As the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association football season approaches, coaches and fans alike are turning their attention to the quarterbacks who will drive their teams forward. With many programs relying on returning starters, the depth of experience at the signal‑caller position promises a competitive landscape.
The 25 Candidates
Among the 25 quarterbacks highlighted, several have already posted impressive statistics. Keegan Bouwkamp of Brebeuf Jesuit, a 6‑3, 220‑pound senior, completed 54 % of his passes for 1,004 yards and 15 touchdowns in just four games before injury. Evan Clark from Indian Creek, a junior, threw for 1,783 yards and 17 scores as a sophomore, while Chase Davis of Martinsville, a sophomore, amassed 2,510 yards and 24 touchdowns en route to a sectional title.
Other notable performers include Oscar Frye from Brownsburg, a leading candidate for Indiana Mr. Football after guiding his team to back‑to‑back Class 6A state championships, and Brandt Gray of Pendleton Heights, who combines a 65.1 % completion rate with 1,474 passing yards and 15 touchdowns while also threatening runs. Chase Grove at North Central, a sophomore, has attracted multiple major‑college offers after posting 1,901 yards and 19 scores.
The list also features freshmen thrust into starting roles, such as Gabe Kennett from Ben Davis, who in nine games recorded 1,480 yards, 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, and Bryce McDonald of Scecina, a senior who posted 1,990 yards and 21 touchdowns while helping his team finish 5‑5. Several other names, including Harrison Odom of Bishop Chatard and Darian Prather of Lawrence North, have logged over 1,600 passing yards and double‑digit touchdowns.
Carmel’s quarterback battle remains open, with senior Jackson Treadway and juniors Christopher Harris and Mychael Lewis vying for the starting spot, each bringing significant experience to the competition. Across the state, teams like Westfield, Plainfield and Center Grove rely on their returning signal‑callers to sustain momentum from recent successes.
The depth of talent extends beyond individual stats; it reflects a broader trend of programs investing in developmental pipelines. Schools such as Brebeuf Jesuit, Indian Creek, Martinsville and many others are listed as official organizations in the state’s athletic directory, underscoring the structured environment that nurtures these players.