Texas teams bringing 2026 three-star QB Kyden Barker to campus

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A breakout sophomore season with Ball High School (Galveston) against tough Texas competition has helped propel Kyden Barker up college recruiting boards. The 6-2, 190-pound, quarterback has a quick release, a rifle for an arm, and is athletic inside and outside the pocket adding to his dynamic attack. Two offers are down with Lone Star State programs taking a deep dive on the Class of 2026’s film.

The Tornadoes caused a stir during the 2023 season producing a 9-2 record. The skill positions were dotted by underclassmen leading to big expectations for the coming schedule. Ball’s breakout star threw for 2,062 yards in 11 games with 30 touchdowns while completing attempts at a 63 percent rate. When called upon to run, Barker transformed 21 totes into 177 yards with one trip into the end zone.

“We run a Spread with a lot of quick game and bubbles, and we do a lot of deep routes concepts,” Barker stated. “We have receivers that can go get the ball.”

The skills got sharper leading a team that averaged 56.7 points per game.

“One of my strengths is identifying the defense, I would look at the indicators for different defenses, and knowing where to put the ball when passing,” Barker said.

Part of Barker’s offseason workout routine is working with former Missouri Tigers quarterback J.P. Tillman.

“Mechanic wise, I am working on getting more push through the ground, rotating, and working on my overall mechanics,” Barker shared. “I am working on my association, quick feet, and my release point as well.”

Barker continued, “I watch a lot of film from last season to see what I can improve on, and I watch Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers) and CJ Stroud (Houston Texans). With Stroud, I watch the way he runs the game; he knows what he’s doing. With Love, I love his mechanics. He knows how to use his mechanics and he knows when to move his feet.”

As Barker continues his development to being a collegiate QB, UNLV and Sam Houston State are sold on what he can bring to their respective teams. The programs building a rapport were discussed.

“I am talking to a lot of schools,” Barker shared. “The main ones are (Texas) A&M, Baylor, U of H (Houston), UT (Texas), and some with LSU. I am talking with schools like that.”

Barker spoke about the game-day visits taken last fall, “I went to UNLV’s spring game and games at Baylor and Texas A&M a couple of times.”

The trip to College Station was successful.

“It was great,” Barker shared. “I loved the atmosphere and the coaches there.”

The Bears also made an impression on the three-star talent.

“It went well,” Barker said. “Coach (Rhett) Holcomb (QC) showed me great hospitality along with other coaches.”

Making the rounds in the new year, Barker is building bonds with coaching staffs.

“I went to SMU, UT, Baylor, and A&M,” Barker stated.

A Lone Star State high school legend on the Mustangs’ staff made Barker feel right at home.

“It was great,” Barker shared. “Coach (D’Eriq) King (QB) showed a lot of hospitality. I love the campus there.”

On the time in Austin, Barker said, “It went well. I had a great visit. I love the campus, and their facilities were nice too.”

One 2024 camp performance is under Barker’s belt with Next Level Athletics, more are coming up.

“I am going to a lot of camps this offseason – LSU, Florida – as many as possible,” Barker stated.

Sam Houston State, TCU, and LSU are among the teams Barker plans to visit in the coming weeks.

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