Four-star South Carolina QB target Landon Duckworth responds to All-State controversy

Four-star prospect Landon Duckworth is one of the most elite quarterbacks in the 2026 class. He capped off an incredible junior season by leading Jackson High School (Alabama) to a dominant 69-6 victory over Cherokee County in the 4A state championship game.

Duckworth completed 14 of 17 passes for 325 yards and five touchdowns in the game, earning the game's MVP honors. With 3,439 passing yards, 648 rushing yards and 51 total touchdowns this season, he also claimed Bama HS News' 4A Offensive Player of the Year award.

Despite his stellar performances, Duckworth was surprisingly named to the All-State first team not as a quarterback but as an athlete. Recruiting analyst Adam McCann weighed in on the unusual decision, noting in an X post on Saturday that he had never seen a QB1 be labeled as an athlete without playing anything else but in the quarterback spot.

Duckworth himself responded to McCann’s post by retweeting it with a confident message:

"L💍L tuff‼️#JustW💍rk."

Duckworth's athleticism is undeniable, but his ability to throw the football has been his defining trait. As a state champion who led his program to a phenomenal season, being labeled an athlete rather than a QB1 feels like an oversight to many observers.

Landon Duckworth committed to South Carolina last year but backed off his pledge in June. However, the Gamecocks remain firmly in the mix to secure his services once again, and the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives the school a 61.7% chance of landing him. The program has six committed players in the 2026 class, ranking No. 9 in the nation.

HS coach praises Landon Duckworth

Jackson's head football coach, Cody Flournoy, had heavy praise for Landon Duckworth after the state championship game.

“I was so proud of Landon's performance in the championship game," Flournoy said. "He was able to show all of his abilities on the biggest stage in the biggest game. The same things that we’ve seen from him all year long, we're so happy for him, and so excited to see what he does during his senior season for the Jackson Aggies."

Landon Duckworth is the No. 130 prospect in the nation, the No. 10 quarterback in the 2026 cycle and the No. 8 junior in Alabama, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.