The early college football quarterback rankings for 2026 are out, and the list is packed with talent and potential. As we gear up for another exhilarating season, these rankings offer a glimpse into the future stars who could dominate the gridiron.
From established names like Arch Manning and Dante Moore to rising talents like Sam Leavitt and Julian Sayin, the depth at quarterback is something to see. Let’s check out the top 20 quarterbacks for the 2026 season and see what makes them pop.
Top Quarterbacks to Watch in 2026
Every year, college football fans wait for the quarterback rankings, and 2026 is no different. This list mixes seasoned veterans and some promising newcomers, each bringing their own flair and potential to the table.
Here are a few quarterbacks you might want to keep an eye on this season. There’s a lot of buzz, and honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in it.
Arch Manning: The Legacy Continues
2025 Stats: 61.4% completion, 3,163 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 399 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns
Arch Manning, the latest in the Manning dynasty, showed flashes of brilliance in his first year as a starter. He had a rocky start, but finished strong, averaging 286.2 passing yards per game over his last six games.
With a revamped supporting cast, Manning looks ready for a breakout year. Read more about Arch Manning’s potential.
Dante Moore: The Oregon Star
2025 Stats: 71.8% completion, 3,565 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 156 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns
Dante Moore’s decision to return to Oregon for another season is a big deal for the Ducks. With Moore leading the way, Oregon is aiming for the College Football Playoff National Championship.
His stats are impressive, sure, but it’s his leadership that really sets him apart. He’s one to watch, no question.
Sam Leavitt: The Baton Rouge Hopeful
2025 Stats: 60.7% completion, 1,628 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, three interceptions, 306 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns
After a promising but injury-shortened season at Arizona State, Sam Leavitt is set to make an impact at LSU. Under Lane Kiffin’s guidance, Leavitt’s dual-threat capability and experience could make him a real asset for the Tigers.
Julian Sayin: The Ohio State Prodigy
2025 Stats: 77.0% completion, 3,610 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, -44 rushing yards, zero rushing touchdowns
Julian Sayin had an outstanding season after stepping in for Will Howard at Ohio State. A 77% completion rate and 32 touchdowns? That’s top-tier stuff.
Another year of development and, honestly, who knows how high Sayin’s ceiling goes.
Rising Stars and Underdogs
Beyond the big names, a handful of quarterbacks are ready to make a mark in 2026. These guys might not have the same hype, but their talent is tough to ignore.
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele: The Cal Standout
2025 Stats: 64.2% completion, 3,454 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, -120 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, a transfer from Oregon, led all true freshmen in passing yards last season. With a strong finish and a new head coach in Tosh Lupoi, Sagapolutele could help Cal surprise a few folks in the ACC.
John Mateer: The Oklahoma Resilient
2025 Stats: 62.2% completion, 2,885 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 431 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns
Despite injuries in 2025, John Mateer showed enough promise to earn a spot here. With a full offseason to recover and another year in Ben Arbuckle’s system, Mateer could take a real step forward in 2026.
Byrum Brown: The Auburn Dark Horse
2025 Stats: 66.3% completion, 3,158 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 1,008 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns
Byrum Brown’s command of Alex Golesh’s offense makes him a key piece for Auburn. Over 4,000 total yards and 42 touchdowns last season—yeah, Brown is a dark-horse Heisman candidate if there ever was one.
Veteran Leaders
Veteran quarterbacks bring experience and a steady hand, often making the difference in those nail-biter games. Here are a few seasoned signal-callers expected to shine in 2026.
Rocco Becht: The Penn State Veteran
2025 Stats: 60.5% completion, 2,584 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, 116 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns
With 39 starts, Rocco Becht is as seasoned as they come. His production dipped a bit last year, but his experience and familiarity with the coaching staff make him a reliable option for Penn State.
Julian Jennings: The SMU Leader
2025 Stats: 66.1% completion, 3,641 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 54 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns
Julian Jennings heads into his third season as a full-time starter under Rhett Lashlee at SMU. With new pass-catchers coming in from the portal, Jennings could have the Mustangs back in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Jake Hoover: The Indiana Hopeful
2025 Stats: 65.9% completion, 3,472 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 13 interceptions, four rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns
Jake Hoover’s productivity in Kendal Briles’ offense at TCU set high expectations for his move to Indiana. As the likely starter, Hoover’s experience and skill set could help the Hoosiers take a big step forward in 2026.
Conclusion
The 2026 college football season’s shaping up to be something special. There’s a real buzz around the quarterback talent set to hit the field.
You’ve got big names like Arch Manning and Dante Moore, who already carry plenty of hype. Then, there are up-and-coming guys like Sam Leavitt and Julian Sayin, each bringing their own flair and promise.
If you’re curious about who else makes the list, check out RotoBaller’s early college football quarterback rankings for a rundown of the top 20 quarterbacks for 2026.
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