College football fans, get ready. The 2026 season is shaping up to be wild, especially if you’re into quarterback drama.
Transfers, eligibility twists, court battles—you name it, it’s happened. Now that the dust has settled, we’re looking at a seriously stacked lineup of QB talent.
This post digs into the top 25 quarterbacks to watch, based on Bleacher Report’s latest analysis. There’s a mix of old hands and new faces, and honestly, it’s tough not to get hyped about some of these names.
The Rising Stars: Quarterbacks Ranked 25-21
The bottom end of the top 25 is full of guys who’ve flashed potential and might be on the verge of something big. Here’s who’s in that group:
- Nick Minicucci, Delaware
- Conner Weigman, Houston
- Devon Dampier, Utah
- Noah Fifita, Arizona
- Bryce Underwood, Michigan
Conner Weigman’s comeback at Houston is grabbing attention. Bryce Underwood’s move to Michigan, with a fresh head coach and OC, could be a game-changer too.
Mid-Tier Marvels: Quarterbacks Ranked 20-16
This next batch is all over the map in terms of playing style and background. It’s kind of a fun mix, honestly:
- Rocco Becht, Penn State
- LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
- John Mateer, Oklahoma
- Kevin Jennings, SMU
- Bear Bachmeier, BYU
LaNorris Sellers had a rough 2025, but there’s a sense he could bounce back. John Mateer was once in the Heisman conversation before getting hurt, so who knows what he’ll do if he’s healthy.
Bear Bachmeier is another one to watch—BYU fans are hoping he can build on a strong start as a freshman.
Potential Game-Changers: Quarterbacks Ranked 15-11
Moving up the list, the talent’s even more obvious. These QBs could really swing things for their teams:
- Demond Williams Jr., Washington
- Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech
- Josh Hoover, Indiana
- Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
- Byrum Brown, Auburn
Josh Hoover’s physical tools stand out, and Marcel Reed at Texas A&M has a super high ceiling. Byrum Brown, now at Auburn after leaving USF, could really surprise people this year.
The Elite Contenders: Quarterbacks Ranked 10-6
Now we’re talking about the real heavy hitters. These are the guys everyone expects to be elite:
- Jayden Maiava, USC
- Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
- Gunner Stockton, Georgia
- CJ Carr, Notre Dame
- Arch Manning, Texas
Drew Mestemaker led the country in passing yards last year. Arch Manning’s late-season surge has Texas fans dreaming big. CJ Carr and Gunner Stockton are both in spots where they could really make some noise.
Top 5 Quarterbacks: The Best of the Best
Here’s the cream of the crop for 2026. These QBs could take over games and maybe even the whole season:
- Jayden Maiava, USC
- Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
- Gunner Stockton, Georgia
- CJ Carr, Notre Dame
- Arch Manning, Texas
Jayden Maiava’s dual-threat style is a huge plus for USC. Mestemaker’s arm makes him a real Heisman threat. Stockton and Carr could both be difference-makers, and Arch Manning—well, he might just take Texas all the way.
Honorable Mentions and Future Stars
There are a few more quarterbacks lurking just outside the top 25 who might jump into the spotlight. Keep tabs on these names:
- Bear Bachmeier, BYU
- LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
- John Mateer, Oklahoma
They’ve all shown flashes. If things break right, any of them could end up being a huge part of the 2026 story.
Conclusion: A Season to Remember
The 2026 college football season looks like it could be something special, especially if you’re into quarterback battles. There’s a wild mix of seasoned vets and new faces in the lineup this year.
The talent pool? Honestly, it’s deeper than I can remember. If you want the full breakdown and the top 25 quarterbacks, you might want to check out the full article on Bleacher Report.
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