Countdown to prep football: Eight area quarterbacks to watch

Don’t let the July heat fool you. We’ve got fall on the mind as the Daily Herald countdown to the IHSA football season marches on.

Every week we’ll provide insight related to the 2026 football campaign for teams, players and coaches throughout our coverage area. We’ll reach No. 1 a week earlier than past years because, thanks to the coming playoff expansion, opening night is Aug. 21.

We’ve already brought you 10 of the area’s top senior recruits and nine area juniors to go out and see this season. But we brought those juniors with a caveat — no quarterbacks.

Saving the signalcallers for their own list, this week we’re offering eight area quarterbacks to watch. We’re leaving out Montini’s Israel Abrams, Hersey’s Jake Nawrot and Maine South’s Jameson Purcell because we already covered them among the 10 senior recruits.

Iggy Amorrortu, Metea Valley

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound junior got his feet wet as a sophomore backup last season on St. Francis’ state title winning team. Amorrortu threw for 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns in limited action, but the most valuable part of his season may have been the five extra weeks of practice he got during the playoff run.

Now at Metea, Amorrortu has opened eyes during spring and summer evaluations. He’s camped at North Central College, Northwestern, Toledo, North Dakota State and elsewhere.

Jackson Cacini, Prospect

Cacini, a 6-2, 200-pound senior, came on late last season while leading the Knights into the playoffs. He threw for 2,142 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Slowly but surely, his college attention is growing. After getting his first offer from Eastern Illinois, last month he received offers from Butler, Tennessee-Martin and Washington University in St. Louis.

Malik Carter, Huntley

Still just a junior, Carter already has a ton of varsity experience after becoming a starter during his freshman season. As a sophomore he threw for 1,943 yards and 17 touchdowns.

He’s got a frame — 6-5 and 200 pounds — FBS schools will love. And after attending eight camps this spring and summer, Carter’s getting plenty of exposure.

Nate Lang, IC Catholic Prep

An underrated name entering the 2026 season, Lang put up some of the area’s best quarterback numbers last year as he completed 70% of his passes for 2,431 yards and 28 touchdowns against only four interceptions. He also ran for 500 yards during a state quarterfinal run.

At 5-11 and 180 pounds, the senior’s an athletic and strong presence behind center.

Ben Peterson, Geneva

The 6-4, 210-pound senior committed to Eastern Michigan in May, but it’ll be interesting to see if Peterson courts additional offers in the coming months.

After piling up nearly 2,000 total yards and throwing 18 touchdown passes, Peterson earned FBS offers from Toledo and Miami (Ohio).

A.J. Rayford, Glenbard West

A sophomore starter at Providence, Rayford transferred to Glenbard West last season and helped the Hilltoppers return to the playoffs after battling through early injuries.

The 6-2, 200-pound senior is a rare returning starter behind center for Glenbard West. More quality film will bring more college attention.

James Sobkowiak, Downers Grove South

One of the few area quarterbacks who started as a sophomore, Sobkowiak’s experience will pay dividends this junior season.

Sobkowiak, 6-3 and 175 pounds, is also a gifted baseball player. As good as he is at quarterback, football may not be his sport at the next level.

Michael Vander Luitgaren, Batavia

No one on this list put up numbers this good last season. The 6-2, 200-pound senior completed 65% of his passes for 2,708 yards and 31 touchdowns while leading the Bulldogs to the Class 7A semifinals.

Vander Luitgaren committed to Wyoming in May after getting offers from Eastern Michigan, Toledo and Miami (Ohio).