Elite 11 results forecast elite QB play in pivotal Texas A&M rivalry going forward

Texas A&M football's quarterback commitment for the class of 2026, Helaman Casuga of Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah, turned a lot of heads yesterday when he earned MVP honors for Day 2 of the Elite 11 finals. The most prestigious gathering of rising senior QBs in the nation, Elite 11 has long been a point of interest for teams who are looking to see how well their commitment stacks up against other signal callers across the country.

Casuga is showing that he was an underrated prospect coming in, as he is only ranked as a middle-of-the-road four-star on certain services coming into the week. I think it's safe to say that evaluation will be shifting soon, however, after this performance.

It's not just Casuga who turned heads, however. Texas quarterback commit Dia Bell, long the bell cow (didn't mean for a pun there, just happened) of their recruiting class, ended up as the overall MVP— but it was Casuga who was right there behind him.

Helaman Casuga and Dia Bell highlight Elite 11 finals, portend elite QB play in A&M-Texas rivalry going forward

If nothing else, these rankings should get fans on both sides of the aisle excited about the level of QB play in the rivalry going forward:

Casuga had a higher hill to climb due to the preconceived notions about him coming into the weekend compared to a guy like Bell, but he scaled that hill with ease. It's pretty notable that he exceeded the play of Faizon Brandon (currently the top-rated player according to 247Sports) and Keisean Henderson (currently the third-rated player according to 247Sports), both five-star prospects.

Henderson's dynamic athleticism is a big piece of what sets him apart from the pack, but Brandon less so. That Casuga outplayed them both shouldn't be lost on Aggie fans.

If both Bell and Casuga live up to the potential they showed this weekend, it will make for some fireworks in late November for years to come. I, for one can't wait to see it.