As Arkansas gears up for its annual spring game, top high school prospects from across the nation are visiting Fayetteville. Among these is 2028 quarterback Austan Cristiaan, a standout from Bishop Verot High School in Ft. Myers, Florida. The 6-foot, 180-pound signal-caller is on his third trip to Arkansas, further cementing his interest in the program.
After a great workout I am blessed to receive my 4th D1 scholarship offer and first @SEC offer from @RazorbackFB!đThank you@FishbackMiles for making the trip down to Florida! @ArkansasRivals @CoachBPetrino @RazorbackFBRec @CoachReedLive @CoachSamPittman @DannyWest247⌠pic.twitter.com/v9nvIbLEz4
— Austan Cristiaan (@AustanQB) January 22, 2025
Even early in his high school career, Cristiaan has begun to attract national attention, drawing offers from several Division I programs while honing his skills under one of the nation’s top quarterback coaches.
As a freshman, Cristiaan had the unique opportunity to learn from 2025 four-star quarterback Carter Smith, who recently signed with Wisconsin and earned the title of Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year. Although his playing time was limitedâcompleting 21 of 42 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown in three gamesâCristiaan valued his role as an understudy.
“Sitting behind Carter was a great experience,” he said. “Seeing his leadership and control on the field taught me what it takes to play at the next level.”
His patience and hard work paid off as Bishop Verot achieved an impressive 11-2 record in 2024 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Florida 2S Conference playoffs. Now, armed with a season’s worth of learning, Cristiaan is ready to step into a larger role in the years ahead.
Class of 2028 quarterback Austan Cristiaan made some impressive throws this week at the @QBCountry workout.
I see why he's on the radar for so many college coaches early in his process. https://t.co/dS1Sib7pgW@AustanQB @247Sports pic.twitter.com/qt6Kb03Bsq
— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) February 1, 2025
Recruitment Gains Momentum
Although it’s still early for 2028 recruits to receive official rankings from outlets like 247Sports, Cristiaan’s talent has already attracted offers from schools such as Arkansas, Appalachian State, Florida Atlantic, Toledo, and Florida International. Additionally, several Power Conference programsâincluding Florida, Arizona State, Auburn, Clemson, Michigan, South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida Stateâhave expressed interest.
A key component of Cristiaan’s development has been his work with Baylin Trujillo, a respected quarterback coach based in Orlando who has trained elite prospects like Miami commit Dereon Coleman and Notre Dame-bound Noah Grubbs.
A Growing Connection with Arkansas
Cristiaan’s ties to Arkansas extend well beyond his multiple visits. Razorbacks offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, who has a longstanding relationship with Trujillo, regularly scouts quarterbacks from his camp. This connection has already sparked interest in several Trujillo-trained players, including 2026 three-star Carter Emanuel and 2027 four-star Zac Katz. With Petrino actively recruiting quarterbacks from this circle, it’s no surprise that Cristiaan has emerged as a player to watch.
The young signal-caller plans to graduate high school in December 2027 and enroll early at his chosen college, positioning himself for immediate development at the next level. As his recruitment intensifies, his return to Arkansas this spring could play a crucial role in shaping his future. Whether or not he ultimately becomes a Razorback, it’s clear that top programs across the country have already taken notice.
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