(Players listed in alphabetical order.)

Chase Ames, Dripping Springs: No one broke onto the Central Texas scene more than Ames did in 2025. He threw for 3,682 yards and 47 TDs in helping the Tigers go 12-2 and reach the Class 6A Division II regional finals. 

Nico Anderson, St. Michael’s: If the Warriors are to return to the TAPPS Division I playoffs, it will be due to the senior. Entering his third season as a starter, he’s coming off a year when he threw for 2,719 yards and 29 TDs and ran for 443 yards and nine scores. 

David Cooper, Cedar Park: The Timberwolves will rely even more on the talented dual threat as a senior. A dynamic athlete, he threw for 1,925 yards and 19 TDs and ran for 793 yards and 11 scores last fall.  

Covert Darbyshire, Anderson: The senior sometimes gets overlooked in the Central Texas scene, but he shouldn’t. In his first year as a starter, he passed for 2,285 yards and 19 TDs in helping the Trojans go 10-2. He’s one of the main reasons that Anderson should make the playoffs for the third straight year. 

Jack Devine, Regents: The American-Statesman’s two-time private school player of the year is coming off a junior season when he threw for 3,491 yards and 55 TDs and ran for 727 yards and 12 scores. A San Diego State commit, he’ll likely attract Power 4 attention this fall. 

Kaleb McDougle, Georgetown: His arm will take center stage as the Eagles offense becomes more pass-dominant. Entering his third year as Georgetown’s starter, he finished with 2,232 yards and 25 TDs passing as a junior. 

Weston Nielsen, Bastrop: One of the top quarterbacks in the state who has 15 Power 4 offers, including Texas A&M and Texas Tech, he finished with 3,053 yards and 44 TDs through the air a year ago. 

Jaxon Schad, Weiss: A starter for the Wolves since Week 1 as a freshman, the best lies ahead for the high-profile junior who threw for 3,627 yards and an eye-popping 51 TDs in 2025. 

Dylan Snoga, Cedar Ridge: A freak athlete who also excels for the Raiders track and field team as a sprinter and long-jumper, he accounted for 1,736 yards and 17 TDs as a junior.

Dov Stickler, Round Rock: The senior finished with 1,850 yards and 15 TDs passing after taking over as the Dragons’ starter in late September a year ago and gives the Dragons a chance to compete for the District 25-6A title.