QB1: 5A’s Top Returning Passing Leaders

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 5A division features a strong group of returning quarterbacks ready to lead their offenses this season. With proven production, arm talent, and command under center, these passers bring experience and playmaking ability back to the field. Here's a look at the top QB1s to know heading into the 2026 season.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Roskopf is one of the top QB's in the country holding 30 D1 offers including many of the top rated programs. Checks all the boxes of an elite level QB with his combination of size, arm talent, and advanced understanding of the position. College ready frame at 6'5” 235 lbs. with the ability to stand tall in the pocket and be precise to all areas of the field. Shows high level arm strength, capable of making all required throws with velocity and touch from short timing routes to deep shots outside the numbers. Displays consistent mechanics and footwork but can also improvise with good pocket mobility to throw off different platforms. Great ability to progress through reads, work full field concepts, and anticipate throws. As a junior he threw for 2,815 yards and 37 touchdowns with 8 interceptions.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/roskopf_blake/status/1995180147142795494 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Breakout sophomore season for the Casa Grande QB throwing for 2,703 yards and 28 touchdowns. He's rhythm passer showing good timing, consistency, and control within the offense. Operates with clean, repeatable mechanics and efficient footwork allowing him to stay on schedule and deliver the ball accurately. His drop, hitch, and release are all connected and smooth creating a fluid throwing motion. Good patience and eye discipline in the pocket allowing the play to develop and for his receivers to separate. He's a creative playmaker that can improvise on broken plays and make something out of nothing. A lot to like about his skillset with good upside and potential as he progresses.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Livingston is an under the radar sleeper that deserves to be more highly recruited. After a breakout junior season totaling 2,903 yards and 40 touchdowns he has also performed well at offseason camps/showcases. 6'1” 195 lbs. he's shows a compact, high release point allowing for a fast and clean throwing motion. Demonstrates good control as a passer to all levels of the field being able to mix up velocity while maintaining accuracy, throws with good touch and trajectory downfield and can also drive the ball into a tight window on short/intermediate routes. Highly efficient, he's a quick processor pre and post snap showing strong field awareness and decision making. Keeps the offense moving but takes care of the football limiting risk and doesn't force it into coverage. Keeps defenses honest with his athleticism being able to extend plays and create outside the pocket. Would expect a bump in recruitment through the offseason.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Garduno is a natural passer with smooth arm action. Delivery is fluid/effortless generating consistent velocity and depth without overstraining. Great ability to push the ball downfield, throwing an accurate and catchable deep ball with good air and touch. Arm talent allows him to take risks and capitalize on big play opportunities. Clean and controlled footwork in the pocket staying balanced through his drop and maintaining a strong throwing platform. His upper body and feet stay in sync boosting his accuracy and timing. Like his calm presence, never appearing rushed even with pressure closing in. Threw for 2,387 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 65% as a junior and led Desert Mountain to the 5a State title. High academic prospect with a 4.8 GPA.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GrantGarduno/status/1998231726015860860 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Vanacore flashes an impressive dual-threat skillset and a solid 6'2” 190 lb. frame. Flashes a compact release with accelerated motion to throw with velocity across the middle and to the perimeter. Good balance throughout his drop back and delivery he maintains a strong base to generate strong rotation in the hips/shoulders. Great ability to extend the play under pressure being able to step up in the pocket or slide laterally. Can quickly reset or throw from different platforms. Demonstrates a natural ability to create plays both as a passer and runner. Runs well and is elusive on designed runs and when he pulls it down to tuck. Holds D1 offers from Georgia State and Kennesaw State. Threw for just under 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Roycevanacore4/status/1990183488319115612 </div></figure>