Top Florida High School QB Joining Defending State Champions

Nate Merrell Jr. transferring to St. Thomas Aquinas from Immaculata-La Salle

Lakeland's Malik Morris fights for a first down against St. Thomas Aquinas on Thursday night at Pitbull Stadium in the 2025 FHSAA Class 5A State Football Finals. / ROY FUOCO/THE LEDGER / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One of the top underclassmen quarterback prospects in Florida high school football is transferring.

Nate Merrell Jr., a Class of 2028 signal caller, announced on social media that he will continue his high school career at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Merrell most recently played for Immaculata-La Salle High School.

“With much prayer… I will be transferring to St. Thomas,” Merrell posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

With much prayer… I will be transferring to ST. Thomas @Andy_Villamarzo @adamgorney @Andy_Villamarzo @Andrew_Ivins @AdvancedQBCamp @BenjaminRivals @TheUCReport @Stumpf_Brian @LawrenceBl83397 @b pic.twitter.com/cVDtASxZbz

— Nathaniel (Nate) Merrell Jr. (@NateTheGreat_GP) January 18, 2026

Nate Merrell Jr. Led Immaculata-La Salle To 12-1 Record

As a sophomore, Merrell led the Royals to a 12-1 record, completing 62 percent of his passes for 1,779 yards. He tossed 24 touchdowns and had just four interceptions on 195 pass attempts, adding 341 yards rushing with a pair of touchdowns.

The 6-foot-4, 175-pounder is a multi-sport standout, as he also plays baseball where he has been recorded at having a 90 mile-per-hour fastball.

C/o 28
6’4 175
3rd/ RHP/OF
Uncommitted

RHP 90mph Fastball
Switch hitter pic.twitter.com/wbdds54XBb

— Nathaniel (Nate) Merrell Jr. (@NateTheGreat_GP) January 5, 2026

Merrell currently holds offers from both Florida International and UCF. He is slated to compete with Cody Conness for the starting position at St. Thomas Aquinas after the graduation of starter Mason Mallory.

Top Florida High School Quarterback Adds Talent To Defending State Champions

This past year, Merrell had at least one passing touchdown in all but one game for the Royals, including three straight games with three passing scores to begin the season.

He went over 200 yards twice and had a completion percentage of .60 or better in five games, highlighted by a 10 of 11 performance for 127 yards and three touchdowns vs. Somerset Academy.

St. Thomas Aquinas captured the 17th Florida high school football state championship all-time this past fall, which also marked the seventh straight for the program. They defeated Lakeland in the Class 5A final for a second consecutive year.

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