Cole Brown Building a Strong Case as One of West Tennessee’s Top Quarterback Recruits
After making a seamless transition from wide receiver to quarterback, McKenzie standout Cole Brown enters his senior season as one of the most intriguing recruits in West Tennessee.
Brown took over under center in 2025 following the graduation of Tate Surber, now at UT Martin, and quickly proved he was more than capable of leading one of the state’s premier Class 1A programs. Despite it being his first season as the Rebels’ starting quarterback, Brown guided McKenzie to a 13-2 record and an appearance in the TSSAA Division I Class 1A State Championship Game.
His production was among the best in Tennessee regardless of classification.
Brown completed 73 percent of his passes while throwing for 36 touchdowns and posting a 144.0 passer rating. His impact extended well beyond the passing game, as he rushed for nearly 70 yards per contest and scored 24 touchdowns on the ground. By season’s end, he had accounted for 60 total touchdowns, making him one of the state’s most productive dual-threat quarterbacks.
His versatility didn’t stop there. Brown also contributed on the defensive side of the ball at safety, recording two interceptions while helping anchor another championship-caliber McKenzie team.
The breakout campaign earned Brown recognition as a semifinalist for the 2025 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award in Class 1A, continuing McKenzie’s tradition of elite quarterback play. He followed former Rebels stars Jackson Cassidy and Tate Surber, who captured the award in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
Brown’s rise has been especially impressive considering where he started. Before taking over at quarterback, he was an All-State wide receiver and one of the area’s most explosive playmakers. McKenzie head coach Keith Hodge has credited Brown’s athleticism, competitiveness, and football IQ for allowing him to make the transition so quickly while leading the Rebels back to the state title game.
As recruiting attention continues to grow, UT Martin has already extended Brown a scholarship offer. The Skyhawks are familiar with McKenzie’s pipeline after signing Surber, and Brown’s combination of accuracy, athleticism, leadership, and winning pedigree makes him another logical target.
With another year to develop at quarterback and another deep playoff run on the horizon, Brown has positioned himself as not only one of the top players in West Tennessee, but one of the top small-school quarterback prospects in the state entering the 2026 season.
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