Nation’s No. 1 QB Names College Football Powerhouse He Envisions Himself Playing At

Nation’s No. 1 QB Names College Football Powerhouse He Envisions Himself Playing At originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Elijah Haven is heading into his junior high school season. The No. 1 quarterback in the 2027 class is impressed by three programs at this point in his recruitment, but Billy Napier’s Florida Gators stand above the two others.

“Florida has been one of those consistent contacts,” Haven told Rivals, adding that Napier’s program has been chief in his recruitment as of late. “The coaches there … I get the feel I can definitely see myself playing at Florida. They’ve been on me hard and have made sure I know I’m one of their priority guys.”

The Gators are competing with Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes and Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers at this juncture. Kelly has the advantage of Haven playing in his backyard in Baton Rouge, La. Ohio State already has one signal-caller commit in 247Sports four-star Brady Edmunds.

Napier hopes to slot Haven in after DJ Lagway moves on.

“Supersized quarterback with first-round pick potential if he can put it all together,” 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in an April scouting report. “Possesses an excellent combination of strength and athleticism to go along with impressive competitive drive. … Has the tools to emerge as a force multiplier on Saturdays and then potentially Sundays.”

Ivins also compares Haven to NFL journeyman Jacoby Brissett, who’s entering his 10th professional season with his sixth team. Haven took home the MaxPreps National Sophomore Player of the Year award after leading The Dunham School to a 14-1 record with 3,093 passing yards, 37 touchdown throws and seven interceptions.

Haven adds a dimension on the ground, as well, having scampered for 925 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Related: Billy Napier Provides Major Update on DJ Lagway Amid Injury Concerns

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.