This list might seem a little quarterback heavy. That’s because it is full of quarterbacks. It’s not that quarterback is the most critical position on the field, it’s not, but it is the most visible position on the field. And the quarterback is vital to many Texas  Non-FBS teams' potential to make a run to the national championship game. 

While each quarterback below faces a question entering the 2023 season, it’s not the same. Some must remain healthy, while others are trying to fill a void left by a former quarterback. Their quarterback will decide the fate of the five teams attached to the names below.

Tucker Horn, Trinity

We shouldn’t worry about Horn’s ability to produce on the field. He settled that debate by throwing for 4,961 yards and 51 touchdowns while leading the Tigers to the playoffs each of the last two seasons and is the Preseason All-Texas Non-FBS Offensive Player of the Year. 

The question surrounding Trinity this season is whether this is the year they cross the UMHB hurdle in the playoffs. The Tigers must protect Horn throughout the season to beat the Cru and advance to the Stagg Bowl. Behind Horn is Vandegrift product Ryan Back, who has attempted 61 passes during the last two years.

Zach Calzada, UIW

Whether it’s fair or not doesn’t matter. The fact is that outside opinions of Calzada will be based on the success of the Cardinals this season. That results from following last year’s Walter Payton Award winner, Lindsey Scott Jr., and the 2020 Jerry Rice Award winner, Cameron Ward. 

It’s also the result of assuming the quarterback role on a team that was one game from an appearance in the FCS national championship game. However, as I wrote last week, Calzada may be the only FCS quarterback prepared to handle the expectations. If UIW isn’t successful this year, it won’t be fair to blame Calzada solely.

Kenny Hrncir, UTPB

The city of Needville became famous during August for its Little League team reaching the United States Championship game at the Little League World Series. The Falcons hope the city of Needville becomes synonymous with the quarterback play of Kenny Hrncir. UTPB had plenty of talent on defense and at most skill positions last year. What doomed the Falcons was quarterback play. 

Enter 2021 Most Valuable Player at East Central, who led the Tigers to a Heritage Bowl victory over Texas A&M-Kingsville last year. Hrncir and head coach Kris McCullough are very close, and both plan for Hrncir to join McCullough’s coaching staff when his playing career ends. UTPB faithful hope Hrncir can lead the Falcons to new heights in football.

Jackson Tingler, Mary Hardin-Baylor

A select few quarterbacks in the country know what Tingler is experiencing. The Crusaders expect to win a national championship every single season. That happens when you’ve won two national titles in the last four years of the tournament. Tingler had a great view of the Cru’s championship run in 2021. No doubt Tingler learned a lot backing up Kyle King. 

The fact remains that Tingler only attempted 22 passes last season. He needs experience. Rumors of offensive troubles have been circulating the message boards, and head coach Larry Harmon mentioned the offense has been inconsistent during his weekly press conference. However, Harmon also noted there are 11 players on offense, and others have contributed to the struggles. Regardless, the Cru need Tingler to lead their potent offense with confidence and hope that leads to another Stagg Bowl.

Gerald Gardner, Angelo State

Gardner is a native of Houston and attended Channelview High School. The Rams hope his return to Texas helps them pass Colorado School of Mines and win Super Region Four. The transfer portal led a few of ASU’s better players to test the water elsewhere, including their leading receiver last year. However, head coach Jeff Girsch has built a solid program in San Angelo, and the Rams are loaded with talent. 

Wide receiver shouldn’t be an issue with North Shore product Zorhan Rideaux, who is prepared for a breakout season after gaining 388 yards and a touchdown on 28 receptions last season. Quarterback won’t be an issue if Gardner can replicate his performance over the previous two years at Lake Erie. The second-team All-Great Midwest Athletic Conference selection has thrown for 5,621 yards with 42 touchdowns and 15 interceptions over the last two years for the Storm. The Rams could be in McKinney if Gardner produces similar numbers this year.

Why was Blinn’s game against Louisiana Community Christian canceled?

At almost 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning, a post was made by the Blinn athletics page on X/Twitter. The post said its game against LCC was canceled less than 11 hours before the scheduled kickoff. The University later clarified that LCC “was forced to withdraw” due to a lack of players. It seems sketchy to wait until the day of the game to cancel, considering sources indicated both coaching staffs had been in communication throughout the week getting media stuff together for the contest. I’m not questioning the validity of LCC’s claim. I’m questioning the timing. 

Unfortunately, nothing can be done about the situation now except to help Blinn fill a void in its schedule. The Buccaneers are searching for a game on or around Saturday, September 16, Week 4 on the NJCAA schedule. Anyone interested in playing the Buccaneers can reach head coach Ryan Mahon at ryan.mahon@blinn.edu.