EVERYTHINGU’s POST SPRING TOP TEN QUARTERBACKS
With spring football now in the rearview mirror, the picture at quarterback across college football is becoming much clearer. Returning stars are looking to build on breakout campaigns, while transfers have spent the spring positioning themselves among the nation's elite. As summer workouts begin, programs start shifting their focus toward fall camp.
Quarterback play remains the single biggest factor in determining who will contend for conference championships and a spot in the College Football Playoff. From proven veterans to emerging stars, here are EverythingU's Post-Spring Top 10 Quarterbacks heading into the 2026 college football season.
1. Trinidad Chambliss- Ole Miss
Few quarterbacks enter the season with a 2025 resume, or even a story as good as Trinidad Chambliss. The star Division-Two transfer QB came to national prominence after the Rebels' game against Kentucky. Austin Simmons, the original starter, sustained a right ankle injury late in that game, prompting Chambliss to take over and close out the contest. While Simmons was sidelined, Chambliss flourished, which ultimately led the Division-Two transfer to be named the Rebels full time starter.
After leading Ole Miss to a College Football Playoff appearance and dominating in 2025, the dual-threat quarterback threw for nearly 4,000 yards while adding over 500 rushing yards, proving he can beat defenses both through the air and on the ground. His ability to create explosive plays and protect the football makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in college football.
Chambliss enters the year as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender and the driving force behind Ole Miss' championship hopes. After watching Chambliss’s 2025 playoff performance, it's hard not to list the Rebels QB No. 1 as well inch closer to fall camp.
2. Arch Manning- Texas
If your name is Manning, how can you not be good? Arch Manning enters the 2026 season as one of the biggest stars in college football. After a rough start to the 2025 season, Manning really came into his own down the stretch and proved to be one of the best players in college football.
Out of all of the quarterbacks listed, Manning may have the highest upside. He ranked first in QBR after October last season. Manning displayed elite arm talent throwing for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while completing 61.4 percent of his passes. He also added 399 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground, showing the dual-threat ability that makes him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the country.
Now entering his second full season as Texas' starter, Manning finds himself firmly in the Heisman Trophy conversation and the potential No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. With another year of experience under his belt, one of the most talented rosters in the country surrounding him, Manning has all the tools necessary to finish the season as the top quarterback in college football and help the Longhorns win the national title.
3. Dante Moore- Oregon
Dante Moore enters the 2026 season with enormous expectations. After weighing his options, Moore opted to forgo the NFL Draft, turning down the potential to be the second overall pick in the draft. The Redshirt Junior will return to Oregon for another season, giving the Ducks one of the nation's most talented signal-callers back under center.
The former five-star recruit showcased the arm talent and playmaking ability that made him one of the nation's top prospects. Moore's 2025 campaign backed up the hype. He completed nearly 72 percent of his passes for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns while leading Oregon to a College Football Playoff appearance. One of his most impressive performances came in November when the Ducks traveled to Iowa and escaped with a hard-fought 18-16 victory over a top-20 Iowa team. In difficult weather conditions against one of the nation's toughest defenses, Moore helped engineer the game-winning drive in the final minutes.
However, Moore's season was not without flaws. While he excelled against almost every opponent, he struggled against the three best defenses he faced, as Oregon's offense failed to consistently produce at its usual level in those matchups.
Now entering his second season as the Ducks' starter, Moore has a chance to elevate himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation while leading Oregon on another College Football Playoff push. It would not be a shock to hear Moore’s name be selected first in the 2027 Draft.
4. Julian Sayin- Ohio State
Ohio State spent much of the 2025 season playing from a position of control. It seemed like everytime you turned on the TV to watch ohio state, they were in cruise control. Sayin completed 77% of his passes for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns during the 2025 season. While Sayin was outstanding and his numbers reflected that success, he was rarely forced into high-pressure, must-score situations.
Sayin enters the season with as much pressure as any of these quarterbacks listed. Sayin is the signal caller for potentially one of the best offensive rosters, and overall best player in the country, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
The now Sophomore was one of the most consistent and accurate quarterbacks in the country last season. With his quick decision-making and polished pocket presence, Sayin possesses traits needed to thrive in one of the nation's most demanding environments.
With a tougher schedule in 2026, Sayin will be tested as much as any Quarterback in the country.
5. Jayden Maiava- USC
It wouldn't be a true top ten quarterback list without mentioning a quarterback playing for Lincoln Riley. Jayden Maiava enters the 2026 season looking to build on a promising first year as USC's full time starting quarterback. After taking over the offense in 2025, Maiava showcased his arm talent and playmaking ability while helping guide the Trojans through a challenging Big Ten schedule.
During the 2025 season, Maiava threw for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns while helping USC remain in the playoff picture throughout the season. Maiava was shaky occasionally but by year's end, Maiava had established himself as a capable playmaker and as one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten.
A situation to monitor in Los Angeles for Maiava is that The receiving corps lacks proven production, as only three players who caught more than five passes last season return, with two of them coming from the running back position.
Now entering his third year in Lincoln Riley's system, Maiava has the potential to follow the path of several quarterbacks who have thrived under Riley's guidance. Riley has helped develop multiple Heisman Trophy winners throughout his coaching career, and with another year of experience, a talented supporting cast, and a deeper understanding of the offense, Maiava could emerge as the next quarterback to enter that conversation.
6. CJ Carr- Notre Dame
CJ Carr enters the 2026 season as one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in college football after a breakout freshman season. Carr arrived in South Bend with significant expectations a quarterback hasn't had there in a very long time. He'll operate behind what could be the nation's top offensive line, giving him plenty of time to utilize his greatest strengths. With excellent accuracy, high-end arm talent, and a growing command of the offense, he developed into one of college football's most dependable quarterbacks by the end of the 2025 season.
The sophomore QB shined last season as a true freshman throwing for 2,741 yards and 24 Touchdowns for the Irish. Carr is under immediate pressure to deliver results. However, the former five-star is more than prepared to handle it. His combination of arm talent and composure impressed coaches and teammates alike, and many believe he has the potential to become the next standout quarterback to lead the Irish back to the college football playoffs.
7. Darian Mensah- Miami
After a standout season at Duke, and some offseason contract issues, Darian Mensah is now a Miami Hurricane. Mensah became one of the most sought-after quarterbacks when he decided to jump in the portal mid-january. His arm talent, athleticism, and ability to create explosive plays make him a natural fit for an offense expected to compete at the highest level.
Mensah enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign at Duke, establishing himself as one of the ACC's top quarterbacks. The now Hurricane threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns. Good for second in the country in both categories.
Now stepping into one of college football's most high-profile programs, Mensah will face enormous expectations as he looks to get Miami back to the College Football Playoff for the second season in a row.
8. Gunner Stockton- Miami
Gunner Stockton enters the 2026 season with the pressure and expectations that come with being Georgia's starting quarterback. After a year where the Bulldogs went one and done in the playoffs, the fans expect Georgia to return to national championship contention and make a much deeper postseason run in 2026.
Stockton does not jump off the stat sheet but he finds himself at No. 8 on this list because the kid wins. Gunner Stockton is a winner. The Jr threw for 2,894 yards and 24 Touchdowns.
Stockton is exceptional at playing to his strengths and consistently finds ways to put defenses in difficult situations. His mobility, toughness, and ability to extend plays make him frustrating to defend, especially when a play breaks down. Unlike many quarterbacks, Stockton doesn't shy away from contact and is willing to lower his shoulder to pick up crucial yards when needed.
That competitive edge and physical style of play is why Georgia was and will continue to be successful.
9. Marcel Reed- Texas A&M
Marcel Reed enters the 2026 season as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in college football. After taking over as Texas A&M's starter, Reed quickly injected life into the Aggies' offense with his elite athleticism and playmaking ability. His ability to extend drives with both his arm and legs makes him a constant challenge for opposing defenses and gives Texas A&M one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the SEC.
When Reed is good, he's as good as anyone in the country. But his lows are low. Reed threw for 3,169 yards, 25 Touchdowns,12 interceptions and with 6 of the 12 interceptions coming in the last month of the season.
Reed struggled down the stretch as Texas A&M's offense became increasingly inconsistent against top competition. His decision-making and accuracy wavered at times late in the season, and the Aggies' passing attack failed to find the same rhythm it displayed earlier in the year
Now entering his second full season as Texas A&M's starter, Reed has the opportunity to elevate both himself and the Aggies back into the playoffs.
10. Josh Hoover- Indiana
The TCU transfer has a tough job following up former Heisman trophy winner and No. 1 NFL draft pick, Fernando Mendoza. Indiana fans will deal with growing pains, but Hoover gives the Hoosiers a proven quarterback they can rely on. If anyone can help smooth the transition and keep the offense productive, it's him.
Hoover enters the 2026 season as one of the most productive and experienced quarterbacks in college football. His confidence, quick release, and arm strength to push the ball downfield have made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the Big 12. Hoover threw for 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
While he has established himself as one of the nation's most productive passers, his aggressive style of play has also led to costly interceptions. At times, Hoover has been willing to force throws into tight windows, creating opportunities for opposing defenses.
Now entering the 2026 season, Hoover finds himself firmly in the conversation among the nation's top quarterbacks. With multiple years of starting experience and a proven track record of production, he provides Indiana with a quarterback they need to get back to the college football playoffs.