Nebraska's best high school football players: Meet the state's top quarterbacks

Some of the top prep quarterbacks in Nebraska this season

The list of the best quarterbacks in Nebraska includes a wide variety of skill sets, physical attributes and school size. But whether it’s in the metro or out in the Sandhills, every Friday night in the Cornhusker State offers high school fans the chance to see all kinds of leaders under center. 

There are more than a few on this list who will play at the Division I level next season and many others who can continue their athletic careers off the gridiron. The list begins with a guy looking to make it back-to-back championships. 

Anthony Rezac – Westside Senior – 6-4, 195

The list begins with the man under center who led his school to last year’s Class A title and has the program back at No. 1 in 2023. In the biggest moments, Westside’s Anthony Rezac is at his best. Now in his third year leading the Warrior offense, Rezac has lost just two games in all that time. Officially, that’s 25-2. He has a load of talent around him, but it’s Rezac who ensures all that talent maximizes its potential.

“Anthony is a very special player. He wins everything he does. This includes school, the community and the athletic field. Anthony is a true competitor,” Westside coach Paul Limongi said. “Anthony has a strong arm and is very accurate. He also can score with his legs every time he calls his own number. Anthony has a tremendous grasp on the offense and distributes the ball to his playmakers.”

Rezac has all kinds of interest for the next level including Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota and he has an offer from each of the military academies. He visited Iowa State last fall. And as his coach mentioned, Rezac is a winner off the field as well – a major reason that schools like Harvard, Yale and Dartmouth are also interested.

Rezac passed for 2,239 yards and rushed for 1,118 last season. He passed for 19 touchdowns and ran for 19 more.

Daniel Kaelin – Bellevue West – 6-3, 195

Kaelin has been building up to these past few months, and now the moment is his. He went over 4,000 passing yards for his career in the first game of 2023 and had one of the most prolific passing seasons in Nebraska history last year at 3,186 yards and 36 touchdowns. Over the summer, Kaelin cemented his place as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation when he made the Elite 11 finals in June.

On the third day of competition at the event, Kaelin won the accuracy challenge. He’s the second straight Nebraska QB to make the Elite 11 Finals (Zane Flores) and will be highly motivated after Bellevue West had an uncharacteristic 7-4 season in 2022.

After initially committing to Missouri, Kaelin flipped to Nebraska this past May and is bringing along two teammates to the Huskers as wide receiver recruits. With that talent at his fingertips, Kaelin will be more ready than most to have an impact early in his college career.

Carson Rauner – Elkhorn South – 6-3, 200

Rauner took over as the starter for the Storm with a big arm that he used to throw for over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns last season as a junior. But it was his development throughout his junior year and since then that has put him in position to play at the next level.

Rauner is expanding his skill set into a signal caller who can make all the throws as well as make teams pay with his legs. Although he didn’t have many games with a high rushing total, he averaged over 10 yards every time he carried the ball.

Sebastian Circo – Omaha North – 6-0, 170

Circo is quickly emerging as a superstar and still has just under half of his varsity career yet to go. He missed two games last year as a sophomore but still threw for 1,307 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also tossed eight interceptions and completed just under 60% of his passes, but both of those marks will almost certainly improve. His arm strength and accuracy say the best is yet to come.

That’s why it didn’t take long for the rest of the nation to begin taking notice. Boston College, Ole Miss and Temple offered Circo before he took a snap as the starter. Miami, Syracuse and Nebraska followed not long after. He’s a big reason why North started the season rated in the top five and why the Vikings have a chance to be a title contender.

“He’s very committed to being an elite quarterback,” North coach Larry Martin said. “Strong arm, very accurate and he will continue to grow and mature.”

Colby Duncan – Gross Catholic – 6-1, 170

Gross had a magical season in 2022 that, unfortunately for the Cougars, coincided with perhaps the best era ever of Bennington football. However, a year later Gross’ championship window remains open thanks to players like Duncan.

The Cougar senior doesn’t have the kind of stats that force fans and opposing coaches to take notice, but that will change now that he has become more of a focus of the offense. Through just the first few games of 2023, Duncan has already surpassed his passing yardage from last year, is completing passes at a higher percentage and is right at his touchdown passing total from a year ago.

He was one of five guys who regularly carried the ball but the only one who returns from that roster. And while Gross is traditionally a rushing attack, and that was true of last season as well, teammates made Duncan a captain in 2022 and again this season.

Cougar coach Tom Van Haute calls Duncan one of the most complete quarterbacks in Nebraska.

“He has an unbelievable work ethic, understanding of the game, and great decision-making skills. He has poise and confidence in everything he does,” Van Haute said. “He has the ability to stay in the pocket, move the pocket and run the football. Colby can extend plays and push the ball downfield. He is truly an extension of the coaching staff out there. We put a lot of decision-making in his hands, and he does a great job of diagnosing defenses.”

Braylon Anderson – Oakland-Craig – 6-3, 210

Everything looks like it's falling into place at Oakland-Craig where the Knights welcome back eight starters on both sides of the ball. OC won a game in the playoffs last season and finished 8-3. Leading the way offensively was Anderson under center. Although just a sophomore, Anderson established himself as one of the best in the state last fall thanks to more than 2,000 yards passing, a 60% completion rate, 16 touchdowns and an average of 4.5 yards per carry. He has all the physical tools, looks the part and has a receiving corps that’s likely the best in Class C-2.

His measurables include the ability to make any throw, yet it’s his intangibles that make him elite. Anderson has been the quarterback, point guard and catcher of his teams since the third grade. Playing in those positions and serving in the roles that come along with them have molded Anderson into a confident playmaker.

“He has been around sports his whole life and just knows what is going on around him. In those positions, you have to become a great leader, and he has developed into that,” Oakland-Craig coach Joseph Anderson said. “He is like having another coach on the field. He has put in a lot of time in the spring and summer working on his footwork and throwing mechanics, which has really improved and allowed us to open up our offense.”

Just like some of the best at any level, Coach Anderson said his quarterback might be at his best when things break down. His decision-making ability, poise and confidence shine the brightest when his team needs him.

Brady McGill – Roncalli Catholic – 6-2 195

Quarterbacks coming out of Nebraska for the Division-I level are becoming more and more regular. Still, that’s almost always from the Class A level. McGill, a C-1 signal caller, will likely change that soon once he makes a decision about several offers he has out there. A pro-style quarterback with the type of frame coaches are always looking for, McGill visited K-State last summer and has sparked interest from Wyoming, Northern Illinois and North Dakota State as well.

A rarity for any position, but especially quarterback, McGill will become a three-year starter this fall. His career already includes over 3,000 passing yards and, officially, more than 200 passes. But that’s just a drop in the bucket compared to his work in practice. McGill not only serves as the Crimson Pride’s starting quarterback but as the scout team quarterback as well.

McGill took over when the starter was injured his sophomore year and never gave the job up. The coaching staff wanted to ease him into the job, but just a few weeks after stepping in he set the Class B record for passing yards in a game with 508.

And while that’s all impressive, McGill is so much more than just a QB.

“Brady is a special player. He does it all for Roncalli Catholic – he’s the quarterback, punter and placekicker,” Crimson Pride coach Tom Kassing said. “He has great vision of the field. He doesn’t get too high or low – he’s always in control of his emotions.”

Bode Soukup – Blair – 6-2, 195

Soukup enters his third year starting for Blair with the potential to give the Bears their best season since the ‘80s. Blair has won just 10 playoff games since a championship in 1988, but Soukup has been part of a resurgence going from one win in 2021 to five last season. That has also coincided with Soukup increasing his passing yards from 1,290 as a sophomore to 1,615 as a junior and 11 touchdowns up to 16. He passed for better than 61% last year and passed for more than 200 yards in three of his last four games.

Last May he was invited to the Elite 11 Regional Finals thanks to his accuracy and presence in the pocket. Soukup’s size allows him to make reads, but he’s also just as comfortable getting out on the edges to keep the play alive and hit a big throw down the field.

Soukup looks like he’ll have the chance to play at the next level, perhaps even at Division I. He’s made three trips to Iowa City to spend time with Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes and was in Lincoln last spring to meet with new Husker head coach Matt Rhule.

Jarrett Behrends – Norris – 6-2, 190

Norris has a state championship and two title game appearances in its history. But overall, the Titans are 9-13 in playoff history. Lately, the program has been to each of the past five postseasons and has the makings of a contender in Class B.

Behrends' development as a quarterback is somewhat of a microcosm of the team and how Norris is becoming more and more of a contender. He was a raw sophomore a year ago when Norris went 3-6 and started 1-3. As it all begins to come together, success has followed for the Titans.

Coach Ty Twarling has seen Behrends’ progression up close and personal and compares his junior quarterback to the physical presence of a former Steeler.

“Jarrett has many physical tools; his arm strength and accuracy really allow him to make passes that most quarterbacks cannot,” Twarling said. “He has a big frame and is a lot like Ben Roethlisberger, however, he is a bit more mobile and can deceive defenders.

“His decision-making is really improving with reps and film study as he begins to understand the run reads and how to make sure he uses his legs when necessary. Passing is improving as well due to having a really good arm. He tends to want to stretch the field vertically, however, he has really started to understand those concepts and then read the defense in selecting the receivers.”

While there is needed growth, Behrends already has many qualities that will help him lead the Titans. Twarling said Behrends’ ability to stay calm is unlike anything he’s seen at the high school level. He manages the huddle like the man in charge and impresses the coaching staff in a new way nearly every week.

Isak Doty – Sidney – 6-2, 150

Four state track medals, one trip to the state basketball tournament and nearly a 1,000/1,000 season for Doty make him one of the best athletes in the state let alone one of the best quarterbacks.

He’s one of the smaller guys on this list, but good look catching him. Doty won medals in the 100, 200, 400 and 400 relay in the spring and was a starter on the hoops team that went 20-7 and played in Lincoln.

Before all of that, he was 200 rushing yards short of running and throwing for 1,000 yards during Sidney’s 5-4 2022 season.

Doty’s first year at the helm of the Red Raiders’ offense turned into 1,190 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 800 rushing yards with 7.8 yards per carry and eight touchdowns on the ground. And being the athlete that he is, Doty also made 38 tackles, intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble.

“Isak is a great competitor. Regardless of the situation, he is calm and relaxed and believes that every play can have a successful outcome,” Sidney coach Ryan Smith said. “On top of being very athletic, Isak is an extremely hard worker. He rarely misses a workout or practice and is very durable. We put a lot on his shoulders in terms of throwing the ball, running read-type plays, starting at safety, and handling our kicking game, and he thrives in all of those duties.”

Kyler Hellbusch – North Bend – 6-1, 180

Hellbusch is a returning all-state honoree after leading the Tigers to the playoffs and five wins – one more than the previous two years combined. In his first full year as the starting quarterback, Hellbusch combined for over 2,100 yards of offense and 15 touchdowns. Twice he rushed and threw for more than 100 yards, and in a playoff loss to Bergan, he threw for 315 while completing 64%. It wasn’t a surprise to his coaches who say Hellbusch is at his best when the lights are the brightest.

He’s also an excellent basketball player who will surpass the 1,000-point career scoring mark this season.

Before he took over, North Bend had back-to-back losing seasons that included three wins in 2020 and just one in 2021.

The future is much brighter with Hellbusch stepping into the breach. North Bend started the new season with back-to-back wins and 473 passing yards, 323 rushing yards and nine touchdowns by the Tigers’ senior quarterback.

“Mr. Hellbusch is a kid who really embraces the bright lights of competition. It brings out the best in him, and this is where his leadership really shines. Teammates always look to him for confidence, and they rally around him when the moment calls for it, coach Daniel Maresh said. “As a football player, he is a true dual-threat quarterback who can hurt the defense and take what is given on each play. He is a big enough athlete to take hits but also athletic enough to avoid contact and needless hits, which allows him to be effective later in the game.”

Dane Jacobsen – Ashland-Greenwood – 6-3, 170

Jacobsen is a pure pocket passer who has the type of championship mindset coaches dream about. Under his guidance, Ashland-Greenwood went 9-0 his sophomore year then 8-1 as a junior. Those seasons ended relatively early in the playoffs, but the Bluejays have another shot this season to be special thanks in large part to a three-year starter under center.

He already knows what it’s like to be special on the hardwood. Jacobsen has been an instrumental piece in Ashland-Greenwood’s back-to-back basketball titles, though in a much different role. The Bluejays are a defense-first group in hoops, meaning Jacobsen isn’t the main guy like he is on the gridiron. It hasn’t mattered. His talents and team focus have earned him a chance to continue his basketball career at Concordia.

Jakin Neal – Alma – 5-9, 140

Don’t be fooled by his stature, Neal can shred a defense no matter how he looks compared to the guys who are chasing him around. That was made evident again in Week 0 when the Alma senior showed last year was no fluke.

He needed just eight passes to put up 204 yards and four touchdowns. Oh, and that was with a perfect 8 for 8 completion rate. He was 9 for 11 a week later with two more scores.

Cardinal coach Brendan Johnsen said none of Neal’s success is a surprise. He wants to have the ball in his hands at the crucial moments, and he’s always holding others accountable.

“He is the true leader of our offense by both his actions and his words,” Johnsen said. “He knows everybody's job on the offense and makes sure everyone is always in the correct spots. He is a very good decision-maker when it comes to his quarterback play. He also is very poised. When things aren't the easiest or going the best at the time, we can always expect Jakin to rise above it to make a play. He is also extremely tough. He is undersized, but you would never be able to guess that by watching him play.”

Neal will almost certainly pass 4,000 passing yards in his career, could approach 5,000 and lead Alma to its first playoff win in 12 years.

Kamden Bose – Southern Valley – 6-1, 160

It’s been a rough couple of years at Southern Valley, but that looks like it’s on the verge of changing. Bose had a monster year last season and is in position to lead the Eagles back to the playoffs, and to a winning record, for the first time in three years.

Many of his weapons are back from a junior season that ended with 1,917 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. If Southern Valley can develop a running game, look out. The Eagles averaged less than three yards per carry last season and depended fully on Bose making things happen. He proved he’s got the stamina to do it, but Southern Valley had to throw it more than 37 times per game to have a chance.

“Kamden is a super smart kid who runs the offense for us – his maturity is next level,” Southern Valley coach Justin Adams. “He has grown to the point that he recognizes the play and has even audibled to different plays to get us in the right play.

“Kamden has a special arm talent and can make any throw. He has made throws in the last two seasons that have wowed us.”

Bose also contributed in the Southern Valley defensive secondary by totaling 59 tackles, a sack and two fumble recoveries.

Dylan Heine – Wynot – 6-1, 150

Statistics in eight-man football can sometimes look ridiculous. Heine’s certainly appear that way on the surface. But at this point, he’s been at the helm of the Wynot offense for two years. There’s no fluke about what he can do with the ball in his hands.

Heine will go over 5,000 career passing yards this fall and will likely make it more than 6,000 total yards. Heck, at 76 touchdowns combined between his arm and legs, he’ll probably pass the century mark in that category as well.

Perhaps most impressively, it’s not just based on volume. Heine completes 59% of his passes and has nearly a 3:1 touchdown touchdown-to-interception ratio. His starting running back and two receivers plus a tight end return, presenting a scenario where 2023 might see his most ridiculous numbers yet.

“Dylan is a three-year starter and has gotten better with each year. His leadership abilities have grown tremendously over this past year,” Wynot coach Steve Heimes said. “One of his best attributes is his belief in himself and his team that they can compete with anyone in the state no matter the level. This confidence carries over to other players to help their belief and to make them better players on the field.”

Sloan Pelican – Johnson-Brock – 5-8, 165

Pelican has one of the better names anywhere in the state in addition to being on this list as one of the best players in Nebraska. It’s the latter half of that sentence that makes him worth the price of admission.

Pelican has been leaving his mark on the program since the first game he was eligible to suit up in 2020. As a freshman, he eventually earned the job under center, passed for 616 yards and tossed seven touchdowns.

He transitioned mostly to a quarterback as a sophomore and averaged five yards per carry while finding the end zone 10 times. Back at the helm of the offense in 2022, Pelican’s versatility turned into 1,251 yards through the air, 606 on the ground and 35 total touchdowns.

But it’s not just as a quarterback where he’s been a contributor. Pelican was the team’s third-leading tackler last fall with 75 stops, he picked off four passes and made four tackles for loss.

Drew Erhart – Palmyra – 5-10, 165

Erhart entered the season with over 5,000 career passing yards and close to 7,000 total yards of offense. With over 23 games under his belt already, he’s one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the state.

The signs were there early when he passed for over 1,400 yards and rushed for more than 500 as a freshman, and he’s improved those numbers every year since.

Under his leadership, the Panthers have also increased their win total from two in his rookie year to six as a sophomore and seven last fall. Seven wins surpassed any in the last 20 years of Palmyra football.

Erhart considers himself a student of the game who extends his training and learning past the season. When he’s training, he almost always brings a teammate along to strengthen their relationship and help that teammate become a better player.

--Nathan Charles