2026 Quarterbacks: the Exclusive 1000/1000 Club

There are certain numbers in high school football that have been revered for as long as I can remember. The one-thousand yardmark for running and passing has been the quasi-benchmark for success even though offenses seem to get more sophisticated and explosive every year.   Regardless, to be included in the 1000/1000 Club is quite an accomplishment, as it means a quarterback is athletic and versatile enough to not just achieve one, but both in the same year:   1000+ yards passing   1000+ yards rushing   Even with the contemporary wide-open offensive approaches, every year there are only a select group of dual-threat dominators who crack that elusive barrier with both their arm and their legs.   The run-pass option looks and weaponizing the QB to extend plays anytime the opportunity presents itself, all highlight a QB's versatility; but, even with the right supporting cast, an explosive offense that is a good fit, and staying healthy, it is still a stellar stat line.   In this report we will take a look at five guys who cracked both barriers this past season and are looking to shatter those numbers this coming fall.   So, without further adieu, let's take a closer look at some of the most dynamic QB's in the state:   [player_tooltip player_id='780500' first='Carter' last='Hajek'], 6'0, 210, ATH, Nemaha Central, '26. Pass Yards: 1,143; Rush Yards: 2,382; Total: 3,537. Where do we even start with this kid, as he has been the benchmark for dual-threat, dominating playmakers the last few years. I don't have enough space here to share all of his honors the past couple of seasons, but in addition to his lofty yardage totals, he also added a jaw-dropping 53 total TD's, 71 tackles and three interceptions on defense last fall. He is a wrecking ball of a runner but as soon as you pack the box to stop him, he destroys you with his arm, completing 93 out of 150 passes for a 62% completion percentage, 13 TD's to only three picks and an elite-level 108.0 passer rating. He is already a 2X OPOY winner and continues on one of the most staggering career trajectories in regards to overall numbers in recent memory. And, with his workhorse mentality, 2025 is going to be a banner year. Get your popcorn ready this fall, he will be the definition of en fuego.   [player_tooltip player_id='1113374' first='Kasen' last='Parsons'], 6'0, 190, QB, Osage City, '26. Pass Yards: 1,821; Rush Yards: 1,010; Total: 2,833. Is another dual-threat supernova who launched his game into the stratosphere this past fall with his impressive yardage total and added 41 total TD's running and passing as well. He is a versatile, athletic runner who is elusive and deceptively fast, but where he really shines is throwing the ball. He completed a sizzling 75% of his passes, going 138 of 183 for 1,821 yards and 21 TD's to only three picks and a killer 138.0 passer rating. He has a strong, precise arm with polished mechanics in the pocket, but can also extend plays and throw effectively on the move. He throws an accurate long ball with good touch and ball placement. On defense he is a crushing linebacker with next-level read and react skills who had 41 tackles, six TFL and and a sack. Get out and see a stud getting ready to take it to the next level this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1229066' first='Manny' last='Meyers'], 5'11, 175, ATH, Mulvane, '26. Pass Yards: 1,264; Rush Yards: 1,372; Total: 2,636. He started his junior season flying under the radar but quickly changed all that as he started carving up defenses early and often this past fall. For the year he was an electrifying force who produced some of the most balanced dual-threat numbers in the state. On the ground he expertly maneuvered his way to 1,371 yards, 19 touchdowns and a 10.2 average yards per carry, to go along with 92 of 168 passing for 1,264 pass yds and 12 TDs to only three interceptions. He also picked off three passes on defense and ran a punt back for a touchdown for good measure. The southpaw gunslinger fires an accurate ball on the short to medium routes and throws exceptionally well on the move, but can also launch an accurate deep touch pass when needed. In the off-season he is a standout in both basketball and baseball. Get out and see one of the best in the state this coming fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664431' first='Savion' last='Stone'], 6'3, 205, QB, KC Washington, '26. Pass Yards: 1,250; Rush Yards: 1,039; Total: 2,289. He is another dual-threat dominator who was swept under the carpet early but it didn't take long for scouts and coaches to recognize what a significant talent he is. He has prototype size and athleticism and when he takes off on the ground he is quick and explosive, whether it is flawlessly running the RPO or creatively extending plays. He has a gun for an arm and can make all the throws, from surgical strikes in the short-to-intermediate passing game to the deep velocity throws on comebacks and second-level crossing routes. Last season he completed 86 of 150 passes for 1,250 yards through the air, a 58% completion percentage, a dozen touchdowns, six picks and a 101.0 passer rating. In the off-season when he is not preparing for an encore senior year he is a standout in basketball. Get out and see a rising star signal caller and one of the top QB talents in the Kansas City area while you still can.   [player_tooltip player_id='780353' first='Drake' last='Mellies'], 5'11, 170, ATH, Jackson Heights, '26. Pass Yards: 1,151; Rush Yards: 1,103; Total: 2,254. He cruised into the season ready to rock and roll early and never looked back as he put together a scorching dual-threat performance this past fall. He is a breakaway runner with the ball in his hands, who is fast and elusive with great burst running the RPO. As a passer he diced up defenses who tried to load the line and stuff the run, completing 62 of 100 passes for 1,100+ yards and an impressive 17 TD's to only a single interception and a lofty passer rating of 137.0. He throws well from the pocket with fluid mechanics and cleanly works through his progressions, but where he is a major threat is when he is on the move, throwing off platform and from differing launch angles. On defense he had 16 tackles and a sack and was a ballhawk when the ball was in the air, intercepting five passes. This kid is getting ready to shift gears into overdrive and really take off in 2025.   In conclusion, if you like all-around athletic play and excellence at the quarterback position get out and see these guys in action this fall. You will not be disappointed. And, as always, if you run across a player or team flying under the radar give me a shout via DM on X.

There are certain numbers in high school football that have been revered for as long as I can remember. The one-thousand yardmark for running and passing has been the quasi-benchmark for success even though offenses seem to get more sophisticated and explosive every year.