afraid to throw up 50-50 balls, with his gambles usually paying off on riskier throws. His mobility paired perfectly with his near-2000 yard rusher [player_tooltip player_id='591735' first='David' last='Erlandson'] as Breckenridge dominated with nearly 4000 yards of total rushing. That versatility both as a passer and rusher will be vital in trying to guide Breckenridge to another deep run in the 1A playoffs.     Henry Wiste has impressed me with his play over this last season, positioning Southland to be a potential dark horse contender in the conference in 2026. Wiste finished with 1479 passing yards, 16 TDs, and 4 INTs while rushing for 401 yards (5.3 YPC) and 5 TDs. Wiste's footwork and scrambling ability showed considerable improvement from his sophomore campaign, showing more confidence in the pocket, and showing much stronger improvisational skills to extend the play. With most of his top receivers returning next season, Wiste will have more time to work on improving their timing, which could make Southland's offense potentially very dangerous entering next season.     While a hit or miss starter last season, Hanson's productivity as a gunslinger showcased raw potential that if improved upon could make him one of the top performing QBs in the 1A conference next season. Hanson finished 3rd in the conference with 1806 passing yards, though only scored 13 TDs to 8 INTs. Hanson has a cannon of an arm, and he made several really good throws stretching the field vertically over the course of his junior year. Hanson showed great timing and placement on his throws, and he's not afraid to make difficult passes through tight windows. Hanson could hopefully translate his production in yards into more scoring next season which could make Park Christian's offense that much more dangerous.     [player_tooltip player_id='1288405' first='Carson' last='Lyons']' enjoyed another outstanding campaign as he helped guide Cleveland to an undefeated regular season campaign, throwing for 1428 yards and 16 TDs while rushing for 315 yards and 3 TDs. Lyons continued to flash the strong arm and twitchy athleticism that helped him break out during his sophomore year, commanding the pocket with poise and being able to extend the play while also flash big-play potential as a scrambler. Cleveland faltered in a stunning upset to Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop in the first round of the playoffs, and with Lyons under Center, Cleveland will look to make it much further in the postseason in 2026.

As we continue our search of the top QB names to watch next season, we move up to Class 1A MN, which holds a large group of returning names who have flashed their worth leading their offenses through 2025 and are primed to lead the conference once again in passing. We reveal 7 QBs from Class 1A MN to watch out for in 2026!