NCAAF · 11 hours ago

Ranking the Top 50 College Football Quarterbacks Going Into Week 6

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

50. Bryce Underwood - Michigan Wolverines
Bryce Underwood 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Michigan Wolverines
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 228 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 19
- Hometown: Detroit, MI
A lot of attention was paid to Bryce Underwood in high school and his recruitment, which included a flip from LSU to Michigan, was discussed ad nauseam. After all of that hype and his introduction as a true freshman as the QB1 for one of college football’s biggest brands, Underwood was…fine? It was near impossible for his play to live up to the hype right out of the box, but he was largely pedestrian during the 2025 campaign. After the season was over, we quickly found out about the chaos that was enveloping the football program and a change was made at head coach. Underwood elected to stay in Ann Arbor and the new offensive system under Kyle Whittingham is an intriguing fit for a player with his athleticism. Underwood needs to develop as a passer, but he needs to be willing to embrace his ability to be a weapon as a runner much more than he did a season ago. Underwood’s legs are mostly effective but his development as a quarterback has been non-existent in Year 2.
Bryce Underwood 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 881

Touchdown Passes: 5

Interceptions: 4

Completion Percentage: 59.3% | Cmp/Att: 67 of 113

Yards per Attempt: 7.8 YPA
Who Is No. 1? Ranking the 50 Most Explosive QBs for the 2026 Season
Who are the top 50 quarterbacks for the 2026 college football campaign?

The list includes several returning stars, key transfers, and numerous players poised for breakthrough campaigns.

Transfer quarterbacks have dominated the College Football Playoff recently. Will Howard's Ohio State Buckeyes knocked off Riley Leonard's Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2024 title game in a matchup of two transfers, and former Cal QB Fernando Mendoza led IU to the win over former UGA QB Carson Beck and the Miami Hurricanes on January 19, 2026.

Will we see more of the same in 2026? The top ten features seven quarterbacks returning to the same team (five "homegrown") they led in 2025 and three who were hot commodities in the transfer portal.
1. Darian Mensah - Miami Hurricanes
Darian Mensah 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Miami Hurricanes
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 205 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: San Luis Obispo, CA
Darian Mensah threw for nearly 4,000 yards with 34 passing touchdowns and only six interceptions for the Duke Blue Devils. That season came on the heels of an outstanding freshman campaign at Tulane. He is playing at an extremely high-level and Miami, if they can get healthy, look like a buzzsaw and a title contender. A clash with Notre Dame looms with huge implications for the CFP and Heisman Trophy picture.

Darian Mensah 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,438
- Touchdown Passes: 15
- Interceptions: 0
- Completion Percentage: 84.2% | Cmp/Att: 112 of 133
- Yards per Attempt: 10.8 YPA
2. Trinidad Chambliss - Ole Miss Rebels
Trinidad Chambliss Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: Ole Miss Rebels
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 24
- Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Trinidad Chambliss was a late find by Lane Kiffin and he threw only six passes in the first two games before taking over for Austin Simmons and leading the Rebels to the College Football Playoff. He erupted for 353 yards against Arkansas in his first start and followed that up with 307 against Tulane and 314 against LSU, firmly seizing the starting job.

After a dip midseason, Chambliss finished the season playing as well as anyone in the country. He was awesome against Georgia in a 39-34 upset of the Bulldogs and gave Miami a major scare before ultimately falling 31-27. Chambliss is a dual-threat dynamo and the only real concern is whether his supporting cast can get healthy.

Trinidad Chambliss 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,222
- Touchdown Passes: 8
- Interceptions: 3
- Completion Percentage: 70.8% | Comp/Att: 102 of 144
- Yards per Attempt: 8.5
3. Keelon Russell - Alabama Crimson Tide
Keelon Russell 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Alabama Crimson Tide
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 201 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 19
- Hometown: Duncanville, TX
No player has risen as quickly in these rankings as Keelon Russell. He beat out Austin Mack for the starting job and there were whispers out of Tuscaloosa that he looked outstanding in fall camp. The season started and it quickly became apparent that Russell is special. He could very well be the number one pick in the 2028 NFL Draft is he continues on this trajectory.

Keelon Russell 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,414
- Touchdown Passes: 11
- Interceptions: 2
- Completion Percentage: 71.2
- Comp/Att: 94-132
- Yards per Attempt: 10.7
4. Julian Sayin - Ohio State Buckeyes
Julian Sayin 2026 Player Profile
- Class: RS Sophomore
- Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 208 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Carlsbad, CA
Julian Sayin offers nothing in the running game but he continues to exhibit elite accuracy and decision-making as he steers one of the nation's best offenses. Of course, having Jeremiah Smith sure helps! Sayin has a huge test coming up on October 17 as the Buckeyes travel to play Indiana.

Julian Sayin 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,530
- Touchdown Passes: 13
- Interceptions: 1
- Completion Percentage: 72.5% | Cmp/Att: 103 of 142
- Yards per Attempt: 10.8 YPA
5. Kamario Taylor - Mississippi State Bulldogs
Kamario Taylor 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 230
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 19
- Hometown: Macon, MS
I was higher than nearly anyone on Kamario Taylor before this season but not even I saw quite such a quick rise for "Super Kamario" Taylor. The sophomore was awesome in his first four games as Mississippi State knocked off Minnesota, Missouri and South Carolina. He struggled against Alabama and appeared to be less than 100% entering that contest so a week off comes at a great time.

Kamario Taylor 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,450
- Touchdown Passes: 17
- Interceptions: 4
- Completion Percentage: 66.2
- Comp/Att: 102-154
- Yards per Attempt: 9.4
6. CJ Carr - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
CJ Carr 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Conference: Independent
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Saline, MI
CJ Carr narrowly beat out Kenny Minchey for the starting quarterback job and largely impressed in his debut season. Carr had an impressive 9.4 yards per attempt and still managed to complete 66.6 percent of his passes. Only throwing six interceptions as a freshman is impressive and he threw only two picks over his final five games.

Carr has continued his progression and appears to have taken a big leap this season. The running game is nowhere near as explosive as it was last year and Carr is shouldering a larger load with success. The huge clash against Miami looms large.

CJ Carr 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,197
- Touchdown Passes: 13
- Interceptions: 1
- Completion Percentage: 71%
- Comp/Att: 88-124
- Yards per Attempt: 9.7
7. Josh Hoover - Indiana Hoosiers
Josh Hoover 2026 Player Profile
- Class: RS Senior
- Team: Indiana Hoosiers
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 200 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 23
- Hometown: Heath, TX
Josh Hoover entered his senior season as the current active leader in passing yards. While there has been some criticism about a few missed throws, the TCU transfer has largely been quite good for the Indiana Hoosiers. He has a pair of elite receivers and is getting comfortable in a new offense. Perhaps most encouraging, he has yet to turn the ball over. The competition level ramps up significantly the Hoosiers are at Nebraska before hosting Ohio State.

Josh Hoover 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,101
- Touchdown Passes: 15
- Interceptions: 0
- Completion Percentage: 71% | Cmp/Att: 76 of 107
- Yards per Attempt: 10.3
8. Jayden Maiava - USC Trojans
Jayden Maiava 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: USC Trojans
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 230 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: Palolo, HI
Lincoln Riley has a great history with quarterbacks, and he appears to be in the process of making another star at the position with rising senior Jayden Maiava. Maiava split time with Miller Moss in 2024 and was the full-time starter in 2025, throwing for 3,711 yards and accounting for 30 total touchdowns. Maiava has looked quite good but USC lost a critical home game to Oregon and with several tough opponents still to battle, Lincoln Riley is on the hot seat and needs the best of Maiava.

Jayden Maiava 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,744
- Touchdown Passes: 15
- Interceptions: 3
- Completion Percentage: 68.6% | Cmp/Att: 131-191
- Yards per Attempt: 9.1 YPA
9. Austin Simmons - Missouri Tigers
Austin Simmons 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Missouri Tigers
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 215 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 20
- Hometown: Miami, FL
Missouri’s 2025 quarterback play was inconsistent and chaotic. Beau Pribula started, Sam Horn was touted but lost for the season on his first play, Pribula then got hurt, and freshman Matt Zollers stepped in, and a walk-on finished the season on a Hail Mary attempt. It’s fitting that Missouri has shifted all of that but still has a mystery box at quarterback. Austin Simmons is entering his fourth season of college football, but he has extremely limited on-field experience. After starting week one for Ole Miss, he left the Rebels’ week two game with an ankle injury and never regained his job as Trinidad Chambliss went supernova and did not look back. Simmons is tall and has a great arm, and he made a quick impression on head coach Eli Drinkwitz with his intelligence. Simmons is not perfect and he has made some mistakes but he is capable of making throws that very few players are capable of. The ceiling is incredibly high.

Austin Simmons 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,287
- Touchdown Passes: 13
- Interceptions: 0
- Completion Percentage: 67.9%
- Comp/Att: 93-137
- Yards per Attempt: 9.4
10. Arch Manning - Texas Longhorns
Arch Manning 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Redshirt Junior
- Team: Texas Longhorns
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 219
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: New Orleans, LA
"Maybe we were all just a couple of months early on the Arch Manning hype." That's what I wrote ahead of the 2026 season. That's possible but Manning is still leaving quite a bit to be desired. He's not been bad at all but the best part of Texas has been the defense and outside of a great fourth quarter against Ohio State, Arch Manning has been mostly pedestrian. Still, there's so much room for growth and he is still the starter for the #1 team in the country.

Arch Manning 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 862
- Touchdown Passes: 7
- Interceptions: 3
- Completion Percentage: 63.5% | Cmp/Att: 73 of 115
- Yards per Attempt: 7.5 YPA
11. Drew Mestemaker - Oklahoma State Cowboys
Drew Mestemaker 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Conference: Big 12
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 211 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1):
- Hometown: Austin, TX
Drew Mestemaker was a lightly recruited quarterback prospect that North Texas head coach Eric Morris took a chance on. The man that helped mentor quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield certainly has an eye for talent as Mestemaker threw for nearly 4,400 yards while completing 68.9 percent of his passes. Drew Mestemaker had at least 290 yards through the air in seven games and the Mean Green lit up scoreboards in the American Athletic Conference.

The biggest question mark is how he is going to translate from the AAC to the Big 12 while playing behind an offensive line that might be a bit overmatched against the better defensive lines they face. Mestemaker has an awesome arm and should put up huge numbers again in Morris’ offense.
Drew Mestemaker 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,271

Touchdown Passes: 11

Interceptions: 5

Completion Percentage: 67.4% | Cmp/Att: 95 of 141

Yards per Attempt: 9.0 YPA
12. Dante Moore - Oregon Ducks
Dante Moore 2026 Player Profile
- Class: RS Junior
- Team: Oregon Ducks
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 206 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Detroit, MI
The 2025 season did not end the way Dante Moore wanted, as the Indiana Hoosiers squashed his Oregon Ducksin the Peach Bowl. Moore could have been the likely number-two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he opted to return to Eugene and should be one of the best players in the country, possibly the best quarterback, heading into the season. In his first full season as a starter for Oregon, Moore completed nearly 72 percent of his passes and had 32 total touchdowns with more than 3,600 yards. Those numbers are awe-inspiring because the Oregon receiver room was beat up and at least somewhat depleted for much of the season. Cutting down on his turnovers (ten INTs) will be a key to elevating his stock even further.

Dante Moore 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 926
- Touchdown Passes: 9
- Interceptions: 0
- Completion Percentage: 69.7% | Cmp/Att: 69 of 99
- Yards per Attempt: 9.4 YPA
13. Ethan Grunkemeyer - Virginia Tech
Ethan Grunkemeyer 2026 Preseason Player Profile
- Class: RS Sophomore
- Team: Virginia Tech Hokies
- Conference: ACC
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 213 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Lewis Center, OH
Ethan Grunkemeyer 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,446
- Touchdown Passes: 11
- Interceptions: 2
- Completion Percentage: 74.0% | Cmp/Att: 131 of 177
- Yards per Attempt: 8.2 YPA
14. Noah Fifita - Arizona Wildcats
Noah Fifita 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: Arizona Wildcats
- Conference: Big 12
- Height: 5'10"
- Weight: 186 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1):
- Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
After a disappointing 2024 season, Arizona quarterback could have fled to the transfer portal but he opted to stay in Tucson. His loyalty is refreshing and he helped the Wildcats rebound with a 9-4 season in 2025 and he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors. Now a senior, Fifita is entering his second season under offensive coordinator Seth Doege and he should be able to replicate what he accomplished last season.

Fifita is mobile enough to make plays with his legs but he’s not a major weapon as a scrambler. There’s probably not another jump in quality and his lack of ideal size will keep him from major NFL success but he’s a really good and dependable collegiate quarterback.
Noah Fifita 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,415

Touchdown Passes: 13

Interceptions: 3

Completion Percentage: 73.8% | Cmp/Att: 124 of 168

Yards per Attempt: 8.4 YPA
15. Gunner Stockton - Georgia Bulldogs
Gunner Stockton 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: Georgia Bulldogs
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 215 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: Tiger, GA
Is Gunner Stockton good enough to help lead the Georgia Bulldogs to a title? We know he can help them win the SEC but is he capable of the level required to win a National Championship? That’s the standard at UGA and the answer is a very big: “TBD.” Stockton threw for 2,894 yards with 24 touchdowns and only five interceptions while running for 462 yards with an additional ten touchdowns during the 2025 season. Look at his performance against top-level opposition though: only 58.1% and 203 yards against Ole Miss, 11-21 for just 70 yards against Georgia Tech, 13-20 for 130 yards in a loss to Alabama in 2o25.

There were some impressive games, but Georgia doesn’t have an elite receiver corps and Stockton needs to show he can elevate the offense instead of just managing it.
Gunner Stockton 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,049

Touchdown Passes: 13

Interceptions: 1

Completion Percentage: 75.5% | Cmp/Att: 77 of 102

Yards per Attempt: 10.3 YPA
16. Kevin Jennings - SMU Mustangs
Kevin Jennings 2026 Player Profile
- Class: RS Senior
- Team: SMU Mustangs
- Conference: ACC
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 192 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: Oak Cliff, TX
Nationally, not many pay attention to the SMU Mustangs, but Kevin Jennings is a star and deserves his respect. Rhett Lashlee is one of the best offensive coaches in the country, and the Mustangs had a serious rebuilding job at receiver, so it was really impressive to see Jennings throw for 3,641 yards with 30 total touchdowns. For whatever reason, Jennings did not run the ball much last season, but we know that trick is in the bag, plus the Mustangs added some help at receiver via the portal for 2026. He’s an under-the-radar one to watch as a third-year starter.
Kevin Jennings 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,588

Touchdown Passes: 14

Interceptions: 5

Completion Percentage: 75.0% | Cmp/Att: 117 of 156

Yards per Attempt: 10.2 YPA
17. Devon Dampier - Utah Utes
Devon Dampier 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: Utah Utes
- Conference: Big 12
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
The Utah Utes have a new head coach (Morgan Scalley) and a new offensive coordinator, but the general system is not expected to change, which means a lot of running the ball for the dangerous Devon Dampier. He racked up 835 yards and ten touchdowns despite missing some time with an injury, and he was awesome down the stretch, offering a glimpse of a potentially huge 2026. Dampier needs to be more consistently accurate as a passer, but he takes care of the ball and is a major threat when he takes off running. If he can take a step forward as a passer, Utah is a threat in the Big 12.
Devon Dampier 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 896

Touchdown Passes: 9

Interceptions: 1

Completion Percentage: 70.3% | Cmp/Att: 71 of 101

Yards per Attempt: 8.9 YPA
18. Marcus Stokes - Memphis Tigers
Marcus Stokes 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Memphis
- Conference: American
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 209 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: Saint Augustine, FL
The Memphis Tigers are off to a good start and began the season with a surprisingly strong passing attack led by Marcus Stokes. Stokes beat out former five-star Air Noland and has backed it up with his play. Despite being under constant pressure from Boise State, he had 384 yards on only 25 attempts, and Memphis looks like one of the better teams in the American Athletic Conference.

Marcus Stokes 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,371
- Touchdown Passes: 14
- Interceptions: 3
- Completion Percentage: 73.2% | Cmp/Att: 90 of 123
- Yards per Attempt: 11.1 YPA
19. Braden Atkinson - Oregon State Beavers
Braden Atkinson 2026 Preseason Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Oregon State Beavers
- Conference: Pac-12
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 208 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): Not publicly listed
- Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Braden Atkinson 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,848
- Touchdown Passes: 16
- Interceptions: 2
- Completion Percentage: 69.5% | Cmp/Att: 137 of 197
- Yards per Attempt: 9.4 YPA
20. Mason Heintschel - Pitt Panthers
Mason Heintschel 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Pitt Panthers
- Conference: ACC
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 215 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 19
- Hometown: Oregon, OH
Eli Holstein began as the Pitt starter, but freshman Mason Heintschel took over and outperformed the Alabama transfer. Heintschel threw for 2,354 yards and completed 63.6 percent of his throws as a freshman while rushing for a couple of scores. He has a great arm and made jump as a sophomore, before he suffered a season-ending injury against Virginia Tech.
Mason Heintschel 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,304

Touchdown Passes: 14

Interceptions: 1

Completion Percentage: 66.2% | Cmp/Att: 98 of 148

Yards per Attempt: 8.8 YPA
21. Sam Leavitt - LSU Tigers
Sam Leavitt 2026 Player Profile
- Class: RS Junior
- Team: LSU
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 205 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: West Linn, OR
There has been plenty of speculation about the end of Sam Leavitt’s tenure at Arizona State, but he is an undeniably talented quarterback who should be a terrific fit in Lane Kiffin’s offensive system. Kiffin, now the head coach at LSU, went hunting for a big-time talent to lead his offense for his first season in Baton Rouge, and he eventually landed a player who reminds many of former Ole Miss quarterback and Kiffin product Jaxson Dart. His numbers in 2025 weren’t great, even before his injury (only a 60.7 completion percentage), but he was fantastic in 2024. Leavitt had 29 total touchdowns and ran for nearly 500 yards for the Sun Devils, and LSU has bolstered the talent around him in the transfer portal. Lane Kiffin’s quarterback is going to put up big numbers, and if Leavitt can improve his consistency and accuracy a bit, he still could be a top-five QB in 2026.
Sam Leavitt 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,221

Touchdown Passes: 8

Interceptions: 7

Completion Percentage: 66.2% | Cmp/Att: 92 of 139

Yards per Attempt: 8.8 YPA
22. Anthony Colandrea - Nebraska Cornhuskers
Anthony Colandrea 2026 Preseason Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 200 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
Anthony Colandrea 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,142
- Touchdown Passes: 13
- Interceptions: 2
- Completion Percentage: 65.7% | Cmp/Att: 94 of 143
- Yards per Attempt: 8.0 YPA
23. Conner Weigman - Houston Cougars
Conner Weigman 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: Houston Cougars
- Conference: Big 12
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 23
- Hometown: Cypress, TX
The Houston Cougars are entering Year 3 under head coach Willie Fritz, and they are a serious threat to contend for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. There are many factors leading to that, but one important one is certainly the return of quarterback Conner Weigman. Weigman threw for more than 2,700 yards with 25 touchdowns while running for another 700 yards with 11 touchdowns: 36 touchdowns and more than 3,400 total yards is a fantastic season, and Fritz is getting the most out of the former Texas A&M Aggies player.
Conner Weigman 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,186

Touchdown Passes: 11

Interceptions: 1

Completion Percentage: 67.4% | Cmp/Att: 91 of 135

Yards per Attempt: 8.8 YPA
24. Lincoln Kienholz - Louisville Cardinals
Lincoln Kienholz 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Louisville Cardinals
- Conference: ACC
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 215 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: Pierre, SD
I’m not entirely convinced by Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, but if he continues to progress as he gains more experience, Jeff Brohm’s team is going to be a major problem. The Ohio State transfer pushed Julian Sayin before losing out, and he then transferred to play for Brohm, with his first start coming against Ole Miss. It was a very uneven performance as he missed multiple open targets in the first half and probably cost the Cardinals an upset win, but he was much better in the second half and ultimately threw for 307 yards. In Week Two, he was 16-21 for 332 yards against Villanova. Kienholz is an awesome athlete and dangerous runner with a high ceiling.

Lincoln Kienholz 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,394
- Touchdown Passes: 9
- Interceptions: 1
- Completion Percentage: 69.1% | Cmp/Att: 96 of 139
- Yards per Attempt: 10.0 YPA
25. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele - Cal Golden Bears
Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Cal Golden Bears
- Conference: ACC
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 225 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 20
- Hometown: Ewa Beach, HI
The Cal Golden Bears lost Fernando Mendoza to the Indiana Hoosiers and everyone knows how that turned out for Mendoza and Curt Cignetti’s program. Few paid attention to the man that was replacing Mendoza but Cal has a star of their own. The man known as JKS, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, had an outrageous freshman season with 3,454 yards and a completion percentage above 64. Justin Wilcox was fired after the season and the Golden Bears brought in former Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi. There were rumors about mega offers for JKS to hit the portal but he opted to stay in Berkeley and lead Cal’s offense for his sophomore season.

The touchdown to interception ratio needs to improve from 2:1 and his yards per attempt should see a tick up from just 7.0. If those things take a step forward, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele should outperform this ranking and become one of the sports’ new stars.
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,180

Touchdown Passes: 8

Interceptions: 5

Completion Percentage: 65.2% | Cmp/Att: 107 of 164

Yards per Attempt: 7.2 YPA
26. Demond Williams Jr. - Washington Huskies
Demond Williams Jr. 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Washington Huskies
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 190 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 20
- Hometown: Chandler, AZ
In a different universe, Demond Williams Jr. would be the projected starting quarterback for the LSU Tigers, and Sam Leavitt would be lined up to play at somewhere like Tennessee. However, shortly after entering the transfer portal, Williams Jr. found the exit door firmly locked, and he’s back as the dynamic starter for Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies. No one has any idea how this drama will play out with his teammates, but it’s a good offensive system to return to, and Williams is a great player. He completed nearly 70 percent of his passes, had more than 3,600 total yards, and 31 total touchdowns. Williams Jr. has only nine interceptions in his collegiate career, and he’s an explosive runner who’s dangerous every time he takes off. If the team can put the offseason drama behind them, number nine might be underestimating him.
Demond Williams Jr. 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,327

Touchdown Passes: 8

Interceptions: 3

Completion Percentage: 67.5% | Cmp/Att: 110 of 163

Yards per Attempt: 8.1 YPA
27. Gio Lopez - Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Gio Lopez 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Conference: ACC
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 220 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: Madison, AL
Gio Lopez performed well for two seasons at South Alabama and was a bit of a surprise choice to be the transfer of choice for Bill Belichick at North Carolina for the 2025 season. It would be fair to characterize everything about that season in Chapel Hill as a flop, but Lopez found a good landing spot, transferring for the 2026 campaign to Winston-Salem to be the starter for Wake Forest. Lopez is bouncing back nicely from his disappointing season with the Tar Heels, and the Wake Forest coaches have raved about his positive attitude and ability to lead the team. In the opener against Akron, Lopez threw for 350 yards with three touchdowns plus ran for another 39 yards while having no turnovers as the Demon Deacons rolled to a win.
Gio Lopez 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,377

Touchdown Passes: 10

Interceptions: 1

Completion Percentage: 64.9% | Cmp/Att: 98 of 151

Yards per Attempt: 9.1 YPA
28. LaNorris Sellers - South Carolina Gamecocks
LaNorris Sellers 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 238 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Florence, SC
South Carolina star quarterback LaNorris Sellers has a lot of talent, but is there enough around him for that potential to be realized this season in Columbia? By pretty much any account, Sellers’s sophomore campaign was a step back, as his completion percentage was just north of 60% and he threw for only 13 touchdowns with eight interceptions while averaging only 1.81 yards per carry. The offensive line provided very little time for him and his receivers, outside of Nyck Harbor, were mostly disappointments. There was hope from Shane Beamer that things can be better in 2026 and Sellers has the ability to take off like a rocket ship. Instead Beamer is likely on the way out.
LaNorris Sellers 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,059

Touchdown Passes: 8

Interceptions: 4

Completion Percentage: 60.5% | Cmp/Att: 92 of 152

Yards per Attempt: 7.0 YPA
29. Aaron Philo - Florida Gators
Aaron Philo 2026 Preseason Player Profile
- Class: RS Sophomore
- Team: Florida Gators
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 207 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): Not publicly listed
- Hometown: Bogart, GA
Aaron Philo 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,114
- Touchdown Passes: 8
- Interceptions: 2
- Completion Percentage: 69.4% | Cmp/Att: 84 of 121
- Yards per Attempt: 9.2 YPA
30. Maddux Madsen - Boise State Broncos
Maddux Madsen 2026 Preseason Player Profile
- Class: Fifth Year
- Team: Boise State Broncos
- Conference: Pac-12
- Height: 5'10"
- Weight: 210 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 23
- Hometown: Lehi, UT
Maddux Madsen 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,058
- Touchdown Passes: 11
- Interceptions: 0
- Completion Percentage: 65.9% | Cmp/Att: 87 of 132
- Yards per Attempt: 8.0 YPA
31. Drake Lindsey - Minnesota Golden Gophers
Drake Lindsey 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 230 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
The Minnesota Golden Gophers did not have the high-end rushing attack they typically lean on in 2025. Instead, they were forced to rely on freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey. He was able to produce, completing better than 63 percent of his passes and throwing for 18 touchdowns with only six interceptions while adding four rushing scores. A very strong season for a first-year starter in the Big Ten on a team with limited weapons. The next step in Lindsey’s progression is to increase his yards per attempt (6.1 in 2025) and elevate the offense around him against a tough schedule.
Drake Lindsey 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,087

Touchdown Passes: 8

Interceptions: 4

Completion Percentage: 66.9% | Cmp/Att: 105 of 157

Yards per Attempt: 6.9 YPA
32. Avery Johnson - Kansas State Wildcats
Avery Johnson 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: Kansas State Wildcats
- Conference: Big 12
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 196 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Wichita, KS
Avery Johnson has yet to live up to the hype that has surrounded him each of the past two offseasons, but he’s not a scrub, and this feels like the appropriate place to slot him. There are certainly negatives: he’s not nearly accurate enough (completion percentage of 59.8) while not really stretching the field (7 yards per attempt), and there are concerns that he doesn’t read defenses well enough. Johnson has strengths as well. He only threw six interceptions last season, and he still can make big plays with his legs. Can Colin Klein get the most out of Johnson? It’s now or never.
Avery Johnson 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 910

Touchdown Passes: 7

Interceptions: 2

Completion Percentage: 66.2% | Cmp/Att: 88 of 133

Yards per Attempt: 6.8 YPA
33. Aidan Chiles - Northwestern Wildcats
Aidan Chiles 2026 Preseason Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: Northwestern Wildcats
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 225 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): Not reliably published
- Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Aidan Chiles 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 900
- Touchdown Passes: 6
- Interceptions: 0
- Completion Percentage: 70.8% | Cmp/Att: 63 of 89
- Yards per Attempt: 10.1 YPA
34. DJ Lagway - Baylor Bears
DJ Lagway 2026 Preseason Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Baylor Bears
- Conference: Big 12
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 237 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Willis, TX
DJ Lagway 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 860 yards
- Touchdown Passes: 8
- Interceptions: 2
- Completion Percentage: 53.4% | Cmp/Att: 71 of 133
- Yards per Attempt: 6.5 YPA
35. Cutter Boley - Arizona State Sun Devils
Cutter Boley Player Profile
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Position: Quarterback
- School: Arizona State
- Previous School: Kentucky
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: Hodgenville, KY
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has a way with quarterbacks, and he appears to be getting the best out of former Kentucky starter Cutter Boley. The 6’5” junior had 387 yards and six touchdowns against Morgan State before looking great for a half against the Texas A&M Aggies. Boley threw a pair of interceptions but still threw for 254 yards and completed nearly 62 percent of his passes against the SEC foe on the road.

Cutter Boley 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,040
- Touchdown Passes: 10
- Interceptions: 3
- Completion Percentage: 61.4% | Cmp/Att: 78 of 127
- Yards per Attempt: 8.2 YPA
36. Colton Joseph - Wisconsin Badgers
Colton Joseph 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Wisconsin Badgers
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 212 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Newport Beach, CA
Can Luke Fickell have some injury luck with his quarterbacks? The Wisconsin head coach is on the hot seat, largely in part to an inability to produce a good offense in Madison. Some of that is because of bad hires on offense, but it’s fair to assert that the expected starting quarterback for Wisconsin has barely seen the field each of the past two seasons. Wisconsin turns to Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph to try and fix things. Joseph is a great runner and a physically sturdy player who will provide a different element to the Badgers. If he can hold up as a passer and force defenses to respect the Wisconsin passing attack, Fickell could earn another season in Madison. So far, so good, as the Badgers have outperformed expectations.
Colton Joseph 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,132

Touchdown Passes: 10

Interceptions: 5

Completion Percentage: 56.6% | Cmp/Att: 81 of 143

Yards per Attempt: 7.9 YPA
37. Ryan Browne - Purdue Boilermakers
Ryan Browne 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Purdue
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: Clarkston, MI
It looks like another very long season in West Lafayette, but they do appear to have a decent option at quarterback. Ryan Browne began his career at Purdue, briefly left for North Carolina, and is back as the unquestioned QB1 for head coach Barry Odom. He is off to a nice start this season and is a capable runner. He is one of the few weapons who can keep Purdue competitive in the Big Ten.

Ryan Browne 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,390
- Touchdown Passes: 8
- Interceptions: 1
- Completion Percentage: 70.5% | Cmp/Att: 110 of 156
- Yards per Attempt: 8.9 YPA
38. CJ Bailey - North Carolina State Wolfpack
CJ Bailey 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: North Carolina State
- Conference: ACC
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 213 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 20
- Hometown: Miami, FL
North Carolina State starting quarterback CJ Bailey is one of the more experienced players on this list. He is now entering his third year as QB1 in Raleigh, and he returns after completing nearly 70% of his passes, totaling more than 3,300 yards and 25 touchdowns. Bailey struggled in losses to Notre Dame and Miami, but NC State has a very favorable 2026 schedule (no Miami, Clemson, Notre Dame, or SMU), and his numbers could still take a leap if he finished the season strong.
CJ Bailey 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,266

Touchdown Passes: 8

Interceptions: 4

Completion Percentage: 65.3% | Cmp/Att: 98 of 150

Yards per Attempt: 8.4 YPA
39. Kenny Minchey - Kentucky Wildcats
Kenny Minchey 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Kentucky Wildcats
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 211 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Hendersonville, TN
If Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is to be believed, Kenny Minchey and CJ Carr were nearly neck-and-neck in a quarterback battle before the 2025 season. If that is not hyperbole, Kenny Minchey will probably outperform this ranking as the quarterback for the Kentucky Wildcats. UK hired Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein to lead their program, and the Wildcats invested heavily in the trenches, believing they have upgraded the offensive line quite a bit. Minchey is a really good athlete, and Stein will use his running ability as a weapon. The question will be whether or not he can read and react quickly against strong SEC defenses. So far the Minchey-Stein pairing is a good one for the 'Cats.
Kenny Minchey 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,148

Touchdown Passes: 11

Interceptions: 1

Completion Percentage: 68.3% | Cmp/Att: 97 of 142

Yards per Attempt: 8.1 YPA
40. Nico Iamaleava - UCLA Bruins
Nico Iamaleava 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: UCLA Bruins
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 215 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Nico Iamaleava has had a wild journey in college football. From a celebrated five-star recruit at Tennessee to a mildly disappointing time in Knoxville and an acrimonious departure to play for DeShaun Foster at UCLA to a gutty showing down the stretch under interim coach Tim Skipper and now a season with another new head coach. Things are looking up for the UCLA Bruins as Bob Chesney takes over. Iamaleava is a quality player that should not be overlooked just because of the drama he left in his wake in Tennessee. He's still not elite but doing a nice job winning games for the Bruins.
Nico Iamaleava 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 820

Touchdown Passes: 4

Interceptions: 2

Completion Percentage: 62.6% | Cmp/Att: 62 of 99

Yards per Attempt: 8.3 YPA
41. Micah Alejado - Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Micah Alejado 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
- Conference: Mountain West
- Height: 5'10"
- Weight: 180 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
The fourth Group of Six quarterback on this list is Hawaii’s sophomore gunslinger Micah Alejado. The surprise starter as a freshman threw for 3,106 yards while completing better than 66 percent of his passes with 24 touchdowns and only nine interceptions on 430 attempts. That includes a stretch in late September into October with games of 457 yards, 413 yards, 301 yards and 367 yards with only two total interceptions. He lit Cal up for 274 yards and three scores in the bowl win, and he has a strong group of receivers in a very pass-friendly offense.
Micah Alejado 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,361

Touchdown Passes: 4

Interceptions: 3

Completion Percentage: 61.1% | Cmp/Att: 132 of 216

Yards per Attempt: 6.3 YPA
42. Tayven Jackson - North Texas Mean Green
Tayven Jackson 2026 Preseason Player Profile
- Class: Fifth Year
- Team: North Texas Mean Green
- Conference: American
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 209 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: Greenwood, IN
Tayven Jackson 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,519
- Touchdown Passes: 10
- Interceptions: 4
- Completion Percentage: 71.3% | Cmp/Att: 119 of 167
- Yards per Attempt: 9.1 YPA
43. Caden Veltkamp - Florida Atlantic Owls
Caden Veltkamp 2026 Preseason Player Profile

Class: Graduate Student

Team: Florida Atlantic Owls

Conference: American

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 235 Pounds

Age (on CFB Week 1): 23

Hometown: Bowling Green, KY
Caden Veltkamp 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,427
- Touchdown Passes: 12
- Interceptions: 2
- Completion Percentage: 73.1% | Cmp/Att: 128 of 175
- Yards per Attempt: 8.2 YPA
44. Brad Jackson - Texas State Bobcats
Brad Jackson 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Texas State Bobcats
- Conference: Sun Belt
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 197 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 20
- Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Among the top Group of Six quarterback in the country is sophomore Brad Jackson of Texas State. As a freshman, he exploded for 3,224 yards with 21 touchdowns and 7 interceptions while averaging an impressive 9.2 yards per attempt. In addition to the throwing numbers, Jackson added 744 yards rushing and an incredible 17 touchdowns. In total, that is 38 touchdowns with just seven interceptions for a freshman. Question the competition level all you’d like, but the numbers are impossible to ignore.
Brad Jackson 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,226

Touchdown Passes: 13

Interceptions: 5

Completion Percentage: 66.7% | Cmp/Att: 92 of 138

Yards per Attempt: 8.9 YPA
45. Byrum Brown - Auburn Tigers
Byrum Brown 2026 Player Profile
- Class: RS Senior
- Team: Auburn Tigers
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 231 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- Hometown: Raleigh, NC
It was unknown how Byrum Brown will translate from the American Athletic Conference to the SEC, but he’s an electric athlete who Alex Golesh will lean on to get the Auburn Tigers back to relevance quickly. Brown was at South Florida with Golesh and threw for 3,158 yards while running for 1,008 yards and accounting for 42 touchdowns. Those are ridiculous numbers, but he was only 23 of 36 for 263 yards against Florida and just 20 of 36 against Miami with only two passing touchdowns combined. His other subpar game was against Memphis, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that he beat up on bad or average defenses to accumulate those stats. Brown is going to be a fascinating wild card to watch in 2026. The results thus far are proving the SEC is too much for Brown's talents.
Byrum Brown 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 1,055

Touchdown Passes: 7

Interceptions: 7

Completion Percentage: 65.4% | Cmp/Att: 104 of 159

Yards per Attempt: 6.6 YPA
46. John Alan Richter - Toledo Rockets
John Alan Richter 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Junior
- Team: Toledo Rockets
- Conference: MAC
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 225 Pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 24
- Hometown: Gray, GA
John Alan Richter 2026 Stats
- Passing Yards: 1,362
- Touchdown Passes: 13
- Interceptions: 1
- Completion Percentage: 64.1% | Cmp/Att: 98 of 153
- Yards per Attempt: 8.9 YPA
47. John Mateer - Oklahoma Sooners
John Mateer 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: Oklahoma Sooners
- Conference: SEC
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 224 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: Little Elm, TX
John Mateer is still very capable of outperforming this ranking but there was a time it would not be shocking to see him as a Heisman Trophy finalist. No one sees that future in his second season in Norman, any more.

Mateer didn’t really look comfortable again in 2025 after his injury, and that has continued into 2026. Oklahoma’s offensive line is a potential concern but if the young players they relied upon last season can make a leap and Brent Venables’s defense can live up to the hype, OU could be a dangerous team down the stretch.
John Mateer 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 883

Touchdown Passes: 8

Interceptions: 4

Completion Percentage: 66.1% | Cmp/Att: 72 of 109

Yards per Attempt: 8.1 YPA
48. Bear Bachmeier - BYU Cougars
Bear Bachmeier 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: BYU Cougars
- Conference: Big 12
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 230 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 19
- Hometown: Murrieta, CA
As a freshman, Bear Bachmeier led the BYU Cougars to 12 wins as he threw for 3,033 yards with 15 touchdowns while rushing for 527 yards and 11 touchdowns. Now a sophomore, he has a good offensive line in front of him, and his best running back (LJ Martin) returns, so there are plenty of reasons for optimism. They're still winning but my hesitation going into the season (he struggled against the best teams he faced), remains.
Bear Bachmeier 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 704

Touchdown Passes: 6

Interceptions: 1

Completion Percentage: 64.0% | Cmp/Att: 55 of 86

Yards per Attempt: 8.2 YPA
48. Beau Pribula - Virginia Cavaliers
Beau Pribula 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Senior
- Team: Virginia Cavaliers
- Conference: ACC
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 209 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Hometown: York, PA
Beau Pribula was a highly-touted transfer two seasons ago as he left Penn State and ultimately chose Missouri. His season with Eli Drinkwitz was a disappointment, as he battled injuries and struggled to find any consistency as a passer. He transferred again and found a home in Charlottesville, playing for Virginia, and won the starting job this season. Pribula still cannot be considered a good passer, but he is a dynamic runner, and the pieces around him for the Cavaliers looked pretty darn good as they rolled past North Carolina State 34-8. The ACC is wide open after Miami, and Virginia has a very favorable schedule.
Beau Pribula 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 961

Touchdown Passes: 12

Interceptions: 1

Completion Percentage: 67.8% | Cmp/Att: 80 of 118

Yards per Attempt: 8.1 YPA
50. Bryce Underwood - Michigan Wolverines
Bryce Underwood 2026 Player Profile
- Class: Sophomore
- Team: Michigan Wolverines
- Conference: Big Ten
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 228 pounds
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 19
- Hometown: Detroit, MI
A lot of attention was paid to Bryce Underwood in high school and his recruitment, which included a flip from LSU to Michigan, was discussed ad nauseam. After all of that hype and his introduction as a true freshman as the QB1 for one of college football’s biggest brands, Underwood was…fine? It was near impossible for his play to live up to the hype right out of the box, but he was largely pedestrian during the 2025 campaign. After the season was over, we quickly found out about the chaos that was enveloping the football program and a change was made at head coach. Underwood elected to stay in Ann Arbor and the new offensive system under Kyle Whittingham is an intriguing fit for a player with his athleticism. Underwood needs to develop as a passer, but he needs to be willing to embrace his ability to be a weapon as a runner much more than he did a season ago. Underwood’s legs are mostly effective but his development as a quarterback has been non-existent in Year 2.
Bryce Underwood 2026 Stats

Passing Yards: 881

Touchdown Passes: 5

Interceptions: 4

Completion Percentage: 59.3% | Cmp/Att: 67 of 113

Yards per Attempt: 7.8 YPA
Who Is No. 1? Ranking the 50 Most Explosive QBs for the 2026 Season
Who are the top 50 quarterbacks for the 2026 college football campaign?

The list includes several returning stars, key transfers, and numerous players poised for breakthrough campaigns.

Transfer quarterbacks have dominated the College Football Playoff recently. Will Howard's Ohio State Buckeyes knocked off Riley Leonard's Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2024 title game in a matchup of two transfers, and former Cal QB Fernando Mendoza led IU to the win over former UGA QB Carson Beck and the Miami Hurricanes on January 19, 2026.

Will we see more of the same in 2026? The top ten features seven quarterbacks returning to the same team (five "homegrown") they led in 2025 and three who were hot commodities in the transfer portal.