The 2025 college football season ended with Indiana winning the national championship, a result that showed how quickly the power structure can change in the NIL and transfer portal era. The Hoosiers finished 16-0 and beat Miami 27-21 for the title, while Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas also spent most of the year near the top of the national picture. Those teams set the tone for 2026 by showing how strong quarterback play still drives the sport.
Now the focus shifts to the new season, and the quarterback position again sits at the center of every major roster conversation. Brad Crawford’s rankings of projected Power 4 starters show how much experience, production, and movement shape the order heading into 2026. Some teams are building around returning starters. Others are turning to transfers or younger players to fill the role. That mix makes this one of the most important position groups in college football. The quarterbacks below enter 2026 with different paths, but each will shape his team’s season.
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Moore returns after Oregon fell flat in the CFP for a second straight year. He is back as one of the biggest names in college football and remains a likely NFL draft candidate.
Sayin returns with Ohio State and gives the Buckeyes a quarterback to build around. With Jeremiah Smith and Bo Jackson also back, he has the kind of support that can keep Ohio State in the national title race.
Manning enters 2026 in a season that might be his final one at Texas. The Longhorns are going all-in around him after missing the CFP in 2025.
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Chambliss gets another season after Ole Miss won its court battle for his eligibility. He gives the Rebels a proven option as they try to stay in the SEC race.
Mensah transferred in after throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns at Duke in 2025. He enters Miami as a Heisman Trophy favorite in Shannon Dawson’s offense.
Carr should be better in his second season as Notre Dame’s starter. The Irish bring back most of their defense, which should help him settle into the offense again.
Stockton returns after a solid first season as Georgia’s starter. Kirby Smart again has the Bulldogs built around the run game and a strong defense.
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Leavitt arrives at LSU after leading Arizona State to a Big 12 title in 2024. He is coming off foot surgery, but LSU built the roster around him for 2026.
Maiava returns with all five starting offensive linemen and both lead backs back at USC. Lincoln Riley needs a big season, and Maiava gives the Trojans a clear starting point.
Hoover comes to Indiana after starting 31 games at TCU. The Hoosiers lost Fernando Mendoza, but Hoover gives Curt Cignetti an experienced quarterback for the title defense.
Fifita returns to Arizona as one of the more established quarterbacks on the board. His place in the rankings reflects the value of stability at a time when many teams keep changing starters.
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Brown gives Auburn a familiar name at quarterback entering 2026. His ranking shows that the Tigers see enough in his game to build around him next season.
13. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks
Sellers returns as a key part of South Carolina’s 2026 outlook. The Gamecocks need his development to keep moving forward in the SEC.
Reed comes back after Texas A&M opened 2025 with an 11-0 run before fading late. The Aggies need more consistency from him if they want to stay in the SEC race.
Bailey returns as NC State’s quarterback and gives the Wolfpack an important piece on offense. His spot on the list shows how much respect he has earned heading into 2026.
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Conclusion
The 2026 season will again revolve around quarterback play. Some teams rely on experienced starters, while others turn to transfers or young talent. Performance, consistency, and decision-making will decide outcomes. As programs reset after 2025, these quarterbacks will shape the playoff race and define how the season unfolds.
