ANGELS – Twenty of the top signal-callers from the 2025 cycle are in Southern California this week for the Elite 11 finals, which began Tuesday evening. As has been the case in previous years, the first day of the three-day event featured military drills, with the quarterbacks separated into four groups and working at different stations.
The metric allows for a direct side-by-side comparison of the majority of the best passers in the cycle. We can get an idea of some physical tools, passing ability and developmental level of the participants. This order is based solely on Wednesday night’s performance. We emphasize the ability to make high-level throws and pass-to-pass consistency, as well as overall physical skills defined in that context.
Complete list of Elite 11 finals | Day One Live Updates
Out of 3 MVPs: Husan Longstreet—Texas A&M
Husan Longstreet had a stellar first day at the Elite 11 Finals. The Texas A&M commit entered the event with a reputation as one of the strongest weapons in the 2025 cycle and more than lived up to this bill.
To begin, the ball simply jumps out of Longstreet’s hands. He has palpable velocity on his passes. The balloon slices through the air. Longstreet generates a lot of torque through his core and is able to create force with ease, allowing for considerable RPMs on his throws.
At the start of the week, we were excited to see his touch and ability to lay up throws. Longstreet looked good in that regard from day one and has improved since the regional in March. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder threw with good location and was able to deliver with accuracy and timing throughout practice. Longstreet won the Rail Shot challenge near the end of the event in which the quarterbacks all throw a short window toss to the backside. We also saw his ability to manipulate his arm angle and throw it off the platform and we just had a really good day overall. This impressive day took place despite a foot injury. Longstreet’s explosive arm talent and improved touch made him an easy choice for On3 MVP on Tuesday night.
2. Tavien St. Clair – Ohio State
Tavian St-Clair looked like the most accurate quarterback available throughout the first day of the Elite 11 Finals. The Buckeye commit lived up to our expectations in this on-air environment, impressing with his smooth, repeatable throwing motion. St. Clair peppered his shots throughout much of the evening. We noticed that catchers didn’t need to slow their pace, with most throws being made directly to their face. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, St. Clair is also one of the most physically imposing signal-callers. In a practice that can highlight the deficiencies in a quarterback’s game as a passer, there wasn’t much to criticize with the Ohio native.
3. Keelon Russell – Alabama
Keelon Russell showed real arm and bounce moves on day one of the Elite 11 Finals. Russell’s arm performed well within the group. He was able to generate speed on his passes and drive the ball to the far hash with ease. The High signal caller from Duncanville (Texas) consistently ran the ball well and displayed notable twitches throughout practice. Russell can continue to improve the refinement of his drops as he primarily operates with a shotgun at the secondary level, but the movement abilities suggest room for growth in this regard. Russell seemed to get better and better throughout the night and enters day two with positive momentum.
4. Deuce Knight – Notre Dame
On a field alongside the majority of the best quarterbacks in the cycle, Deuce Knight’s physical talent exploded. The 6-foot-4.5, 208-pounder showed off one of the strongest arms available. Knight was able to generate speed effortlessly. The ball came cleanly out of his hand with a zipper. This was the most comfortable look we’ve seen the Irish commit to camp so far. While there have been a few hiccups from time to time, the improvement Knight has made since February is easily noticeable. He is arguably the best athlete at the position in the 2025 cycle and appears to be improving as a passer. The next two days will be another litmus test.
5. Tramell Jones – Florida State
Tramell Jones showcased one of the tightest, smoothest throwing movements on Day 1 of the Elite 11 Finals. Florida State’s commitment was incredibly consistent, consistently delivering accurate, well-placed throws all throughout the training. We didn’t see many errant passes from the 6-foot, 195-pounder. In an environment that plays to his strengths, Jones was one of the most stable players. He might not wow you with his “wow” throws, but his consistent accuracy and repeatable mechanics stood out.
6. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is one of two uncommitted prospects present during the Elite 11 final and had a very positive performance on Tuesday evening. The Hawaii native showed off one of the strongest arms available, easily generating speed down the field and on long throws. Sagapolutele was one of the co-winners of the Rail Shot challenge at the end of the workout with Husan Longstreet, showing the ability to repeatedly drive the ball into a small window downfield. The left-hander took official visits to Utah State and Boise State and is expected to visit Cal this weekend.
7. Luke Nickel – Miami
Luc Nickel showed off some of the best mechanics in the group. The 6-foot-1.5, 215-pounder is a smooth, refined passer. Nickel gets the ball up and out quickly. He also moved well and fluidly despite an ankle injury. Alpharetta (Ga.) star Milton has been fine-tuned in his drops and has been able to play with remarkable pace and flow that translates into live action on Friday nights.
8. Bryce Baker – North Carolina
Bryce Baker presented high-end physical tools on Tuesday evening. The 6-foot-2.25, 200-pounder showed off a live arm. The ball got out of Baker’s hands, especially early in the drive. Baker got off to a good start, throwing a tight spiral with the RPMs during the initial drilling. Although he calmed down a bit towards the end, he showed the ability to follow coaching and correct his mistakes.
9. Matt Zollers – Missouri
Matt Zollers showed his living and free arm. The Pennsylvania native is smooth and was among the best movers available. Zollers made a number of powerful throws and is able to easily direct the ball down the court effortlessly. The 6-foot-3.5, 203-pounder can continue to refine his consistency by rotating the ball on a pitch-by-pitch basis. We look forward to seeing how Zollers performs the rest of the week as he continues to settle in.
10. Julian Lewis – USC
Julian Lewis was consistent with his mechanics throughout training. The 6-foot, 186-pounder was at his best in the short and intermediate areas of the field. Lewis showed more urgency in his footwork than in regionals. The Peach State passer is more of a cerebral distributor at the position rather than a top-tier tool and physical talent. Wednesday’s Pro Day and Thursday’s 7-on-7 session should address his strengths.
11. Alex Manske – Iowa State
Alex Manské impressed with his ability to consistently deliver with zip. The Iowa State commit showed a whip motion and was natural throwing from different arm slots. Manske is a flexible athlete who moves with contractions. He had some hot streaks Tuesday night and showed why he was coveted by many college programs before his commitment to the Cyclones.
Additional Notes on the Elite 11 Finalists
+ Oklahoma Commitment Kevin Sperry showed tight throwing motion and good motor skills. We liked his ability to get the ball out quickly and go deep in his drops.
+ Texas Commitment KJ Lacey had solid training. Lacey rotated the ball well and generally threw with good accuracy throughout the evening.
+ TCU commitment Ty Hawkins showed explosive lateral agility with an active arm. He hasn’t always been the most consistent of the group, but his pure physical tools have proven themselves.
+ Robert McDaniel was a late addition to the Elite 11 final, following an injury in Tennessee George MacIntyre. The Arizona commit proved he belongs with a strong practice Tuesday.
+ Commitment from the State of Mississippi KaMario Taylor is undoubtedly one of the best physical talents available. Taylor is the “first off the bus” type in this group. He has one of the most naturally strong arms in the group in addition to high-end athleticism. That said, he wasn’t the most consistent on Tuesday and had some timing issues. When Taylor’s pitches clicked, it was as good as anything we’ve seen – but he needs to reduce the volatility from pitch to pitch.
+ Georgia’s commitment Ryan Montgomery has a good size and has been refined in its drops. Some of the moving parts of his throwing motion resulted in ups and downs throughout practice.
+ Oregon Commitment Akili Smith Jr. was at his best during the Rail Shot challenge, making some well-placed throws. Smith can continue to work on his accuracy.
+ Nebraska Commitment TJ Lateef thrown with a sturdy zip throughout the evening. He can continue to work on his agility and motor skills.
+ Malik Washington is one of many great athletes in this group. The Maryland native moved well and showed off a good arm.