LOS ANGELES — Some of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of football have their roots planted in the San Fernando Valley and the LA Daily News area.
Who is next in line to leave a legacy built on championships like Granada Hills alum John Elway and Oaks Christian grad Jimmy Clausen?
It’s time to unveil the top 10 quarterbacks to watch in 2026.
Chase Curren, Crespi, junior
Curren lets the ball loose with high accuracy and minimal mistakes. He carries poise in the pocket to unleash deep passes downfield despite incoming pressure. Curren led Crespi to a 10-1 season and completed 159 of 238 passes for 2,148 yards, 31 touchdowns and seven interceptions and rushed for 247 yards and seven touchdowns. At 6-foot-2, Curren possesses the athletic build top NCAA Division I programs are looking for as well. The combination of grit and touch has Curren receiving offers from Miami, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Cal, Cincinnati, Houston, Oregon State, Washington, Arizona, Colorado State, Purdue, Syracuse, UConn and San Jose State.
Bryson Kennedy, Oak Park, sophomore
Kennedy is the latest transfer addition who has popped up at Oak Park, originally hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas. The four-star recruit Kennedy was set to start at Texas powerhouse Duncanville before being ruled ineligible, according to a report from the Dallas Morning News. Now he’s emerged at Oak Park, where he’s expected to become the team’s starter. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Kennedy possesses elite arm strength and accuracy that has college scouts enamored with his potential. His abilities from the pocket and pure arm strength are what allow Kennedy to carry multiple Division I offers, including from Michigan, Florida, Miami and Ole Miss.
Deshawn Laporte, Quartz Hill, senior
Laporte’s playmaking ability is exceptional and he becomes a huge addition for Quartz Hill after transferring from Burbank. His ability to scramble, keep his eyes downfield and make accurate throws allowed Burbank to finish 9-3 last season. The Bulldogs bring more experience this season to complement Laporte’s otherworldly production. Laporte completed 223 of 331 passes for 3,900 yards, 51 touchdowns and six interceptions last season and was fourth in the state in passing last year. Laporte’s playing style is elusive and quick. His improvisation skills make for entertaining football on Friday nights. Leporte is committed to Delaware State.
Ford Green, Westlake, sophomore
Green stepped up and proved he could do more than simply take snaps and make simple passes during his freshman campaign. Green became a problem for defenses, being able to sling the ball into the open field from the pocket and displaying leadership beyond his years while Westlake finished the regular season undefeated before a heartbreaking loss in the CIF Southern Section Division 3 first round to Villa Park 28-24. Green completed 157 of 231 passes for 2,195 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Green is being offered by Michigan, Ohio State, Florida State and UConn.
DeMarco Hernandez and Ian Patterson, Sierra Canyon
The battle to become Laird Finkle’s successor is between Hernandez and Patterson. Both players split the ticket in this ranking as the competition to see who starts week zero against JSerra Catholic heats up during summer practices. Hernandez is the experienced leader, having been in the program for four years and is a reliable pocket passer. Patterson is a left-handed dual threat with refined touch. Sierra Canyon’s offense will be lethal no matter who takes snaps with Sir Homer King Webb and Jaxon Sharp at wide receiver spots.
Kris Carranza, Agoura, junior
Carranza is an elite dual-threat at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds. Carranza can survey the field but carries the ability to pick and choose when to run and when to sling the football. A transfer from Sierra Canyon, Carranza hopes he can be the difference for Agoura which finished 10-3 but graduated last season’s senior starter Gavin Gray (222 of 342, 3,520 yards, 45 touchdowns and 12 interceptions). Carranza holds offers from Arizona and Syracuse.
Dominik Hardy, Calabasas, senior
Hardy proved to be a solid presence in the pocket and broke down defenses with his arm and legs. He completed 195 of 308 passes for 2,253 yards, 23 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Calabasas is armed with quality skills players across the field with a veteran arm in Hardy at hand.
Niko Bladow, Oaks Christian, sophomore
Bladow showed he could manage games and improve in what became a surprisingly down year for Oaks Christian. Bladow completed 100 of 198 passes for 1,060 yards, seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions and will look to grow after a summer of offseason work.
Daniel Kakooza, Birmingham, junior
Two years of work, watching film and technique growth have prepared Kakooza to step up and become QB1 for Birmingham. Kakooza’s touch and decision making are at a new high, evidenced by his work during the summer.
Tim Tanner, Sylmar, senior
Tanner, the left-hander, flew under the radar for Sylmar, but proved effective as a passer. Tanner threw for 2,343 yards, 31 touchdowns and six interceptions as a 6-foot, 160-pound playmaker. It was footwork, speed and big-play ability to keep drives alive that became massive for the Spartans who finished 6-5 before a heartbreaking 42-35 loss to North Hollywood in the CIF Division II Section quarterfinals.