The 2026 high school football season is already generating buzz in the New Orleans metro area, where a deep pool of quarterback talent promises to reshape local storylines. From newcomers who have already drawn college interest to veterans looking to cement their legacies, the region’s signal‑callers are poised to deliver memorable performances.
The Transfer Impact
The most talked‑about move involves Colton Nussmeier, a four‑star recruit who left Texas to join Rummel and bring his arm to the Gulf Coast. Son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, he arrives with a reputation built on 3,284 passing yards and 28 touchdowns at Marcus High School, and he has already committed to Georgia, adding a layer of excitement for both his new team and the SEC.
Krew Collura, a 6‑foot, 185‑pound left‑handed quarterback from Mandeville, burst onto the scene as a freshman starter, finishing the previous season with 2,350 passing yards and 629 rushing yards while accounting for 29 total touchdowns. His dual‑threat skill set earned him a Division I scholarship from Syracuse, underscoring the promise that has made him one of the most watched prospects in the area.
Dorrien Dunham of Kennedy High School enters his first year as starter with a supporting cast that includes several Division I‑committed receivers. Last season he threw for 1,652 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 454 rushing yards, a combination that has coaches optimistic about his growth and the potential for a breakout campaign.
Hudson Fields, the younger brother of former Rummel star Chandler Fields, returns as the starting quarterback for Brother Martin. Building on a season that saw him post 2,140 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, he now works alongside promising junior Justin Morgan, a partnership that could elevate the team’s offensive ceiling.
Da’John Howard from Salmen High School earned all‑district offensive MVP honors after a season in which he passed for 1,912 yards and rushed for 902 yards, totaling 30 touchdowns. His athletic versatility makes him a constant dual‑threat, and his performance has positioned him as a key figure in the local talent pool.
Kenric Johnson, nicknamed ‘Boogie,’ is making a bold transition from wide receiver to quarterback at Riverside. In his sophomore year he amassed 1,245 yards from scrimmage, scored 14 touchdowns, and even contributed three punt‑return scores, hinting at a unique skill set that could redefine his role on the field.
Landree LeBlanc from St. Charles is entering his third year as the starting quarterback, and his development has been evident in both passing and running metrics. Last season he recorded 1,448 passing yards, 471 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns, showing steady improvement that has coaches confident in his leadership.
London Padgett of John Curtis Christian School thrived in his inaugural season as the team’s starting quarterback, throwing for 1,216 yards and 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 605 yards and seven scores. His ability to contribute in the ground game adds a dynamic layer to his playmaking.
Landen Teague from Hahnville is known primarily as a pocket passer, having compiled 4,400 yards and 42 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Beyond football, he is also being recruited for baseball at Southeastern, illustrating a rare two‑sport talent.
The article also highlights a host of additional prospects — Jack Grace, Forest Johnson, Brody Loudermilk, Cooper Odle, Allen Shaw III, Aushai Smith, Markus Soule, Sully Sullivan, Ricky Williams and Breez Wilson — each of whom brings distinct abilities that could influence the competitive balance of local teams.
As the new season approaches, the convergence of experienced returnees, high‑profile transfers and emerging underclassmen creates a narrative rich with potential. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these quarterbacks will translate preseason expectations into on‑field results, making the New Orleans metro area one of the most compelling storylines in the state’s high school football landscape.