2026 Indiana Preview: Breaking Down Returning Passing Leaders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Football season is ramping up soon, and we take a look today at the top returning quarterbacks in Indiana by passing yardage as we head into the 2026 season. These four quarterbacks are must-know names as they enter their senior years, and big things are expected of them this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["546688"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5041ba0645a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='546688' first='Cole' last='Stephens'] effectively distributes the ball, hitting receivers in stride and flashing ability to make the throws: touch pass, velocity pass, middle-of-the-field accuracy with zip and good rhythm and timing. He led the state in passing yardage in 2025 and was ranked No. 9 nationwide in total yards. He also had 41 passing touchdowns and will easily surpass 10,000 total career yards this season. Committed to Lehigh, I'm anxious to see how he has improved over the offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["923158"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5041ba0648c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tri-West quarterback Jack Sorgi has the size and strength college coaches want at the quarterback position. Sorgi has a quick release, strong arm, and outstanding accuracy. He totaled 2,911 passing yards last season with 31 touchdowns. The son of longtime NFL quarterback/Peyton Manning backup Jim Sorgi flipped his commitment from Louisville to Wisconsin; expect big things for him in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1672123"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5041ba064ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a junior, [player_tooltip player_id='1672123' first='Michael' last='Hill Jr']. took his team to a state championship in 2025. Although Merrillville lost to New Palestine, the Pirates still have a strong returning core and Hill is a key piece to their puzzle. He is a proven dual threat with a strong arm, good velocity in the short/intermediate game, and the ability to get out of the pocket and be a threat with his legs. He finished No. 7 statewide in passing yards with 3,220 yards and added 682 rushing yards on the ground. Pirates can get over the hump and leave Lucas Oil with the trophy if Hill has a strong senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1249319"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5041ba064cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lafayette Jefferson has a ton of firepower on their offense and [player_tooltip player_id='1249319' first='Trysten' last='Barrett'] is at the center of it all. The 5-foot-10, 188-pound quarterback has a quick release, strong arm and good accuracy. He finished last season with an eye-popping 3,597 yards passing and 38 touchdowns; it's no shock the team scores more than 40 points on a regular basis. Can the Broncos establish some identity on defense? If so, they are a team to watch in 5A this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->