The Tennessean has released its highly anticipated ranking of the top 20 high school football quarterbacks in the Nashville area for the upcoming 2026 season, a list compiled from 2025 statistics, strength of schedule and early recruiting interest.
Rising stars shaping the future
Leading the pack is Andre Adams, a three‑star Colorado commit who threw for 3,421 yards and 35 touchdowns while tossing just one interception, a performance that has already attracted major college attention.
Close behind, Cam Kruse, a three‑star Kansas State pledge, guided Page to an unbeaten 14‑0 campaign and the Class 5A state championship, finishing the year with 35 touchdowns and only three picks.
Crews Jenkins, a three‑star Ole Miss recruit, helped Brentwood Academy reach the Division II‑AAA title game, posting 1,817 yards and 22 scores despite eight interceptions.
Other standout performers
Gavin Hampton, who holds offers from Mississippi State, North Carolina, Arizona State, Nebraska and Colorado, earned Region 3‑6A Offensive MVP after amassing 2,663 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. LJ Funk, with a slate of 23 offers including Memphis and Liberty, led Pearl‑Cohn to the Class 4A state final, throwing for 2,577 yards and 26 scores. Dallas Covington added a dual‑threat dimension with 667 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Early‑season sensations also emerged, such as Kam Morton, who as a freshman delivered 936 yards and nine touchdowns for Oakland’s Class 6A championship run, and Jack VanOrman, whose 1,652 yards and 14 scores earned him interest from UT Martin and Austin Peay.
The depth of talent extends to players like Deon Barnes, whose 2,007 passing yards and 22 touchdowns attracted Cincinnati and Tennessee State, and Jack Nimitz, a Samford commit who completed 67 % of his passes for 2,375 yards and 29 touchdowns. Kason Woodson, the Region 6‑4A MVP, combined 2,009 passing yards with 777 rushing yards and 11 scores, while Kason Young, bound to Eastern Kentucky, posted 2,656 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Veteran standouts such as Miles Reding, a Class 6A Mr. Football finalist, and Bo Bryan, a three‑star prospect with offers from Austin Peay and UT Martin, round out a field that includes Gavin Strang, Matthew Horner, Charlie Verner, Blake Waldorf, Colton Overbey and Xavier Murray, each of whom contributed significantly to their teams’ successes.
What the rankings mean
The list not only highlights individual excellence but also reflects a competitive landscape where recruiters are watching every snap, and the upcoming season promises fresh storylines as these quarterbacks vie for state titles and national recognition.