SAN ANGELO, TX — Here are our top 10 quarterbacks to watch heading into the upcoming 2026 high school football season in West Texas:
Chris Alvizo, San Angelo Lake View, Sr.
The 6-foot, 210-pound Alvizo has thrown for nearly 5,000 yards the last two years, and now he’s back for his senior season. Last year, the district Offensive MVP completed just over 70% of his passes while racking up 2,836 passing yards and 37 touchdowns in 11 games. He led the Chiefs to 43 points per game and a 7-4 record, which was their most wins in 29 years. With Alvizo leading the way, there’s reason to believe Lake View can deliver another memorable season.
Micah Smith, San Angelo Central, Sr.
In Smith’s first season at the varsity level, he led the Bobcats to an 8-4 record and their first playoff win since 2020. He threw for 2,281 yards and 27 TDs, while adding 256 rushing yards and three TDs. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Smith is expected to be even better this fall — as evidenced by the fact he was named the District 2-6A Preseason Offensive MVP by Texas Football.
Central quarterback Micah Smith (4) celebrates with wide receiver Gabriel Garcia (1) after a touchdown pass against Midland High on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
Gunner King, Wall, Sr.
No one in the Concho Valley has bigger shoes to fill than King, who is replacing Landon York after he threw for 4,019 yards and 59 TDs last year, leading Wall to its first state title. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound King saw limited action last season, but he was a solid 18-of-30 passing for 291 yards and a TD with no INTS. The Hawks return only three starters on each side of the ball for their title defense, so King will need to find his footing in a hurry.
Luke Tharp, San Saba, Sr.
Tharp is probably overlooked in the Concho Valley, because he plays way out on the edge of our coverage area in San Saba, but he may be our most dangerous rushing QB. The 5-11, 193-pounder carried the ball 200 times last year for 1,581 yards and 20 TDs to earn Offensive MVP honors in his district. He was also a playmaker at defensive back with 67 tackles, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
San Saba quarterback Luke Tharp runs for yardage during the 2025 season.
Cohen Ethridge, Menard, Sr.
Ethridge is one of the best athletes in the state in Class 1A, and the impact of his transfer to Menard can’t be overstated. Last year as Richland Springs’ spread back, he ran for 1,136 yards and 22 TDs, threw for 708 yards and 13 TDs and added 17 catches for 266 yards and five TDs. He also had 106 tackles on defense and a whopping 10 kick returns for scores. He was a first-team all-state selection who went on to claim four medals at the state track meet. Menard went 11-1 last year, and the Yellowjackets could be even more dangerous this season.
Richland Springs spread back Cohen Ethridge sprints to daylight during the 2025 season.
Ryder Balmos, Mason, Jr.
As a sophomore, Balmos helped the Punchers go 10-4 last year and reach the state quarterfinals, where they were within a point of No. 1-ranked Refugio heading into the fourth quarter. The dual-threat QB made an impact with his arm and legs and was named the District 14-2A Division I Newcomer of the Year. With eight other returning offensive starters around him, the 6-4, 185-pound Balmos is primed for a big junior season.
Aaron Segura, Sonora, Sr.
Segura is returning for his third year as the Broncos’ starting QB. His junior season wasn’t as productive as his sophomore campaign, but he still threw for 1,766 yards and 18 TDs in 10 games last year with only five INTs. With eight other returning starters on offense around him, look for Segura (5-9, 160) to put together a big season to help Sonora make a run at the district title.
Ty DeBusk, Christoval, Jr.
DeBusk had an up-and-down first season as a starting QB last year with 1,443 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. He added 589 yards and eight TDs on the ground. That production earned him Offensive Newcomer of the Year in his district. The downside of his sophomore campaign was 15 INTs and a 47% completion rate. The 5-8, 190-pound DeBusk should continue to progress this fall and help Christoval make another playoff push.
Marquis Vargas, Reagan County, Sr.
Vargas stepped into the Owls’ starting lineup last year and threw for 1,430 yards and 16 touchdowns, though the team struggled to a 3-7 record. Head coach Kyle Brown told Texas Football he’s expecting the 5-11, 170-pound Vargas to make a “massive leap” this fall. He’s one of nine returning offensive starters who hope to put Reagan County back in playoff contention.
Liam Yancy, Miles, Sr.
Yancy had a breakout sophomore season in 2024 by throwing for 2,472 yards and 34 TDs in 11 games while completing 64% of his passes. After the Bulldogs graduated nearly every other starter, however, Yancy and Miles took a big step back last season. With the team returning nine starters on both sides of the ball, expect Yancy and the Bulldogs to bounce back this fall.
Honorable Mention
Wyatt Clemens, Ballinger, Sr.
Clemens looked poised for a big season last year after throwing for 250 yards and three TDs in the season opener against Merkel, but he suffered a broken leg late in the game that derailed everything. Clemens has healed up and is back to lead the Bearcats his senior year. The brief flashes of potential he showed last year make him an intriguing player to watch.
Evan Deeds, Richland Springs, Soph.
Deeds is expected to take over as the Coyotes’ QB, and that alone makes him a top prospect considering Richland Springs is one of the state’s best six-man programs. He has already shown glimpses of his talent. He was named the Newcomer of the Year as a freshman on the Texas Six-Man Coaches Association Division II All-State Team. He chipped in all over the field with a combined eight TDs on offense, 43 tackles and four INTs on defense, and served as his team’s kicker.
Brody Walts, Garden City, Sr.
Walts was a first-team all-region running back last year who scored 28 total TDs, and he was a second-team all-region linebacker. He’s moving into the spread back role for the Bearkats this season, and he looks primed for a productive season.
Other Players to Watch
Boston Pitts, Ozona; Coke Murr, Junction; Jack Robbins, Bronte; Luke Seahorn, Irion County; Kort Morrison, Water Valley; Major Smith, Robert Lee; Grant Halsell, Olfen
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