DENVER — The Denver Summit made their first pick in franchise history count. With the No. 1 overall selection in the DFL Draft, the Summit selected quarterback Evander Holt of Colorado State — a Larimer County native returning home to lead Denver into its inaugural season.

"We searched for a franchise quarterback and found a franchise leader," said owner Lila Grant. "Evander is everything I want this team to be — disciplined, composed, and driven by something bigger than himself. He was raised right here in Colorado, and now he comes home to lead the Summit. You cannot script a better beginning."

Holt was raised in Larimer County in a household built around education and service — the son of a high school principal and a youth basketball coach. At Colorado State, he was repeatedly elected to leadership councils and trusted to mentor younger players, earning respect through preparation and poise. Scouts credit him with rare football intelligence and unshakable composure under pressure.

"This is home, and this means everything," said Holt. "I'm not here for the spotlight. I'm here to work, earn my teammates' trust, and bring Denver something to be proud of."

Head Coach Colton Rigsbee called Holt the ideal fit: "You build a team around a quarterback who makes everyone around him better. That's Evander. He's ours, and we couldn't be more excited to hand him the keys."
The pick gives Rigsbee and Offensive Coordinator Jamarcus Ellison-Bey a cornerstone for their timing-based system.

"Every great franchise starts with a foundation," Grant added. "Ours has a name. Welcome home, Evander."

Media Contact: Denver Summit Communications
press@denversummit.dfl