2027 Cypress Ranch QB Braden Baker (6'5, 190) committed to Houston over offers from Baylor and Arkansas. 

Baker, who checks in as the No. 9 QB in the state, gives the Cougars a signal-caller who checks the boxes as a field general and a proven producer.

Cypress Ranch head coach William Blaylock didn’t hesitate when asked what separates his quarterback from the pack.

“Just his presence,” Blaylock said. “He’s a student of the game. This year, we told him in the offseason, ‘This is your team,’ and he took that and ran with it. He’s not a rah-rah guy, but he’s emotionally invested, he’s passionate, and he took control of the offense.”

As a junior, Baker threw for 2,806 yards and 32 touchdowns while adding 235 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, earning District 16-6A Overall MVP Honors.  

“The kids follow him,” Blaylock said. “He works in the weight room, plays multiple sports, and there’s nothing he’s not willing to do. You don’t come across too many high school quarterbacks with that kind of poise and savviness. And he can put the football anywhere you want it.”

“You’ve got to have a trigger man. If you have a quarterback, you have a chance. We’re blessed—we’ve got one.”

In nearly two decades of coaching, Baker stands out to Blaylcok as one of his all-time best. 

“He’s the best pure quarterback I’ve ever coached,” Blaylock said. “That’s not a knock on anybody else. I’ve had great players. But Baker’s different.”

“I was around Andrew Luck in high school, and I get the same vibe from Baker. That’s a great testament to him, because that’s rare.”

Baker is rated as a DCTX three-star.