The Gainesville Sun has opened a fan poll to decide which high school quarterback in the local area will be crowned the best for the 2026 season, inviting readers to weigh in on a slate of seven candidates.
A competitive field of signal‑callers
Among the nominees are Richard Roundtree, the small‑school player of the year, and Andrew Whittemore, who recently received an offer from the Florida Gators, while the poll also reflects the loss of All‑Area first‑team quarterback Xavier Collins from Columbia.
The poll will remain open until noon on Tuesday, July 28, giving the community a short window to cast their votes before the season’s momentum builds.
What’s at stake for the nominees
Quarterback play often shapes a team’s fortunes, and in the Gainesville area the position is viewed as the most pivotal on the field, especially as running backs and wide receivers frequently carry the offensive load. Roundtree returns as a proven leader after earning player‑of‑the‑year honors, while Whittemore’s recent scholarship offer adds a new layer of excitement, underscoring the growing visibility of local talent.
Community response
Local fans, coaches and alumni are expected to mobilize around their preferred signal‑callers, turning the poll into a rallying point for high school football pride in the region.