The Austin metropolitan area is once again buzzing with anticipation as the 2026 high school football season approaches, and the quarterback position remains the focal point of excitement.
Coaches, recruiters and fans alike are watching a cohort of signal‑callers who posted eye‑catching numbers a year ago, each hoping to translate summer stats into playoff success and college scholarships.
Quarterbacks Who Are Redefining Central Texas Football
Chase Ames of Dripping Springs capped his sophomore campaign with 3,682 passing yards and 47 touchdowns, steering the Wildcats to a 12‑2 record and a regional finals appearance that left many wondering how far the offense can go.
Nico Anderson, the dual‑threat quarterback from St. Michael’s, combined 2,719 passing yards with 29 scores and added 443 rushing yards and nine more touchdowns, a performance that helped the Warriors stay in the playoff conversation.
David Cooper from Cedar Park contributed 1,925 passing yards and 19 touchdowns while also rushing for 793 yards and 11 scores, giving the Timberwolves a balanced attack that kept them competitive in a tough district.
Covert Darbyshire, in his first year as starter for Anderson, threw for 2,285 yards and 19 touchdowns, a debut that helped the Trojans secure a 10‑2 season and three straight playoff berths.
Jack Devine of Regents has already earned two private‑school player‑of‑the‑year honors and committed to San Diego State after posting 3,491 passing yards, 55 touchdowns and 727 rushing yards as a junior.
Kaleb McDougle from Georgetown finished the year with 2,232 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, positioning himself as the centerpiece of a more pass‑oriented offensive scheme for the next season.
Weston Nielsen at Bastrop attracted multiple Power Five offers, including from Texas A&M and Texas Tech, after throwing for 3,053 yards and 44 touchdowns.
Jaxon Schad of Weiss made headlines as a freshman starter, delivering 3,627 yards and 51 touchdowns, a rare combination that signals a promising trajectory.
Dylan Snoga from Cedar Ridge not only threw for 1,736 yards and 17 touchdowns but also excelled in track, competing in the 100‑meter dash and long jump, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Dov Stickler took over late in the season for Round Rock, finishing with 1,850 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, giving the Dragons a chance to contend for the District 25‑6A title.
The collective talent of these quarterbacks reflects a deep pool of skill in Central Texas, a region that continues to produce players who attract offers from the nation’s top college programs.
With early signing periods approaching, the next few months will determine which of these standout arms will choose a collegiate path and how their high school teams will fare in the upcoming playoffs.