6’3, 210 pounds. Fantastic javelin thrower. 3.2 GPA. Identified as a New England prospect years ago, now a certified PA passer ranked highly among his peers. A former PRZ Combine MVP.

Had I written this piece a couple of weeks ago, Zelman would have been in the “Un-offered and Over-Looked” portion of this piece. Thank goodness that several FCS teams have finally woken up to this kid’s potential. Maine, Georgetown, and Lafayette have all extended offers to Zelman in the most recent week. Was great seeing Zelman perform this a couple of weekends ago, I had a few FCS coaches inquire on his performance, I only had good things to say. An example-setting QB, one that could change the future of an FCS program.

Zelman has all the tools to work with to be a D1 quarterback prospect. His arm is explosive, and he can put serious zip on the ball. He has a good processor and didn’t make many mistakes over the weekend. He works the middle of the field well, and in general, he works the short and intermediate game very well.

The transfer portal has reshaped college football by allowing players, including quarterbacks, to move between schools more freely. This has led to a situation where colleges can look to the portal for experienced quarterbacks rather than developing high school recruits. I’ve gone on record describing how quarterback evaluating hasn’t changed, my eyes do not deceive me. I stress this with quarterbacks like Springside-Chestnut Hill’s Liam Zelman Liam Zelman 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Springside Chestnut Hill Academy | 2026 State PA .

There is no questioning this kid’s talent. In years past, he’d likely be holding onto a handful of scholarship opportunities. In today’s world, Liam, as well as the rest of this incredible crop of 2026 QBs, is competing with players who have already proven themselves at the college level. This trend reduces the number of starting positions available for incoming freshmen, as teams might prefer a quarterback who has college experience over an unproven high school talent.

I will still vouch for prospects like Zelman, prospects who are deserving of next-level opportunities as a junior. Diving into Zelman’s 7-minute tape that fully encompasses highlights that led to the junior passer being named 1st-Team All Inter-Ac, I see much of what excited me in the past, yet amplified to a degree. Up 10 pounds since his last update, seemingly up 20+ since I first saw him work in New England months ago. An outstanding seer of the football field. A three-level passer who can flick a football 55+ yards without a dramatic hitch. A monstrous runner who can legitimately score from anywhere out. Reminds me of Peyton Falzone Peyton Falzone 6'5" | 210 lbs | ATH Nazareth Area | 2026 State PA , just a tad bit smaller, not as high an athletic ceiling but ways beyond Falzone in terms of quarterback play.

As impressed as I’ve ever been after watching junior quarterback Liam Zelman Liam Zelman 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Springside Chestnut Hill Academy | 2026 State PA this past weekend. I’m as familiar with Zelman’s game as one can possibly be. Zelman has attended PRZ camps, has won Camp MVP. I’ve watched Zelman work out at Cheshire Academy, a good 5-6 hours away from home. I’ve watched his tape and graded him inside the Top 100 of two different sets of rankings. This past weekend served as the first time I got to see him play in pads in a game that mattered.

Zelman looked great from a physique standpoint. In shape, carried a LB/S build, arms and legs looked worked on. Zelman’s build has always impressed, he checked off this box in person. Zelman recorded just one passing touchdown in this one, yet was able to plunge into the end zone on three different occasions, utilizing his legs each time. I know Zelman can move, yet I was intrigued by how natural he looked carrying the football. Numerous sets calling for QB draws or sweeps, possibly even some QB power sets called for him to tuck and run. SCH back Finn Whittle Finn Whittle 5'8" | 190 lbs | RB/DB Springside Chestnut Hill Academy | 2025 State PA had himself a day on the ground, yet Zelman likely eclipsed the 75-100 yard mark in this one by himself. The game plan didn’t call for Zelmam to throw the rock around the yard much, yet when he did, the trademark release looked as quick as ever. Complete command of the huddle, Zelman displayed some attitude and swagger I didn’t know he had in him. Lincoln had no answer for this offense and Zelman knew it. Four total TDs, a great punting performance too.

Talking recruiting, all QBs have to understand how tough it is to gain traction at this position. There are many more talented QBs than there are spots available. Recruiting is a cut-throat world, recruiting QBs is even more cut-throat. That being said, I give Zelman an FCS-floor grade, with an FBS ceiling. Zelman is embedded inside a ridiculously good 2026 PA class. Ranked a top 75 prospect, the Top 75 in any other class would have Zelman inside the Top 4-5 at his position. This year, Top 75 lands you at 9-10. I think Zelman checks off too many boxes to be left out of the FCS landscape, however. I witnessed Zelman flick the football 45+ yards, I’ve witnessed Zelman flex one of the best releases available. At 6’3, 200+ pounds, proving he can serve as a legitimate dual-threat, there’s not much Zelman can’t do in my eyes. He should be actively recruited TODAY.