The 2026 preseason rankings for the TSSAA football season are already generating buzz, with voters given until June 11 to cast their choices for the top quarterback.
Quarterback Contenders Emerge
Among the names drawing early attention, Will Jones of Maryville stands out after a spectacular sophomore campaign that saw him complete 79% of his passes for 2,505 yards and 33 touchdowns, while also adding 407 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground.
Close behind, Kaden Long of Central pushed his team to the state semifinals, throwing for 3,327 yards and 28 touchdowns, complemented by 1,286 rushing yards and 18 scores, showcasing a rare dual-threat skill set.
Thomas Manu of Alcoa impressed with a near-perfect 80% completion rate, amassing 3,099 passing yards and 45 touchdowns, plus four rushing scores, positioning him as a potent offensive weapon.
Cooper Newman from Sevier County not only topped the passing charts with 3,705 yards and 45 touchdowns, but also earned the prestigious Class 5A Mr. Football award, underscoring his impact on the field.
Other notable candidates include Mason Eckerson of Clinton, who posted 1,695 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, and JD Gillum of Anderson County, a freshman who already threw for 1,776 yards and 19 scores, suggesting a rapid rise.
The breadth of talent extends to players like Gage Privett of Scott, who found the end zone 30 times with a mix of passing and rushing touchdowns, and Brody Sparks of Oak Ridge, who completed 68% of his attempts for 2,310 yards and 18 scores, adding five rushing touchdowns.
With such a deep field, the preseason poll serves as an early barometer for coaches and fans alike, while the June 11 deadline looms for those eager to influence the early narrative of the upcoming season.