[2] He had received more than 15 NCAA Division I scholarship offers prior to playing his first game in high school, and was ranked as the number one 2026 college football recruit by several sources.

[5] He ultimately appeared in 15 games and had what Sports Illustrated described as "the most staggering freshman season in Georgia's robust high school football history," throwing for 4,118 yards and 48 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

[8] Prior to his sophomore season, he announced his commitment to play college football for the USC Trojans, being ranked a four-star recruit (later five-star).

[11] The magazine noted that he had the potential to earn millions in name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation, but Georgia was one of 19 states not to allow it; nevertheless, he stayed at Carrollton, as his father thought it best for him to be developed in one of the nation's most competitive high school classifications.

[12] He threw for 3,094 yards and 48 touchdowns to only two interceptions, being named the Gatorade Georgia player of the year while helping Carrollton to a 11–2 record; they reached the Class 7A quarterfinals and won the regional title.