Every college football season begins with a familiar question. Which quarterback will shape the national conversation? For the 2026 campaign, this question becomes even more intriguing as a new wave of talented signal-callers prepare to lead some of the sport’s biggest programs. In his latest rankings, CBS Sports analyst Tom Fornelli highlighted the top returning quarterbacks in college football, identifying players expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming season.
RELATED: New top 10 picks for the 2027 college football class
What makes this list especially attractive is the mix of established and rising stars who are already starting to fulfill their potential. Programs like Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, and Ohio State all feature quarterbacks who not only have impressive physical tools, but also the leadership qualities needed to guide a championship-caliber team. At the same time, schools like Miami, Ole Miss, USC, Indiana, Texas Tech, and Georgia have signal callers ready to take major steps toward advancement.
Some of the names on the list hold significant promise. Quarterbacks like Arch Manning and Dante Moore entered college with a ton of recruiting hype and are now reaching a stage where their performance must match those lofty expectations. Others, including players like CJ Carr and Julian Sayin, are considered the next generation of elite passers who could put their programs in the national spotlight.
Ultimately, quarterback play remains the most influential factor in determining which teams advance to playoff contention. As the 2026 season approaches, the performance of these returning quarterbacks will likely determine conference races, playoff positioning, and the overall storyline that defines the year.
1. CJ Carr – Notre Dame
CJ Carr enters the season with great expectations as the mainstay of Notre Dame’s offense. A former elite recruit with a strong football pedigree, he has shown the poise and on-field vision needed to run a pro-style system. Carr’s arm talent allows him to make efficient reads in the short and intermediate game while pushing the ball downfield. If he makes the expected developmental leap, he could lift Notre Dame into serious playoff contention.
2. Dante Moore – Oregon
Dante Moore’s combination of arm strength and natural playmaking ability makes him a dangerous quarterback in Oregon’s explosive offense. Having gained valuable experience early in his career, he appears much more comfortable working at a faster tempo. Moore thrives when he attacks vertically and stretches his defense across the field. With Oregon’s skill talent around him, he has the potential to produce huge numbers.
3. Archie Manning – Texas
Arch Manning has one of the most recognizable last names in football, but he is steadily carving out his own identity as a quarterback. Known for his calm demeanor and high football IQ, Manning is quick on defense and rarely forces a throw. His mechanics have been refined and his decision-making continues to improve with each match. He entered the season as Texas’ leader and has the tools to become one of the most efficient passers in the country.
RELATED: College football’s most elite playmakers in 2026
4. Julian Sayin — Ohio State
Julian Sayin fits perfectly into Ohio State’s quarterback lineage of polished and productive passers. His release is quick and compact, allowing him to distribute the ball effectively in rhythm passing concepts. Sayin is especially dangerous when he runs the course and finds mismatches against aggressive defenses. With elite receivers around him, he’s in position to post impressive statistical results.
5. Darian Mensah – Miami
Darian Mensah combines mobility and impressive arm talent to bring a dynamic skill set to Miami’s offense. He is adept at extending plays outside the pocket and creating opportunities when protection breaks down. As Mensah gained experience, his confidence grew, especially when attacking one-on-one matchups downfield. If he continues to improve his consistency, he could become one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the ACC.
6. Brendan Sorsby – Texas Tech University
Brendan Sorsby has an aggressive mindset that fits Texas Tech’s high-capacity passing attack. He’s willing to challenge defenses vertically and doesn’t shy away from tight javelins. Sorbi shows strength in the pocket, standing tall even under pressure. In an offense built around speed and productivity, he has a chance to put up big yardage totals.
7. Trinidad Chambliss – Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss brings a versatile skill set that can stress defenses in a variety of ways. His mobility makes him a threat in intentional runs and impromptu scrambles. At the same time, he has shown steady improvement as a passer, particularly in quick reads and RPO concepts. In Ole Miss’ creative offensive system, Chambliss could have a breakout performance.
relevant: College football team with the highest winning percentage of the past decade
8. Jaden Maiava – USC
Jayden Maiava brings an aggressive vertical passing style that fits well with USC’s offensive philosophy. He is adept at pushing the ball deep and capitalizing on explosive play opportunities. Maiava also shows confidence under pressure and often makes plays when the pocket collapses. With the Trojans’ offensive weapons, he has the ability to produce highlight-reel performances.
9. Josh Hoover – Indiana
Josh Hoover is a quarterback who relies on rhythm, timing, and accuracy to move the offense. He excels at quickly diagnosing coverage and delivering the ball on schedule. Hoover’s ability to sustain drives through efficient passing makes him a steady presence behind center. As he gains more experience, he could become a more reliable signal caller in the Big Ten.
relevant: College Football: Transfer Portal Team Rankings
10. Gunner Stockton – Georgia
Gunner Stockton assumes a key role at Georgia with expectations of maintaining the program’s championship standards. He plays with strength and confidence, rarely backing down in pressure situations. Stockton’s arm strength allows him to attack all levels of the field while also managing the offense effectively. Surrounded by elite talent, he has the opportunity to succeed in one of college football’s most balanced systems.
conclusion
The 2026 college football season will have no shortage of quarterback intrigue. From highly regarded prospects taking on bigger roles to experienced starters looking to improve their teams, this group represents the next generation of impactful players at some of the sport’s most important positions. If these quarterbacks meet expectations, they will not only headline weekly highlights, but shape the national title race and define some of the biggest moments of the season.
— Enjoy The Big Lead’s top news and popular stories for free. —
NFL: First three NFL free agent signings predicted for 2026
March Madness: ACC Tournament Men’s Basketball Bracket, Schedule Released
Major League: 39-year-old former Blue Jays pitcher announces retirement immediately after WBC conclusion
NBA: Boston Celtics release big Jayson Tatum update ahead of NBA Playoffs.
Sports Media: The NHL saw a boost in TV ratings after the thrilling United States-Canada showdown for Olympic gold.
Virus: NFL star Joe Burrow got cozy with Jessica Alba at a Las Vegas casino.
