Even with the early signing period for the 2027 class fast approaching, college programs are already bringing their 2028 recruiting classes into focus. Several of the nation's top quarterbacks in the newly updated SC Next Junior 300 have announced their college decisions, forming a group that blends dynamic dual-threats with talented pocket passers.
The headliner is Jayden Wade, the No. 1 overall prospect and a Georgia commitment. Wade's athleticism could give offensive coordinator Mike Bobo the flexibility to mix in designed quarterback runs, RPOs and option concepts, much like what Keelon Russell has brought to Alabama. Current starter Gunner Stockton is mobile, but Georgia arguably has not had a quarterback with Wade's running ability since Justin Fields' brief Athens stint in 2018, and Wade has shown a quick release and good arm strength.
Tennessee landed No. 67 Kaden Craft, a more polished version of current freshman Faizon Brandon and a natural fit for the Volunteers' RPO game. No. 69 Neimann Lawrence fits the mold at Texas, bringing athleticism comparable to starter Arch Manning and comfort working through progressions. Penn State pledge James Armstrong, ranked No. 173, might be the best runner in the class, a big, fast left-hander whose style recalls Auburn's Byrum Brown. At USC, Lincoln Riley is getting a 5-10 playmaker in No. 252 Trey Wright, whose athleticism draws comparisons to Kyler Murray and could revive the designed quarterback runs Riley featured with Murray and Jalen Hurts.
Among the pocket passers, No. 16 Christopher Vargas heads to Ohio State from the Massachusetts high school ranks, where a steep jump in competition awaits, but few in the class match an arm reminiscent of former Buckeye Dwayne Haskins. No. 18 Donald Tabron II has the tools to compete early at Texas A&M, and No. 46 Kingston Preyear, an in-state Alabama commit, shares some of Russell's poise and arm talent. No. 60 Lukas Prock is a high-ceiling, still-developing prospect for Indiana, while No. 116 Josiah Boyd gives UCLA a long, lanky athlete whose skill set mirrors NC State's CJ Bailey.
Ohio State is one of five programs off to a fast start. Despite injuries and disappointment on the field, the Buckeyes currently hold a top-five 2028 class that also features IMG Academy running back Elijah Newman-Hall, a powerful downhill runner who seems built for the Big Ten. Vargas could eventually have a familiar target in Jett Harrison, the younger brother of former Ohio State standout Marvin Harrison Jr.
Notre Dame is riding a wave of momentum, having climbed the College Football Playoff rankings while holding the No. 2 class for 2027. The Irish already have three Junior 300 commitments for 2028, including front-seven defenders Darieon Prescott and Asa Burch, and made a rare splash in Mississippi by landing running back Zaiden Jernigan, who has rushed for more than 1,400 yards this season. Notre Dame has signed just one Mississippi prospect during the 20-year span of the ESPN SC Next recruiting database.
Georgia's early class also includes Nick Carroll, one of the top safeties, an aggressive, physical defender with good agility and range. At Ole Miss, coach Pete Golding is building toward future defensive needs, particularly in a secondary anchored largely by juniors and seniors. The Rebels hold commitments from two Junior 300 defensive backs, Georgia native Giovanni Tuggle and in-state prospect Braylen Bedford, plus big-bodied defensive lineman Antavion Allen.
Alabama rounds out the fast starters. With Russell potentially emerging as a high NFL draft pick after next season and the depth behind him thin, coach Kalen DeBoer has restocked the quarterback room with two Junior 300 passers in the 2027 class and two more for 2028, Preyear among them. The Crimson Tide also added Tysir Young, a thick, agile linebacker from Delaware who is productive downhill, moves well in space and owns a high ceiling.
