Ryan Rakowski: Palos Verdes QB Earns Elite 11 Honors, Commits to Nevada

Coming into the Elite 11 as one of the lowest-ranked quarterbacks in the camp is not exactly a position of leverage — unless you use it as one. That's exactly what Ryan Rakowski did. The Palos Verdes High School senior arrived ranked outside the top 50 quarterbacks in his class, with little expectation and, by his own account, nothing to lose. He left as one of the Elite 11.

Rakowski won the camp's opening-night "Rail Shot" challenge and sustained that performance throughout the week, earning a spot among the nation's most recognized prep quarterbacks at the prestigious annual event. At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, he doesn't fit the prototypical mold, but he brings a dual-threat dimension — arm talent paired with mobility — that he's carried throughout his high school career on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California.

The numbers behind his recruitment tell a consistent story. Over three seasons as the starter at Palos Verdes, Rakowski compiled a 30-9 record with more than 6,700 passing yards and 71 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions — a ratio that reflects both his decision-making and the disciplined program around him. He credits his coaches and family as central to his development, describing the program as a group effort built on trust and accountability.

His Elite 11 showing generated increased recruiting attention, but Rakowski was deliberate about finding the right fit — prioritizing opportunity and player development over name recognition. He has verbally committed to the Nevada Wolfpack, where he'll compete in the Mountain West Conference next season.