Virginia commit and three‑star quarterback Lonnie Andrews III will miss his entire senior season after an undisclosed injury was revealed this week.
The setback arrives just as Oscar Smith High School prepares to defend its back‑to‑back state championships, a run that earned the program a spot on the USA TODAY Sports East region preseason watch list.
Rebuilding the Tigers
Assistant coach Jahvoni Simmons said the team is "back to the drawing board," acknowledging the void left by Andrews and the departures of several key players.
Incoming freshman Justice Culler is expected to take over at quarterback, a prospect Simmons described as possessing "a big arm and some speed" that could help maintain offensive momentum.
The roster also loses three‑star defensive lineman Lincoln Halliday, who transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, further reshaping the defensive line.
Despite the upheaval, Andrews finished the 2023 season with about 3,300 passing yards, 43 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, a performance that placed him No. 19 in Virginia and No. 48 among quarterbacks in the 2027 class according to the 247Sports Composite.
The Tigers finished the previous two seasons with a combined 30‑1 record, a testament to the program’s recent dominance that was highlighted in the preseason rankings.
Coaches and teammates alike remain hopeful that the new quarterback can build on Andrews’ foundation and keep the team competitive in the upcoming season.