The three-day Elite 11 Finals brought 20 of the top quarterbacks from across the country onto one field to battle it out in various skills challenges.
The Elite 11 Finals wrapped up on Sunday with a 7-on-7 competition capping an eventful three days. It was a great opportunity to evaluate many 20 of the top quarterbacks in the 2027 class next to one another. Unlike previous years, the Elite 11 will hold off on announcing an MVP until after The Opening Finals in Oregon later this month.
The final group of Elite 11 players was announced following the event, however.
The Elite 11 list was released in alphabetical order but it was clear over the weekend that Trae Taylor III is the top MVP contender at this stage. The Nebraska commit originally from Illinois shined over the course of the three days and went into Day 3 as the official leader.
The Opening Finals will eventually tell the story of who the MVP of the overall event will be. Yet, TeamFB7 has some of our favorites from the Elite 11 Finals already picked out.
TeamFB7 2026 Elite 11 Finals Superlatives
Here is our list of superlatives handed out to select top performers who we watched over the course of three days last week in Los Angeles.
Elite 11 Finals Top Dog: Trae Taylor III
Taylor was easily among the top performers in every facet of the event. He was the clear standout on Day 1 of action. His ability to push the ball down the field with accuracy shined. Taylor carried himself as if he was the MVP favorite, and that helped him in every drill and competition. He had the strongest arm of all the participants, and capped the event with a strong showing in the 7-on-7 competition. In that event, he made throws that not many others in attendance can make.
Most Confident: Israel Abrams
Don’t let anyone tell the Miami commit that he wasn’t the best prospect in attendance over the weekend. Israel “Izzy” Abrams (Montini Catholic – Illinois) had energy like no other throughout the course of the three days in Los Angeles. Every time he stepped on the field, the Illinois native was a ball of energy and swagger. His confidence is through the roof, and he used it to his advantage throughout the various competitions. Abrams has plenty of arm strength and fit the ball into tight windows throughout the event. He certainly will have the chance at the MVP award, and he was among the most enjoyable performers in attendance.
Most Entertaining: Ryan Rakowski
The biggest names at the event were always going to garner the most attention. However, the unheralded prospect who raises his stock is always a fun part of the Elite 11 competition. Last weekend in Los Angeles, that honor belonged to Ryan Rakowski (Palos Verdes HS) on his home turf in Southern California. At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Rakowski was not the biggest competitor on the field. Still, that didn’t prevent him from outshining much of the competition throughout the three days. He won the rail shot challenge on the first night of the Elite 11 Finals and followed that up with standout showings on Days 2 and 3. His consistency was as impressive as anyone at the event, and he was arguably the most accurate passer consistently throughout the weekend.
King of Consistency: Peter Bourque
Rakowski might have won this honor if not for the standout signal-caller from Tabor Academy in Massachusetts. Peter Bourque should be in serious contention for the MVP award following his showing in the finals. He had a clean sweep on Day 2 of the event with wins in the Pro Day workout and accuracy challenge. That was after making all the throws the night before in the various drills. His 7-on-7 showing was impressive as well as Bourque tied the lead with 7 touchdown passes. The ability to put the ball where only his receivers could catch it shined.
Best Frame At The Elite 11 Finals: Elijah Haven
Elijah Haven (Dunham School – Louisiana) is what every college coach hopes his quarterback looks like as a rising senior. The Alabama commit checks in at 6-foot-4 1/4 and 226 pounds. He looks every bit of that but also carries himself in a way doesn’t show it. Haven has a big arm and wasn’t afraid of taking chances throughout the three-day event. He doesn’t rush his throws, and we liked about him during our viewings. He will be a great piece for the Crimson Tide to develop when he arrives on campus in Tuscaloosa.
Ready For Primetime: Peyton Houston
There is a certain look a player has when he’s ready to take the next step. LSU commit Peyton Houston (Evangel Christian – Louisiana) checks off all the boxes. There isn’t as much flash with the Louisiana native when it comes to his approach, but he was as locked in as anyone at the Elite 11 Finals. He rarely missed over the course of the weekend. That was even more evident over Days 2 and 3. Houston was automatic on nearly ever pass he made during the Pro Day workouts, accuracy challenge and 7-on-7 competition. He is confident, he has all the fundamentals down of the position and looks like someone ready to shine in college already.
Most Intriguing: Kharim Hughley
He was the cool one with the shades on during Day 1 events. Clemson commit Kharim Hughley (Gainesville HS – Georgia) has a big personality. He also knows when to lock in, and he was dialed in throughout the event. You’d be hard pressed to find a quarterback at the Elite 11 Finals with more zip on his passes than Hughley. He thrived in situations where he had to fit the ball into a tight window. His fastball was certainly working throughout the competition, and he was never afraid to make difficult throws. At 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, he looks more fitted to play a different position. However, make no question about it, he’s a quarterback who can make all the throws necessary.
