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USA Today Ranks All 18 Big Ten Starting Quarterbacks Going Into Week 4

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

You Tell Us! Who are the Best Big Ten Quarterbacks of 2026?
Sound Off in the War Room: Who’s Your QB1?

USA TODAY has released its ranking for the 18 Big Ten quarterbacks for 2026. Now it’s your turn to challenge the rankings and make your case!
- THE NO. 1 DEBATE: Is Dante Moore the clear-cut QB1 in the country, or would you put Julian Sayin at the top?
- THE SLEEPER: Which QB ranked in the 10–15 range, such as Bryce Underwood or Drake Lindsey, has the best shot at breaking into the top five by November?
Drop your hot takes, make your case, and post your QB rankings in the comments!
USA TODAY Ranks All 18 Big Ten QBs for 2026
The 2026 college football season features a loaded group of Big Ten quarterbacks, from established stars returning for another run to emerging passers ready to make their mark on the national stage. With NFL-caliber talent, proven production, and high expectations across the country, the race to be recognized among the nation’s best is wide open.

USA TODAY Sports ranked the 18 Big Ten quarterbacks expected to make the biggest impact this season, with Oregon’s Dante Moore, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Washington's Demond Williams Jr. leading a deep group of contenders.

From potential Heisman candidates to breakout stars and intriguing sleepers, these are the quarterbacks entering the 2026 season at the center of the Big Ten conversation.

Information is from preseason, originally published August 17, 2026.
1. Julian Sayin - Ohio State Buckeyes
Julian Sayin College Football Profile
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 208 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- School: Ohio State
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: Carlsbad, CA
Inarguably, Julian Sayin had one of the most dominant seasons in the country last season. As a sophomore, the Buckeyes' pivot threw for north of 3,600 yards and completed 77.0% of his throws. While it wasn't enough to be named a Heisman Trophy finalist, Sayin did finish fourth in voting.

The bar is set even higher in 2026. Ohio State returns Jeremiah Smith, one of Sayin's preferred targets, and the Buckeyes are eager to return to the top of the college football heap. Having Sayin under center is a good start.

2025 Stats
- 3,610 passing yards
- 77.0% completion percentage
- 32 TDs
- 8 INTs
- 88.4 QBR
2. Dante Moore - Oregon Ducks
Dante Moore College Football Profile
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 206 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- School: Oregon
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: Detroit, MI
Dante Moore took the reins for the Ducks last season. We expect him to become the next success story in a long line of Oregon quarterbacks.

In his first year as a starter with the program, Moore threw for 3,565 yards, the seventh-most in school history. He likely won't have the longevity to contend with any career-bests; Moore could easily become just the third signal-caller to reach the 4,000-yard plateau in Eugene.

Priced as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner, with Oregon considered a legitimate National Championship contender, the sky is the limit for Moore and the Ducks.

2025 Stats
- 3,565 passing yards
- 71.8% completion percentage
- 30 TDs
- 10 INTs
- 78.5 QBR
3. Demond Williams Jr. - Washington Huskies
Demond Williams Jr. College Football Profile
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 20
- School: Washington
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: Chandler, AZ
Demond Williams Jr. landed in Washington as a four-star recruit, but he's proven to be much more valuable across his two seasons with the Huskies.

After riding the pine for most of the season as a freshman, Williams has thrown for over 4,000 yards across the first two seasons of his career. More impressively, he's completed 71.5% of his passes with a sterling 33-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

A legitimate dual-threat, Williams Jr. will again be a primary factor in the Huskies' success. Don't be surprised if he makes an unexpected ascent up the Heisman Trophy futures board.

2025 Stats
- 3,065 passing yards
- 69.5% completion percentage
- 25 TDs
- 8 INTs
- 75.7 QBR
4. Josh Hoover - Indiana Hoosiers
Josh Hoover College Football Profile
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 23
- School: Indiana
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Heath, TX
There are big shoes to fill in Indiana. Thankfully, Josh Hoover will be up to the task.

The TCU transfer has 848 pass attempts over the last two seasons, completing 585 of those for nearly 7,500 yards and 56 touchdowns.

The Hoosiers are attempting to reload, and Hoover is the answer they need under center.

2025 Stats
- 3,472 passing yards
- 65.9% completion percentage
- 29 TDs
- 13 INTs
- 73.6 QBR
5. Jayden Maiava - USC Trojans
Jayden Maiava College Football Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- School: USC
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Palolo, HI
We've been patiently waiting for the USC Trojans to reassert themselves as a powerhouse. We're betting Jayden Maiava leads them back to glory in 2026.

Maiava was virtually unstoppable last season. The Hawaii native finished the year with the second-best QBR in the country, albeit with limited team success.

Cumulatively, USC's four losses came by a combined 30 points, and Maiava attempted 40 or more pass attempts in all but one of those contests. With a revamped supporting cast, Maiava could shatter expectations as a senior.

2025 Stats
- 3,711 passing yards
- 65.8% completion percentage
- 24 TDs
- 10 INTs
- 89.9 QBR
6. Nico Iamaleava - UCLA Bruins
Nico Iamaleava College Football Profile
- Height: 6’6”
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- School: UCLA
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: Long Beach, CA
In terms of absolute production, 2025 was a bit of a letdown for Nico Iamaleava. The former Tennessee quarterback fell short of his previous benchmarks, but a resurgent 2026 campaign could help Iamaleava return to prominence.

Iamaleava didn't have the best supporting cast around him last season. Still, UCLA was busy this offseason, revamping its receivers room and upgrading its offensive line.

Those moves will make an immediate impact, and Iamaleava should recapture his Heisman-caliber form in SoCal.

2025 Stats
- 1,928 passing yards
- 64.4% completion percentage
- 13 TDs
- 7 INTs
- 60.8 QBR
7. Rocco Becht - Penn State Nittany Lions
Rocco Becht College Football Profile
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- Position: Quarterback
- School: Penn State
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Wesley Chapel, FL
Over the past few seasons, Rocco Becht has been one of the most prolific passers in the country. Tasked with transforming Penn State back into a contender, Becht can reflect on his former experience to guide the Nittany Lions back into the playoffs.

Becht's 2025 metrics took a bit of a hit. His passing yards total, touchdowns, and quarterback rating all decreased relative to his previous seasons. However, we should see him reverse course with a loaded Nittany Lions roster.

Experience will be an asset for Becht, although he faces a stiffer challenge in the Big Ten. Nevertheless, he's more than capable of rekindling Penn State's football program.

2025 Stats
- 2,584 passing yards
- 60.5% completion percentage
- 16 TDs
- 9 INTs
- 64.3 QBR
8. Bryce Underwood - Michigan Wolverines
Bryce Underwood College Football Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 228 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 19
- School: Michigan
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Detroit, MI
Bryce Underwood was advertised as the solution to Michigan's quarterback conundrum. After a ho-hum freshman season, Underwood should live up to expectations in 2026.

Underwood excelled against inferior competition last season, seeming ill-prepared to deliver against the conference's top teams. That's not an uncommon trajectory for a freshman signal-caller, but many were predicting a more valiant effort from the five-star recruit.

Michigan needs Underwood to take the next step in his development. With that, the Wolverines could emerge as a premier threat in the Big Ten.

2025 Stats
- 2,428 passing yards
- 60.3% completion percentage
- 11 TDs
- 9 INTs
- 72.6 QBR
9. Anthony Colandrea - Nebraska Cornhuskers
Anthony Colandrea College Football Profile
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- School: Nebraska
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
Seemingly, every quarterback for the past 15 years has been tabbed as the next big thing for Nebraska. Forgive us for being wary, but Anthony Colandrea has a lot to prove before he gets the benefit of the doubt.

Granted, Colandrea saw a massive spike in production after transferring to UNLV last season. He threw for nearly 1,500 more yards and almost doubled his touchdown production.

Despite that success, Colandrea still struggled against MWC royalty Boise State. If he can't contend against the Broncos, he could face a steep learning curve against Big Ten defenses.

2025 Stats
- 3,459 passing yards
- 65.8% completion percentage
- 23 TDs
- 9 INTs
- 69.6 QBR
10. Drake Lindsey - Minnesota Golden Gophers
Drake Lindsey College Football Profile
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 20
- School: Minnesota
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are often overlooked in the Big Ten, but Drake Lindsey could reverse that trend in 2026.

As a redshirt freshman, Lindsey was one of the most responsible quarterbacks in the conference. He threw just six interceptions last season, standing in stark contrast to his 18 touchdown passes.

Minnesota faces a daunting schedule this season. Don't be surprised if Lindsey leads the Golden Gophers to a few unexpected victories.

2025 Stats
- 2,382 passing yards
- 63.2% completion percentage
- 18 TDs
- 6 INTs
- 61.3 QBR
11. Malik Washington - Maryland Terrapins
Malik Washington College Football Profile
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 231 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 20
- School: Maryland
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Glen Burnie, MD
Maryland doesn't get enough credit for its ability to develop offensive contributors. Malik Washington has emerged as the latest threat under center.

Washington had a successful foray into college football. While his 57.6% completion percentage left a little to be desired, his 2,963 passing yards and 17-9 touchdown to interception ratio stand among the best.

The Terrapins don't have the same recruiting power as other Big Ten schools. Nevertheless, they have a keen eye for talent and a proven method for developing the players they bring in. Washington could easily parlay that into an opportunity with a more prestigious school.

2025 Stats
- 2,963 passing yards
- 57.7% completion percentage
- 17 TDs
- 9 INTs
- 57.6 QBR
12. Colton Joseph - Wisconsin Badgers
Colton Joseph College Football Profile
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- School: Wisconsin
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Newport Beach, CA
The Wisconsin Badgers aren't the program they used to be. Colton Joseph is the latest savior, but we're not convinced he's the solution to their problems.

Undoubtedly, Joseph deserves credit for spearheading ODU's successful 2025 campaign; however, there are still holes in his game. He completed just 59.7% of his passes against Group of 6 competition, with an underwhelming 21-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Badgers fans are holding out hope that Joseph will deliver, but we're a little more pessimistic about his chances in the Big Ten.

2025 Stats
- 2,624 passing yards
- 59.7% completion percentage
- 21 TDs
- 10 INTs
- 69.2 QBR
13. Katin Houser - Illinois Fighting Illini
Katin Houser College Football Profile
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 23
- School: Illinois
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Anaheim, CA
Of the three Group of 6 transfers, we think Katin Houser should have been ranked as the best.

Houser joins Illinois off a successful junior campaign with East Carolina. There, the California native threw for 3,300 yards and 19 touchdowns against beefier AAC competition.

He doesn't possess the same running ability as some of the other quarterbacks this season, but Houser is low-key one of the best pure passers. Looking back at this list at the end of the season would probably warrant a higher position on the list.

2025 Stats
- 3,300 passing yards
- 65.9% completion percentage
- 19 TDs
- 6 INTs
- 64.2 QBR
14. Aidan Chiles - Northwestern Wildcats
Aidan Chiles College Football Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 20
- School: Northwestern
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Long Beach, CA
It's generally not a good sign if Northwestern is seeking you out as its starting quarterback. That could spell disaster for Aidan Chiles.

A Michigan State transfer, Chiles is coming off a dismal campaign in which he split time under center. While he saw modest improvements in his completion percentage and touchdown-to-interception ration, he decreased his yards per completion and overall production.

Northwestern isn't a conducive environment for improvement. Chiles has his work cut out for him proving he belongs in the Big Ten.

2025 Stats
- 1,392 passing yards
- 63.1% completion percentage
- 10 TDs
- 3 INTs
- 66.8 QBR
15. Alessio Milivojevic - Michigan State Spartans
Alessio Milivojevic College Football Profile
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 218 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 20
- School: Michigan State
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Naperville, IL
The reason why the Spartans were comfortable moving on from Chiles is because they have Alessio Milivojevic waiting in the wings.

Milivojevic was more productive than his 2025 counterpart. He had a superior completion percentage, quarterback rating, and yards per completion, usurping Chiles on the Spartans' depth chart.

With that, Milivojevic is the quarterback of the future in East Lansing. It remains to be seen if he can elevate the Spartans in 2026.

2025 Stats
- 1,267 passing yards
- 64.2% completion percentage
- 10 TDs
- 3 INTs
- 57.8 QBR
16. Dylan Lonergan - Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Dylan Lonergan College Football Profile
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 211 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 22
- School: Rutgers
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Snellville, GA
Inconsistency plagued Dylan Lonergan in 2025, a reputation he will have to shake with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Early on last season, Lonergan looked like one of the most pleasant surprises of the season. Across his first three games, he threw for almost 1,000 yards with a 9-1 touchdown to interception ratio. You can do the math from there, but Lonergan did look like a competent starter against some tough teams.

We like Lonergan's ceiling, but until he proves that he can consistently deliver, he deserves to be at the bottom of the list.

2025 Stats
- 2,025 passing yards
- 66.9% completion percentage
- 12 TDs
- 5 INTs
- 56.3 QBR
17. Ryan Browne - Purdue Boilermakers
Ryan Browne College Football Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 23
- School: Purdue
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: Clarkston, MI
There aren't many starting quarterbacks who could throw more interceptions than touchdowns, and still have a starting job the next season. Alas, that's the predicament facing Ryan Browne and the Purdue Boilermakers.

As a sophomore, Browne had an underwhelming campaign. His 58.9% completion percentage and 9-10 touchdown to interception ratio stand out as utterly indefensible.

Maybe Purdue has a plan for Browne and its offense. It's more likely that he's just the best option the Boilermakers have on their roster.

2025 Stats
- 2,153 passing yards
- 58.9% completion percentage
- 9 TDs
- 10 INTs
- 55.1 QBR
18. Hank Brown - Iowa Hawkeyes
Hank Brown College Football Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 218 lbs
- Age (on CFB Week 1): 21
- School: Iowa
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Nashville, TN
There's not telling which quarterback will be under center for Iowa's Week 1 tilt versus Northern Illinois. We have Hank Brown penciled in as the starter, but he'll be operating on a short leash.

Heading into his senior year, Brown has just 73 pass attempts under his belt. More concerning, he completed just 52.4% of his 21 pass attempts last year, yielding 5.1 yards per completion and one touchdown.

Iowa will have to lean into its defense throughout the campaign, but it still won't be enough to offset its shortcomings under center.

2025 Stats
- 107 passing yards
- 52.4% completion percentage
- 1 TDs
- 1 INTs
- 26.3 QBR
You Tell Us! Who are the Best Big Ten Quarterbacks of 2026?
Sound Off in the War Room: Who’s Your QB1?

USA TODAY has released its ranking for the 18 Big Ten quarterbacks for 2026. Now it’s your turn to challenge the rankings and make your case!
- THE NO. 1 DEBATE: Is Dante Moore the clear-cut QB1 in the country, or would you put Julian Sayin at the top?
- THE SLEEPER: Which QB ranked in the 10–15 range, such as Bryce Underwood or Drake Lindsey, has the best shot at breaking into the top five by November?
Drop your hot takes, make your case, and post your QB rankings in the comments!
USA TODAY Ranks All 18 Big Ten QBs for 2026
The 2026 college football season features a loaded group of Big Ten quarterbacks, from established stars returning for another run to emerging passers ready to make their mark on the national stage. With NFL-caliber talent, proven production, and high expectations across the country, the race to be recognized among the nation’s best is wide open.

USA TODAY Sports ranked the 18 Big Ten quarterbacks expected to make the biggest impact this season, with Oregon’s Dante Moore, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Washington's Demond Williams Jr. leading a deep group of contenders.

From potential Heisman candidates to breakout stars and intriguing sleepers, these are the quarterbacks entering the 2026 season at the center of the Big Ten conversation.

Information is from preseason, originally published August 17, 2026.