While the high school and college football seasons are just getting started, the truth is the vast majority of the elite talent for the class of 2026 is already off the board.
In fact, every high school senior five-star football prospect has already chosen a school.
So, many programs are starting to turn the page to 2027, and no position comes off the board faster than quarterback.
On Monday morning, Cheshire Academy (Connecticut) elite quarterback Keegan Croucher trimmed his list of nearly 20 scholarship offers down to a final three of Ole Miss, Oregon and Penn State:
NEWS: Four-Star QB Keegan Croucher (2027) is down to 3️⃣ Schools, he tells me for @rivals
The 6’4 205 QB from Fonda, NY is ranked as the No. 9 QB in the ‘27 Class (per Rivals)
Where Should He Go? ⬇️https://t.co/YIYe0LJxCL pic.twitter.com/5g14s6KL9S
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 25, 2025
That cut eliminates the likes of Miami, Michigan, Nebraska and others.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound multi-sport athlete is a top-10 quarterback in his class, but carries significant upside given his well-rounded athletic background.
As a sophomore, Croucher was already one of the best prospects in the entire Northeast, throwing for 2,934 yards and 31 touchdowns with three interceptions.
While the talented young quarterback has not named a leader, there are some who believe Oregon and Penn State are in great shape.
Croucher is set to visit Eugene on November 22 and has spoken highly of the Ducks in the past.
“Oregon has done an excellent job in my recruitment,” Croucher told On3. “I’ve been in touch with them a lot. Their offense speaks for itself. Coach (Will) Stein has done a tremendous job with the offense and their quarterbacks. They have one of the best recruiting classes every year.
Penn State has a long history dominating the Northeast on the recruiting trail and has made Croucher a huge priority.
Here’s what 247Sports had to say about him as a prospect:
“Intriguing three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and baseball and is a legitimate prospect as a pitcher. Had a very productive freshman year, throwing for 2,934 yards and 31 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He’s a big strong kid with a projectable 6-4, 190 pound frame that we can easily see carrying another 20-25 pounds or so when he’s playing in college. Has a live arm and easy velocity, can get the ball down the field with ease without a big windup. Strong mechanically with a tight release and can throw from different arm angles. Shows good mobility in the pocket, can feel pressure and either climb the pocket or escape outside and make plays off-script. Has a really nice all around game and looks like one of the better pure throwers in the ’27 class. Projects as a high Power 4 prospect who should be recruited at the national level.”
