NCAAF · 40 minutes ago

USA Today Ranks Top 10 College Football Quarterbacks for 2026 Season

John Canady

Host · Writer

10) Bear Bachmeier, BYU
Bear Bachmeier already looks built for Big 12 football because of the punishment he can absorb as a runner and the energy he brings to the offense. The next step is becoming a more consistent passer, especially in the biggest games on the schedule. BYU believes his growth through the air could turn the Cougars into a legitimate conference contender this season.

“Look for his impact in the passing game to increase thanks to an uptick in experience while remaining a huge part of the ground game for one of the top teams in the Big 12.” — Paul Myerberg
1) Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Julian Sayin walks into 2026 with as much pressure as any quarterback in the country. Still, Ohio State has surrounded him with the kind of firepower that can make a Heisman campaign feel inevitable. With Jeremiah Smith stretching defenses and a loaded backfield taking heat off the passing game, Sayin has a chance to put together monster numbers every Saturday. The biggest thing working in his favor is how calm and efficient he looked throughout last season despite the expectations already building around him.

“Sayin has the inside track for the Heisman because of his supporting cast.” — Paul Myerberg
2) Dante Moore, Oregon
Dante Moore made the smart decision to return to Oregon for another season because another year in this offense could elevate him from talented prospect to complete quarterback. The Ducks fell apart at the wrong time last year, but Moore still showed flashes of being one of the most dangerous passers in college football when he was comfortable and in rhythm. Continuity in the scheme should allow him to play faster and cleaner from Week 1.

“Moore should solidify his place among the top players in the country.” — Paul Myerberg
3) Arch Manning, Texas
Arch Manning looked like a completely different quarterback by the end of last season, once the game started slowing down for him. Texas leaned on him heavily late in the year, and he responded with explosive plays, timely touchdowns, and the kind of poise expected from a quarterback carrying that last name. Now he enters the season with even more weapons around him and legitimate national title expectations.

“Manning had 36 total touchdowns while leading Texas to wins against Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and Michigan.” — Paul Myerberg
4) CJ Carr, Notre Dame
CJ Carr quietly became one of the most polished young quarterbacks in the country during his first season as Notre Dame’s starter. The Fighting Irish will ask much more of him this year after losing key pieces in the backfield, but Carr already proved he can deliver in obvious passing situations. If Notre Dame stays in the playoff hunt, his name is going to gain serious traction nationally.

“Carr was exceptional on clear passing downs as a first-year starter.” — Paul Myerberg
5) Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss became one of the best stories in college football last season after going from backup option to one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the Power Four. Ole Miss found stability once he took over, and his decision-making completely changed the ceiling of the offense. Experience matters in this conference, and Chambliss now returns with confidence and a full year of momentum behind him.

“A revelation in 2025 after starting the year in a backup role.” — Paul Myerberg
6) Sam Leavitt, LSU
Sam Leavitt feels like a perfect fit for an aggressive offense that wants to stress defenses vertically while still creating problems on the ground. Injuries slowed him down last season, but his athleticism and ability outside the pocket should give LSU a different dimension offensively. If he stays healthy, there is real breakout potential here under Lane Kiffin.

“Leavitt takes the controls of Lane Kiffin’s offense at LSU after a lost 2025 season.” — Paul Myerberg
7) Josh Hoover, Indiana
Josh Hoover steps into an Indiana offense that has become extremely quarterback-friendly, and the numbers could explode if everything clicks early. The arm talent has never really been the issue because Hoover can push the ball all over the field when protected. Cutting down on mistakes will determine whether he becomes a productive passer or one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

“Hoover seems likely to put up video-game numbers in the Hoosiers’ quarterback-friendly system.” — Paul Myerberg
8) Darian Mensah, Miami
Darian Mensah arrives in Miami with huge expectations after producing at a high level everywhere he has played. The Hurricanes continue loading up at quarterback, and Mensah might be the most complete passer they have added during this stretch because of how comfortable he looks attacking defenses vertically. Miami has enough skill talent around him for this offense to become one of the most explosive units in the ACC.

“He’s the centerpiece of a Miami offense that has plenty of surrounding skill talent.” — Paul Myerberg
9) Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
Marcel Reed showed stretches last season where he looked capable of carrying Texas A&M into the SEC title conversation, especially when he was decisive and aggressive downfield. The inconsistency late in the year left a sour taste, but the talent is obvious, and the Aggies believe the new offensive system will help unlock more of his game. With improved play at quarterback, Texas A&M could take a major step forward.

“Increased consistency will make Reed a genuine Heisman threat.” — Paul Myerberg
10) Bear Bachmeier, BYU
Bear Bachmeier already looks built for Big 12 football because of the punishment he can absorb as a runner and the energy he brings to the offense. The next step is becoming a more consistent passer, especially in the biggest games on the schedule. BYU believes his growth through the air could turn the Cougars into a legitimate conference contender this season.

“Look for his impact in the passing game to increase thanks to an uptick in experience while remaining a huge part of the ground game for one of the top teams in the Big 12.” — Paul Myerberg
1) Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Julian Sayin walks into 2026 with as much pressure as any quarterback in the country. Still, Ohio State has surrounded him with the kind of firepower that can make a Heisman campaign feel inevitable. With Jeremiah Smith stretching defenses and a loaded backfield taking heat off the passing game, Sayin has a chance to put together monster numbers every Saturday. The biggest thing working in his favor is how calm and efficient he looked throughout last season despite the expectations already building around him.

“Sayin has the inside track for the Heisman because of his supporting cast.” — Paul Myerberg

USA Today Ranks Top 10 College Football Quarterbacks for 2026 Season

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