Arizona Preseason Top 10 Quarterbacks: The State's Best Entering 2026

Here are our preseason Top 10 quarterbacks entering the 2026 Arizona high school football season. 1. Will Mencl (Chandler) A Class of 2027 prospect committed to Oregon, Mencl has thrown for 4,873 career passing yards, 44 touchdowns, and owns a 70% completion rate. During his junior season, he passed for 3,815 yards and 33 touchdowns while completing 70% of his passes.

The top quarterback in Arizona enters the season after one of the best junior campaigns in state history. His combination of arm talent, accuracy, and decision-making has made him one of the nation's elite recruits and the leader of another Open Division contender.

Will Mencl stands during the national anthem before Chandler's Open Division semifinal matchup against Hamilton on Nov. 29th, 2025. (Jonathan Olden/Bamboo Sports Media)

2. Blake Roskopf (Desert Edge) The Class of 2027 Washington commit has accumulated 5,018 career passing yards, 56 touchdowns, and a 66% completion percentage. In 2025, Roskopf threw for 2,815 yards and 37 touchdowns while completing 66% of his passes.

Roskopf returns to one of the state's most talented rosters with another championship run in sight. Surrounded by Division I talent, he'll once again be one of Arizona's most productive passers.

Blake Roskopf scans the field during Desert Edge's matchup against Cactus Shadows on Aug. 28, 2025. (Wyatt Haiflich/Bamboo Sports Media)

3. Kael Snyder (Perry) A Class of 2027 Boise State commit, Snyder has totaled 4,869 career passing yards and 44 touchdowns. Last season he finished with 2,720 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and a 57% completion rate.

One of the state's most experienced quarterbacks, Snyder continues to be the steady leader of Perry's offense. His leadership and production make the Pumas a serious Open Division threat.

Kael Snyder running up the field while against Chandler on Oct. 10th, 2025. (David Venezia)

4. Jax Sculley (Hamilton) The Class of 2028 quarterback is currently uncommitted after posting 3,040 career passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and a 66% completion percentage. As a sophomore, he exploded for 2,947 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Already recognized as a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American, Scully possesses arguably the highest ceiling of any quarterback in Arizona. His connection with USC commit Roye Oliver III gives Hamilton one of the state's most dangerous offenses.

Jax Scully celebrating while facing the Basha Bears on Oct. 24th, 2025. (Thomas Guzman/Bamboo Sports Media)

5. Kane "Boogie" Anetema (Mesa HS) A Class of 2027 prospect, Anetema remains uncommitted while owning 5,733 career passing yards, 56 touchdowns, and a 60% completion rate. In his first season at Mesa, he threw for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns while splitting time at quarterback.

Now entering the season as the full-time starter, Anetema has the opportunity to showcase his talent. With another offseason alongside his brother Kingston, Mesa could emerge as one of Arizona's biggest surprises.

Kane "Boogie" Anetema looking down field for a receiver against Perry on Oct. 30th, 2025. (David Venezia)

6. Jake Rodgers (Basha) The Class of 2027 quarterback is committed to Princeton and has thrown for 1,545 career yards, 13 touchdowns, and completed 68% of his passes.

Rodgers' statistics don't tell the full story. After taking over late in the season, he led Basha to an Open Division State Championship and proved he can perform when the stakes are highest.

Basha quarterback Jake Rodgers celebrates after finding the end zone on a rushing touchdown against Chandler in the Open Division State Championship on Dec. 6, 2025. (Thomas Guzman/Bamboo Sports Media)

7. Dayne Silver (Red Mountain) Silver, a Class of 2028 quarterback, currently holds an offer from Northern Arizona. He enters the season with 2,395 career passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a 62% completion percentage, including 2,292 yards and 23 touchdowns as a sophomore.

One of Arizona's biggest offseason transfers, Silver immediately raises expectations for Red Mountain. His arm talent and experience make the Mountain Lions a team to watch.

Dayne Silver delivers a pass during Arizona State University's 7-on-7 competition on June 2, 2026. (Jonathan Olden/Bamboo Sports Media)

8. Grant Garduno (Desert Mountain) A Class of 2027 quarterback committed to play baseball at Saint Mary's College of California, Garduno has thrown for 2,690 career yards and 25 touchdowns while completing 65% of his passes. Last season he accounted for 2,387 yards and 22 touchdowns.

The returning quarterback for the defending 5A State Champions, Garduno has built a reputation for his efficiency, leadership, and ability to perform in big moments. While his future is on the baseball diamond, he'll look to cap off his football career by leading Desert Mountain on another deep postseason run.

Grant Garduno carries the ball during Desert Mountain's 5A State Championship victory over Canyon View on Dec. 5, 2025. (Jonathan Olden/Bamboo Sports Media)

9. Tee Smith (Casteel) A Class of 2027 quarterback with offers from Washington and Northern Arizona, Smith has thrown for 2,325 career passing yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 63% of his passes. During his junior season, he accounted for 2,325 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and a 63% completion percentage.

Smith may be Arizona's most underrated quarterback entering the season. He guided Casteel to the 6A State Championship while showcasing his dual-threat ability, highlighted by a dominant championship game performance in which he rushed for 172 yards and two touchdowns. With another year of experience, Smith has the Colts positioned to contend for another state title.

Tee Smith carries the ball during Casteel's 6A State Championship victory over Centennial on Dec. 6, 2025. (Thomas Guzman/Bamboo Sports Media)

10. Jonah Lubno (Campo Verde) The Class of 2027 quarterback is committed to Utah after throwing for 1,591 yards, 18 touchdowns, and completing 65% of his passes during his first varsity season.

Lubno quickly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in 5A football. With another year of experience, he enters 2026 as one of the favorites for 5A Player of the Year.

Jonah Lubno warms up before Campo Verde's matchup against Mountain Pointe on Oct. 9, 2025. (Ashton Gundlach/Bamboo Sports Media)

Honorable Mentions

Just outside the top 10 are several quarterbacks capable of climbing the rankings as the season unfolds. Dominick Barjona (Williams Field) remains one of Arizona's most consistent and underrated passers after leading a balanced Black Hawks offense. Luke Farrell (Corona del Sol) enters his senior year with nearly 4,000 career passing yards and the experience to keep the Aztecs competitive. Titus Hill (Centennial) returns with an improved supporting cast and has the tools to lead the Coyotes back into Open Division contention.

Community Poll: Who should be Arizona's No. 1 quarterback entering the 2026 season?

• Will Mencl (Chandler)
• Blake Roskopf (Desert Edge)
• Kaol Snyder (Perry)
• Jax Scully (Hamilton)

See All Options

You can vote for more than one answer.