MN Class 2A QBs to Watch in 2026

Today, we move up to Class 2A MN which boasts a solid group of returning QBs, albeit they will have a heavy task to fulfill next season. Of the starters, only two QBs on this list had more than 500 passing yards from last season, with most of the starters either seeing limited reps for passing or playing for teams that weren't pass-centric units, but have the opportunity to develop their passing game more next season with these potential studs leading the way. We reveal 6 QBs from the 2A level to keep an eye on this upcoming season!    Officially solidifying the starting job at Aitkin this season, [player_tooltip player_id='1654583' first='Bo' last='Sanford'] showed steady improvement in his mechanics over the course of his sophomore season. Sanford finished with 592 passing yards, 7 TDs, and 6 INTs while rushing for 155 yards and 5 TDs. Sanford's performance was still rocky at times, but he showed considerable growth in his pocket presence and overall confidence leading the offense, continuing to showcase impressive arc on his deep throws and solid scrambling ability. His performance paved the way for a stunning 9-2 campaign, and as Sanford continues to grow as an athlete, Aitkin could very much see themselves in serious contention for the 2A conference next season.     Hansen generated the most yardage of our returning 2A starters, and he will be one of the most exciting returning starters to watch in the state. Hansen completed over 64% of his passes for 1882 yards, 17 TDs, and 8 INTs while rushing for 350 yards and 7 TDs in 2025. Hansen has the makings of a gunslinger, and he's not afraid to chuck the ball deep 40+ yards down the field to create a big play. More often than not, Hansen was able to create big plays with his strong arm, hitting tight windows and showing great accuracy on the run. The talented three-sport athlete should be a must-watch prospect within the 2A conference going into his senior year.     Rochester Lourdes' [player_tooltip player_id='2075844' first='Chase' last='Carroll'] is beaming with athletic potential, and he was quite a talent to watch on the field for the Eagles' last season. Carroll finished with 468 passing yards, 5 TDs, and 3 INTs last season while also leading the Eagles' deep backfield with 570 rushing yards (4.7 YPC) and 4 rushing TDs. A great fit for the Eagles' triple-option offense, Carroll showed great precision on his progressions and understanding when to keep or handoff the ball, and when he tucked the ball, Carroll was consistently able to scamper around defenders for a nice chunk gain. Carroll's ability to read the defense also allowed him to find success in the passing game, excelling with short-to-medium plays over the air and using that mobility to scramble out of the pocket while keeping his eyes down the field for a target. Carroll is looking to be one of the Eagles' best QBs they have had in years, and he is primed for a strong senior campaign.     St. Clair/Loyola saw a slight rebound with their offensive performance after a dismal season in 2024, and much of it was thanks to the development of junior starter Sam Freitag. Freitag completed over 65% of his passes, finishing with 445 yards and 4 TDs. Freitag was a very elusive and sneaky athlete moving around the pocket, being able to stop and start with the scramble drill while showing great accuracy on the run. Freitag isn't afraid of taking risks, including some mechanics that might be counter-intuitive as a QB, but ultimately showcases his flair as an improviser to give a much needed spark to their offense. Freitag will be an intriguing name to watch as he enters his senior campaign.     Seth Dahlberg will have the daunting task of succeeding Dalton Bauer as the Bulldogs' starting QB after a brilliant campaign in 2025. Dahlberg flashed potential in limited reps, completing nearly 63% of his passes for 386 yards, 3 TDs, and 2 INTs. Dahlberg showed solid mechanics as a pocket passer, flashing a big arm and does a solid job with his progressions. It will be difficult succeeding a QB who was one of the best QBs in the 2A conference last season, but with the help of returning #1 WR Gavin Bauer, Dahlberg should be positioned to put up a nice senior campaign as the varsity starter.     [player_tooltip player_id='2057056' first='Carter' last='Ask'] had very much an up-and-down junior campaign, but he did a solid job leading the Gophers' offense as he guided the team to a 6-3 record. Ask finished with 331 passing yards, 3 TDs, and 4 INTs last season. Ask does have traits and qualities to excel under Center, including a steady pocket presence, a tough mindset, and a gunslinger attitude that creates big plays with his arm. Ask is the biggest wild-card of this group, but if he is able to smooth out the bumps and find a consistent stride, Ask has the potential to be one of the best QBs in the 2A conference in 2026.

Today, we move up to Class 2A MN which boasts a solid group of returning QBs, albeit they will have a heavy task to fulfill next season. Of the starters, only two QBs on this list had more than 500 passing yards from last season, with most of the starters either seeing limited reps for passing or playing for teams that weren't pass-centric units, but have the opportunity to develop their passing game more next season with these potential studs leading the way. We reveal 6 QBs from the 2A level to keep an eye on this upcoming season!