QB1 NATION HOTLIST

 

Youth Football’s Top Quarterbacks-2025 Season

Pocket Passers (PP-QB) & Dual Threats (DT-QB)

The 2025 youth football season once again proved that elite quarterback play is no longer an exception—it’s the standard. From California to Texas, Georgia to South Florida, this class of young signal callers showcased advanced processing, arm talent, and leadership well beyond their years. Below is our QB1 Nation Hotlist, featuring detailed scouting breakdowns of the most impactful youth quarterbacks heading into and exiting the 2025 season.

 

T.J Fortier

Position: QB

QB Type: PP-QB with functional mobility

Team: Simi Valley Bulldogs (CA)

Class: 2031

Skinny :

Fortier is the prototype modern pocket passer with creative instincts that separate him from his peers. His improvisational ability is elite, turning broken plays into explosive gains without sacrificing downfield vision. What stands out most is his natural pocket feel—he climbs the pocket or slides laterally while keeping his shoulders square and eyes locked downfield.

Fortier flashes high-end arm strength, capable of driving the football into tight windows or leading receivers into the end zone on deep routes. His touch passing, especially on seam balls and layered throws, is advanced for his age group. Accuracy is a defining trait—his completion rate over the past two seasons reflects consistency and command.

While classified primarily as a pocket passer, his functional mobility adds value on rollouts and designed movement throws. California’s long-standing quarterback tradition continues, and Fortier looks every bit like the next name in that lineage.

Overall Evaluation 

Fortier displays one of the most complete quarterback skill sets in the 2031 class. His ability to win from the pocket while creating outside structure places him in rare company at the youth level. He consistently turns chaos into opportunity without compromising downfield vision.

Arm Talent

Fortier possesses upper-tier arm strength for his age, capable of driving the ball through narrow windows and pushing vertical routes with velocity and confidence. His ability to vary trajectory stands out—he can flatten throws or layer touch passes depending on coverage leverage.

Accuracy & Ball Placement

Accuracy is a defining trait. Fortier leads receivers away from coverage, particularly on seams, digs, and deep outs. His high completion percentage over multiple seasons reflects repeatable mechanics and advanced anticipation.

Pocket Presence & Processing

Elite. Fortier senses pressure naturally, stepping forward or sliding laterally while maintaining balance and posture. His eyes remain active, and he does not panic when initial reads are covered.

Athleticism & Mobility

Not a run-first quarterback, but efficient and purposeful when moving. His mobility enhances the passing game on rollouts and broken plays.

Developmental Areas

Continued refinement of timing against disguised coverages and increased comfort throwing on schedule will elevate his ceiling even further.

Projection

National QB1 candidate in the 2031 cycle. Long-term Power 5 caliber pocket passer.

 

Mike Hickmon

Position: DT-QB

Team: DEA (TX)

Class: 2031

Skinny :

Texas powerhouse DEA once again fields an offense led by a dominant field general. Hickmon is the engine behind one of the nation’s most dangerous RPO systems, combining physicality, athleticism, and decision-making.

For an athlete his size, Hickmon’s movement skills are borderline surreal. He glides downfield with power and burst, shrugging off defenders and extending plays. His build allows him to remain sturdy in the pocket while maintaining above-average mobility.

Hickmon’s arm strength is more than sufficient to keep defenses honest, preventing stacked boxes and allowing DEA’s offense to operate at full capacity. His ability to fit throws into tight windows is consistent, and his red-zone production speaks for itself—15+ rushing touchdowns while accounting for 30+ total touchdowns on the season.

Despite DEA falling short of its championship goal, Hickmon elevated his game significantly from 2024, showing real growth as a complete

Overall Evaluation

Hickmon is a physically imposing quarterback who thrives in an RPO-heavy offense. His blend of size, strength, and athleticism forces defenses to account for all phases of the attack.

Arm Talent

Above-average arm strength with the ability to throw with velocity on glance routes and deep play-action shots. Keeps safeties honest and prevents defensive overloads.

Accuracy & Decision-Making

Consistent in rhythm-based throws and excels when the offense is operating at tempo. Comfortable fitting the ball into congested windows.

Pocket Toughness

Elite physical resilience. Hickmon stands tall under pressure and absorbs contact without losing mechanics.

Run Threat

Major red-zone weapon. Uses size and power to finish runs, accounting for 15+ rushing touchdowns.

Developmental Areas

Further growth as a full-field progression passer and improved anticipation vs elite secondaries.

Projection

High-ceiling DT-QB with college-style offense experience.

 

Mason Moore

Position: DT-QB

Team: North Philly Blackhawks (PA)

Class: 2031

Skinny :

North Philly’s offensive evolution tells the story here. You don’t shift from power football to a balanced, wide-open attack without elite quarterback play—and Moore delivered.

Early in his career, Moore was known as an athletic runner with arm talent but limited patience. In 2025, that changed. Moore showed poise, composure, and trust in the pocket, allowing the offense to flourish through the air. He dissected defenses, distributed the football efficiently, and led his team to a dominant National Championship run.

The arm strength has always been there—he possesses a true flamethrower—but improvements in timing and decision-making elevated his game. Accuracy and base consistency remain areas for refinement, particularly when surveying the field from a stable platform.

Overall Evaluation

Moore’s evolution from athlete to quarterback is one of the most impressive developmental arcs in the country. His 2025 season validated his ability to command a pass-heavy attack.

Arm Talent 

High-end velocity with the ability to stretch the field vertically. Ball jumps off his hand naturally.

Pocket Growth

Showed significant improvement in patience and trust, allowing plays to develop instead of forcing runs.

Accuracy

Trending upward. When his base is set, Moore delivers strikes with confidence.

Athletic Profile 

Still a legitimate dual-threat runner who can punish defenses when lanes open.

Developmental Areas

Needs more consistency with lower-body mechanics and post-snap coverage recognition.

Projection

Ascending DT-QB with championship-level upside.

 

Austin Costa

Position: PP-QB

Team: Lauderdale Lakes (FL)

Class: 2031

Skinny :

Costa’s rise has been methodical—and impressive. From Plantation Wildcats at 10u to Lauderdale Lakes at 12u, his game has leveled up every season. 2025 was his breakout, highlighted by multiple four-touchdown passing performances.

A true student of the game, Costa operates like a coach on the field—vocal, prepared, and in complete command. Already standing 5’11”, his projected frame suggests even greater arm strength ahead, though it’s already borderline elite. His comfort range extends beyond 50 yards, delivering deep balls with excellent trajectory and touch.

Costa’s mechanics can drift at times, but his ability to throw from multiple arm slots keeps defenses guessing. His size and aggressive mentality make him effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations as well.

Overall Evaluation

Costa is a polished, cerebral quarterback with prototype size trending in his favor. He operates with command and confidence that separates leaders from throwers.

Arm Talent

Borderline elite. Comfortable beyond 50 yards with excellent arc and touch.

Mental Processing

Exceptional preparation and situational awareness. Functions like an on-field coach.

Mechanics

Slight inconsistencies, but adaptable from multiple arm angles.

Pocket Play

Shows improving footwork and composure; best football still ahead.

Projection

High-floor pocket passer with long-term upside tied to physical maturation.

 

Deuce Fletcher

Position: DT-QB

Team: Rarebreed (GA)

Class: 2033

Skinny :

Fletcher may be young, but his game is already seasoned. After flashing during RDE’s 9u YNC title run, his move to Rarebreed’s loaded 10u roster allowed his full skill set to shine on the biggest stage.

Mechanically, Fletcher is polished—clean dropbacks, consistent foot placement, and sharp follow-through. He remains calm under pressure, working through progressions rather than locking onto targets. His pocket presence is advanced, staying compact even when flushed.

While his deep-range arm strength hasn’t fully caught up to elite older peers, his accuracy is unmatched in his age group. That arm strength is expected to develop naturally with age and continued training.

Overall Evaluation

Despite his youth, Fletcher plays with the composure of an older quarterback. His mechanics and accuracy are advanced well beyond his age group.

Arm Talent

Solid now with clear room for growth. Ball comes out clean with repeatability.

Accuracy

Among the best in the country for his class.

Pocket Management

Processes pressure calmly and works progressions efficiently.

Development Areas

Strength gains and deeper range throws.

Projection

Early QB1 watchlist candidate in 2033.

 

Anthony “Deuce” Woods

Position: DT-QB

Team: TFA

Class: 2030

Skinny :

Few quarterbacks experienced a bigger transformation than Woods. Once viewed as a versatile athlete, he stepped onto a high school campus as an 8th grader and immediately became a varsity starting quarterback, leading a massive win over powerhouse Lakeland.

At 6’3”, 180 lbs, Woods blends size, arm strength, and mobility. He delivers darts from the pocket and uses his legs to punish defenses that overcommit. His accuracy—when protected—is among the best in the 2030 class.

Woods’ ceiling is immense, and his rapid ascension into high-level competition speaks volumes.

Overall Evaluation

Woods combines prototype size with explosive athleticism. His transition to high school competition revealed legitimate quarterback traits.

Arm Strength

Elite. Few 2030 passers can match his raw power.

Mobility

Dynamic runner who stresses defenses horizontally and vertically.

Accuracy

High-level when operating on schedule.

Projection

Florida’s most physically gifted 2030 QB.

 

Loukas Rettas

Position: PP-QB

Team: Royal Palm Beach Wildcats (FL)

Class: 2031

Skinny :

Rettas’ growth spurt ignited one of the most dominant breakout seasons in South Florida. At 5’11”, 160 lbs, he commands the field with confidence and precision, delivering clutch performances against elite competition.

His pinpoint accuracy is the calling card—whether lofting deep buckets or slicing defenses on intermediate routes. Rettas thrives under pressure, standing tall and delivering strikes even when collapsing pockets threaten.

Big games bring out his best, and his 2025 campaign vaulted him into the national QB conversation.

Overall Evaluation

Rettas is a pure thrower who thrives under pressure. His breakout season solidified him as one of the most dangerous passers in the country.

Accuracy & Touch 

Elite ball placement at all three levels.

Pocket Confidence

Fearless. Delivers strikes while absorbing pressure.

Projection

High-level pocket passer with big-game DNA.

 

Avery Edwards 

Position: DT-QB

Team: Georgia Eagles

Class: 2031

Skinny :

Avery Edwards continues to separate himself as one of the most reliable and battle-tested quarterbacks in the 2031 class. A proven winner and two-time YNC National Champion, Edwards combines toughness, intelligence, and efficiency in a way that translates to consistent offensive success. Even while dealing with a broken hand and cast during the season, Edwards showed leadership and competitive resolve, never allowing circumstances to dictate performance.

Offensive Command & Rpo Ability 

Edwards thrived as a high-level RPO quarterback, consistently making correct post-snap decisions and keeping defenses off balance. He shows excellent understanding of leverage, second-level defenders, and timing within run-pass concepts. His ability to quickly diagnose whether to hand off, pull, or throw allows the offense to stay ahead of the chains and operate with rhythm. Edwards rarely forces plays, instead taking what the defense gives him and turning efficiency into production.

Arm Talent & Baseball Translation

Edwards’ baseball background is evident in the way the ball comes out of his hand. As a pitcher-level thrower, he generates easy velocity with a compact release and strong wrist snap. While his offense does not frequently demand 30+ yard throws, Edwards has repeatedly shown he can push the ball downfield when opportunities present themselves, delivering accurate vertical shots off play-action or broken coverage. His ability to change arm angles and throw on the move mirrors the traits of a multi-sport athlete.

Accuracy & Ball Placement 

Edwards excels in the short-to-intermediate passing game, particularly on quick hitters, RPO slants, outs, and seams. He places the football in stride, allowing receivers to create after the catch. His accuracy remains consistent even when pressured, and he shows confidence throwing into tight windows when timing is right.

Pocket Presence & Mobilty

While classified as a dual-threat, Edwards is most comfortable operating from within the pocket. He stands tall behind his offensive line, maintains eye discipline, and slides subtly to avoid pressure rather than immediately escaping. His athleticism becomes a weapon in short-yardage and red-zone situations, where he can punish defenses that overcommit to coverage.

Development Areas

Footwork remains a focal point, particularly on deeper dropbacks and longer-developing concepts. As he transitions into high school systems that ask more of him vertically, continued refinement of lower-body mechanics and timing will unlock another level of production.

Projection

Edwards profiles as a high-efficiency dual-threat passer with championship experience and advanced RPO command. His baseball-driven arm talent provides untapped vertical upside, and his poise, toughness, and decision-making give him a strong foundation for success at the high school level and beyond.

 

Caden Dollar

Position: DT-QB

Team: Mossy Creek Middle School (GA)

Class: 2030

Skinny:

Dollar carries expectations—and meets them. At 6’0”, with elite arm strength and top-tier accuracy, he carved up middle school competition and earned national praise.

He’s not a speed merchant but is a tough downhill runner, and his ability to buy time enhances his already lethal accuracy. Pocket comfort remains an area to monitor, but the tools are undeniable.

Overall Evaluation

Dollar blends elite arm talent with top-tier accuracy.

Strengths

Downfield velocity, accuracy, pocket extension.

Development Areas

Comfort operating from a structured pocket.

Projection :

Georgia’s next elite quarterback prospect with national QB1 potential.

 

Kole Moody

Position: PP-QB

Team: Southside Selma (AL)

Class: 2030

Skinny :

Moody’s numbers are staggering—5,093 yards, 58+ touchdowns, and nearly 400 yards per game. Playing against older competition, he processes quickly, throws with touch, and consistently hits receivers in stride.

Critics can point to supporting talent, but the film tells the real story: advanced decision-making, elite deep-ball touch, and command of the offense.

Overall Evaluation

Moody is a production monster with refined passing traits.

Deep Ball

Best touch in the class.

Processing

Quick and decisive.

Projection :

Potential all-time high school record holder.

 

C.J. Beresovoy

Position: PP-QB

Team: Enon Eagles (PA)

Class: 2030

Skinny :

Beresovoy may not overwhelm physically, but his football IQ and competitiveness are elite. He gets the ball out quickly, throws with confidence, and elevates everyone around him.

A true gamer with leadership qualities, he profiles as a quarterback who wins games and locker rooms.

Overall Evaluation

A gamer who wins with IQ and confidence.

Strengths

Quick release, accuracy, leadership.

Projection :

High-IQ pocket passer with strong leadership and production traits.

 

Aiden Nunez

Position: PP-QB

Team: Barrington Broncos (IL)

Class: 2030

Skinny :

The southpaw from Illinois- is one of the most technically sound quarterbacks in his class. Nunez’s mechanics, footwork, and progression reading are consistently sharp.

Accuracy is his defining trait, and while his deep arm strength is still developing, it’s already competitive. Expect steady improvement as his frame matures.

Overall Evaluation

Technically advanced with elite accuracy.

Strengths

Mechanics, pocket discipline, progressions.

Projection :

High-ceiling southpaw passer.

Final Take :

The future of football is in good hands. This QB1 Nation Hotlist represents not just talent—but evolution. These quarterbacks are processing faster, throwing better, and leading earlier than ever before.