Top High School Quarterbacks to Watch in California for 2026 Season

The Rising Stars of California Football

As the 2026 high school football season approaches, California is once again set to showcase an impressive lineup of talented quarterbacks. With a long history of producing NFL talent, the Golden State continues to groom future stars, with notable alumni including Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold and passing leader Jared Goff.

According to a report from Sports Illustrated, here are some of the top quarterbacks to keep an eye on this upcoming season.

Key Quarterbacks to Watch

1. Brady Edmunds (Huntington Beach, Sr.)

College Commitment: Ohio State
Standing at 6'5" and weighing 220 pounds, Edmunds is already making waves as the No. 17 ranked quarterback nationally. Last season, he threw for an impressive 2,724 yards and 32 touchdowns, with only two interceptions. Over his career, he has amassed 8,637 passing yards and 92 touchdowns, along with 668 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.

2. Zachary Benitez (Granite Hills, Sr.)

College Commitment: San Jose State
Benitez is making a name for himself, having thrown for 4,009 yards and 42 touchdowns in 2025. His 6'2", 210-pound frame gives him the advantage needed to excel against tough competition. He ranks as the No. 3 junior quarterback in California and No. 54 nationally among 2027 recruits.

3. Jaden Jefferson (Corona Centennial, Sr.)

College Commitment: Hawaii
Despite being only 5'9" and 180 pounds, Jefferson's talent is undeniable. As a transfer from Cathedral-Los Angeles, he will lead one of the nation’s top teams, coming off a season where he threw for 3,348 yards and 36 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 640 yards. He is ranked as the No. 106 quarterback in the nation.

4. Dane Weber (Chaparral-Temecula, Sr.)

College Commitment: Cal
Weber, the nation’s No. 33 quarterback prospect, threw for 3,645 yards and 41 touchdowns last year. He boasts impressive accuracy, completing 70% of his passes while also rushing for 688 yards and 14 touchdowns.

5. Koa Malau'ulu (St. John Bosco, Jr.)

College Commitment: Uncommitted
Malau'ulu led his team with 2,361 passing yards and 33 touchdowns last season. At 6'2" and 180 pounds, he has the potential to be a standout player in one of the country’s most competitive leagues.

6. Jelani Dippel (Central East-Fresno, Sr.)

College Commitment: Undecided
Though 5'11" and 160 pounds, Dippel’s production speaks volumes. He had an extraordinary season, leading juniors with 4,583 passing yards and 58 touchdowns, contributing to his team's state championship run.

7. Taylor Lee (Pacifica-Oxnard, Sr.)

College Commitment: Portland State
Lee threw for 4,059 yards and 53 touchdowns, leading his team to a stellar 15-1 record. His performance places him as the second leading quarterback behind Dippel last season.

8. Brody Rudnicki (Folsom, Sr.)

College Commitment: Cal
After stepping up unexpectedly during a playoffs run, Rudnicki helped lead Folsom to a state title with six touchdowns in the finals. His 6'2", 210-pound frame adds to his potential.

Additional Prospects

Alongside these leading quarterbacks, the list includes many promising players such as Caden Jones (Crean Lutheran), Ryan Rakowski (Palos Verdes), and Jacob Anzaldua (Banning), showcasing a deep talent pool that highlights California's rich football heritage.

With the offseason gearing up, these top high school quarterbacks are set to capture the attention of college scouts and football fans alike. As they prepare for a competitive 2026 season, they are not just vying for success on the field, but also for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of California's NFL greats.