10 Must-See Quarterbacks in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our high school football season countdown is under three weeks, and we've been <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/topsail-2026-season-preview/">previewing teams</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/breakout-candidates-5-dbs-expected-to-step-up/">highlighting breakout players</a>, and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/greater-charlotte-athletic-conference-media-day-recap/">covering media days</a>. What we haven't done is look at the <em>top players</em>. Consider this the start of your 2026 high school football primer. Send this one to your friends who only pay attention August-December. Here are 10 must-see quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want to send this to a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10 QBs To Know in 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: While we may make mention of future college potential, we're focused on Friday nights here. Players are in no particular order, but are all expected to make massive impacts this season.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1854319"],"_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-6a70e04f98f01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ishman is the state's top returning passer, a gunslinger from the far eastern part of the state. I was honestly shocked a guy with his size, arm talent, and decision-making didn't have more interest from colleges until Liberty stepped in to offer in June. If he once again throws for 3,200 yards and 36 touchdowns, the Flames will have some competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1687753"],"_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-6a70e04f98f55"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bell moves from Kings Mountain to Crest, and the ultra-talented, multi-sport athlete could put up massive numbers for the Chargers. He's a high-upside quarterback with early starting experience and a big arm. In Crest's quarterback-friendly system, expect fireworks from the rising junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2137702"],"_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-6a70e04f98f8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">You always need to pay attention to high-level dual-threat quarterbacks at Clayton. Cueto had a fantastic season last year at Leesville Road and now moves over to the reigning 7A East Regional Champions. Cueto threw for nearly 2,400 yards last season, and has excellent athletic ability. He should use his legs often in 2026, and should put up excellent numbers in Scott Chadwick's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678610"],"_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-6a70e04f98fbe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If Lynch were five inches taller, he'd be a can't-miss prospect. Lynch has arm talent, leadership, and 4.65 speed. He nearly hit the 4000-yard mark for total offense last season in Lincolnton's high-flying attack, and should have a strong senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["254550"],"_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-6a70e04f98fee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Royal's raw numbers aren't as impressive as some of the other guys on this list, but it's at least partially because he's usually out of the game by the fourth quarter. We can't measure "clutch" with a statistic, but he's one of the best late-game performers we've ever covered. A true dual-threat, the Marshall commit is a potential player of the year candidate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1687459"],"_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-6a70e04f9901e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gray is part of a 2028 class that has completely changed the outlook for Northside, and threw for over 2,600 yards as a sophomore. He's a dual threat who added 11 touchdowns on the ground and returns almost all of his offensive weapons. Gray is a dynamic playmaker who should be on every fan's radar in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1328747"],"_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-6a70e04f9904c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">My sources told me before last season to watch out for Sevilla, but I was still very impressed with his 2,700 passing yards in 2026. Now, he's a returning veteran and should have plenty of skill talent to work with. As Middle Creek looks to return to the 6A state championship game, make sure to keep an eye out for their unquestioned leader at quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1953755"],"_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-6a70e04f9907b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harris initially transferred out of Hunt to become a multifaceted athlete elsewhere, but returned later in the offseason. I'm selfishly excited that one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state will continue to play the position in 2026. Harris can fly (4.45 verified speed), and he's equally as explosive. He's incredibly strong and has a strong case for being the most athletic player in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607782"],"_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-6a70e04f990a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Robinson's star quarterback has been highly-ranked for years, but people are starting to pay attention now that the rest of the roster is more talented. Greenfield had over 3,500 total yards and 35 touchdowns as a junior. While he loses his top two targets from a year ago, Robinson should have plenty of skill players to surround one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1048930"],"_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-6a712ca82fe1b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of North Carolina's top quarterback factories has another one, and we've already seen what Grimsley's sophomore passer can do. Lowe filled in last year while current Tennessee Volunteer Faizon Brandon was hurt, routinely throwing for over 300 yards. The lefty passer has a great arm, and though quiet, he's already a team leader. He excels at putting the ball in a spot where his receivers can run after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>We still have plenty to cover before the season starts. 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&amp;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> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->