The Elite 11 Finals always brings out the big arms, big rankings and big expectations.
This year, Texas has three quarterbacks in the mix.
Palestine Westwood’s Kavian Bryant, Denton Ryan’s Colton Nussmeier and Smithson Valley’s Ty Knutson are all part of the 2026 Elite 11 Finals field in California. The event features 20 of the nation’s top rising senior quarterbacks from the Class of 2027.
That gives Texas high school football fans three very different reasons to pay attention.
Bryant is the fireworks show. Nussmeier is the polished pocket passer with a major recruiting battle still unfolding. Knutson is the state champion heading to Texas.
Not a bad quarterback trio to send west.
Kavian Bryant Showcases Dynamic Dual-Threat Ability
Bryant may be the most explosive athlete in the entire Elite 11 group.
The Palestine Westwood quarterback is committed to Texas Tech and has already become one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. He is listed by 247Sports as a 6-foot-2.5, 190-pound prospect and one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the 2027 class.
The numbers explain why the buzz is so loud.
As a junior, Bryant threw for 3,407 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also ran for 740 yards and seven more scores while earning District 9-3A Division I Offensive MVP honors.
That is the kind of production that travels well beyond East Texas.
At Elite 11, quarterbacks are tested on timing, accuracy, decision-making and consistency. Bryant gives the event a little extra chaos, in the best possible way. He can make the scheduled throw, then beat a defense when the play turns into backyard football.
That makes him one of the more fun players in the field.
Colton Nussmeier Brings High-Level Upside To Finals
Nussmeier will get plenty of attention in California, and not just because of the last name.
The Denton Ryan quarterback is a 4-star prospect and one of the top uncommitted quarterbacks in the 2027 cycle. On3’s roster breakdown listed Arkansas, Georgia and UCLA among the programs connected to his recruitment.
Yes, he is the younger brother of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. That will be mentioned roughly one billion times. Probably before lunch.
But Colton has his own game and his own moment.
The 6-foot-4 left-hander threw for 1,390 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. He also added 278 yards and three scores on the ground while earning First-Team All-District honors despite missing part of the season with an ACL injury.
Now healthy enough to be on this stage, Nussmeier gets a chance to show national evaluators what his senior season at Denton Ryan could look like.
For an uncommitted quarterback, Elite 11 is not just a competition. It is a microphone.
Ty Knutson Brings Championship Experience To Finals
Knutson’s rise has been fast.
The Smithson Valley quarterback is committed to Texas, and he already has the kind of team accomplishment that jumps off a resume. He helped lead the Rangers to the Class 5A Division I state championship, giving Texas fans an early look at a future Longhorn who has already handled high-pressure football.
In his first season as a varsity starter, Knutson threw for more than 2,600 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also added five rushing touchdowns.
Knutson earned his way into the Finals after a standout showing at the Dallas regional. He may not arrive with the same national ranking flash as some of the other quarterbacks, but he brings size, production and a winning background.
For Texas fans, that matters.
Smithson Valley asked him to lead a championship team. Now Elite 11 will ask him to prove he belongs with the best quarterbacks in the country.
Texas Quarterbacks Keep Showing Up
Texas has a long history at Elite 11.
Matthew Stafford, Cade Klubnik, Jackson Arnold and Keelon Russell are among the quarterbacks from Texas high schools who have won Elite 11 MVP honors. That is a pretty strong alumni lane for this year’s trio to follow.
Bryant brings rare athletic ability. Nussmeier brings size, polish and recruiting intrigue. Knutson brings a state title and a commitment to one of the biggest programs in college football.
The Elite 11 Finals will not define their careers. It never does.
But it does offer a national snapshot. And this year, Texas has three quarterbacks worth watching closely.
