Four-star quarterback recruit Gunner Rivers made a noteworthy visit to Texas this past Sunday, continuing to solidify his status as a leading prospect in the class of 2027. Hailing from Fairhope, Alabama, this young signal-caller plays at St. Michael’s Catholic High School and carries a legacy tied to the football field, being the eldest son of former NFL quarterback and current head coach Philip Rivers.
The connection runs deep; much like his father, Gunner has followed a similar path, as Philip was also nurtured in Alabama high school football under the guidance of his own father. From there, Philip’s journey took him to North Carolina State, where he laid the groundwork for a remarkable 17-year NFL career. Now, the spotlight is on Gunner as he begins to carve out his own legacy.
So far, he has received multiple offers, including from NC State, his father’s alma mater, alongside other schools. Ranked as the No. 57 overall prospect, the No. 7 quarterback, and the No. 1 player in Alabama in his class by the On3 Industry Ranking, Gunner’s ascent in the recruiting landscape is only expected to gain traction in the upcoming months.
At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Rivers possesses the physical tools necessary to thrive, and he has two seasons of high school football ahead to further refine his craft. His performance during the 2024 season showcased his potential — completing 267 of 424 passes for 3,947 yards and 36 touchdowns. The previous year, he tallied 229 completions on 362 attempts for 3,077 yards with 29 touchdowns. The noticeable improvement between these seasons is a testament to his growth and maturation as a quarterback.
With genetics clearly on his side and the unique opportunity to learn from an eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback, Gunner has the potential to stand out in this highly competitive recruiting scene. As he engages with big-time programs, the direction of his commitment will be fascinating to follow.
Among the schools vying for his attention is Auburn, located less than four hours from Fairhope, making it a strong contender given its home-state status in the SEC. Texas’ increasing interest further underscores Rivers being on the radar of multiple prominent SEC institutions, a clear indicator of his ongoing development.
During his visit to Austin, he participated in Texas’ elite camp, mingling with other top-tier prospects, including Colton Nussmeier, Malachi Ziegler, and Jerry Meyer. The Longhorns have also offered scholarships to two other quarterbacks in the 2027 class: four-stars Brady Edmunds and Peyton Houston. While Edmunds has committed to Ohio State, Houston remains unaligned at this stage.
As schools ramp up their focus on assembling their 2027 recruiting classes, Gunner Rivers finds himself in a prime position to make a significant impact — both for himself and for the programs vying for his talent.
