Top NCISAA QBs To Know

<p>Believe it or not, the 2026 North Carolina high school football season is nearly here. It can be easy to miss talented players across the state, and often the eyes of the public drift toward the bigger public schools. But there are some excellent private schools too, with plenty of talent across the NCISAA ranks. Here, we're looking at some of the top players in that association. First up, the quarterbacks.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top NCISAA Quarterbacks</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Established Veterans</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Gandy has one of the biggest arms in the 2027 class; he took some time to get acclimated after the transfer to SouthLake Christian last offseason, and unfortunately, he hit his stride right at the end of the season. He threw for 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final five games, and as he improves his accuracy, he's working towards his high ceiling. Confidence will be big for Gandy, and I think he can get off to a hot start in 2026.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Logan had a strong junior year as the starter at Charlotte Latin, but we think he can take his game to another level. His rushing stats don't tell the full story of his excellent athleticism, partly because he was under a lot of pressure last season and partly because he often scrambles to throw rather than taking off downfield. He has a strong arm for his size and makes excellent decisions.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Tolbert transferred across the state from the Triangle to Christ School last season, and we think the move has been successful so far. He's one of the more accurate quarterbacks on the move, and his ability to deliver with precision, even when moving to his left, is a weapon for the Greenies. He should continue to progress throughout his senior year.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">We have Lopez ranked among the top passers in the 2028 class. A multi-year starter, Lopez has 20 games under his belt, and he's already accounted for 54 total touchdowns. He has a big-time arm and makes smart decisions. He's also a decent runner, and I think we may see him rely on his legs more this season, especially in bigger games. He has true college potential at a high school that is just entering its most competitive window. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Morales put together an excellent sophomore season in 2025, his first as the starter for Country Day. He has an impressive arm and will showcase a wide array of throws on any given Friday night. The rising junior doesn't have many designed runs, but when he's under pressure, he likes to escape and pick up positive yardage. There was a lot to like from the Buccaneers' quarterback, and he should take a step forward this season.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Candidates</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cater patiently waited behind a starter who signed at the ACC level, and now it's his turn to lead one of the state's best offenses. Cater moves well, and his numbers in limited opportunities late in blowouts are exceptional. He has 10 career touchdown passes on 63 attempts, and his arm is lively for a smaller passer.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">While he was the starter on a state championship HPCA team last season, Knox was one of the lower-volume passers in the NCISAA. That could change in 2026, as the Cougars lose an FBS running back and return the bulk of their receiving production. A dual-threat, Knox's legs proved vital down the stretch, and we think he could see an uptick in passing volume in 2026.</p>    <p><em>Our preseason coverage is just getting started. Coaches, if you want your team featured in a team preview, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118251332469799088451">fill out our survey</a>. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Help them get 30% off their first billing cycle with promo code Helms30.</em></p>

Believe it or not, the 2026 North Carolina high school football season is nearly here. It can be easy to miss talented players across the state, and often the eyes of the public drift toward the bigger public schools. But there are some excellent private schools too, with plenty of talent across the NCISAA ranks. Here, we're looking at some of the top players in that association. First up, the quarterbacks.