St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), ranked No. 8 in the nation, may have their quarterback for years to come.
According to a social media post from Class of 2028 signal caller Nate Merrell Jr. on Sunday, the sophomore passer announced that he will transfer to the 17-time state champion Raiders. Merrell Jr. played center for the Immaculata-La Salle Royals last season, leading the team to a 12-1 record in 2025.
The 6-foot-4, 175-pound quarterback was one of South Florida’s most efficient passers last season, completing 121 of 195 passes (62 percent) for 1,779 yards, 24 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
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Now that Merrell Jr. has received college offers from Florida International University and UCF, he will join one of the top high school football teams in the country as they graduate Mason Mallory, their starting quarterback from last season. The Raiders are bringing back 2027 signal-caller Cody Conness.
St. Thomas Aquinas Tea is ranked No. 2 in the state, according to the final 2025 Florida High School Football Macy Rankings.
About St. Thomas Aquinas High School
St. Thomas Aquinas High School, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school known for its academic rigor, athletic excellence and strong emphasis on spiritual growth. The school offers a wide range of AP and Honors courses to prepare students for higher education. Its athletic teams regularly win state championships, bolstering school spirit and pride. The school focuses on leadership, community service and personal development to ensure graduates are well-rounded and prepared for the future.
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