ESPN 300 2026 rankings – How the QBs moved after Elite 11

Loads of components go into profitable quarterback play, but it surely typically comes down to 2 distinct traits: decision-making and accuracy. Each prospect within the 2026 class who earned an Elite 11 Finals invitation this summer time has spectacular bodily instruments. However the important thing to success, like we noticed with MVP Dia Bell, is usually about harnessing consistency when it issues most.

Whereas efficiency in video games takes prime precedence in evaluating quarterbacks, camp and mix showings, movie examine and private exercises are all a part of the equation, even when one displaying would not change every part.

As such, whereas the Elite 11 is an iconic occasion, it is not essentially predictive of future success. Nonetheless, it does present us one remaining probability to judge and rank quarterbacks earlier than their senior season. These evaluations have led to a number of important modifications within the ESPN 300 in addition to loads of motion elsewhere on the listing following a busy spring and summer time circuit.

Listed below are the most important takeaways:

Bell takes management of QB1

QB Dia Bell, Texas commit: Different quarterbacks could have stronger arms, faster releases or be higher athletes, however Bell’s mixture of bodily traits and sustained efficiency over three days helped him win the 2025 Elite 11 MVP. Now he ranks among the many 5 finest prospects within the class and leapfrogs Georgia commit Jared Curtis because the No. 1 quarterback. Bell is supremely assured and accustomed to competing towards the very best of the very best, and it confirmed. His future match at Texas is just like Arch Manning’s, and if Bell follows an analogous developmental blueprint, he’ll get larger, stronger and extra mature over time.

Dia Bell got here out and confirmed precisely why he is a 5-star with a dominant efficiency on evening one of many @Elite11 Finals 🎯🔥

Texas obtained themselves a particular one 🤘@DiaBell3QB1 pic.twitter.com/cmJpZttA9f

— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) June 18, 2025

Henderson earns QB designation

After a 12 months of debate, we’re satisfied now that Keisean Henderson has the talent set to play QB on the school degree, notably at Houston. Ranked No. 17 within the rankings, he has wonderful upside as a passer. He’s nonetheless in want of mechanical polish, however he has develop into extra refined as a passer. Henderson is one other signal-caller with similarities to Darian Mensah, who performed for present Houston coach Willie Fritz at Tulane.

Risers and new additions at QB

Dereon Coleman, Miami commit: His lightning-quick launch and decisiveness make up for a scarcity of best measurables. His improvement will probably be very intriguing to observe at Miami. Coleman’s stay arm and mobility outdoors the pocket are similar to Cam Ward. He made a giant leap touchdown at No. 150.

Helaman Casuga, Texas A&M commit: After battling harm over the previous 12 months, Casuga is coming again to type and excelled at a excessive degree on the Elite11 stage. Most notably, his accuracy and instincts on timing routes had been pretty much as good as any. He should proceed to refine his physique and handle his weight, however Casuga has a aggressive temperament and enters the rankings at No. 296.

Travis Burgess, North Carolina commit: Burgess made a very sturdy impression. He has improved immensely since we noticed him in camp in February, throwing with extra velocity and accuracy. He is an excellent get for North Carolina together with his mobility, stay arm, fast launch and developmental upside. He slides into the ESPN 300 at No. 254.

Briggs Cherry, Louisville commit: Cherry is a kind of guys who grows on evaluators the extra they watch him. He excelled on the occasion on short-to-intermediate throws with zip and accuracy and seemed actually clean on drops. He confirmed a extra superior talent set than we anticipated. Louisville and Jeff Brohm’s system is a perfect match for his play model, and he joins the ESPN 300 at No. 274.

Bowe Bentley, Oklahoma commit: Bentley boosted his inventory and jumped up the rankings with a wonderful efficiency. He has some Baker Mayfield-type “it” issue traits to him. He is a twitchy passer with a stay arm, fast launch and “grip-it-and-rip-it” mentality. The Texas native dedicated to Oklahoma final week after Jaden O’Neal pulled his dedication. He carries himself rather well and has some nice substance to him as a passer. Bentley strikes as much as No. 168 on the listing.

ESPN 300 No. 261 Bowe Bentley begins his 7v7 session with 4 straight completions resulting in a landing 🔥 @bowebentley

Some good photographs from the uncommitted QB who will select between LSU and Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/yQwafXtkAu

— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) June 19, 2025

New five-stars at security

Jireh Edwards

ESPN 300 No. 24

Uncommitted

At 6-foot-2, 210 kilos, he blends elite measurement with excellent pace, persistently posting 4.5 40-yard sprint instances that translate to the sector. He is additionally a bodily presence towards the run. All these attributes end in a particularly versatile security who can cowl floor, match up in protection and are available downhill as an element within the field.

Edwards ought to get essentially the most of his uncommon on-field bodily instruments. He is a centered, aggressive teammate and his management over the previous two years in highschool stands out. Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M and Auburn — the place former teammate Blake Woodby signed this previous cycle — are amongst these with an opportunity to signal him. Oregon can also be in play and the Geese signed former St. Frances defensive again Ify Obidegwu in 2024. Edwards is anticipated to announce his resolution quickly.

Jett Washington

ESPN 300 No. 22

Oregon commit

Washington was the primary participant ranked outdoors of five-star vary in our earlier replace. After seeing him carry out in a highschool camp exercise this offseason, it was clear that wanted to alter. Washington, who additionally excels in basketball, initially performed huge receiver in highschool earlier than making a pleasant transition to security. He’s an extended, rangy presence at roughly 6-foot-5 who covers floor from sideline to sideline. Washington has good ball abilities and makes use of his measurement to raise and high-point the ball to win contested matchups. He has additionally proven physicality along with his wonderful measurables.