The DNA doesn’t lie. Gunner Rivers is currently breaking the internet – one throw at a time, and it’s not just because he shares a last name with one of the NFL’s most prolific passers. It’s the way he moves—the delivery, the footwork, the controlled chaos in the pocket. It’s almost eerie how much he mirrors his father, former Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. The comparison clips are going viral. Reportedly, Gunner is ‘well on his way’ to becoming a 5-star QB by the end of his senior season. There could be a new legacy QB in town with the current CFB’s favorite one.

Now, the buzz is getting national. According to NFL Rookie Watch, one anonymous Power-5 coach believes Gunner Rivers is on the verge of drawing ‘similar hype’ to Arch Manning, Texas’ golden-armed prince and perhaps the most scrutinized legacy QB of this era. That’s no small statement in the current recruiting landscape, where bloodlines can be as valuable as a rocket arm. Rivers, still early in his high school career, and one SEC program may already be putting the wheels in motion for a future under center. He visited Austin this past weekend—yes, that Austin. The Texas Longhorns are keeping a close eye on football’s next family dynasty.

And why wouldn’t they? Gunner Rivers has been the guy at St. Michael Catholic since his freshman year and is widely viewed as the best high school football player in Alabama’s 2027 class. Through just two seasons as a starter, he’s racked up a ridiculous 7,024 passing yards with 70 total touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. That’s not just impressive—it’s surgical. He’s dissecting defenses with the kind of poise and touch that usually takes years to master. His mechanics? Clean. His timing? Spot on. His vision? Already next level. It’s no wonder programs are already dreaming up game plans around him, even with three years of high school left.

Of course, the bloodline speaks volumes. Philip Rivers quarterbacked in the NFL from 2004 to 2020. Putting up HOF-worthy numbers while redefining the QB position with his unorthodox release and unmatched toughness. Gunner doesn’t just resemble his dad; he embodies the same fire. But this isn’t just a nostalgia project—this kid’s ceiling might actually be higher. The phrase “most talented in the Rivers family” isn’t getting tossed around lightly. Gunner has the tools, the pedigree, and now, the spotlight.

What adds intrigue is the direction Texas seems to be taking under Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns are making a habit of betting on bloodlines. Manning is leading the offense this season, Jason Witten’s son, Cooper, has drawn serious attention, and now Gunner Rivers is officially on their radar. His visit to Austin this past Sunday didn’t go unnoticed, and while 2027 is still a ways off, don’t be surprised if Texas goes all-in. For a program eyeing a future pipeline of elite quarterbacks, stacking legacies might just be Coach Sark’s signature move.

There’s still a lot of time between now and Gunner’s National Signing Day, but the trajectory is clear.

Gunner and Philip Rivers: Like father, like son?

It’s hard not to get excited about Gunner Rivers if your team’s colors are burnt orange. The rising quarterback out of St. Michael Catholic (Ala.) had a jaw-dropping sophomore season, going 12-2 and lighting up defenses with serious precision. He completed 63% of his passes for a whopping 3,947 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only six picks. That’s not just good—that’s ‘keep your eye on this kid’ good.

After a recent visit to UT, Gunner had nothing but good vibes to share. “My first time here, it went well, enjoyed, and good talking to all the coaches,” he told On3’s Inside Texas. “I had a great time.” For a player with his pedigree, it’s easy to see why schools like Texas are rolling out the red carpet.

247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins summed it up best: “Modern pocket passer with elite pedigree that wins with touch, timing and sound decision-making,” Ivins wrote in his April report. He added, “Owns more of a unique shot put-like release, but makes it work, much like dad did many moons ago.” Bottom line? Gunner Rivers “has a chance to be a difference-maker at the game’s highest level.”