Chicago’s high school football scene has experienced a shift, placing quarterbacks at the forefront. On October 3, 2025, a thrilling game between Montini and Carmel highlighted this change. The match ended with Montini narrowly defeating Carmel 55-54. During the game, quarterbacks Israel Abrams and Trae Taylor threw for a combined total of 1,009 yards.
Rising stars Abrams and Taylor were juniors when they achieved this feat. Entering the 2026 season, Taylor is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the country by Rivals.com, with Abrams following closely at No. 3. Although both players were anticipated to face off again on September 18, Taylor’s transfer to Millard South in Omaha brought some changes to the match.
Despite Taylor’s move, Abrams, committed to Miami, aims to lead Montini to a third consecutive state title. Reflecting on his goals, Abrams stated, “We brought back so many guys. My responsibility includes helping my teammates get in the right positions and winning state championships.”
Chicago: A New Hub for Quarterbacks
Historically, Chicago lacked a strong reputation for developing quarterbacks, but recent years have seen this change. Rivals.com rankings feature Hersey’s Jake Nawrot (No. 5), Maine South’s Jameson Purcell (No. 34), and New Trier’s Jackie Ryder (No. 58) in the 2027 class. This consistent performance echoes the 2026 class’s achievements, with names like Jonas Williams and Owen Lansu.
Within two years, Chicago had four quarterbacks within the top 10, a rare achievement compared to previous decades. Veterans like J.J. McCarthy and Clayton Thorson were among few before this surge.
Development of a Quarterback Culture
The explanation for this surge involves a concerted effort over many years. Preston Earl, a former quarterback, highlighted Chicago’s challenging weather conditions as crucial for developing toughness in quarterbacks. The city has produced significant talents like Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O’Connell, both facing competitive odds in their formative years.
Role of Comprehensive Training
Specialized quarterback training programs have proliferated. Former quarterback Jeff Christensen’s ‘Throw It Deep’ program played a significant role, shaping talents such as Garoppolo and O’Connell. Greg Holcomb created ‘Next Level’, mentoring athletes like Minnesota Viking’s McCarthy.
Holcomb’s program has supported numerous college quarterbacks, including Alessio Milivojevic. Abrams has worked closely with Mike Hohensee, who has been influential since Abrams’ early years. Hohensee’s experience includes a memorable stint during the 1987 NFL strike.
Other influential figures include Tom Nelson at Hersey and Detroit-based coaches who mentored Taylor. Charlie Bliss, with more than 30 years of experience, contributed to quarterback training at Maine South.
The Impact of 7-on-7 Competitions
7-on-7 competitions, perceived by some as non-essential, significantly contribute to quarterback development. Programs such as Midwest Boom have elevated the profile of these competitions nationally.
Hersey, under Nelson’s guidance, adopted a 7-on-7 program named TNT. Maine South, guided by Dave Inserra, also upheld the value of 7-on-7 competitions, attributing them to multiple state titles.
Strategic Shift Towards Passing Offenses
Quarterback development necessitates coaches adopting passing strategies. Past concerns over adverse weather prevented many coaches from embracing passing plays. Power-focused offenses, like double-wing or wing-T, predominated.
However, attitudes have evolved. “Offense today looks a lot different from it did in 1996,” remarked Nelson, illustrating the shift towards more dynamic play styles.
The Unteachable Qualities
Ultimately, many successful quarterbacks share inherent qualities. Figures like Abrams and Taylor embody athleticism, with their abilities to evade defenses and launch precise passes.
Montini coach Mike Bukovsky praised Abrams, stating, “He loves to practice and improve. His work ethic sets a positive example.”
Nawrot, meanwhile, continues to rise in the rankings, attributing his progress to meticulous offseason efforts. With aspirations that include enrollment at Kentucky, Nawrot remains driven to excel.
Coach Tom Nelson acknowledges the capabilities of these athletes, reinforcing the growing popularity of football and its impact on the next generation of quarterbacks. As Chicago solidifies its position in quarterback development, attention continues to grow within high school football circles.