The 2026 college football season is just around the corner, and with it comes the anticipation of new beginnings and the potential for quarterbacks to shine. The Power 4 conferences are brimming with talent, and the battle for starting roles is fierce. From seasoned veterans to fresh faces, the quarterbacks are set to make their mark. Here's a breakdown of the quarterbacks in the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, SEC, and independent conferences, along with some commentary on their prospects.
ACC
Boston College: Mason McKenzie, a transfer from Division II Saginaw Valley State, is the projected starter. His game reminds me of Anthony Colandrea, with a knack for scrambling and playmaking. Keep an eye on true freshman Femi Babalola, a Tennessee native, as he could be a long-term solution.
Cal: Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is a rising star, and the Golden Bears are wise to retain him. With a beefed-up supporting cast, he has the potential to be a game-changer in 2026.
Clemson: Coach Dabo Swinney favors his veterans, so Christopher Vizzina is in line to start after three years as Cade Klubnik's backup. True freshman Tait Reynolds adds an element of intrigue.
Duke: Walker Eget, a San Jose State transfer, brings veteran experience. He'll step in after Darian Mensah's departure, providing stability.
Florida State: The Seminoles' transfer decisions under coach Mike Norvell have been underwhelming. Ashton Daniels, a former Stanford starter, is the clear No. 1 option, and the staff is hoping for a rebound season.
Georgia Tech: Alberto Mendoza, an Indiana transfer and the younger brother of Fernando Mendoza, is the frontrunner. His mobility will boost the run game, and the addition of Michigan transfer Justice Haynes further strengthens the offense.
Louisville: Coach Jeff Brohm will start a transfer quarterback for the fourth consecutive season. Lincoln Kienholz, an inexperienced Ohio State transfer, is expected to get the nod in 2026.
Miami: Carson Beck led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff title game. Darian Mensah is next in line, and with a star-studded skill group, he's poised for success.
NC State: CJ Bailey, one of the ACC's top QBs, enters his third season as the starter, showing consistency.
North Carolina: Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr. has a clear path to the starting role. Western Carolina transfer Taron Dickens, who had a prolific season at the FCS level, never enrolled, and four-star true freshman Travis Burgess is a rising star.
Pittsburgh: Mason Heintschel took over midway through last season and produced well. With experience, he's set to take another step forward.
SMU: Kevin Jennings has led the program to success, and true freshman Cole Leinart, the son of Matt Leinart, adds intrigue.
Stanford: Coach Tavita Pritchard is taking a risk with Michigan transfer Davis Warren, who wasn't impressive in 2024. True freshman Mike Mitchell Jr. could be a future star.
Syracuse: Steve Angeli will start if healthy, and the Orange have backup options with Amari Odom and Malachi Nelson, a former five-star recruit.
Virginia: Beau Pribula, who started 10 games at Missouri, will open the season as the starter. Eli Holstein is the backup, and the passing game needs improvement.
Virginia Tech: Ethan Grunkemeyer, who followed James Franklin from Penn State, is the starter. Troy Huhn and North Carolina transfer Bryce Baker provide depth.
Wake Forest: Gio Lopez, who struggled at North Carolina, is expected to be more productive at Wake Forest, reuniting with his former OC.
Big 12
Arizona: Noah Fifita enters his fourth season as the starter. The long-term prospect is Oscar Rios, a four-star freshman, who could challenge for the job in 2027.
Arizona State: Cutter Boley has the edge over Mikey Keene, a Fresno State transfer with starting experience. Jake Fette, a top-150 prospect, is a development to watch.
Baylor: DJ Lagway, a former five-star prospect, is inconsistent. Can OC Jake Spavital unlock his potential?
BYU: Bear Bachmeier has the job locked down for the next few seasons. Ryder Lyons, a five-star signee, will join in 2027.
Cincinnati: JC French IV is the starter, and Samaj Jones, a four-star signee, is a reserve. His limited playing time is a concern.
Colorado: Julian Lewis, entering his second season, is the focus. Utah transfer Isaac Wilson provides depth.
Houston: Conner Weigman is the starter, but true freshman Keisean Henderson, the No. 1 prospect, is a future star.
Iowa State: Jaylen Raynor, an Arkansas State transfer, is the starter. Zane Flores provides depth.
Kansas: Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall, both inexperienced, compete for the starting role.
Kansas State: Avery Johnson, back for his fourth season, is working with new OC Collin Klein. The goal is to unlock Johnson's potential.
Oklahoma State: Drew Mestemaker, a former walk-on, led the nation in passing yards. The program is in good hands.
TCU: Jaden Craig, an All-Ivy League selection, is a rising star. He'll step in for Indiana-bound Josh Hoover.
Texas Tech: Will Hammond's recovery from a torn ACL is crucial. If he's not ready, Kirk Francis will hold the job until his return.
UCF: Scott Frost signed Alonza Barnett III, a James Madison starter, bringing experience and a winning pedigree.
Utah: Devon Dampier is the starter, and Byrd Ficklin is the backup. Coordinator Kevin McGiven's offensive changes are notable.
West Virginia: Michael Hawkins Jr., an Oklahoma transfer, is dangerous with his legs. Scotty Fox Jr. is also in the mix.
Big Ten
Illinois: Katin Houser, who began at Michigan State, has the keys to a deliberate offense. His productivity at East Carolina bodes well.
Indiana: Josh Hoover, a TCU transfer, is the starter. The backup situation is competitive.
Iowa: Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown battled for the starting role in the spring. The competition continues.
Maryland: Malik Washington's improvement is key. The focus is on setting him up for success.
Michigan: Bryce Underwood, working with new OC Jason Beck, has a critical season ahead.
Michigan State: Alessio Milivojevic, who started the Spartans' final four games, is atop the depth chart.
Minnesota: Drake Lindsey, who had a promising first season, gives the Gophers a solid building block.
Nebraska: The Cornhuskers had an eventful QB offseason. Anthony Colandrea, despite a wild playing style, is the starter.
Northwestern: Aidan Chiles and coordinator Chip Kelly's partnership is fascinating. Kelly aims to maximize Chiles' talent.
Ohio State: Julian Sayin is the starter, and Tavien St. Clair is a significant figure for the program's future.
Oregon: Dante Moore, a top Heisman Trophy candidate, is known. Dylan Raiola, a former Nebraska starter, is now the backup.
Penn State: Rocco Becht, an established veteran from Iowa State, starts a new era.
Purdue: Ryan Browne, back for another year, needs to take a step forward.
Rutgers: Dylan Lonergan and AJ Surace, in his third season, compete for the starting role.
UCLA: Nico Iamaleava, a foundational piece, should succeed with a new staff.
USC: Jayden Maiava, a potential Heisman candidate, has a last year with the program. Jonas Williams, a blue-chip freshman, is a future star.
Washington: Demond Williams Jr. is back for Year 3. Stanford transfer Elijah Brown adds depth.
Wisconsin: The Badgers' injury luck has impacted QB play. Colton Joseph, an Old Dominion transfer, is hoped to provide a spark.
SEC
Alabama: Austin Mack, the backup last year, is in his fourth season with Kalen DeBoer. Keelon Russell, a five-star prospect, is in the high-profile QB battle.
Arkansas: KJ Jackson and Memphis transfer AJ Hill are the contenders. The competition could go deep into August.
Auburn: Byrum Brown, a South Florida transfer, is a star quarterback. His playmaking skills will be tested in the SEC.
Florida: The Gators have a strong receiver group and a talented running back. The quarterback will be either Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr., with Philo having the advantage.
Georgia: Gunner Stockton, a returning starter, is a gamer. Ryan Puglisi, a blue-chip prospect, waits for an opportunity.
Kentucky: Will Stein, a first-year coach, has a well-respected offensive mind. Kenny Minchey, a Notre Dame transfer, has potential.
LSU: Sam Leavitt, a household name, missed spring practice but is now cleared. The Tigers also brought in Husan Longstreet, a five-star prospect, and Elon transfer Landen Clark.
Mississippi State: Kamario Taylor, big, fast, and strong, will step into the starting role after positive flashes.
Missouri: Austin Simmons, an Ole Miss transfer, was named the starter in the spring. The future of Matt Zollers, a top-100 prospect, is unclear.
Oklahoma: John Mateer, further removed from a thumb injury, aims for consistency. Bowe Bentley, a four-star true freshman, is a rising star.
Ole Miss: Trinidad Chambliss, one of the best QBs, added depth for this season and 2027 with Deuce Knight, an Auburn transfer.
South Carolina: There's pressure on the staff to improve the offense. LaNorris Sellers, back for his third season, works with new OC Kendal Briles. Landon Duckworth, a top-150 prospect, is a noteworthy addition.
Tennessee: A competition between Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre, both signed by Tennessee, is intriguing. Brandon has the higher ceiling.
Texas: Arch Manning is the main character, but Dia Bell, a five-star freshman, is expected to take over when Manning departs.
Texas A&M: Marcel Reed, who helped the Aggies reach the College Football Playoff, works with new OC Holmon Wiggins. Brady Hart and Helaman Casuga, former blue-chip prospects, compete for positions.
Vanderbilt: Five-star freshman Jared Curtis, the highest-rated signee, is assumed to start. Blaze Berlowitz, who has spent time with OC Tim Beck, is a contender.
The 2026 season promises exciting quarterback battles and the potential for new stars to emerge. The Power 4 conferences are set to showcase the talent and determination of these young athletes, leaving fans eager for the upcoming games.
