2026 ESPN Junior 300 recruit rankings: Best fits for top QBs, next Marvin Harrison Jr. and more

It's been a strong fall for the top quarterbacks in this class, many of whom are already committed. Those performances are reflected in our latest update of the 2026 ESPN Junior 300.

In this latest update we're examining how these top young signal callers' fit within their future offenses and projecting the potential home, based on overall fit, for our top passer, Jared Curtis.

We also dive into comparisons for other top positional prospects. Here's what you need to know about the top junior recruits:

Jump to a section:
QB fits
Where Curtis goes
Best comparisons

How the top five QB commits will fit

Dia Bell, Texas commit

ESPN Jr. 300 rank: 5

How he'll fit: Bell's fit with Texas is very similar to Arch Manning. Bell is a supreme passer who is a better athlete and runner than Quinn Ewers, and the Longhorns can groom and develop him at a reasonable pace. A naturally gifted passer, Bell will only get bigger and stronger while polishing his fundamentals while he joins the program.

Faizon Brandon, Tennessee commit

ESPN Jr. 300 rank: 10

How he'll fit: There seems to be a trend here with Tennessee quarterbacks in terms of stature, athleticism and arm strength. Brandon has very similar traits to former Vol Hendon Hooker and current quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and he's a much more accurate player than Joe Milton. Brandon isn't quite as polished at the same stage as Iamaleava, but he throws the deep ball extremely well which is a requirement in this scheme.

Brady Smigiel, Florida State commit

ESPN Jr. 300 rank: 36

How he'll fit: Aside from the 2024 season, Mike Norvell's offenses have been extremely quarterback-friendly with solid athletes and accurate passers making the difference. A player does not have to have an elite skill set to flourish, they just need to be smart, decisive and accurate -- all traits that Smigiel possesses. Smigiel is very similar to Jordan Travis, who flourished in the Florida State offense.

Will Griffin, Florida commit

ESPN Jr. 300 rank: 58

How he'll fit: Griffin will bring many of the same traits to Florida's scheme that Graham Mertz provided over the last two years. We've seen that the Gators' scheme is adaptable to athleticism based on how they've used DJ Lagway, so Griffin doesn't have to be a dynamic runner in this offense. Griffin is a strong-armed, deep-ball passer and Florida loves to push the ball vertically off play-action.

Jaden O'Neal, Oklahoma commit

ESPN Jr. 300 rank: 63

How he'll fit: O'Neal was injured a bit this fall, but when he has played, he's been very productive. O'Neal is not quite as athletic as current Sooners freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. Instead, he's more in the mold of a taller, right-handed Dillon Gabriel. O'Neal has some of the purest release mechanics in this class. He can layer the ball and change arm angles. Given the RPO nature of Oklahoma's scheme, expect O'Neal to make the routine throws and push the ball downfield.

Best system for five-star QB Jared Curtis

Five-star Jared Curtis remains the most coveted signal caller on the market following last month's decommitment from Georgia. Curtis' top remaining schools include Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, Clemson, USC and South Carolina, but his best football fit is either in Eugene or Columbus.

Why Oregon?

Curtis could be the next Bo Nix. They have similar skill sets with their blend of size, athleticism outside the pocket and quick-game accuracy. The Ducks always have excellent skill players who complement quarterbacks who can spray the field and extend plays, making them a great fit for Curtis.

Why Ohio State?

The Buckeyes' quarterback pedigree over the last 20 years is outstanding. The likes of Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud flourished under head coach Ryan Day's leadership, and Curtis' blend of arm strength and downfield ball placement resembles both former Ohio State quarterbacks. Curtis knows he would also have an elite position coach and coordinator in Chip Kelly.

How the top commits compare

Chris Henry Jr., WR, Ohio State commit

ESPN Jr. 300 rank: 1

Comparison: Marvin Harrison Jr. (Class of 2021)

Henry is a bit taller than Harrison, but they share many athletic similarities. Their length and agility make them special. They both have body control and can win with speed. Yet both become mismatches because they can win contested jump balls.

Zelus Hicks, S, Texas commit

Comparison: DeMarvion Overshown (Class of 2018)

Overshown arrived in Austin as a high-point safety and eventually moved down into the box as a versatile nickel linebacker and pass rusher. Depending on how much bulk Hicks puts on, he could see the same move in his future after reclassifying into the 2025 class last week.

Tradarian Ball, RB, Oregon commit

ESPN Jr. 300 rank: 76

Comparison: Kenjon Barner (Class of 2008)

Oregon has plenty of options for comparisons over the years, but Barner's stature and testing results fit best. Both runners are compact, low to the ground and shifty in space. This style of player has become a staple in Eugene and one of the reasons why the Ducks are so difficult to defend.

Messiah Mickens, RB, Penn State commit

ESPN Jr. 300 rank: 117

Comparison: Miles Sanders (Class of 2016)

Penn State has hit on successful running backs as well as anyone in the country. Mickens is next in line. Sanders played in the shadow of Saquon Barkley and then broke out as an upperclassman. Now, Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton will soon depart Penn State and open the door for Mickens to compete right away.