Quarterback Spotlight: Who Will Lead the 2026 Eugene‑Springfield Attack?
The 2026 high school football season in the Eugene‑Springfield corridor is already generating buzz as coaches and analysts turn their eyes toward a deep pool of quarterback talent.
At Pleasant Hill, senior Wylie Blake is slated to inherit the starting role after his brother Steven Bounds moved on, and the team is eager to protect its league‑title streak.
Meanwhile, Elmira faces a three‑way battle among Connor Cutsforth, Daniel Mataisz and Michael McCoy, with the departure of Talon Jerabek to Churchill opening the door for new leadership.
Thurston’s Emmit Distefano, a Class 5A second‑team all‑state selection from 2025, returns with a suite of college offers that underscore his rising profile.
Marist Catholic welcomes back Brody Gilliam, who missed seven games last year due to injury, while sophomore Cooper Jones looks to build on his emerging presence at the position.
North Eugene’s D'Mariyae "Dae Dae" Ireland and Bode Hough are locked in a competition for both quarterback and running back duties, adding a dynamic twist to the offense.
Creswell’s Carson Jolliff, a sophomore entering his second year as starter, is expected to take a noticeable step forward after a promising debut.
Lowell will rely on Wyatt McNamee, who earned playoff experience as a backup in 2025 and now steps into the starting lineup.
Junction City’s Brayden Rauschert, a multi‑sport athlete, will assume the quarterback reins for the defending Sky‑Em League champions.
Finally, Zeke Thomas, a top college prospect committed to Boise State, capped his 2025 campaign with 2,652 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, guiding Willamette to the Class 6A quarterfinals.