Ranking the top 15 college quarterbacks entering 2026 season

Sayin returns with Ohio State and gives the Buckeyes a quarterback to build around. With Jeremiah Smith and Bo Jackson also back, he has the kind of support that can keep Ohio State in the national title race.

3. Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns

Manning enters 2026 in a season that might be his final one at Texas. The Longhorns are going all-in around him after missing the CFP in 2025.

4. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss Rebels

Chambliss gets another season after Ole Miss won its court battle for his eligibility. He gives the Rebels a proven option as they try to stay in the SEC race.

5. Darian Mensah, Miami Hurricanes

Mensah transferred in after throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns at Duke in 2025. He enters Miami as a Heisman Trophy favorite in Shannon Dawson’s offense.

6. C.J. Carr, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Carr should be better in his second season as Notre Dame’s starter. The Irish bring back most of their defense, which should help him settle into the offense again.

7. Gunner Stockton, Georgia Bulldogs

Stockton returns after a solid first season as Georgia’s starter. Kirby Smart again has the Bulldogs built around the run game and a strong defense.

8. Sam Leavitt, LSU Tigers

Leavitt arrives at LSU after leading Arizona State to a Big 12 title in 2024. He is coming off foot surgery, but LSU built the roster around him for 2026.

9. Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans

Maiava returns with all five starting offensive linemen and both lead backs back at USC. Lincoln Riley needs a big season, and Maiava gives the Trojans a clear starting point.

10. Josh Hoover, Indiana Hoosiers

Hoover comes to Indiana after starting 31 games at TCU. The Hoosiers lost Fernando Mendoza, but Hoover gives Curt Cignetti an experienced quarterback for the title defense.

11. Noah Fifita, Arizona Wildcats

Fifita returns to Arizona as one of the more established quarterbacks on the board. His place in the rankings reflects the value of stability at a time when many teams keep changing starters.

12. Byrum Brown, Auburn Tigers

Brown gives Auburn a familiar name at quarterback entering 2026. His ranking shows that the Tigers see enough in his game to build around him next season.

13. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks

Sellers returns as a key part of South Carolina’s 2026 outlook. The Gamecocks need his development to keep moving forward in the SEC.

14. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M Aggies

Reed comes back after Texas A&M opened 2025 with an 11-0 run before fading late. The Aggies need more consistency from him if they want to stay in the SEC race.

15. CJ Bailey, NC State Wolfpack

Bailey returns as NC State’s quarterback and gives the Wolfpack an important piece on offense. His spot on the list shows how much respect he has earned heading into 2026.

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Conclusion

The 2026 season will again revolve around quarterback play. Some teams rely on experienced starters, while others turn to transfers or young talent. Performance, consistency, and decision-making will decide outcomes. As programs reset after 2025, these quarterbacks will shape the playoff race and define how the season unfolds.