By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There are many talented quarterbacks across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top quarterbacks to watch this season. This list is in alphabetical order.
NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other SEVEN football watch lists. In an effort to highlight as many players as possible, A PLAYER CAN ONLY APPEAR ON ONE LIST.
The football watch lists we will be releasing are: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers/Tight Ends, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.
QUARTERBACKS TO WATCH
Brady Carlton, Carthage
It was in the genes for Carlton to be a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback and that showed last year. Carthage head coach Jon Guidie is known for his spread offenses which allowed Carlton to take advantage of running lanes, finishing the season with both 1,000 yards rushing and passing with nearly 30 total touchdowns. The Tigers are on track to have another deep run and Carlton is the triggerman for it all.
Jourdyn Edelstein, Strafford
Another quarterback that has a ton of reps under his belt, you have to love Edelstein heading into his senior season. He throws missiles out of his right arm and has the confidence to make any throw; he’s also one of the best in the area throwing on the run. He threw for 1,175 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior. Completely healthy now, expect a big senior season.
Aden Estep, Mountain Grove
In the O-Zone era, Grove has had some monster quarterbacks that won a ton while putting up crazy numbers in Bobby and Carter Otwell, as well as Tyson Elliott more recently. Estep is somewhat of a mixture, having a big arm like Bobby and Tyson, but having wheels like Carter. As a sophomore he rushed 1,186 and 24 touchdowns while adding nearly another 1,000 through the air. Pair him with Coach Swofford and the Panthers have the foundation for a big year.
Gavin Johnston, Mt. Vernon
Few quarterbacks in the area have taken as many snaps as Johnston, which showed in his breakout junior season. He threw for 2,611 yards with 26 touchdowns, transitioning from a game-manager to a game-changer. He’s tailor-made for the MV offense and should see an uptick in numbers across the board.
Isaiah Jones, West Plains
Jones is the area’s returning leader in passing touchdowns (30) and second in passing yards (2,493) after a monster junior year. He has a huge arm and the freedom to let it go deep. While his weapons will change a little, he’s the kind of quarterback that can elevate those around him. Expect Jones to rewrite some records in his senior campaign.
Luke McCormick, Branson
When you evaluate McCormick, you have to do so in the same manner as you would a Lamar or Webb City quarterback due to style of play. So, when you see his 943 passing yards and 713 rushing yards with 19 total touchdowns, just know it’s coming from a quarterback that isn’t in a spread system like most others on this list. McCormick is excellent at making reads and is a three-year starter. Branson saw a four-win increase from 2022 to 2023 and should be an early favorite to win the new Ozark Mountain Conference.
Cash Newberry, Glendale
Obviously, the system looks a little different than what it has in the past, but Newberry is still a talented quarterback. As a sophomore he passed for 2,274 and 18 touchdowns. He’ll be in a more balanced system this year, but don’t be surprised to see him become more of a threat in the running game. He’s already on D1 radars and Frank Tristan is an experienced coach with a quarterback-friendly system.
Gavin Reese, Liberty
He has spent time at quarterback over the last several years, but his athleticism has also allowed him to star at receiver as well. Reese is a 6-foot-2, four-sport athlete and that ability screams when he’s on the football field. With Carter Pruett gone, Reese will see the bulk of his snaps under center where his arm and legs will make him one of the best dual-threat QBs in the Ozarks.
Peyton Russell, Ozark
Even as a sophomore, you could see Russell’s poise under center and understanding of Ozark’s offense. Now the 6-foot-3 quarterback is an experienced junior returning after passing for 1,393 yards. He looked clean in the jamboree and has some great weapons returning, led by Sam Clark. Russell is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the 2026 class locally.
Spensar Seiger, Fair Grove
The best way to describe Seiger is as a pure football player. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior is an athlete that just makes things happen. He split time under center last year, finishing with 1,221 yards and 15 touchdowns. He added another 1,000 yards on the ground as well. He can throw, he can run, he can return and he makes plays defensively. He’s not just Class 2 good, he’s a really good quarterback no matter what class or conference you put him in.
Alex Wilkerson, Lamar
Lamar is known for running the ball and Wilkerson is elite in the department (804 yards, 12 TDs) but he’s also a playmaker through the air, one of the best that Lamar has seen with his arm after passing for 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s at his best in the big moments of big games, totaling more than 300 yards and four scores in Lamar’s state championship win. You can line him up just about anywhere and he’s elite. Wilkerson could be a 1,000-1,000 guy this fall.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Kellen Braden, Nevada
Logan Decker, New Heights
Karson Durnin, Camdenton
Garrett Ferguson, Warsaw
Chris Halbrook, Forsyth
Easton Hubbard, Stockton
Austin Pickett, Greenfield
Bodee Rose, Cassville
Aidan Rotert, El Dorado Springs
Riley Sanders, Lincoln
Ethan Weaver, Hillcrest
SPECIAL MENTION: Gabe Johnson, Webb City
Gabe is going to miss the entire season as he recovers from a torn ACL, but to call him special would be an understatement. He’s a freak of nature athlete that can change a game in any phase of it. Last year he scored a touchdown via the pass (5), run (13) and catch (2), while also returning kicks for scores. His presence will be missed but he will give defenses fits and have D1 coaches making trips to Webb City in 2025.
