2027 Quarterback Stock-Risers: Midseason Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've reached the midseason 2027 rankings update, and this one's a big one. Plenty of seniors are proving their worth on the field, and we reshuffled our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2027-rankings/">2027 rankings</a>. Earlier, I went <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/10/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2027-class-midseason-update/">behind the scenes</a> of the rankings update, and now we're getting into our new player evaluations. We had some major movement within the rankings, so here we're looking at some of the biggest stock risers in this update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which 2027 QBs Rose in the Rankings?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: Check out the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/10/senior-quarterbacks-who-impressed-and-joined-the-rankings/">seven newly ranked 2027 quarterbacks</a> from this update.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2142470"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac39fea24776"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our biggest quarterback stock-riser of the update, Rice moved up 244 spots in the rankings. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/09/2027-rankings-preview-10-potential-stock-risers/">Earlier in the season</a>, I previewed <em>why</em> he'd move up, so I won't necessarily rehash that here. What remains true is that Rice has developed from an off-platform gun-slinger at Bunn to a disciplined, on-time dropback passer with Franklinton, and he's firing on all cylinders right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2081644"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac39fea24802"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Settles' growth has been fun to watch, and he continues to impress. A.L. Brown might be the quietest 6-0 team in the state (that's our bad), and Settles is a massive reason the Wonders are playing so well. He's gotten even more efficient and he's making great decisions, with an 11-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He's been electric with his legs, as well, averaging over seven yards per carry.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1610601"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac39fea2486d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We'd heard before the season that Providence Day was quietly satisfied with its quarterback situation. That's significant given what they'd lost at the position and how much we respect the opinion of the Chargers' head coach. When Chad Grier is excited about a guy, it doesn't matter how many offers he has. Cater has found the balance between avoiding big mistakes and taking risks to his downfield playmakers. His ball placement has been excellent this season, and while everyone wants to talk about all of Providence Day's big recruits, it's Cater who is quietly leading the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1953767"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac39fea248ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watson has solidified his starting position at Myers Park and helped navigate the Mustangs through a brutal schedule to start the season. He's been efficient and decisive, avoiding negative plays. Watson is accurate down the field and has a good feel for pressure. He continues to refine his craft and looks better every week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607912"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac39fea24941"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lipford has grown as a passer in the multiple years we've covered him, and he continues to show the same rushing prowess we've seen since he became the starter. He's one of the most unique quarterbacks in the state, distributing the ball to a host of receivers without making mistakes. Lipford has thrown a touchdown to nine different players this year, while throwing just one pick and leading the Panthers in rushing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1321018"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac39fea2498b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Providence in 2026, but Meador in particular has exceeded my expectations. Meador has thrown for 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns despite the Panthers struggling to find a consistent running game. He's been on time, accurate, and commands the offense well, despite playing a difficult schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 2027 QB Stock-Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525514' first='Cole' last='Hough']</strong> | Palisades</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2142468' first='Sam' last='Finch']</strong> | Fike</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AJ McClain</strong> | Ashbrook</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1135515' first='Koby' last='Howard']</strong> | Harnett Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1301805' first='Hudson' last='Irwin']</strong> | Northwest Cabarrus</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Matt Morrow, Zane Rowland, and I have plenty to add to the 2027 rankings over the next week. Want to get in front of our Prep Redzone scouts? Sign up for our <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2586/register/stock-up-showcase-carolinas">Stock Up Showcase</a>. Use code SUHelms25OFF for 25% off registration.</em><strong><br></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->