Quarterback Landscape
As the 2026 Tennessee State Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) football season approaches, coaches and analysts in the Knoxville region are turning their attention to a group of quarterbacks who have already proven their mettle on the field.
Mason Eckerson of Clinton, who amassed 1,695 passing yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior, returns with a reputation for precision, while JD Gillum of Anderson County, a sophomore who threw for 1,776 yards despite a shoulder injury, looks to build on a promising debut. Also standing out is Corbin Hobson from Grace Christian, whose 1,710 yards and 16 scores helped guide his team into the Class 6A playoffs.
Keith Jones of Gibbs, a junior who steered his squad to a Class 4A playoff championship with 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns, adds a proven winner’s mindset. Across town, Will Jones of Maryville boasts a 79% completion rate and 2,505 yards last year, positioning him as one of the most efficient passers in the area. Meanwhile, Kaden Long of Central, a senior and Mr. Football finalist in Class 5A, logged 3,327 yards and 28 touchdowns, underscoring his elite status.
Thomas Manu of Alcoa, who posted 3,099 yards and 45 touchdowns while completing 80% of his attempts, led his team to an unprecedented 11th straight state championship, a record that few can match. Mason Mitchell of Eagleton, meanwhile, propelled his side to its first Class 2A state semifinal appearance with 2,781 yards and 29 scores, a breakthrough that has energized the program. Seaton Moffett of CAK, a junior who missed the final five games due to injury, still managed 663 yards and five touchdowns, hinting at potential still untapped.
Cooper Newman of Sevier County captured the Class 5A Mr. Football award after throwing for 3,705 yards and 45 touchdowns, cementing his place among the elite. Gage Privett of Scott distinguished himself as a dual‑threat, finding the end zone 30 times — 20 through the air and 10 on the ground. Brody Sparks of Oak Ridge completed 68% of his passes for 2,310 yards and 18 scores, while Tyson Sutton of Gatlinburg‑Pittman guided his team to its first Class 3A state championship game with 2,783 yards and 25 touchdowns. Adding to the depth, sophomore Kohbe Ward of Concord Christian completed 108 of 180 attempts for 1,848 yards and 19 touchdowns, suggesting a bright future for the young signal‑caller.
The collective talent among these returning quarterbacks promises to reshape the competitive landscape of Knoxville high school football, as each brings a distinct blend of arm strength, accuracy, and leadership that could define the narrative of the upcoming season.