Ohio 2026 QB Drew Bellisari covers picking up first D-I offer

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Bishop Watterson (Columbus, OH) absolutely steamrolled the competition during the 2024 season producing 14 blowout wins on the way to a 16-0 record. The trophy collected by the Eagles brought post-season honors for their leader on offense earning first team All-CCL, All-Metro, All-District, and All-Ohio. Another honor stemming from the season, Drew Bellisari’s (6-3, 185) first scholarship offer.

On winning a state championship, Bellisari gave, “It was awesome, especially because the season before we lost in state to the same team we beat; it felt super good.”

Operating in a Spread with all the routes in the book to choose from, the Class of 2026 prospect threw for 2,206 yards with 31 touchdowns and rushed for 794 yards with 14 trips into the end zone.

“I think I am good at reading the defense, being a good leader, I think that I have good athletic ability, and I throw the ball well.”

Preparing to take the Eagles back to glory, Bellisari is working with QB coach Brad Maendler.

“I am working on my accuracy and my footwork,” Bellisari stated.

On Jan. 29, Bellisari got the confirmation phone call all players dream of from Gardner-Webb.

“We were on a phone call yesterday; he called and said they like my style of play, they like me, they think I am a good fit, they want me to come down, and they want to offer me a scholarship,” Bellisari shared. “It felt really good, especially since this is my first one. It was a relief; I’ve been waiting for that first one.”

Fall visits were taken to Toledo, Kent State, and Ohio State.

The programs showing interest were listed, “Ohio for sure, Toledo, Louisville, Eastern Michigan, and Delaware.”

Programs are coming by Bishop Watterson to learn more about Bellisari.

“Today, Ohio came by, Louisville has come by, Pitt, Miami-Ohio, and Kent State,” Bellisari stated.

Bellisari continued, “I did a throwing session for Akron; that’s the only one I have done. All the others want to see me throw this spring.”

Details on the throwing session were provided, “We went through the route tree. I got warmed up, went through the tree; I think I did well.”

Another offer could drop soon with Bellisari getting out on the road.

“I am going to Delaware this weekend,” Bellisari said. “I have invites to other places, for mostly in the spring; I haven’t planned it out yet.”

Asked about visiting the Blue Hens, Bellisari shared, “I am really excited, this will be my first visit this year. My aunt lives there, maybe I will see her. I am excited to learn about the offense, meet the coaches, and see their facilities. I haven’t met them yet; I am excited to meet them face to face.”

Bellisari not only gets it done on the field but also in the classroom sporting a 3.6 GPA.

Photo credit: Bellisari family; Drew Bellisari.