NCAAF · 17 minutes ago

USA TODAY Top 15 College Football Quarterback Rankings for 2026

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

You Tell Us! Who are the Best College Football Quarterbacks of 2026?
Sound Off in the War Room: Who's Your QB1?

USA TODAY has locked in its top 15 quarterbacks for 2026, but now it's your turn to debate the board!
- THE NO. 1 SPOT: Is Dante Moore the undisputed top quarterback in the country, or would you take Julian Sayin or CJ Carr under center?
- SEC POWER RANKINGS: Between Trinidad Chambliss, Arch Manning, Gunner Stockton, and Sam Leavitt, who finishes with the best postseason run?
- THE SLEEPER: Which quarterback in the 10-15 range, like Marcel Reed or Drew Mestemaker, is most likely to crash the top five by November?
Drop your hot takes and QB rankings in the comments!
USA TODAY Ranks College Football's Best Quarterbacks
Gunslingers & Game-Changers: USA TODAY Ranks CFB’s Top 15 QBs for 2026

Experience at college football's premier position is practically priceless, but navigating the transfer portal and managing high-stakes roster turnover has turned quarterback depth charts into a year-round puzzle. With returning starters, portal superstars, and elite young guns fighting for national dominance, USA TODAY Sports assembled its expert panel to rank the 15 best signal-callers taking the field for the 2026 season.

From proven postseason winners to high-upside passers ready for their breakout moment, here is the official pecking order under center this autumn.
15. Demond Williams
Washington Huskies | Big Ten

Demond Williams brings lethal dual-threat quickness and high-level efficiency to Montlake, but taking the Huskies to contender status means stepping up in prime-time showdowns. If the Huskies can get over the hump against Big Ten bullies, Williams will be the reason.

"Williams almost wasn't with the Huskies after he reversed course from a planned transfer this winter. Now, he is poised to become a national name if the Huskies can improve their performances against elite competition."
14. Marcel Reed
Texas A&M Aggies | SEC

When Marcel Reed gets into the open field, secondary defenders look like they're trying to tackle a ghost. Aggie fans know the raw physical tools are off the charts, and if he cleans up the ill-timed turnovers, College Station will be celebrating an elite SEC signal-caller.

"Reed nicknamed himself the “Gingerbread Man.” Why? Because, you can’t catch him. He’s vowed to cut down on his 12 interceptions. If he makes good on that pledge, he possesses abilities to be a top-tier SEC quarterback."
13. Drew Mestemaker
Oklahoma State Cowboys | Big 12

Following his head coach out of the portal, Drew Mestemaker brings a high-octane passing mentality to Stillwater. His willingness to push the ball downfield and sling it with confidence gives the Cowboys an instant offensive jump-start after a massive year where he led the nation in passing yards.

"Mestemaker has already had an unexpected career, rising from from a walk-on to undeniable star for North Texas as a redshirt freshman in 2025. He brings big expectations to lead an offense that needed a total rebuild."
12. Kevin Jennings
SMU Mustangs | ACC

Kevin Jennings has been the steady heartbeat of SMU's rise in the ACC, commanding the huddle with veteran poise and big-play aggressiveness. If he keeps the ball out of harm's way, the Mustangs have all the firepower needed for another postseason run.

"He does have 26 career interceptions, in part a function of the team’s pass-heavy system, but he’ll need to cut down on the giveaways."
11. Josh Hoover
Indiana Hoosiers | Big Ten

Curt Cignetti loves high-volume, fearless passers, and Josh Hoover steps into Bloomington as a proven arm capable of putting up massive numbers. The Hoosiers' fast-paced system fits his style, as long as he dials back the risky throws on the road.

"Hoover becomes the third consecutive transfer to grab the reins of the Indiana offense since Curt Cignetti's arrival in Bloomington. He had productive run at TCU with 71 touchdowns passes while leading the Horned Frogs to consecutive nine-win seasons."
10. John Mateer
Oklahoma Sooners | SEC

John Mateer possesses the kind of off-script mobility and arm talent that makes defensive coordinators sweat all week. Now fully healed and settling into his groove in Norman, he has all the tools to turn Oklahoma's offense into an absolute machine.

"Mateer battles an interception bug, but he’s also packed with dual-threat and big-play abilities."
9. Jayden Maiava
USC Trojans | Big Ten

Operating under Lincoln Riley's tutelage, Jayden Maiava possesses the raw passing horsepower to light up any scoreboard in the country. With upgraded perimeter talent around him, the Trojans' field general is poised for a monster statistical campaign in Los Angeles.

"Maiava gets lost in the shuffle when discussing the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten but has an opportunity to climb this list if USC can leap back into the playoff picture."
8. Sam Leavitt
LSU Tigers | SEC

Making the leap into Death Valley brings major pressure, but Sam Leavitt has the moxie and playmaking flair to thrive under the Saturday night lights. Paired with elite offensive scheming, he gives the Tigers a dynamic threat who can make noise in the SEC.

"The SEC is a different beast than the Big 12, but Leavitt's got a coach in Lane Kiffin and a coordinator in Charlie Weis Jr. who can help him handle it."
7. Gunner Stockton
Georgia Bulldogs | SEC

Gunner Stockton might not look like a textbook NFL pocket passer, but the guy is a pure, unadulterated football player who simply finds ways to win. When the game is on the line, Kirby Smart knows he can trust his leader to make the winning play.

"Stockton elevates in the big games. He outplayed Arch Manning in their head-to-head duel last November. He is a gamer, a winner, clutch and has a really good arm. More will be on his shoulders with a young receiving corps but he seems ready to carry load."
6. Darian Mensah
Miami Hurricanes | ACC

Transferring within the conference always brings extra juice, but Darian Mensah has the ice-cold demeanor required to pilot Miami's high-expectation offense. His ability to spread the rock and manage high-pressure situations makes Coral Gables a dangerous spot for ACC defenses.

"Mensah will be under the proverbial microscope with the Hurricanes having national championship goals but has the mindset and talent to handle the pressure."
5. Arch Manning
Texas Longhorns | SEC

The brightest spotlight in sports belongs to Arch Manning, but the young Texas gunslinger showed late-season growth that proved he's far more than just a famous last name. With elite wheels and an upgraded receiving corps, Austin is ready for a breakout year.

"He’s an excellent runner who needs more consistency as a passer, but Texas added weapons around him. Perhaps, all that hype last summer was just a year too soon."
4. Trinidad Chambliss
Ole Miss Rebels | SEC

Trinidad Chambliss has completed an incredible journey from small-college obscurity to undisputed SEC superstar. His dual-threat wizardry and infectious energy make Ole Miss a legitimate national championship threat every time he steps onto the field.

"He’s become one of college football’s biggest stars, a charismatic dual threat with Heisman Trophy potential."
3. CJ Carr
Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Independent

Stepping into the historic spotlight at Notre Dame can overwhelm young signal-callers, but CJ Carr handled the pressure like a decade-long veteran. With a full year of starter reps under his belt, Carr is ready to carry the Irish back into the national championship conversation.

"A Notre Dame quarterback living up to high expectations? That hasn't always been the case with heralded players in the past but Carr more than exceeded his hype in his first season as starter."
2. Julian Sayin
Ohio State Buckeyes | Big Ten

Julian Sayin conducts the Ohio State offense with absolute precision, dropping effortless dimes all over the field. With world-class weapons surrounding him in Columbus, Sayin has the stats, system, and setup to dominate the national landscape.

"There’s every reason to think he’ll take another step forward in 2026 under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Maybe the biggest hurdle to Sayin claiming the Heisman Trophy is his teammate, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who is widely seen as the best pound-for-pound player in the country."
1. Dante Moore
Oregon Ducks | Big Ten

Sitting at the very top of the national hierarchy, Dante Moore possesses the elite arm talent, decision-making, and pocket presence that NFL scouts drool over. If Eugene is going to bring home a national championship trophy, #1 will be the main reason why.

"Moore is seen as maybe the nation’s top overall draft prospect after a 2025 season that saw him throw for 30 scores in leading the Ducks to the playoff semifinals."
You Tell Us! Who are the Best College Football Quarterbacks of 2026?
Sound Off in the War Room: Who's Your QB1?

USA TODAY has locked in its top 15 quarterbacks for 2026, but now it's your turn to debate the board!
- THE NO. 1 SPOT: Is Dante Moore the undisputed top quarterback in the country, or would you take Julian Sayin or CJ Carr under center?
- SEC POWER RANKINGS: Between Trinidad Chambliss, Arch Manning, Gunner Stockton, and Sam Leavitt, who finishes with the best postseason run?
- THE SLEEPER: Which quarterback in the 10-15 range, like Marcel Reed or Drew Mestemaker, is most likely to crash the top five by November?
Drop your hot takes and QB rankings in the comments!
USA TODAY Ranks College Football's Best Quarterbacks
Gunslingers & Game-Changers: USA TODAY Ranks CFB’s Top 15 QBs for 2026

Experience at college football's premier position is practically priceless, but navigating the transfer portal and managing high-stakes roster turnover has turned quarterback depth charts into a year-round puzzle. With returning starters, portal superstars, and elite young guns fighting for national dominance, USA TODAY Sports assembled its expert panel to rank the 15 best signal-callers taking the field for the 2026 season.

From proven postseason winners to high-upside passers ready for their breakout moment, here is the official pecking order under center this autumn.