Braeden has finally started to get the interest from colleges he deserved after putting together an impressive career at McDonogh. This month so far he has picked up two D2 offers from St. Anselm and Shippensburg. He also recently picked up his first FCS offer from Stonehill this past week. One of the top QBs still available in MD for the 26 class, it is past due for him to get some strong FCS/D2 interest.

A big body QB with the arm strength & athleticism to beat defenses through the air or with his legs. On the year he threw for more than 2,000 yards and 21 TDs while adding 7 TDs on the ground against some of the best competition in the state. I’ve watched Braeden a lot over the years, seen live in game multiple times and he is more than deserving of playing at that level.

Braeden Palazzo Braeden Palazzo 6'4" | 215 lbs | QB McDonough | 2026 State MD checks the boxes of a modern prototype quarterback, already possessing college-ready size at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with a frame that will translate immediately to the next level. He pairs that build with legitimate arm talent, showing the ability to drive the football with velocity and touch, both from the pocket and while throwing on the move.

What may surprise some evaluators is the added athletic dimension Palazzo put on display this season. He eclipsed 2,000 passing yards while also contributing more than 250 yards on the ground and seven rushing touchdowns, showcasing functional speed and toughness as a runner. His ability to extend plays, create yardage with his legs adds another layer to his game. With size, arm strength, and emerging athleticism all trending in the right direction, Palazzo has positioned himself as a high-upside quarterback prospect heading into the next phase of his recruitment.

Palazzo showed some dual-threat skills against Riverdale Baptist. He rushed for a 1-yard touchdown and threw an 8-yard touchdown. Palazzo scrambled a couple of times for key first downs. He orchestrated the offense with a balance between RPOs, screens, and deep shots. Unofficial first-half stats: 5 completions for 60 yards and one touchdown, one rushing touchdown, one interception, 6 carries for 30 yards.

Braeden Palazzo Braeden Palazzo 6'4" | 215 lbs | QB McDonough | 2026 State MD : Lefty QB with Deep Ball Touch and Field Vision

Braeden Palazzo Braeden Palazzo 6'4" | 215 lbs | QB McDonough | 2026 State MD is a promising left-handed quarterback with natural rhythm, poise, and early recruiting buzz. He currently holds two offers from Syracuse University and North Carolina Central, both earned early in his high school career, a testament to the potential he’s flashed on film.

Palazzo excels in a timing-based passing game, showing the ability to consistently hit receivers in stride, especially on vertical routes. He throws with touch and anticipation, leading his targets and giving them opportunities to make plays after the catch. His mechanics are smooth, and he plays with confidence in the pocket, keeping his eyes downfield while navigating pressure.

Quick to set and release, Palazzo gets the ball out efficiently, allowing him to stay one step ahead of the rush.

One of the top QBs in DM for the 2026 class, I have seen a lot of Braeden over the years and he put on another strong showing at the QB Factory Spotlight Showcase. A big frame/size lefty QB at 6’4″ 215lbs, Braeden looks the part in the pocket. He has a quick snappy release that allows him to shoot the ball out on a rope. When it comes out right his passes have nice velocity on them with a tight spiral. Braeden also has big arm strength able to launch it down the field. It isn’t just a moon ball shot either, he uses his hips/legs well to get a lot behind the ball and sends it out there with pace behind it. During the showcase and on film, Braeden shows nice timing with his throws, able to layer it over defenders and put the ball in the perfect spot for his WR. A a more than capable runner as well, he is effective in the QB power and can scramble for yards.

Braeden is an undervalued recruit right now in my mind. QB recruiting is it’s own world right now, he had picked up early offers from Syracuse and UNC-Charlotte, but those spots have filled up and his recruitment is wide open. I’d like to see Braeden be more consistent with his passes/mechanics at times but he should be certainly getting strong FCS interest from schools still needing a QB. McDonogh has to re-load a good bit of talent from last years team, but look for Braeden to lead them to a strong season with big numbers and impressive play.

Palazzo led the Eagles to an impressive 9–2 record and a second-round playoff appearance, cementing his role as the team’s offensive leader. He threw for 1,740 yards and 21 touchdowns on the season, showcasing strong ball placement and excellent touch. Palazzo consistently adjusts the velocity of his throws to fit tight windows and exploit defensive coverage. He also brings mobility to the position, demonstrating the ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and deliver accurate passes on the move. With another year under his belt, Palazzo will look to guide the Eagles back to the postseason and is primed for another 1,500-plus yard campaign in 2025.

McDonough’s Braeden Palazzo Braeden Palazzo 6'4" | 215 lbs | QB McDonough | 2026 State MD takes the top QB ranking spot after our Maryland Staff placed him atop the 2026 QB board following film evaluation.

6’3, 190, although Hudl lists him at 6’4, 205. Holds offers out of Syracuse and UNC Charlotte. Worth noting the Syracuse offer came prior to the year turning, UNC Charlotte came through almost 19 months ago. Palazzo might be cooling off in terms of recruiting heat, yet there is plenty of time to rekindle the hype he once had as a FROSH/SOPH.

Lefty passer, operates out of 10 personnel often, spread offense. Shows off safety awareness both pre and post-snap. Early reps on tape showcase he can make a read based on safety pre/post snap alignment. Likes to attack vertically via posts, nines. Has a linebacker build, a build that can move out of the pocket and create with his legs, not a statue after the snap. Accuracy downfield is a huge plus, has touch to his passes often dropping balls where only his target can play them. Ton of production on tape too, I’m not in the loop on all things McDonough, but there is about seven minutes’ worth of good reps on tape. I can see why he was big on the recruiting trail early on.