After months of waiting, the new season of college football is just around the corner. Soon, programs around the country will open training camps to begin their build to Week 1 of the 2026 campaign in the first week of September.
There are a bunch of teams hoping they can be a part of this year’s college football playoffs, but if they have any hope, they will need high-level play from the most important position on the field: Quarterback. So which teams have a leg up on the competition by having one of the best QBs heading into the 2026 season?
We aim to answer that question with our look at the 10 best QBs heading into the start of training camps.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
10Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) throws a pass during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Ole Miss won 34-26.
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss was one of the best stories in college football last year. After coming to the program as a little-known junior college signal-caller, the plan was for him to be the backup in 2025. However, Chambliss was unexpectedly thrust into a starting role due to injury in Week 3 and never gave it up.
He would go on to throw for over 300 yards in seven games — he had the third most yards in the nation among players returning in 2026 — including an upset win in the opening round of the playoffs over Georgia. After some help from the local justice system, he got an extra year of eligibility and is a major reason why Ole miss has hopes of getting back to the CFP despite losing head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU.
Dante Moore, Oregon
10Oregon quarterback Dante Moore throws downfield during the Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene April 25, 2026
There are going to be a lot of eyeballs on Oregon QB Dante Moore this season. The junior had strong stats last year as he was one of the most accurate passers in the nation (71.8%), and posted 3,565 yards and 30 TDs. He was a key part of another strong 13-2 campaign for the Ducks.
Most expected him to enter April’s NFL Draft and be one of the top players taken. But he stunned the college football world by returning for a third season in Eugene. It is a big risk because if he falters early in a season with championship aspirations, former Nebraska starter Dylan Raiola will be on the bench, ready to steal the job.
Sam Leavitt, LSU
10Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) against the Houston Cougars at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Entering the 2025 season, former Arizona State starting QB Sam Leavitt was viewed as one of the top signal callers in the nation. He was coming off a breakthrough season the year before as he showed his ability to be a dual threat (2,885 passing yards, 443 rushing yards, and 29 total touchdowns).
Unfortunately, Leavitt’s season ended in late October after suffering a Lisfranc foot injury that required surgery. Despite the setback, he was a top target in the transfer portal and will be Kiffin’s first starter at LSU. On paper, the talented QB is set up for a big year that improves his draft status in a major way.
CJ Carr, Notre Dame
10Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.
After being shockingly snubbed from taking part in last season’s college football playoffs, Notre Dame and QB CJ Carr are set up to have an eventful revenge tour in 2026.
Carr won the starting job this time last year and had a lot of pressure on him as a freshman leading the Fighting Irish offense. As the season played out, he got progressively better, but that was certainly helped by ND having two elite running backs. However, analysts believe he can carry a greater load in 2026 because of strong game management skills, leadership and an NFL-ready arm.
Jayden Maiava, USC
10Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) carries the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In 2025, USC QB Jayden Maiava had a breakthrough season. Posting career highs in passing yards (3,711), touchdowns (24), completion percentage (65.8), and passer rating (157.8). So, can he be better than his best in 2026?
It will be a tough task with his top two receivers from last season, Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane — gone. However, many around the Big 12 believe he can deliver another big year for the Trojans.
Arch Manning, Texas
10Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) rushes with the ball for a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
There was an absurd amount of hype and expectations thrust on Texas signal-caller Arch Manning during his sophomore season. It’s what comes with being the top recruit from his class and the third generation of the legendary Manning QB dynasty.
While he didn’t deliver the numbers some expected (3,163 passing yards, 399 rushing yards and 36 total TDs), he did showcase the versatility in his game. Manning still has his doubters, but there is reason to expect a huge season with a better offensive line and supporting cast around the junior.
Darian Mensah, Miami
10Jul 15, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami quarterback Darian Mensah speaks to the media during ACC Media Days at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
In his first season at Duke, Darian Mensah quietly had an outstanding season for the Blue Devils. The QB threw for just under 4,000 yards and had 34 TDs to just 6 interceptions. That is why there is Heisman hype surrounding him ahead of his first season with the National Championship runners-up, Miami.
With an even better crew around him in Miami, the new Hurricanes starting QB is set up for a monster year in 2026.
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
10Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker celebrates after an OSU touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Speaking of quietly great seasons, Drew Mestemaker had a huge year in 2025 for North Texas as he led the nation in passing yards. In his freshman campaign, the quarterback had three four-TD games, a 400-plus-yard day, and in October he posted 608 passing yards in a win over Charlotte.
Mestemaker followed his head coach, Eric Morris, to Oklahoma State. Now, with better talent around him, he is poised to become a household name in 2026.
Julian Sayin, Ohio State
10Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) runs during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.
A major reason why Ohio State had a serious chance to repeat as national champions last year was the impressive evolution of Julian Sayin. Despite huge pressure on his shoulders, he posted strong numbers and was one of the most accurate and effective QBs (77.0 completion percentage and 177.5 passer rating) in the nation. That is why he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy earlier this year.
The biggest question for the Buckeyes QB is whether he can be a fiery leader that elevates his game against the toughest competition in the country.
Josh Hoover, Indiana
10Indiana’s Josh Hoover (10) throws in front of Tino Sunseri during spring practice at Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Josh Hoover consistently got better over his three seasons at TCU, and he had another strong year in 2025. That is why there are big expectations for him in year one at Indiana. Considering what they did with Fernando Mendoza (won the Heisman and was the No. 1 pick in the draft) after he transferred there a year ago, many are thinking, why can’t they do the same with Hoover?
If he can cut down on his turnover issues, the sky is the limit for Hoover with the Hoosiers.
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka … More about Jason Burgos