Through four non-conference games, Herbert has thrown for 1,038 yards and four touchdowns. In a 28-7 win over Benedictine, he completed 17-of-26 passes for 238 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Three of those touchdown passes went to one of the DMV’s best receivers, Carlos Ferguson Carlos Ferguson 6'4" | 180 lbs | WR McDonogh | 2027 State MD . It’s becoming crystal clear who the go-to guy is, and rightfully so. McDonogh’s passing game is looking sharp right now.

In his highlights against Benedictine, the first play shows him throwing a nice fade ball 25-plus yards down the left sideline off his back foot to Ferguson for a touchdown while being pressured. To me, he’s doing a great job of getting the ball into his playmaker’s hands. It’s worth noting that there’s a play in this week’s highlights that shows upcoming opponents he can definitely burn you for yardage if he chooses to run out of the pocket.

Jackson Herbert Jackson Herbert 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB McDonogh | 2029 State MD ran the show in his first home start and put up 18-of-25 for 251 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The sophomore quarterback threw all types of passes: swings, slants, play-action, a fade, a rollout stop, screens, a comeback, a seam, and a post. The opening drive was four throws and a touchdown run by Oshegbao. Herbert put great touch on a fade ball inside the 10 for a touchdown to Ferguson. He then hit Ferguson with a quick strike on a slant pattern for another touchdown. Herbert also got the ball out to two other targets (see below), spreading the field. McDonagh’s passing game is looking great right now. Opponent beware.

Jackson’s play was a key reason for McDonogh’s offense explosion in the the 2nd half of their victory over Haveford (PA) on Saturday. On the game he totaled 4 total passing TDs. After a slow start of only one in the first half, he lit it up and threw 3 in the second half. Doing a good job distributing the ball as well, those 4 TD passes were to 3 different receivers. On the game Jackson showed poise, toughness and a live arm. Completed passes across all three levels of the passing game and doing so with impressive accuracy & velocity. Showing he can read defenses, Jackson got the ball out quick to his playmakers and put it on them for easy catches & RAC. This game more then backed up Jackson’s high ranking and being a top QB in the 2029 class.

Herbert has early offers from Memphis and South Florida. He’ll be counted on heavily to help McDonogh stop Archbishop Spalding from winning their fourth consecutive MIAA A championship. We’ll get a good idea of Herbert’s abilities during the first few games for the Eagles (Haverford School (PA) and Benedictine (VA), two competitive out-of-state private schools, are opponents during that stretch).

Jackson moved up almost 10 spots in the recent rankings, and is now a top 20 overall player and #3 rated QB. I have gotten eyes on Jackson a few times this year: in-game, workouts, 7v7s, & he continues to impressive as a player on the rise. With good size/build for a QB already as a freshman, Herbert will grow into being a big body player with a strong arm. He shows excellent footwork already and can really spin it. Gets velocity and good air on his passes. In line to be the full time starter for McDonogh this fall after putting together some good film in limited time last season.

With a strong sophomore season Jackson could be in line for another rise in the rankings and plenty more attention from colleges. He already holds 2 offers, one from Memphis and an offer from USF he just picked up. A QB that should definitely be on college boards this spring/summer.

Jackson is a QB everyone needs to have on their radar for the 2026 season. He is ready to take over the starting job after Sr. QB Braeden Palazzo Braeden Palazzo 6'4" | 215 lbs | QB McDonough | 2026 State MD moves on to the next level. Jackson did see significant field time in 2025 and impressed in said limited action. Even driving McDonogh down the field and throwing a high level back pylon TD pass against Spalding in the MIAA Finals.

With good size already at 6’1-6’2″ and 190lbs, he is physicality able to hold up against older competition. He also shows nice length and I wouldn’t be surprised is he isn’t finished growing. In workouts Jackson shows off a quick release, throws with good timing. Has impressive footwork, poised and confident moving in the pocket and will step up to deliver the throw. Soling arm strength as well, Jackson can laser it across the middle with nice velocity/spin. He also throws a pretty deep ball. Getting it up and down in a smooth trajectory putting in the perfect spot for his WR to go up & make the play.

Jackson is already seeing his recruitment starting to take off receiving a Memphis offer this winter. Can’t wait to see what he can do with a full season of play under this belt. If Jackson delivers on his ability in the 2026 season expect more offers his way and for him to be battling for the top young QB in the MIAA as well as the whole state for the 2029 class.