QB Gunner Rivers, Philip's son, commits to NC State

Highly touted high school QB follows in father's footsteps to play for Wolfpack

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Quarterback Gunner Rivers, a highly regarded prospect in the high school Class of 2027, will follow the path of his father, Philip, and play for North Carolina State. Gunner Rivers is entering his senior season at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where his father is the head coach. He has led the team to three state championships and is considered one of the top QB prospects in the country.

Why it matters

The commitment of Gunner Rivers to NC State continues the family's legacy at the school, as his father Philip was a standout quarterback for the Wolfpack from 2000-2003 before going on to a successful 16-year NFL career. This will be a closely watched recruitment as Gunner looks to follow in his father's footsteps.

The details

Gunner Rivers is a consensus four-star prospect, ranked by Rivals as the No. 12 quarterback in the Class of 2027 and by ESPN as the No. 11 pocket passer. He has also been among the 150 best prospects in the class. As a junior last season, Gunner threw for 3,176 yards with 46 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions, though ESPN had his yardage total at 2,813. He had interest from several major programs including Miami, Georgia, Auburn, Missouri, Boston College and South Carolina.

  • Gunner Rivers is entering his senior season at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama in 2026.
  • Philip Rivers played for NC State from 2000-2003, where he was a standout quarterback.

The players

Gunner Rivers

A highly regarded quarterback prospect in the high school Class of 2027 who has committed to play at NC State, following in the footsteps of his father Philip Rivers.

Philip Rivers

Gunner's father, who was a four-year starting quarterback for NC State from 2000-2003 before going on to a 16-year NFL career, mostly with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers.

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What’s next

Gunner Rivers will look to lead St. Michael Catholic High School to another state championship in his senior season before enrolling at NC State in 2027.

The takeaway

The commitment of Gunner Rivers to NC State continues the family's legacy at the school and will be a closely watched recruitment as he looks to follow in his father Philip's footsteps as a standout quarterback for the Wolfpack.