STOCK RISERS: Southwest region freshmen QB prospects raising profile (2025)
A look at several rising QB prospects to know.
Florida’s Palm Beach area features several talented prospects to know entering the all-important upcoming offseason as prospects gear up for various camps, combines and 7on7 showcases. Here, Six Star Football takes a look at several rising QB prospects in the 2025 class.
Prospects can register for the upcoming Six Star Football Florida Showcase at the link. This event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 29 at Somerset Academy Canyons in Boynton Beach.
Niko Boyce, 5’11, 175, QB, 2025, Baron Collier 
@NikoBoyce
A talented dual threat QB prospect, Baron Collier 2025 Niko Boyce is likely the future for the Cougars, but he mostly waited his turn this season while backing up a senior QB. He had a strong JV season, recording 1,010 total yards and 11 TDs in five games, and put together a strong performance on varsity in limited action as he completed 14 of 19 passes (74 percent) for 126 yards and also rushed for 37 yards and two TDs. He has a strong, sturdy frame for a youngster and runs the ball exceptionally well, able to bounce off tackles and pick up yards after contact. He will be a prospect to watch this offseason.
Ryan Downes, 6’4, 210, QB, 2025, IMG Academy @ryanwdownes14
IMG 2025 Ryan Downes could be the next big thing at the QB position for the Ascenders. He sat most of the season behind big-time Florida State recruit AJ Duffy until recently, but got a big start against St. Francis and showed off his abilities. Downes has all the potential to be a big-time recruit as he is blessed with size and a projectable frame at 6’4, 210-pounds. Downes has a big arm, smooth, clean mechanics, and terrific poise in the pocket for a youngster. A native of New York, Downes has the ability to throw the ball over the middle of the field and fit tough passes into small windows. He has a good understanding of the game and has already drawn attention from numerous college football programs, including early offers from Indiana, Kansas, Marshall and Brown..
Dorrian Mallory, 5’10, 160, QB, 2025, Lehigh @dorianmallary14
Just a freshman, Lehigh QB Dorrian Mallory put together a breakout campaign this season for the Lightning, helping lead the team to a 7-3 record. At 5’10, 160-pounds, Mallory emerged this season as a potential future college prospect, showing a strong arm, good mechanics and a high football IQ. In eight games this season, Mallory threw for 765 yards and four TDs and rushed for nearly 100 yards and a TD.
Zander Smith, 6’2, 210, QB, 2025, Palmetto @zander_smith15 5
Smith was a big timer this year, passing for 1,321 yards on the year as a freshman at Palmetto, he showed some major early maturity at the QB spot and passed for nine touchdowns as well in just eight games. Smith completed 90 of 163 passes for a 55.2% completion mark and averaged passing for 165.1 yards per game. One of the guys we see emerging as a huge star in the up and coming class of 2025. Took a recent visit to Florida State and was part of the Clemson camp this year also. Also a standout student, Smith reports a 4.0 GPA.
Carter Smith, 6’3, 170, QB, 2025, Bishop Verot @_CarterSmith13
A talented, strong-armed young QB prospect, Bishop Verot 2025 Carter Smith ha emerged this season as one of the state’s top 2025 QB prospects to watch. Blessed with good size and an athletic, 6’3, 170-pound frame, Smith showed the ability to air it out this season as he can power the ball deep downfield with accuracy. He has good poise and presence in the pocket, moves well to avoid the rush, and has an understanding of the game that belies his age. He threw for 1,879 yards, 15 TDs and just one INT while rushing for 530 yards and six TDs in ten games this season. Smith has already begun to draw significant interest from college programs, including Florida State, Florida and several others. He is also a standout baseball prospect who shined in a variety of high profile events this offseason.
