Hype is real on 2026 Florida QB Dereon Coleman
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The state of Florida is always loaded with unbelievable talents, and at all classifications and positions on the gridiron. At Jones High School in Orlando, the Fightin’ Tigers may have one of the nation’s best in the 2026 class on their roster in quarterback Dereon Coleman.
Seeing Coleman (6-1, 160) over the offseason, finding out that he threw five touchdown passes in Jones’ kickoff classic against Jesuit (Tampa) was not surprising.
“We played Jesuit, we left a lot of points on the field against them,” Coleman said. “I think we could have done better. We could have had more points. For me, I think I did well. That was my first game back on the field from last year, I threw five touchdowns to different receivers. I am still trying to figure out how many yards I had.”
The offense executed with the Fightin’ Tigers was covered.
“At Jones we run everything,” Coleman stated. “We run what the defense gives us. What they show on the field, we work against it and execute against it on the field. We run a Spread, 20-, 11-, 10-personnel, and we go with an empty back set; we run everything.”
Coleman was asked to breakdown his playing style as a quarterback.
“I can do anything; whatever you want I can do,” Coleman shared. “I adjust to my coaches; I will do what he wants.”
On his way to holding 10 offers, Coleman threw over the summer for Georgia, Miami, and Florida in camp settings. More recruiting interest is coming his way.
“Miami and Florida, those two in-state schools are showing heavy interest,” Coleman said. “From out of state schools, Georgia, Alabama, West Virginia – there are a lot of schools showing interest.”
Teams will get a chance to impress the rising 2026 star on Saturdays this season.
“I am thinking about going to UCF and Miami,” Coleman shared. “Out of state, I am going to the schools that have offered me already, schools like Texas A&M and Virginia Tech, and I am still thinking about visiting Ole Miss.”
Coleman already holds offers from Florida Atlantic, Incarnate Word, Marshall, Ole Miss, South Florida, SMU, Tennessee-Martin, Texas A&M, UNLV, and Virginia Tech.
*Click the link for the April 3 RNG interview with Dereon Coleman.