The start of the 2026 college football season is upon us, and with it comes a fresh set of quarterback rankings that spotlight the most promising talent in the sport. A skilled quarterback can elevate a college football program, and this year's crop is particularly noteworthy, with many players expected to be top picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. This article delves into the top 10 quarterbacks heading into Week 1, including the highly anticipated Arch Manning.
At number 10, we have LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina. After a breakout campaign in 2024 where he amassed over 2,500 passing yards and 25 total touchdowns, expectations were high for Sellers. However, the Gamecocks struggled last season, and if they can recapture their earlier form, Sellers has the potential to shine once again in 2026.
Indiana's Josh Hoover ranks ninth in our list. After a successful stint at TCU, where he threw for 29 touchdowns last season, Hoover is now tasked with leading the Hoosiers. With a strong supporting cast, he aims to minimize turnovers and maximize his playmaking ability this year.
Sam Leavitt from LSU comes in at number eight. The former Arizona State quarterback made headlines when he transferred to LSU, but injuries limited his impact last season. With a full season ahead, Leavitt's dual-threat capability could make him a contender for the Heisman Trophy if he can stay healthy and perform at his best.
Ranking seventh is CJ Carr of Notre Dame. The young quarterback impressed in his debut season, throwing for over 2,700 yards and earning a solid passer rating. With the pressure of playing for a storied program, Carr is expected to take significant strides forward in 2026, especially after losing key offensive players to the NFL.
Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss sits at number six. After stepping up as a starter due to injury last season, Chambliss delivered a remarkable performance, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and leading his team deep into the playoffs. His strong showing has earned him another year of eligibility, and he is poised for a breakout season.
Oregon's Dante Moore, who ranks fifth, opted to return for another season despite being a potential early NFL Draft pick. With a new transfer quarterback joining the team, Moore faces added pressure to maintain his starting role while continuing to build on his impressive stats from last year, where he threw for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorns quarterback, is ranked fourth. Known for his family legacy in football, Manning's first year as a starter was marked by significant expectations. He threw for over 3,100 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, and if he can improve his accuracy and decision-making, he could emerge as one of the nation's top players this year.
Miami's Darian Mensah, who transferred from Duke, is positioned third on the list. After a standout season where he ranked second nationally in passing yards, Mensah is anticipated to excel with a more talented roster at Miami, potentially making him a Heisman candidate.
Ohio State's Julian Sayin, who comes in second, had a stellar first season as the starting quarterback, leading the Buckeyes to a national title. With impressive statistics and a high completion percentage, Sayin is expected to continue his success as he aims for another championship run.
Finally, at the top of the rankings is Jayden Maiava from USC. When healthy, Maiava has proven to be a dynamic quarterback, showcasing his ability to throw deep and make quick decisions. His strong performance in the season opener solidifies his status as a leading contender in college football.
As the 2026 college football season unfolds, these quarterbacks will be pivotal in shaping their teams' fortunes and potentially their futures in the NFL.
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