College football returns, bringing with it the stars of the sport. Seasons are often shaped by standout quarterbacks, and the 2026 season promises a lineup full of intriguing players. From national title contenders to promising NFL draft prospects, these quarterbacks are worth your attention.
Arch Manning, Texas
Arch Manning holds the biggest spotlight in college football. As part of the Manning quarterback lineage, he aims for a strong start in his second season as a starter. Manning made significant progress in the latter half of last season and is favored to go No. 1 overall in the NFL draft. Realizing his potential is crucial for both his draft status and Texas’ title hopes.
Dante Moore, Oregon
Dante Moore, like Manning, returned to school to further his development and aim for a national title. Despite potential as the second pick in the NFL draft, Moore still needs to sharpen his ability to handle pressure. His performance will be pivotal for Oregon’s season.
Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Julian Sayin found immediate success in his first season as a sophomore starter. He led in completion percentage and had a high QB rating. However, questions arose after losses to Indiana and Miami. Sayin faces a challenging 2026 schedule, which offers him chances to prove himself against top-tier competition.
CJ Carr, Notre Dame
CJ Carr made a notable debut last season, though early losses hindered Notre Dame’s playoff chances. A more manageable schedule could aid in their playoff quest, but Carr must elevate his performance under pressure for Notre Dame to succeed.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss emerged after replacing an injured teammate, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors and the title of SEC Newcomer of the Year. Known for outstanding performances against top teams, Chambliss is crucial for Ole Miss amid uncertainties.
Jayden Maiava, USC
Jayden Maiava is surprisingly underrated despite leading the nation in QBR. With untested receivers and coaching pressure, Maiava must guide USC to playoff contention. Success could see him among Heisman trophy winners under Lincoln Riley.
Darian Mensah, Miami (FL)
Darian Mensah showed promise at Tulane before excelling at Duke. Now leading Miami, Mensah’s development could enhance their championship chances after a strong previous season.
Sam Leavitt, LSU
Sam Leavitt impressed at Arizona State before an injury disrupted last year’s performance. As LSU’s quarterback under Lane Kiffin, expectations are high with the pressure to deliver results on an expensive roster.
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
LaNorris Sellers faced challenges in a struggling offense last season. Improving his consistency would reestablish his status as a top NFL draft prospect.
Nico Iamaleava, UCLA
Nico Iamaleava, notable for his transfer from Tennessee, has demonstrated potential despite modest stats. Optimism surrounds his potential ascent with a new head coach driving UCLA’s season.