The 2026 college football season is just around the corner, and with it comes the anticipation of new beginnings and the potential for quarterbacks to rise to the occasion. The Power 4 conferences are brimming with talent, and the battle for starting roles is fierce. From established starters to intriguing transfers, the quarterback landscape is a fascinating mix of experience and potential. This article delves into the outlook for each Power 4 team's quarterback, highlighting the key players and the challenges they face.
ACC
Boston College: Mason McKenzie, a transfer from Division II Saginaw Valley State, is the projected starter. His game reminds some of Anthony Colandrea, known for his scrambling and playmaking abilities. Femi Babalola, a true freshman, is also on the radar, with college football personnel high on his potential.
Cal: Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is a rising star, and the Golden Bears are confident in his retention. With a beefed-up supporting cast, the question is how good he can be in 2026.
Clemson: Coach Dabo Swinney favors veterans, and Christopher Vizzina, a former backup to Cade Klubnik, is in line to start. True freshman Tait Reynolds made waves in spring practices.
Duke: Walker Eget, a San Jose State transfer, brings veteran experience. He will step in after Darian Mensah's departure, providing a stable presence.
Florida State: The Seminoles' transfer decisions have been underwhelming. Ashton Daniels, a former Stanford starter, is the unquestioned No. 1 option, and the staff hopes for a rebound season.
Georgia Tech: Alberto Mendoza, an Indiana transfer and the younger brother of Fernando Mendoza, is the frontrunner. His mobility should boost the run game, and the addition of Michigan transfer Justice Haynes further strengthens the offense.
Louisville: Coach Jeff Brohm will start a transfer quarterback for the fourth consecutive season. Lincoln Kienholz, an inexperienced transfer from Ohio State, is expected to get the nod.
Miami: Carson Beck led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff title game. Darian Mensah is next in line, and he will have a star-studded skill group to work with.
NC State: CJ Bailey, one of the ACC's top QBs, enters his third season as the starter, a familiar sight for the Wolfpack.
North Carolina: Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr. has a clear path to the starting role. Taron Dickens, who had a prolific season at the FCS level, never enrolled after initially transferring to UNC, but Northern Illinois now has him.
Pittsburgh: Mason Heintschel took over the starting role last season and should continue to progress.
SMU: Kevin Jennings has led the program to success, and freshman Cole Leinart, the son of Matt Leinart, adds intrigue.
Stanford: Coach Tavita Pritchard is taking a risk with Michigan transfer Davis Warren, who wasn't impressive in 2024. True freshman Mike Mitchell Jr. could be a future option.
Syracuse: Steve Angeli will start if healthy, and the Orange have backup plans with Amari Odom and Malachi Nelson.
Virginia: Beau Pribula, who started 10 games at Missouri, will open the season as the starter. Eli Holstein is the backup.
Virginia Tech: Ethan Grunkemeyer, who followed James Franklin from Penn State, is in position to start. Troy Huhn and North Carolina transfer Bryce Baker provide depth.
Wake Forest: Gio Lopez, who struggled at North Carolina, is expected to be more productive at Wake Forest, reuniting with his former offensive coordinator.
Big 12
Arizona: Noah Fifita is in his fourth season as the starter. The long-term storyline is the development of four-star freshman Oscar Rios.
Arizona State: Cutter Boley has the edge over Mikey Keene, who has starting experience. The development of Jake Fette, a top-150 prospect, is a key focus.
Baylor: DJ Lagway, a former five-star prospect, is the center of attention. Can offensive coordinator Jake Spavital unlock his potential?
BYU: Bear Bachmeier has the job locked down for the next few seasons. Ryder Lyons, a five-star signee, will join the program in 2027.
Cincinnati: JC French IV is the starter, and Samaj Jones, a four-star signee, remains in a reserve role.
Colorado: Coordinator Brennan Marion aims to boost the offense and get the most out of Julian Lewis, who is entering his second season.
Houston: Conner Weigman is the starter, but true freshman Keisean Henderson, the No. 1 overall prospect, is a significant talent.
Iowa State: The Cyclones are starting over with new coach Jimmie Rogers and Jaylen Raynor as the starter.
Kansas: Two inexperienced players, Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall, are competing for the starting role.
Kansas State: Avery Johnson is back for his fourth season, and coach Collin Klein aims to unlock his potential.
Oklahoma State: Drew Mestemaker, a former walk-on, led the nation in passing yards last year.
TCU: Jaden Craig, an All-Ivy League selection, is a rising star and will step in for Josh Hoover, who is heading to Indiana.
Texas Tech: Will Hammond's recovery from a torn ACL is a key focus. If he's not ready, Kirk Francis will hold the job until Hammond's return.
UCF: Coach Scott Frost signed Alonza Barnett III, a James Madison starter, and Keyone Jenkins is an experienced backup.
Utah: The Utes have a stable situation with Devon Dampier as the starter and Byrd Ficklin as a backup.
West Virginia: The Mountaineers added Michael Hawkins Jr., who is dangerous with his legs, and Scotty Fox Jr. is competing for the job.
Big Ten
Illinois: Katin Houser, who began his career at Michigan State, is now the key to a deliberate offense.
Indiana: TCU transfer Josh Hoover is the starter, and the backup situation is a competition between Grant Wilson and Tyler Cherry.
Iowa: Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown battled for the starting role in the spring.
Maryland: Malik Washington's improvement is a key focus.
Michigan: Bryce Underwood will work with new OC Jason Beck after an underwhelming freshman year.
Michigan State: Alessio Milivojevic heads into the season as the starter.
Minnesota: Drake Lindsey had a promising first season as a starter, giving the Golden Gophers a solid building block.
Nebraska: The Cornhuskers had an eventful QB offseason, with transfers and commitments, and Anthony Colandrea, who plays a wild style of football.
Northwestern: Aidan Chiles and coordinator Chip Kelly aim to maximize Chiles' talent.
Ohio State: Julian Sayin is the starter, and Tavien St. Clair is a significant figure for the program's future.
Oregon: Dante Moore is a top Heisman Trophy candidate, and Dylan Raiola, who was Nebraska's starter, will be the backup.
Penn State: Campbell brought Rocco Becht, an experienced QB, from Iowa State.
Purdue: Ryan Browne needs to take a step forward as the starter.
Rutgers: Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan is competing with AJ Surace.
UCLA: Nico Iamaleava is a foundational piece, and the new staff aims to put him in a better position to succeed.
USC: Jayden Maiava can be a Heisman candidate, but it's his last year with the program. Jonas Williams, a blue-chip freshman, is a future option.
Washington: Demond Williams Jr. is back for Year 3, and the Huskies signed Stanford transfer Elijah Brown.
Wisconsin: The Badgers hope that Colton Joseph, a dual-threat transfer, provides a spark after recent injury issues.
Independent
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish have CJ Carr as the starter and two blue-chip freshmen, Teddy Jarrard and Noah Grubbs.
SEC
Alabama: Austin Mack was the backup last year, and the team will compete in a high-profile QB battle. Keelon Russell, a five-star prospect, adds depth.
Arkansas: KJ Jackson and Memphis transfer AJ Hill are the contenders in a potential long competition.
Auburn: Byrum Brown, a star quarterback from South Florida, joins the Tigers.
Florida: The Gators have a strong receiver group and Jadan Baugh as a talented running back. The quarterback will be either Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr.
Georgia: Gunner Stockton returns as the starter, and Ryan Puglisi, a blue-chip prospect, is a future option.
Kentucky: Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey has potential, and the Wildcats also signed four-star QB Matt Ponatoski.
LSU: Sam Leavitt, who missed spring practice, is now cleared and joins the Tigers with USC transfer Husan Longstreet and Elon transfer Landen Clark.
Mississippi State: Kamario Taylor, who can run, will step into the starting role.
Missouri: Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons was named the starter, and the future of Matt Zollers is uncertain.
Oklahoma: John Mateer aims for consistency after a thumb injury last year. Bowe Bentley, a four-star true freshman, is a rising talent.
Ole Miss: Trinidad Chambliss is one of the best QBs in the country, and the Rebels added depth with Auburn transfer Deuce Knight.
South Carolina: There's pressure on the staff to improve the offense, and LaNorris Sellers returns for his third season as a starter.
Tennessee: Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre are in an old-school competition, with Faizon Brandon having a higher ceiling.
Texas: Arch Manning is the main character, but five-star freshman Dia Bell is a rising talent.
Texas A&M: Marcel Reed helped the Aggies reach the College Football Playoff, and Brady Hart and Helaman Casuga are fighting for positions.
Vanderbilt: Five-star freshman Jared Curtis is expected to start, but he'll have to beat out Blaze Berlowitz.
The 2026 season promises exciting quarterback battles and the potential for rising stars to make their mark. As the season unfolds, the performance of these quarterbacks will shape the success of their respective programs.
