Several former NFL quarterbacks, including Brock Huard, Matt Leinart, Todd Marinovich, Colton Nussmeier, Carson Palmer, Chad Pennington, Philip Rivers, Akili Smith, and Marques Tuiasosopo, now watch their sons excel as quarterbacks at the high school level.

One of the standout second-generation athletes is Akili Smith Jr., a 6-foot-5 senior at Lincoln High School (San Diego, Calif.). Following in his father’s footsteps, he has committed to Oregon, where Akili Sr. played before being selected third overall in the 1999 NFL Draft after a stellar college career.

At St. Michael Catholic (Fairhope, Ala.), Gunner Rivers continues to impress under the guidance of his father, Philip Rivers, who made eight Pro Bowl appearances during his NFL career and threw for over 63,000 yards.

Luke Pennington, a two-sport standout, leads Sayre (Lexington, Ky.) with an 8-0 record. Coached by his father Chad Pennington, an 11-year NFL veteran, Luke has already committed to Dayton.

Read on for more details about the sons of NFL quarterbacks who are thriving as high school quarterbacks.

Second Generation Quarterbacks Making Their Mark

• Titus Huard, Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.): A freshman, Titus has already appeared in both JV and varsity games, completing 4 of 5 passes for 52 yards. He holds a college offer from Stetson and comes from a highly athletic family, with his sister Macey playing basketball at Oklahoma State.
• Cole Leinart, Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.): After transferring twice, Cole has played four games this season, throwing for 573 yards and seven touchdowns. He has offers from Colorado, Pitt, and UNLV, among others. His father, Matt Leinart, won the Heisman Trophy and led USC to a national championship before a seven-year NFL career.
• Baron Marinovich, Costa Mesa (Calif.): A freshman playing quarterback, free safety, and punter, Baron represents the Class of 2028. His father, Todd Marinovich, had a notable college career at USC before playing two years in the NFL.
• Colton Nussmeier, Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas): A sophomore, Colton has thrown for 1,240 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Marauders this season. His father, Doug Nussmeier, is the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback coach and spent five years in the NFL.
• Fletch Palmer, Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.): Although he hasn’t yet posted stats as a freshman, Fletch is the son of Carson Palmer, a 15-year NFL veteran and former Heisman Trophy winner.
• Luke Pennington, Sayre (Lexington, Ky.): Leading Sayre to an 8-0 season, Luke has thrown for 551 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception. Over his high school career, he’s totaled 4,575 yards and 81 touchdowns.
• Gunner Rivers, St. Michael Catholic (Fairhope, Ala.): Named a MaxPreps Freshman All-American, Gunner has already thrown for 2,217 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. He has over 5,000 career passing yards.
• Akili Smith Jr., Lincoln (San Diego, Calif.): A four-star recruit committed to Oregon, Akili Jr. has thrown for 1,432 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, adding 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
• Brayden Tuiasosopo, Manvel (Texas): In a backup role, sophomore Brayden has thrown for 252 yards and five touchdowns. His father, Marques Tuiasosopo, is Rice University’s offensive coordinator and played seven years in the NFL.