North Bay Quarterbacks Poised for 2026 Breakout
The upcoming 2026 campaign is already shaping up as a showcase for elite signal‑callers in the North Bay, with several teams pinning their hopes on quarterbacks who have proven their mettle at the junior level and are eager to seize new opportunities.
Kameron Hunter of American Canyon returns as a dual‑threat starter, building on a sophomore season that saw him amass 1,400 total yards and 13 touchdowns, and he will look to expand that production as a senior leader.
Matthew Medina of Analy, who missed much of his junior year due to injury, still managed to compile nearly 2,000 yards and 21 scores in the six games he did play, and his experience positions him as a key figure for a comeback effort.
LT Retamoza of Cardinal Newman is entering his third year as the starter after a injury‑marred sophomore campaign, and despite limited action last season he posted over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns as a freshman, drawing interest from Sacramento State, Texas State and Portland State.
Carter Vose III of Windsor, an all‑league second‑team selection, returns after a junior season in which he threw for more than 2,000 yards and accounted for 23 total touchdowns, and his commitment to Simpson University adds a college‑level narrative to his senior year.
Other names generating buzz include Frank Rea of Healdsburg, who logged over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns before a late‑season injury, Jackson Rhode of Rancho Cotate, who passed for nearly 1,000 yards as a junior, and Will Pedersen of St. Vincent, a backup who completed 56 percent of his passes for 900 yards and 11 scores.
Scouts and coaches alike are also keeping an eye on prospects such as Nate Lukins of Casa Grande, Kyle Bernardi of Cloverdale, Kayne Arnold of Maria Carrillo, Thor Boswell and Oliver Wuethrich of Montgomery, Kam Kerr Cobb of Piner, and Jayden Bird of Ukiah, all of whom could emerge as surprise contributors as the season unfolds.