College football is almost back, and with it all the stars of the sport. Seasons are often defined by the big-name quarterbacks, and this season is chock-full of compelling players at the position. From national title contenders to highly touted NFL draft prospects and everything in between, these are some of the most exciting names in the sport in 2026.
Who are the best quarterbacks in college football in 2026?
Here are 10 quarterbacks to watch during the 2026 college football season:
Arch Manning, Texas
There is no player in college football with a bigger spotlight on him than Manning. The latest in the Manning quarterback lineage is hoping for a stronger beginning to his second season as a starter. He made huge strides over the second half of last season and is once again the favorite to go No. 1 overall in the NFL draft. He needs to follow through on his potential to make that a reality — along with Texas’ national title hopes.
Dante Moore, Oregon
Like Manning, Moore decided to return to school to further his development and lead a national title contender. Moore could have been the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he still has areas in his game to improve — namely, his ability to handle pressure and react to defensive pressure. The Ducks will go as far as Moore can take them.
Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Sayin was immediately successful in his first season starting as a sophomore. He led the nation in completion percentage (77%) and was second in QB rating (177.46), but losses to Indiana and Miami at the end of the season cast questions about his capabilities against elite competition. He will have plenty of opportunities to answer those questions against a very difficult 2026 schedule.
CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Carr was another first-time starter last season who stepped into the college game in very impressive fashion. Notre Dame’s losses to Miami and Texas A&M early kept it out of the College Football Playoff. Carr was good in those games, but not great. An easier schedule will help the Fighting Irish get back to the playoff, but Carr will have to step it up under the brightest lights.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Chambliss was a revelation after stepping in for the injured Austin Simmons in Week 2. The former Division II standout earned Second-Team All-SEC honors and was named SEC Newcomer of the Year. He lit up Georgia for 362 yards and two touchdowns in the CFP and nearly took down Miami as well. There’s a fair amount of uncertainty around the Rebels, but there’s no question that Chambliss is one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
Jayden Maiava, USC
Maiava is going surprisingly under the radar for a returning Lincoln Riley quarterback who led the nation in QBR. There is a lot of pressure on Maiava’s head coach, and his receivers are not the most proven. Outside of that, this is the best roster USC has had under Riley, and it is up to Maiava to pilot them into playoff contention. If he can do that, we may have a fourth signal-caller with a Heisman Trophy under Riley’s tutelage.
Darian Mensah, Miami (FL)
Mensah acclimated well to the Power 4 after starting his career at Tulane, throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns in his lone season at Duke. Miami went to the national championship game with Carson Beck under center, and Mensah should be an upgrade at the most important position on the field. Further development from Mensah would be a huge boon to the Hurricanes’ hopes of building on that run.
Sam Leavitt, LSU
Leavitt played so well on Arizona State’s playoff run in 2024 that expectations for him soared multiple levels. Then, last year came: He only played seven games due to a Lisfranc foot injury, and he ruffled some feathers on his way out of Tempe. Now, he is the first quarterback of the Lane Kiffin era at LSU (a head coach who isn’t afraid to mix it up himself), leading a very expensive roster that has plenty to live up to.
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Sellers entered last season with a lot of hype after a strong redshirt freshman season. He took a step back in a dysfunctional South Carolina offense, throwing 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions and completing less than 61% of his passes. If Sellers can improve his consistency, he will be right back in the conversation as a top-five potential NFL draft pick in 2027.
Nico Iamaleava, UCLA
Iamaleava is known more for the manner of his transfer from Tennessee to UCLA than for his play on the field. That being said, he has flashed big-time ability on occasion, such as his five-touchdown performance in an upset of Penn State at the Rose Bowl last season. Still, 13 touchdowns and six yards per attempt are disappointing numbers for a former five-star recruit. There is optimism that new head coach Bob Chesney can unlock his best ball.
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