Elite Arm Talent: Ranking the Strongest-Armed QBs in 2028

The Class of 2028 is shaping up to be loaded with quarterbacks who possess rare arm strength at such a young age. From [player_tooltip player_id='1536090' first='Reid' last='McBride']'s polished mechanics and deep-ball accuracy to [player_tooltip player_id='1339562' first='Jadan' last='Lowe']'s ability to launch throws downfield with ease, these prospects are redefining what it means to be early high school quarterbacks. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='682819' first='Drew' last='Jackson III'], [player_tooltip player_id='1627830' first='Draden' last='Brown'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1560194' first='Jamison' last='Barnes'] bring velocity that already rivals older varsity arms, while [player_tooltip player_id='1658193' first='Reid' last='Bardos'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1035390' first='Jesse' last='Worthy'] pair size and leadership with cannons of their own. Collectively, this group has the arm talent to become some of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the nation as they continue to develop.    McBride has established himself as one of the premier young arms in the Southeast. Standing 6'2” with a lean frame, he generates excellent velocity on deep throws and shows the ability to deliver strikes across the field with ease. His mechanics are advanced for his age, giving him consistency in ball placement, even when under pressure. What makes McBride special is his ability to pair arm strength with accuracy, giving him the tools of a high-level pro-style quarterback. Already a proven winner in multiple sports, his athletic background only enhances his ceiling at the next level.     Jackson is a quarterback who can light up defenses with his powerful right arm. His deep ball consistently forces safeties to play honest, opening up space for his offense. At his age, the velocity he puts on intermediate throws already mirrors older varsity quarterbacks, which speaks to his natural arm talent. Beyond power, Jackson is learning to harness touch and timing, making him a well-rounded passer with elite upside. His combination of strength, confidence, and field vision makes him a dangerous player to defend.     Brown's arm strength jumps off the film immediately—he can drive the football 40–50 yards downfield with minimal effort. His compact release helps him generate quick zip on short and intermediate throws, which keeps defenders on their heels. Brown thrives in vertical passing concepts, where his ability to stretch defenses is most evident. Coaches praise his poise in the pocket, where he isn't afraid to stand tall and deliver. With continued development in decision-making, Brown's natural tools give him high-ceiling potential.     Barnes has one of the liveliest arms in the 2028 class, capable of throwing with velocity to every level of the field. His confidence shows when he pushes the ball into tight coverage windows, and he often makes throws others wouldn't attempt. That fearless mentality, paired with his arm strength, makes him a big-play quarterback in any offense. Barnes has also flashed mobility, which allows him to launch throws on the run without losing velocity. He's a prospect whose raw talent could blossom into elite production.     Bardos brings a prototypical frame to the position and matches it with a cannon for an arm. He excels in play-action concepts, where his ability to fire deep strikes punishes defenses for stacking the box. His arm strength is complemented by quick release mechanics, which helps him attack tight windows before defenders can react. Bardos is still refining his touch, but his natural velocity sets him apart from many of his peers. If he continues on this trajectory, he has the makings of a true Division I quarterback.     Worthy's name fits his game, he has the type of arm talent that makes him a must-watch quarterback in 2028. He generates outstanding torque and velocity, allowing him to fire passes into windows across the middle of the field. His deep ball is one of the cleanest in the class, traveling effortlessly with tight spirals. Worthy also demonstrates leadership qualities, keeping his offense calm in high-pressure moments. With a natural throwing motion and strong football IQ, he projects as a high-upside passer.     Lowe has earned recognition as a quarterback with one of the strongest arms in his class. His ability to launch passes 50+ yards makes him a constant vertical threat, forcing defenses to adjust their coverage. Even in short-yardage situations, Lowe's velocity makes life difficult for defenders trying to jump routes. His athleticism allows him to throw well on the move, showing off his arm strength from different platforms. As he matures, Lowe's combination of arm talent and creativity could make him a standout playmaker.

The Class of 2028 is shaping up to be loaded with quarterbacks who possess rare arm strength at such a young age. From Reid McBride Reid McBride 6'2" | 170 lbs | QB/DB Montgomery Academy | 2028 State AL 's polished mechanics and deep-ball accuracy to Jadan Lowe Jadan Lowe 5'8" | 155 lbs | QB Central | 2028 State AL 's ability to launch throws downfield with ease, these prospects are redefining what it means to be early high school quarterbacks. Players like Drew Jackson III Drew Jackson III 5'10" | 170 lbs | QB/DB American Christian Academy | 2028 State AL , Draden Brown Draden Brown 5'11" | 170 lbs | QB/DB Maplesville | 2028 State AL , and Jamison Barnes Jamison Barnes 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB/ATH Briarwood Christian School | 2028 State AL bring velocity that already rivals older varsity arms, while Reid Bardos Reid Bardos 5'8" | 150 lbs | QB Elkmont | 2028 State AL and Jesse Worthy Jesse Worthy 5'11" | 140 lbs | QB Benjamin Russell | 2028 State pair size and leadership with cannons of their own. Collectively, this group has the arm talent to become some of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the nation as they continue to develop.