The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet for Texas high school football, with several young quarterbacks ready to step into the spotlight. These rising stars have shown flashes of brilliance on film and could make the leap from promising prospects to household names. Today, we break down the QBs who have the tools, talent, and opportunity to have a true breakout year.
Jett already has Division I recognition and offers from six different programs, and that number could skyrocket this season. At 6-foot-1 and 170 lbs, Jett is a nationally ranked quarterback and the 16th-ranked quarterback in Texas for the class of 2026. In 2024, Surratt led his team to a 4A DII State title and aims to achieve the same this season. Teams must account for his strong arm and ability to launch the ball, placing it where only his receiver can make a play.
At nearly 6-foot-2 and 195 lbs, Jayden checks off a lot of the boxes as a next-level college football quarterback. Last season, his performance showed promise, putting up good numbers through the air, but he needs to clean up his turnovers this season. With three Division I offers already, we believe Maples could increase that number with another significant performance to cap off a terrific high school career. Jayden has a rocket arm and can deliver the ball with elite velocity and accuracy to receivers, whether from the pocket or while rolling out. College coaches from across the country may soon become familiar with this recruit’s name and add him to their recruiting boards.
Cole is a multi-sport athlete who has had a spectacular high school career in different sports, especially on the gridiron. He has prototypical size and arm talent to be a Division I recruit, and we believe this year he will solidify himself as such. A coach’s kid, Cole loves football, and you can tell by his play on Friday nights. He can help lead his team to victories, getting the job done with his legs or his big-time arm. Cole has the arm strength and accuracy needed, and another season of tape could be what earns him the national recognition he deserves.
Kaden is a dual-threat quarterback who can light up the scoreboard through the air or on the ground. We believe Kaden could have a breakout season and be one quarterback who rises up the rankings and onto many college football programs. At 6-foot-3, 205lbs, Kaden has the size and arm talent to be considered as a division I talent, FBS or FCS caliber QB.
Luke is currently committed to East Texas A&M University. However, with his size (6-foot-5, 196lbs) and his arm, we believe he could still continue to be recruited by some major top programs from across the country, and depending on how well he does this season, Luke might start to garner more attention to more college football programs. Luke can make all of the throws at every level of the field and with elite strength and placement. He impressed many with nearly throwing for 3,000 yards last season and can spread the ball around and put it into the endzone with little to no turnovers.
Kinnick had a tough break last season, playing only six games and missing a chunk of the season due to injury. We believe Kalbus will bounce back stronger this season and make a name for himself. As a dual-threat quarterback, Kinnick possesses elite speed and agility, allowing him to make plays with both his legs and arm. He has shown proficiency in throwing on the run, rolling out to either side of the field, or picking apart defenses from the pocket. Keep an eye on him this season, as a breakout year could be on the horizon for Kalbus.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 205 lbs, Frans has the prototypical size that college coaches look for in a Division I recruit. The Rattlers can always count on the strong arm of their quarterback, as Steyn has plenty of it. He can make back-shoulder throws and rifle passes through tight windows, splitting coverage and getting the ball deep downfield to his receivers in stride, often over fifty yards. Look for Frans to have a breakout season and make his name known with more tape this year.
With the season ahead, these 2026 quarterbacks have a chance to prove themselves against the best Texas high school football has to offer. If they can build on their early flashes of potential, they won’t just be breakout players this year—they’ll be names college recruiters and fans will remember for years to come. The film doesn’t lie, and these QBs are ready to make their mark.
