The college football quarterback landscape for the 2026 season is marked by significant movement due to transfers and returning starters, reshaping the outlook for many programs across the nation. Voters identifying the top 25 quarterbacks emphasize experience and proven performance, with 19 returning players in at least their second year at their schools and six transfers bringing starting experience from previous programs.

At the top of the rankings is Dante Moore of Oregon, regarded as a leading NFL draft prospect after a 2025 campaign in which he threw 30 touchdown passes and guided the Ducks to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Despite this success, questions remain about his consistency, particularly after multiple interceptions in losses to Indiana.

Ohio State’s Julian Sayin sits second, coming off a season with 3,610 passing yards and 32 touchdowns under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. His continued development positions him as a strong contender for postseason awards, even as he shares the spotlight with teammate and standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

CJ Carr of Notre Dame ranks third after exceeding expectations in his first full season as a starter. Carr's 2,741 yards and 24 touchdown passes helped sustain the Fighting Irish’s competitive standing, though the recent departure of wide receiver Jeremiyah Love presents new challenges for the team’s passing attack.

Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss, ranked fourth, brings a wealth of experience as a sixth-year player who led the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals, including a notable upset over Georgia. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Chambliss has emerged as a prominent figure with potential Heisman Trophy consideration.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning is placed fifth after completing his first full season as a starter. Manning showed progress through the year, notably in a Citrus Bowl victory over Michigan. While his running ability is strong, consistency in passing remains an area for growth, although increased offensive weapons around him may aid his development.

Miami’s Darian Mensah, a transfer from Duke, stands sixth. He demonstrated his capability last season by leading the Blue Devils to an ACC title with nearly 4,000 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. Mensah faces high expectations at Miami, a program with national championship aspirations, where his performance will be intensely scrutinized.

Georgia’s Gunner Stockton ranks seventh, valued for his competitive nature and clutch performances despite lacking prototypical quarterback size. His leadership and ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations were evident last season, and he is expected to carry a larger portion of the offensive load as the team integrates a younger receiving group.

Other notable names in the top 25 include LSU’s Sam Leavitt, recovering from injury and hoping to prove himself in the SEC; Oklahoma State transfer Drew Mestemaker, who led the FBS in several passing categories last year and is tasked with revitalizing the Cowboys’ offense; and BYU’s Bear Bachmeier, who outperformed expectations as a true freshman and continues to develop his consistency.

Transfers have had a significant impact across the rankings. Penn State’s Rocco Becht joined after starting nearly 40 games at Iowa State under coach Matt Campbell, while Auburn’s Byrum Brown followed coach Alex Golesh from South Florida. Indiana’s Josh Hoover also moved in as a transfer, bringing productive years at TCU but with a history of turnovers.

Rookies becoming starters or new starters include Alabama’s Keelon Russell, newly named as the starter after sitting out the previous season, and California’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who threw for over 3,400 yards as a freshman last year and is poised to lead the Bears with continued support.

As the 2026 season approaches, the quarterback position remains the most dynamic in college football, with the balance of returning experience and transfer arrivals shaping teams' prospects nationwide. Performance consistency, offensive support, and coaching changes will play critical roles in determining which quarterbacks rise to prominence.