The Peoria area is loaded at quarterback with returning starters and up-and-coming talents.
This is the first of a five-part series highlighting quarterbacks, running backs, linemen, wide receivers and defensive players to watch during the upcoming IHSA football season.
Here are 10 quarterbacks to watch, with players listed alphabetically.
Owen Adams, El Paso-Gridley
The 6-foot-3, 202-pound senior led El Paso-Gridley to a 12-1 overall record, winning the Heart of Illinois-Large Division Conference and advancing to the Class 2A semifinals in 2025. He threw for 2,132 yards and 31 TDs, while rushing for 238 yards and five TDs as a IHSFCA Class 2A first-team all-stater. He was also a 2025 Journal Star All-Area first-team player.
Zack Day, Deer Creek-Mackinaw
The 6-foot, 185-pound senior got plenty of experience last season in helping the Chiefs to a 7-4 overall record and a Class 1A second-round appearance. In those 11 games, Day threw for 677 yards and six TDs, while running for 472 yards and four TDs, as well as catching a TD. He was named all-Heart of Illinois Conference-Medium second-team QB.
Brody Fritz, Morton
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound junior stepped in last season for an injured Isaac Davis, starting seven games and playing in all 10 for the Potters. In those starts, he threw for 1,684 yards with 15 touchdowns, highlighted by a game-winning drive in a one-point win over Dunlap in Week 8. He was named a 2025 all-Mid-Illini Conference second-team selection.
Noah Garcia, Washington
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound junior made a big-time impact in his first season as a starter. Garcia threw for 896 yards with 11 TDs and ran for 709 yards and 11 TDs, guiding Washington to a 10-2 overall record and a Class 5A quarterfinal appearance. He was named all-Mid-Illini first team and a 2025 Journal Star All-Area honorable mention quarterback.
Tyler Hammond, Limestone
The 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior will make the transition from being the Rockets’ starting running back to QB1. He was named all-Mid-Illini first-team last season, rushing for 457 yards and three TDs, while catching 11 balls for 116 yards and a score. Hammond will look to end Limestone’s 24-game losing streak in hosting Mt. Zion in Week 1.
Christian Nelson, Metamora
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior played backup last season to Stephen Petri, who was all-Mid-Illini first team and Journal Star All-Area honorable mention quarterback. Nelson went 4-for-6 with 36 passing yards and one TD, plus a two-point conversion. Look for the left-hander to make his starting debut on the road against Sterling in Week 1.
Carson Noy, Farmington
The 6-foot-5, 190-pound sophomore burst on the scene as the Farmers QB1, leading Farmington to a Class 2A quarterfinal berth. Noy, who is garnering Division-I interest, threw for 2,206 yards and 27 TDs, while adding two ground scores. He was named an all-LincolnLand Conference-Large School Division first-team quarterback.
Eli O’Donnell, Peoria High
The 6-foot, 160-pound senior has transferred to the Lions after being the Richwoods starting QB last season. Look for O’Donnell to compete for the starting job for Peoria High, which went 9-3 overall and made the Class 5A quarterfinals. He threw for 583 yards — going 55-for-103 — with seven TDs, while rushing for 17 yards and three TDs last season.
Zach Pribaz, Peoria Notre Dame
The 6-foot-2, 175-pound junior was the backup last season, getting some playing time in a Class 4A second-round playoff loss to eventual state champion Lombard Montini. He threw for 87 yards on 8-for-11 passing and a 19-yard TD in two second-half series. Pribaz finished the season with 196 passing yards and threw 32 total passes.
Matthew Stropes II, Pekin
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound senior will look to take the reigns from Brogan Benassi, who was an all-Mid-Illini first-team and Journal Star All-Area honorable mention quarterback. Stropes II is taking the majority of reps during this summer’s 7-on-7. He was also a right-handed pitcher during baseball season, throwing 31.1 innings and striking out 34.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 10 quarterbacks to know around Peoria high school football in 2026
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
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By Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
