26 Quarterbacks That Will Impact The '26 Season

Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy!   We're still over a month away from spring ball beginning and nearly five months away from the 2026 season kicking off. So we're in the dog days of the football offseason but we can't help but look ahead to how the 2026 football season will play out. In this article, we're taking a look at 26 quarterbacks that we see having a major impact on how this season will play out. This list is in alphabetical order and it's not a list of all the best quarterbacks. It's a list of quarterbacks that start or are expected to start for teams that will enter the season with state championship aspirations. And we take a look how each player could end up having a direct impact on how the season will play out.   Also, it should be thrown out that these 26 quarterbacks are either the established starter or the expected starter this fall. This breakdown doesn't feature anyone from schools like Bixby, Broken Arrow, Choctaw, Lincoln Christian, Sulphur or Vian. All are state championship contenders but all might have quarterback battles going into the summer and fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1836815' first='Anderson' last='Collier'] - 2027 - Carl Albert   When you're the starting quarterback for a team that has won 53 consecutive games and just broke the state record for most state championships, you're going to get a lot of attention. That will be the case for [player_tooltip player_id='1836815' first='Anderson' last='Collier'] this fall. In 2025, he shared the backfield with a running back who broke the single season record at Carl Albert for rushing touchdowns. He might have flown under the radar. But he threw for over 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns with no interceptions. Collier was as good as it gets for the Titans in 2025, making no mistakes and helping them win game after game in dominant fashion. The expectation will be that he does the same for a team heavily favored to win 5A again.   [player_tooltip player_id='1717266' first='Brody' last='Smith'] - 2029 - Metro Christian   2029 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1829254' first='Brody' last='Smith'] enjoyed a successful freshman season at Regent Prep but he will be suiting up for Metro Christian this fall. Metro Christian is making the move up from Class 2A-1 to Class 3A and the Patriots are one of the teams to look out for in that class. Smith will look to take over this Metro Christian offense after the Patriots lose their 2025 starter to graduation. We're looking forward to seeing what he looks like in the Metro Christian offense because let's face it, the Patriots are one of the top programs in the state when it comes to productive quarterback play. Smith is already considered one of the better 2029 prospects in the state and could be a huge addition for the Patriots.   [player_tooltip player_id='1511450' first='Cash' last='Koertner'] - 2027 - Sand Springs   Another quarterback at a new school is 2027 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1511450' first='Cash' last='Koertner'] after his move from Norman to Sand Springs this offseason. Koertner might end up being the guy to replace arguably the best quarterback in Sandite football history. So not only do you have those shoes to try and fill but you would be taking over an offense for a Sand Springs squad that's trying to win a second straight title in Class 6A-2. But if Koertner ends up being the guy to lead the Sandites this fall, he could be stepping into a position where he will could flourish. The Sandites have some serious firepower returning at wide receiver. Koertner could put up some huge numbers while leading the Sandites in the defense of that title.   [player_tooltip player_id='1833153' first='Cason' last='Johnson'] - 2027 - Tonkawa   Tonkawa had to settle for the silver ball in 2025 after making a run to the Class A-1 state championship game. Going into 2026, the Buccaneers expect to not only make it back to Edmond, but they expect to bring home that gold ball. Leading the way on offense will be 2027 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1833153' first='Cason' last='Johnson'] but he'll have more on his shoulders as they have to replace their starting running back and several of their top receivers. Johnson will have the benefit of a stout defense while he's building a connection with those new playmakers. Tonkawa is one of those programs that has a tradition of winning championships and Johnson will be tasked with leading them to their next one in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1680012' first='Cayden' last='Belletto'] - 2027 - Elgin   Elgin moves back up to Class 5A after going 27-1 in the last two seasons competing in Class 4A. After the graduation of one of the top running backs in the state, all eyes will be on 2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1680012' first='Cayden' last='Belletto'] to lead the Owls in 2026. Belletto had big shoes to fill in 2025, replacing arguably the school's best quarterback in program history. In our opinion, he passed every test with flying colors. So now that the spotlight will be brighter without their star running back in the backfield, we have no reason to think that Belletto won't elevate his play once again to meet expectations. Despite moving up to Class 5A, the Owls still expect to contend with the best of the best for the state title.   [player_tooltip player_id='473891' first='Creed' last='Barrett'] - 2028 - Washington   Washington quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='473891' first='Creed' last='Barrett'] is 26-2 as QB1 of the Warriors and has one state championship and one runner up finish. He's firmly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the state and he's not even a junior yet. We are fired up to see what Barrett looks like this fall when you consider how some of the more successful quarterbacks have made a jump from their sophomore to junior seasons. If Barrett elevates his game up another level, he will have the Warriors right back in the mix for the state championship. And with Lincoln Christian dropping down to 2A-1, the Warriors are no longer the big fish in this pond. For the first time in a long time, the Warriors will be the hunters.   [player_tooltip player_id='1199802' first='Dabin' last='Gaines'] - 2028 - Pocola   2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1199802' first='Dabin' last='Gaines'] is the first of two move ins from out of state on this breakdown. Gaines crossed the border from Arkansas and landed at Pocola and after the Indians lost their two-year starter, they immediately found his replacement. Pocola has been a team and a program that we've talked about quite a bit over the last few seasons. They've been consistently knocking on the door of contending for that state championship. Last season, they took another step forward with a deeper playoff run but that's just made this community hungry for more. Gaines is a new face to this offense and he's stepping into a situation where the expectation is to compete for the state title.   [player_tooltip player_id='1324250' first='Dax' last='Owens'] - 2027 - Davis   2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1324250' first='Dax' last='Owens'] will be a four-year starter for the Davis Wolves and after winning it all in 2024 then getting eliminated in the semifinals, Owens and the Wolves are determined to lift gold again. There are probably not many players in the state that have more career starts than Owens and that's not just quarterbacks. Having a player with his experience and overall talent level returning will make the Wolves one of the main teams to beat in Class 2A-2. Owens runs this Davis offense to near perfection and will be one of the top players, if not the best player in the class this season. When you're talking about impact quarterbacks on how 2026 will play out, Owens is definitely near the top of that list.   [player_tooltip player_id='1235926' first='Drew' last='Frankenfield'] - 2027 - Owasso   When you look around at the top teams in Class 6A-1, Owasso is in that mix and out of the top teams, they have without question the most experienced quarterback coming into this season. 2027 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1235926' first='Drew' last='Frankenfield'] is getting ready for his third season as QB1 of the Rams and Owasso will lean on that experience as they work new guys into the lineup at running back and wide receiver. Frankenfield will also rely on that experience and overall talent level to build chemistry quickly with his new skill players. Frankenfield has guided Owasso to back to back state championship game appearances. He can do it again in 2026 and we're looking forward to seeing how he progresses over the course of the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1525562' first='Greydon' last='Howell'] - 2027 - Broken Bow   Broken Bow 2027 quarterback and Oklahoma commit [player_tooltip player_id='1525562' first='Greydon' last='Howell'] is near the very top of the list when it comes to impactful quarterbacks heading into the 2026 season. There aren't many players in the state, regardless of position, that can have more of an impact on his team than Howell with Broken Bow. Last season, Howell was one of the best players in Oklahoma. This year, he's looking to be THE best player in Oklahoma and help guide the Savages to the state championship. They took a major step towards contending for the state title in 2025. Now, all eyes will be on Howell and the Savages to see if they can climb even higher and compete for the gold ball in December.   [player_tooltip player_id='1667339' first='Jeymon' last='Reed'] - 2029 - Jones   It will be a lot of "new" for Jones this season after they won it all in 2A-1 last fall. First off, they're moving up to Class 3A this fall and then they'll have a new head coach and with him, comes a new starting quarterback with [player_tooltip player_id='1667339' first='Jeymon' last='Reed'] being the son of new head coach Jeremy Reed. [player_tooltip player_id='1667339' first='Jeymon' last='Reed'] started for Altus last season and after a dominant freshman season, there was no question that he was our 2025 PRZ-Oklahoma Freshman Of The Year. Now, Reed looks to lead the Longhorns this fall and despite the move up to Class 3A, the expectations will remain the same. Jones got a taste of championship success last season and they'll be looking for more in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1719482' first='Jordin' last='Holman'] - 2027 - Piedmont   Piedmont has found success competing against 6A-2 competition over the last two years and now they are looking to take that next step and become a consistent state championship contender. When we look at what they return on offense, they have the potential to be one of the more explosive units in 6A-2 this fall. And with the offense they run, the spotlight will get brighter on 2027 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1719482' first='Jordin' last='Holman'] this fall. Holman has plenty of playmakers around him but he's the engine to this offense. Every snap, he's making decisions that could break a game open for Piedmont or put them in a hole. That's a lot of pressure but with a year of starting experience, he won't back down from that challenge.   [player_tooltip player_id='1328118' first='Kamieon' last='Compton-Nero'] - 2028 - Rejoice Christian   Rejoice Christian has won two straight state championships but the challenge to win a third will be tougher than ever before. The Eagles are moving up from Class A-1 to Class 2A-1 and will be contending with Lincoln Christian and Washington (among others) for 2A-1 supremacy. So when it comes to Rejoice Christian, all eyes are going to be on [player_tooltip player_id='1328118' first='Kamieon' last='Compton-Nero'] this season to see what kind of jump he makes from sophomore to junior season. In our opinion, Compton-Nero was one of the best players in the state last year, so we're fired up to see what kind of improvements he's made to get ready for the tougher competition. If the Eagles win another title, it will be because Compton-Nero is arguably the best player in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='1839047' first='Karrson' last='Davis'] - 2028 - Fort Gibson   We really like Fort Gibson heading into the 2026 season. First off, they have one of the top 2027 prospects in the nation on the offensive line and that's just the starting point. They also return 2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1839047' first='Karrson' last='Davis'] and several other key pieces to make Fort Gibson one of several teams to watch in Class 4A in 2026. It's been a while since the Tigers were serious state championship contenders but we think this is the year that it happens. And because of that, all eyes will be on Davis to see how he runs an offense that has the potential to be one of the better units in Class 4A. Davis got his feet wet as a sophomore and now the expectation is for them to go up another level during his junior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='891992' first='Kason' last='Delgado'] - 2027 - Mustang   On paper, Mustang looks like the best team on the west side of the state in Class 6A-1. The Broncos aren't going to settle for that title anymore. They want to be the best team in 6A-1. Leading a very talented roster will be 2027 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='891992' first='Kason' last='Delgado'] this fall. Delgado comes to Mustang after several previous stops. He's found success as a starter for multiple programs and now looks to bring that skill to the Broncos. And like we mentioned, Mustang is going to have a talented roster this season. They have quite a few talented players at the skill positions so Delgado is not going to be lacking weapons. But the spotlight will be bright for Mustang to contend with the Tulsa-area 6A-1 powers this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1829423' first='Keegan' last='Johnston'] - 2027 - Ketchum   Talihina is the heavy favorite to repeat as the Class A-2 state champion. But if there is a team that can knock them from the top, we'd pick Ketchum to fit that role. The Warriors bring back a ton of talent and production at the skill positions. 2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1829423' first='Keegan' last='Johnston'] leads a balanced and explosive offense that made some noise during the 2025 football season. Now, we think they could end up being one of the top teams in the class and even challenging Talihina for Class A-2 supremacy. So when you look at Johnston, it's going to be about getting the ball to all of those skill players that can make plays while also managing the offense and taking care of the football.   [player_tooltip player_id='1524930' first='Kellen' last='Smith'] - 2027 - Cashion   The Cashion Wildcats are moving up from Class A-1 to Class 2A-2 and that will obviously present some challenges but we think they'll be ready for them. The Wildcats return some explosive pieces on offense and it starts at the quarterback position. 2027 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1524930' first='Kellen' last='Smith'] is going to be one of the better athletes in 2A-2 this season. He can beat a defense with his arm or his legs and then turns around and has a significant impact on the defensive side of the ball. It would not surprise us at all if Cashion ends up going on a run and contends for the state title this fall and if they do that, we have no doubt that it will be Smith that is driving the ship to make that happen.   [player_tooltip player_id='2167133' first='Kyler' last='Green'] - 2028 - Adair   Adair comes into this season as the defending champion in Class 2A-2 and they don't plan on giving up that crown without a fight. But the Warriors have to replace one of the top players in the state at the quarterback position so those are some pretty big shoes to fill. The expectation is that 2028 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='2167133' first='Kyler' last='Green'] will move over to quarterback from his role as a hybrid tight end and wide receiver. Watching the Warriors in 2025, there were moments where Green would slide in at quarterback for certain packages and plays. Now, he's expected to be the full time starter and not only does that come with some pressure but he's doing it for a team that is looking to defend a state championship.   [player_tooltip player_id='1524935' first='Landen' last='Griffith'] - 2027 - Talihina   Earlier this week, we ranked Talihina as <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/defending-champs-most-likely-to-run-it-back/" type="link" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/defending-champs-most-likely-to-run-it-back/">the defending champion most likely to win it all again in 2026</a> and the return of quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1524935' first='Landen' last='Griffith'] is the top reason. Whenever you're talking about a player that accounted for 75 offensive touchdowns in a single season, that player is surely going to have a significant impact on the following season. Griffith threw for over 4,000 yards and 53 touchdowns while adding over 1,000 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. He was a one-man wrecking crew while helping guide Talihina to a state championship. A lot can change between now and December, but if Griffith is healthy, it would be very surprising if they don't end up in Edmond again in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1206910' first='Landon' last='Kizzar'] - 2027 - Jenks   The Jenks Trojans are hungrier than ever to make it back to the top of 6A-1 as we look ahead to the 2026 season. 2027 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1206910' first='Landon' last='Kizzar'] emerged as the guy to lead the Trojans in 2025 and he'll get even more attention when the Trojans take the field in 2026. The headline with the Trojans is they have to replace the best running back in the state but with Kizzar returning, along with a really deep cast of pass catchers and a really strong offensive line, they should be just fine on that side of the ball. More will be put on Kizzar's shoulders but there is talent around him to have another big year. And he'll be hungry as well after getting hurt in their semifinal loss to Owasso.   [player_tooltip player_id='1522514' first='Nash' last='Henry'] - 2028 - Norman North   Norman North is looking to get back into the mix for not only the best 6A-1 team in the west but one of the top teams in the class overall. 2028 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1522514' first='Nash' last='Henry'] came into last season with high expectations. He was a name we knew about coming out of middle school and he sat his freshman season and learned by an eventual D1 signee. And Norman North is on a big run of D1 quarterbacks and Henry could very well be the next one on that list. Henry met those high expectations last year and now the bar is now raised going into year two for Henry. With plenty of talent around him on offense, Henry and the Timberwolves will be determined to get out to a fast start in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='916843' first='Remington' last='Laughlin'] - 2027 - Mangum   Mangum 2027 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='916843' first='Remington' last='Laughlin'] has been a quarterback that we've been talking about since his freshman season. After having his first two years altered by injuries, Laughlin finally put it all together and helped lead Mangum to an undefeated regular season in 2025. Now, the Tigers are moving up to Class A-1 but they are still considered one of the top teams in their class. With Laughlin leading the way at quarterback and several other key pieces returning, the expectations are for Mangum to be an instant impact team in their new class and go further than they've ever gone in the playoffs before. It's a high bar for Laughlin to get over but he certainly has the potential to get it done.   [player_tooltip player_id='1035105' first='Roman' last='Manella'] - 2027 - Mount St. Mary   Mount St. Mary had one of their best seasons in recent memory in 2025. Now, they look to take the next step and be a true state championship contender. There are high expectations for the Rockets and 2027 signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1035105' first='Roman' last='Manella'] won't back down from the challenge. Manella had a really strong junior season and with him back, along with plenty of skill players around him, we expect him to take the next step and help guide the Rockets to new heights. Despite moving up to Class 3A, the expectations are tall ones. Manella has the ability and the teammates around him to be a championship quarterback. We're looking forward to seeing how he handles everything this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1173979' first='Satank' last='Taptto'] - 2028 - Stillwater   Stillwater sits on top of <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/way-way-too-early-2026-rankings/" type="link" id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/way-way-too-early-2026-rankings/">our way WAY too early rankings</a> for 6A-2 because of the experience and firepower they bring back. Offensively, all eyes will be on 2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1173979' first='Satank' last='Taptto'] as he looks to guide the Pioneers back to the state championship game in December. We've mentioned this before this offseason but we're looking forward to seeing what Taptto can do fully healthy. He had nagging injuries during his sophomore season and despite that, he showed the ability to beat opponents with his arm or his legs. On paper, Stillwater looks like a team capable of winning it all. Taptto certainly has the talent to take them and because of that, he certainly belongs on this list.   [player_tooltip player_id='1703435' first='Syncere' last='Overton'] - 2028 - Del City   Del City 2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1703435' first='Syncere' last='Overton'] showed flashes of being a dynamic dual-threat quarterback for the Eagles during the 2025 season. He was hurt to start the season and would have to work his way into the lineup but once he got in the game, he gave Del City a different gear on the offensive side of the ball. The Eagles are another team in Class 5A that are chasing Carl Albert and trying to push them off the mountaintop in this class. Overton gives the Eagles a talent that can beat a defense with his arm or his legs. And when you look at some of the skill talent they return, Del City, led by Overton, could be the team that ends up pushing the Titans off the top of 5A football.   [player_tooltip player_id='1075837' first='Tevin' last='Cotter'] - 2028 - Tuttle   We were curious who Tuttle was going to replace their star quarterback with following his graduation. It looks like we have that answer. 2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1075837' first='Tevin' last='Cotter'] moved down from Liberal, Kansas, where he had a dynamic sophomore season. Our PRZ-Kansas site had him rated as one of the top quarterback prospects in his class and he certainly backed it up when we put on the film and saw the production he had in the passing game, along with the run game. Cotter is no stranger to Oklahoma football. Before he was in Liberal, he was out in the Oklahoma panhandle at Hooker. Now, Cotter returns to Oklahoma and looks to keep Tuttle on top of Class 4A in 2026.

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