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USA TODAY HSS staff’s top 10 quarterbacks to watch from class of 2025

Oct 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) scrambles out of the pocket against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to playing for the University of Southern California Trojans and has been considered one of the top high school quarterback prospects. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) scrambles out of the pocket against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to playing for the University of Southern California Trojans and has been considered one of the top high school quarterback prospects. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) scrambles out of the pocket against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to playing for the University of Southern California Trojans and has been considered one of the top high school quarterback prospects. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 high school football season is underway, with plenty of storylines to watch as the August openers kick off a frantic rush toward playoff football in November and December.

One of the biggest headliners this season is the class of 2025 quarterbacks, a group that’s separated by the slimmest of margins and scouting breakdowns when looking at the top 15 or so.

While QBs will always be a heavy focus, this specific group carries additional attention as the second class to enter the NCAA’s new-look Power Four, which included aggressive NIL opportunities stretching into the millions.

Before all that, however—from the commits to the flips and college Saturdays—the final chapter of the collective’s high school career remains to be written.

With that in mind, here are the USA TODAY HSS staff picks for the top 10 class of 2025 QBs to watch this season — a ranking just as much about intrigue as the recruiting hierarchy.

10. Akili Smith Jr., Lincoln (San Diego, Calif.)

Kicking off the list with a top-tier talent out west — and a very familiar name in football circles. Akili Smith Jr. turned heads in 2023, completing 148 of 234 passes for 2,431 yards and 25 TDs, and has continued to progress as the 2024 campaign nears. The son of former NFL QB (and Oregon Duck standout) Akili Smith, the 6-foot-5 senior and future Duck should be one to watch this season, as made evident by his Elite 11 highlights.

9. Madden Iamaleava, Warren High School (Downey, Calif.)

This will only be Madden’s second season as the starting quarterback for Warren, which is expected when your older brother and current Tennessee Vol slinger, Nico, was in front of you. Madden possesses the same electric ability as his brother, a mix of accuracy and decent mobility that helped the Bears make it to the CIF-SS Division 3 semifinal in a competitive Gateway League in 2023. The follow-up act for the UCLA Bruin commit should make for a fun watch.

8. Matt Zollers, Spring-Ford (Royersford, Pa.)

Zollers brings the type of dual-threat ability many coaches would want taking the field each Friday or Saturday—especially when considering the fact that the arm talent side of the equation is above average and can produce throws over 60 yards. He set a school record of 2,917 yards last season. The Missouri commit’s follow-up act should be one to watch.

7. George MacIntyre, Brentwood Academy (Tenn.)

At 6-foot-5 and change, MacIntyre has all the looks and attributes of a high-caliber quarterback—a powerful arm, solid timing, and the ability to work out of trouble when the pock breaks down. The Tennessee Vols commit had a strong junior campaign, though many in the football world look to see if he can improve on the 12 interceptions. Overall, he’s certainly a talent to watch this coming season.

6. Julian Lewis, Carrollton (Ga.)

Lewis reclassified to the Class of 2025, so we’re watching a talent that, in reality, is a junior well ahead of the curve. He’s not the biggest, fastest, or strongest on this list, but he may just be the most complete quarterback. While many will be watching to see where he finally lands in ’25—will it be USC or a flip to Colorado?—Lewis’ lead of Super 25 contender Carrollton should make for must-see TV.

5. Husan Longstreet, Centennial (Corona, Calif.)

Centennial opens up the 2024 campaign inside the top 10 of the USA TODAY Sports Super 25, and much of that prestige comes from Longstreet lining up under center. The 5-star Texas A&M commit has an absolute cannon for an arm, complemented with touch and accuracy. The CIF SS is always a tough road to glory, of course, which includes the Huskies opening up against No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.). That alone makes Longstreet—who is a highlight-reel talent—a must-watch this of the season.

Texas A&M QB commit Husan Longstreet has one of the strongest arms in recent cycles. Put some high-level, translatable throws on film in 2 playoff games last fall. Threw into tight windows from the pocket. Offense averaged 52+ PPG vs. top competition pic.twitter.com/LDyhyfld8E

— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) July 25, 2024

4. Deuce Knight, George County High School (Lucedale, Miss.)

While much of the buzz surrounding Deuce Knight has been a possible commitment flip from Notre Dame to Auburn, we’re just as eager to watch the left-handed slinger take the field for the 2024 season. At nearly 6-foot-5 and weighing 206 pounds, the dual-threat QB has all the tools to make for a top-tier playcaller and should flourish during his first full season at George County.

3. Keelon Russell, Duncanville (Texas)

Russell has been the signal caller for one of the most dominant teams for the past several years, which includes an appearance in the upper tier of the USA TODAY Sports Super 25. The Alabama commit is another dual-threat QB who can absolutely torment defenses with his legs and arm. He led Duncanville to a 14-1 record and a Texas 6A D-1 state title in 2023; we’re certainly looking forward to the follow-up act in 2024.

2. Tavien St. Clair, Bellefontaine (Ohio)

St. Clair escalated quickly on the national stage last year, setting a school record of 3,983 yards and 37 passing touchdowns. Look for the five-star Ohio State Buckeye commit to continue progressing this season, with the 6-foot-4 Elite 11 talent developing into an even more dynamic game-changer.

1. Bryce Underwood, Belleville (Mich.)

We arrive at the No. 1 spot with a national spotlight on the No.1 QB in the 2025 class, Bryce Underwood. While scouting is, at best, a guessing game, it’s hard to discount Underwood’s status, with the talented QB putting on a show in 2023 that kept the Tigers in the USA TODAY Super 25 for much of the season—the season ended in a disappointing upset at the hands of Southfield A&T in the Division 1 state championship. Look for the five-star LSU commit to make his story end differently in 2024.

This article originally appeared on High School Sports Wire: USA TODAY HSS staff’s top 10 quarterbacks to watch from class of 2025

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Publish date : 2024-08-17 05:32:00

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