Quarterbacks leading the way in Mid-South region in 2027
Rivals Rankings Week for the 2027 class kicked off Monday, headlined by the initial top 100. Rivals national recruiting analyst Marshall Levenson takes a look at the Mid-South region, which houses the most quarterbacks to appear in the top-100 of any region.
Among the group of six quarterbacks, three come from the state of Louisiana while the other three come from Texas. There were 12 total quarterbacks in the initial top-100.
RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK:
Sunday: Who should be No. 1 in the 2027 class?
Monday: Top 100 released | Meet the five-stars | Gorney on LaDamion Guyton
Tuesday: Position-by-position breakdown | Rumor Mill
Wednesday: Programs to watch | Ten who could be five-stars
Thursday: Roundtable
Elijah Haven – No. 2 overall
Elijah Haven checks in as the No. 1 quarterback in the class and the No. 2 overall prospect. As a freshman, Haven accounted for 2,205 passing yards and 35 touchdowns with just three interceptions while running for 641 yards with another 12 scores. At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, the dual threat signal caller has as strong and projectable frame as will be found in the country. The new five-star prospect also excels on the gridiron, earning All-Metro and second-team all-state honors in basketball with averages of 13- points, 10-rebounds and 4.1 assists a game.
Florida, Miami, Ole Miss and Auburn are among his early offers. There is a high likelihood he will have every offer he wishes to choose from down the line. LSU will be the primary contender in his recruitment if/when they offer down the line.
Peyton Houston – No. 15 overall
At No. 15 overall is Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian dual threat standout Peyton Houston. A lethally accurate passer with mechanics refined beyond his age, Houston is lighting it up to start his sophomore season with 711 yards and seven touchdowns in his first two games. He also has over 100 yards on the ground. He has complete command of his offense and will operate sturdy in the pocket or get on the move and deliver the ball if needed.
Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and others have been in the mix early. The Sooners and Longhorns are positioned well moving forward.
Colton Nussmeier – No. 18 overall
Colton Nussmeier, out of Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus, knows what it takes to play the quarterback position at a high level. He is the younger of LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and the son of longtime NFL quarterback coach Doug Nussmeier. The 6-foot-3, 170-pound southpaw has found early success as the now starter in his sophomore season. After throwing for 280 yards and four touchdowns last year in relief role (5 games), he has thrown for 568 yards and seven touchdowns in three games to start 2024.
Oklahoma State, Baylor, Kansas State, TCU, Texas Tech, and more have offered to date.
Weston Nielsen – No. 67 overall
At 6-foot-2, 170-pounds, Weston Nielsen out of Bastrop (Texas) hit the scene with a strong freshman campaign as he had over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns in five games. He has had another strong start as the full time starter with 855 yards and seven touchdowns so far in his first three games. Throws with good velocity and timing and has a chance to develop as a big time down the field passer.
Oklahoma State, Oregon, Nebraska, Baylor, and Miami in the mix. 10 total offers as of now, but that number will surely grow.
Jerry Meyer III – No. 71 overall
After having one of the most productive freshman quarterbacks in 2023, Jerry Meyer III moved from the Las Vegas area to just south of Dallas in Waxahachie. Before moving, the new four-star threw for 2,711 yards and a whopping 58 touchdowns, completing 67-percent of his passes. He has started out fast as a sophomore with 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns in his first three games.
10 offers to his name to this point, including Baylor, SMU, Purdue, TCU, and others.
Malachi Zeigler – No. 78 overall
A third quarterback out of Louisiana, Malachi Zeigler is another prospect who stands out at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. The new four-star will have an argument for having the strongest arm in the class. He is also a legitimate threat with his legs, not only to maneuver the pocket, but get down field and score. Served as a backup as a freshman, but did play sparingly due to an injury. Is not the full time starter as a sophomore and looking to lead Benton to a strong season.
Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, TCU, SMU, and others are the mix.
