The world of high school football in Ohio is about to witness an exciting era, with a plethora of talented quarterbacks poised to take center stage. This article delves into the top 10 Akron-area quarterbacks to watch in the upcoming 2026 season, offering a glimpse into the future of the sport and the potential stars that will shape it.
Rising Stars and Legacy Names
The depth of talent at the quarterback position in Greater Akron is remarkable, and it's been a while since we've seen such a promising group. From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming rookies, these young athletes are set to leave their mark on the gridiron.
Brysen Hall: A Season to Remember
Brysen Hall, a 6-foot tall, 198-pound quarterback from Wadsworth, is coming off an impressive season. He earned first-team Division II All-Ohio honors, showcasing his skills with 2,490 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. With offers from prestigious universities like Pittsburgh and Kent State, Hall's future looks bright.
Steven Fakult: A Rising Force
Nordonia's Steven Fakult is another standout quarterback. He completed an impressive 199 passes for 3,072 yards and 27 touchdowns, earning him second-team Division II All-Ohio recognition. Fakult's performance has already attracted attention from Findlay, Walsh, and Clarion.
David Ternosky: Leading the Warriors
David Ternosky, a 6-foot, 185-pound quarterback from Walsh Jesuit, led his team to the state semifinals for the first time in over two decades. His all-around game, including 1,455 passing yards and 404 rushing yards, earned him second-team all-district honors.
Dylan Fantone: A Promising Prospect
Twinsburg's Dylan Fantone is a quarterback to watch. He completed over 2,300 passing yards and 23 touchdowns in 2025, attracting offers from Valparaiso and Gannon. With interest from Youngstown State, Fantone's future looks promising.
Breaking Out and Living Up to the Name
Hayden Lipinski: Primed for a Breakout
Hudson's Hayden Lipinski is set for a breakout season after an impressive junior year. With 1,654 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, he's a force to be reckoned with.
Major Cribbs: Carrying the Family Legacy
Major Cribbs, a 6-foot, 185-pound quarterback from Hoban, is following in the footsteps of his father, Cleveland Browns legend Josh Cribbs. Major has already made a name for himself with a great 7-on-7 season and an offer from Kent State, his father's alma mater.
Trey Kersten: A Third-Team All-Ohio Honor
Norton's Trey Kersten earned third-team Division IV All-Ohio honors last year. With 1,784 passing yards and 260 rushing yards, Kersten has offers from Heidelberg and Baldwin Wallace.
Dane Wininger: A Rising Rookie
Copley's Dane Wininger had a breakout season last year, completing over 1,300 passing yards and rushing for 324 yards and eight touchdowns.
Chase Herbert: Filling Big Shoes
Green's Chase Herbert steps into the role of replacing All-Ohio quarterback Tyler Hunka. With over 1,000 passing yards and 457 rushing yards, Herbert is a dual-threat quarterback with a bright future.
Arthur Thomas: A City Series Standout
Arthur Thomas, a 6-foot, 5-inch tall quarterback from Buchtel, earned first-team All-City Series honors. With 1,042 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, he has already attracted offers from Kent State and Miami (Ohio).
A New Era of Quarterback Talent
The 2026 season promises to be an exciting one for high school football fans in Ohio. With a deep pool of talented quarterbacks, the future of the sport looks bright. These young athletes are not just statistics on a page; they represent the passion, dedication, and potential that make high school football so captivating. As we watch them take the field, we witness the making of legends and the shaping of a new era in Ohio high school football.
