College football’s 20 best quarterbacks of 2026
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin calls an audible at the line of scrimmage against Illinois Saturday October 11, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
Signal-callers are the face of the program.
They endure the most success for wins, and receive the most blame for losses. There’s no denying that great quarterbacks make others around them better. Having a killer instinct, short-term memory and coming up huge in the clutch is vital.
Whether they’re making throws from the pocket or extending plays with their mobility, all 20 of these quarterbacks have displayed what it takes to be successful at this level. Now we’ll see what they can add to their amazing legacies in 2026.
20. CJ Bailey, NC State: The Miami native took a big step forward in his passing production last season. Bailey established himself as one of the top gunslingers in the ACC, and generated impressive numbers. He ranked 18th nationally, with 25 touchdown tosses. Bailey finished 15th in the FBS in completion percentage, and 24th in passing efficiency. The former three-star prospect passed for 337 yards, and a season-high, four touchdowns in the win over Campbell. Bailey threw for a season-high, 340 yards against Georgia Tech. Not to mention he posted three touchdown passes, and no interceptions against Wake Forest and Pittsburgh. Bailey’s return means the Wolfpack will be ACC contenders.
19. Noah Fifita, Arizona: The Californian rebounded from a lackluster 2024 campaign, and shined last season. Fifita helped the Wildcats win nine games, and capped off the year with first-team, All-Big 12 honors. He even tied for eighth nationally, with 29 touchdowns passes. Fifita ranked 21st in the FBS in passing yards per game, and 33rd in total offense. The former three-star prospect passed for 373 yards, and five touchdowns against Weber State. Fifita also recorded five touchdowns tosses against Oklahoma State. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder generated four touchdown passes against Colorado. Fifita has 72 touchdown passes, and 24 interceptions over the past three seasons with the Wildcats.
18. Kevin Jennings, SMU: The former three-star prospect is one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country, with two-straight seasons of starting experience with the Mustangs. Jennings has passed for 6,886 yards, 49 touchdowns and 24 interceptions during that span. He even helped SMU reach the Playoffs in 2024. Jennings ranked second in the ACC, and ninth in the FBS in passing yards per game last season. The Texas native also finished 16th nationally in touchdown passes. Jennings threw for four touchdowns in the win over Syracuse. Not to mention he passed for three touchdowns against Baylor, TCU, Boston College and Louisville. The redshirt senior is due for an All-ACC campaign this fall.
17. Bear Bachmeier, BYU: The Californian led the Cougars to a 12-win campaign last season, and was named the Big 12’s Offensive Freshman of the Year for his heroics. After all, Bachmeier took the conference by storm, passed for 3,033 yards and scored 26 total touchdowns, which included 11 on the ground. His size, and style of play resembles former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, and Bachmeier isn’t afraid to use his body as a battering ram in short-yardage situations. He passed for 311 yards in the win at Iowa State. Bachmeier threw for 300 yards at Cincinnati. The former three-star prospect left a lasting impression with 329 yards through the air in the bowl victory over Georgia Tech.
16. Connor Weigman, Houston: The former five-star prospect scored 36 total touchdowns, and led the Cougars to a 10-3 campaign last season. Weigman finished 33rd nationally in passing efficiency, and 34th in total offense. He also displayed great mobility, and rushed for 700 yards. Weigman even eclipsed the century mark in rushing yards in three Big 12 games against Arizona State, TCU and Baylor. The Texas native passed for 306 yards, and two touchdowns in the win over Oklahoma State. Weigman threw for 309 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions against West Virginia. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder also posted four touchdown tosses in the bowl victory over LSU.
15. Anthony Colandrea, Nebraska: The Florida native is coming off a stellar campaign, in which he scored 33 total touchdowns and helped UNLV win 10 games. Although Colandrea only played in eight games last season, he ranked 12th nationally in total offense. He also finished 23rd in the FBS in passing yards per game, 28th in passing efficiency and 34th in completion percentage. Colandrea earned first-team, All-MWC honors, to go along with being named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year. The six-foot, 205-pounder has a strong arm, as well as breathtaking mobility. Colandrea threw for 300-plus yards against New Mexico, and Air Force, and had three touchdown tosses against UCLA.
14. Josh Hoover, Indiana: The former three-star prospect has put up video game passing numbers over the past two seasons at TCU. During that span Hoover has passed for a jaw-dropping, 7,421 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. Last year he ranked second in the Big 12, and fourth in the FBS in passing yards per game. Hoover even tied for eighth nationally with 29 touchdown tosses. He even finished 21st in the country in passing efficiency, and 36th in completion percentage. The Texas native threw for a season-high, 379 yards and five touchdowns against SMU. Hoover passed for four touchdowns apiece against Abilene Christian and Cincinnati. He’ll be a great addition to the Hoosiers.
13. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State: The Texas native shattered North Texas’ single-season record for passing yards, and touchdown tosses last year. Mestemaker also helped the Mean Green win 12 games. He threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns, in which he was named the AAC’s Offensive Player of the Year. After all, he led the entire FBS in passing yards per game. Mestemaker tied for second nationally in touchdown passes. He ranked fourth in the country in passing efficiency, and total offense, and 14th in completion percentage. His 608 passing yards, and four touchdowns at Charlotte were season-highs. Mestemaker even threw for 469, yards and three touchdowns at Rice.
12. Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech: The former three-star prospect is dangerous with his arm and legs, and scored 36 total touchdowns for Cincinnati last season. Sorsby ranked fourth in the Big 12, and 15th in the FBS with 27 touchdown passes. He finished 17th nationally in passing efficiency, and 23rd in total offense. The Texas native capped off the year with second-team, All-Big 12 honors for his heroics. Sorsby threw for a season-high, five touchdowns in the win over Northwestern State. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder passed for 284 yards, and four touchdowns in the victory over Oklahoma State. Sorsby passed for 300-plus yards against Kansas, BYU and Bowling Green. He’ll keep the wheels rolling for Texas Tech.
11. Demond Williams, Washington: The former four-star prospect led the Huskies to a 9-4 campaign, and scored 31 total touchdowns in 2025. Williams ranked 10th nationally in completion percentage, and passing efficiency. He tied for 18th in the FBS with 25 touchdown tosses. The Arizona native finished second in the Big Ten, and 20th in the country in total offense. Williams has an accurate arm, to go along with breathtaking mobility. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder scored five total touchdowns, including four passing in the win at Washington State. Williams passed for 402 yards, and rushed for 136 against Rutgers. Not to mention he posted four touchdown tosses against Illinois and Boise State.
10. Darian Mensah, Miami: The California native set the ACC on first last year, and broke Duke’s single-season record for passing yards, and touchdown tosses. Mensah led the conference, and tied for second nationally with 34 passing touchdowns. He also led the league, and finished seventh in the FBS in passing yards per game. Mensah ranked 20th in the FBS in passing efficiency, and 24th in completion percentage. For his heroics Mensah earned second-team, All-ACC honors. After all, he led the Blue Devils to their first-ever ACC Title. Mensah passed for a season-high, 373 yards against Georgia Tech. The former three-star prospect posted four touchdown tosses agaisnt Clemson and Arizona State.
9. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M: The Tennessee native led the Aggies to a double-digit, win campaign last season, which included an 11-0 start and a Playoff appearance. Reed tied for 18th nationally with 25 touchdown tosses. He ranked fifth in the SEC, and 22nd in the FBS in total offense. Not to mention Reed finished 23rd in the country in passing yards, and 29th in passing efficiency. His accuracy can use some improvement, but Reed still ranked fourth in the conference in passing yards per game. Reed passed for four touchdowns against UTSA. The former four-star prospect scored four total touchdowns in wins over Utah State, and Arkansas. Reed even passed for 360 yards in the victory at Notre Dame.
8. Devon Dampier, Utah: The former three-star prospect scored 34 total touchdowns, and led the Utes to an 11-2 campaign last season. Dampier is a high-caliber dual-threat, and earned third-team, All-Big 12 honors. Not to mention Dampier was named the Big 12’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year. After all, he ranked 25th nationally in total offense. Dampier finished 35th in the FBS in passing efficiency. He scored five total touchdowns, including four through the air against West Virginia. Dampier passed for three touchdowns against Kansas. The Phoenix native rushed for 120 yards and three scores against Arizona State. Dampier left a lasting impression with 458 total yards in bowl win over Nebraska.
7. Arch Manning, Texas: The former five-star prospect didn’t live up to the preseason hype last year, but helped the Longhorns win 10 games. Manning ranked third in the SEC, and tied for 16th in the FBS with 26 touchdown tosses. He also rushed for 10 scores, and averaged 4.3 yards per carry. Not to mention he ranked 28th nationally in total offense. However, there’s room for improvement after Manning finished 41st nationally in passing efficiency, and 81st in completion percentage. The New Orleans native scored five total touchdowns, including four passing in wins over Arkansas and San Jose State. Manning left a lasting impression with four total touchdowns in the bowl victory over Michigan.
6. Gunner Stockton, Georgia: The former four-star prospect led the Bulldogs to an SEC Title, and a Playoff appearance last season. Stockton ranked second in the SEC, and ninth in the FBS in completion percentage. He finished 25th nationally in passing efficiency. Stockton even capped off the year with third-team, All-SEC honors. The Georgia native passed for four touchdowns apiece in wins over Ole Miss and Texas. Not to mention Stockton threw for three touchdowns in the victory over Mississippi State. Stockton also had three touchdown tosses against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder even scored three total touchdowns against Tennessee, and in the Sugar Bowl.
5. Jayden Maiava, USC: The Hawaii native started all 13 games, scored 30 total touchdowns, and led the Trojans to a 9-3 regular season last year. Maiava led the Big Ten in passing yards per game, and total offense. His 3,711 passing yards ranked fourth in the FBS. Maiava even finished 13th nationally in passing efficiency, and 38th in completion percentage. For his heroics, Maiava earned third-team, All-Big Ten honors. He passed for a season-high, 412 yards, and four touchdowns against Georgia Southern. The former three-star prospect scored five total touchdowns, including three through the air in the win over Michigan State. Maiava’s return to the Trojans makes the Playoff contenders this fall.
4. C.J. Carr, Notre Dame: The former four-star prospect started all 12 games, and established himself as one of the best passers in the country last year. Although the Fighting Irish didn’t make the Playoffs, Carr helped them post a 10-2 regular season, and they ended 2025 on a 10-game win streak. He ranked fifth in the FBS in passing efficiency, and 26th in completion percentage. Carr passed for 1,622 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions through Notre Dame’s first six games. The Michigan native passed for a season-high, 354 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Arkansas. Carr also threw for 300-plus yards against NC State, and generated three touchdown tosses against Navy.
3. Dante Moore, Oregon: The former five-star prospect turned down a lot of NFL money to return for another year with the Ducks. Moore led Oregon to a 13-2 campaign last season, which included two victories in the Playoffs. He ranked third in the Big Ten, and fourth in the FBS in completion percentage. The Detroit native finished seventh nationally with 30 touchdown tosses, and eighth in passing efficiency. His 3,565 passing yards ranked 12th in the country. Moore even threw for 14 touchdowns, and an interception through the first five games. The 6-foot-3, 206-pounder even earned third-team, All-Big Ten honors. Moore’s return means the Ducks will be Playoff contenders again.
2. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss: The Michigan native started the final 12 games last season, and helped the Rebels post a school-record, 13 wins. Chambliss led Ole Miss all the way to the Playoff Semifinals. He ranked first in the conference, and third in the FBS with 3,937 passing yards. Chambliss finished 16th nationally in passing efficiency, and passing yards per game. The six-foot, 200-pounder scored 30 total touchdowns, and earned second-team, All-SEC honors for his heroics. Chambliss passed for four touchdowns in the win at Mississippi State. Although he had to go through the courts to get an extra year of eligibility, Chambliss’ return to the Rebels makes them instant Playoff contenders.
1. Julian Sayin, Ohio State: The former five-star prospect made a tremendous impact on the Big Ten in 2025. After all, Sayin led the Buckeyes to a 12-0 regular season, a Playoff appearance and was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He also earned second-team, All-Big Ten, and third-team, AP All-America honors. Not to mention Sayin was one of four Heisman finalists. The Californian led the entire FBS in completion percentage, and finished second nationally in passing efficiency. His 32 touchdown tosses ranked fourth in the FBS. The College football world should expect Sayin to post similar passing numbers this fall with the return of All-American wideout Jeremiah Smith to Ohio State’s offense.
Honorable Mention
Bryce Underwood, Michigan: The former five-star prospect put together a promising true freshman campaign with the Wolverines last season. Underwood led Michigan to nine wins in the regular season, and scored 18 total touchdowns with his dual-threat capability.
John Mateer, Oklahoma: He made an immediate impact with the Sooners last season, and helped them reach the Playoffs for the first time as an SEC member. Mateer must improve drastically as a passer, but he’s still a winner and is also as tough as nails.
Rocco Becht, Penn State: The Florida native helped Iowa State get off to a 7-0 start last season. Becht has passed for 9,209 yards, 64 touchdowns and 26 interceptions over the past three seasons with the Cyclones. He brings instant credibility to Penn State’s offense.
Sam Leavitt, LSU: He led Arizona State to a Big 12 Title, and Playoff appearance in 2024. Leavitt’s 2025 campaign was cut short due to injuries. However, he’s now with quarterback guru Lane Kiffin, and LSU has the caliber of athletes to make Leavitt elite again.
Avery Johnson, Kansas State: The former four-star prospect is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the Big 12. Johnson has scored 58 total touchdowns over the past two seasons with the Wildcats. New Coach Collin Klein should elevate Johnson’s game.
