Top 8 Quarterbacks to Watch During the 2026 College Football Season

Quarterback play will once again define the College Football Playoff race in 2026, and ESPN analyst Bill Connelly’s list of the sport’s 40 most important players highlights just how many championship hopes rest on signal callers. Established stars, highly touted sophomores and first-year starters at national contenders all have the opportunity to shape the season and influence the expanded playoff race. Several quarterbacks enter the season with legitimate Heisman Trophy aspirations, while others are expected to determine whether their programs can compete for conference titles and College Football Playoff berths. Here are eight quarterbacks expected to have the biggest impact this fall.

Top 8 Quarterbacks to Watch

1. Arch Manning – Texas

Manning remains one of the biggest names in college football after leading Texas into national championship contention. His combination of arm strength, mobility and decision-making has him among the favorites for the Heisman Trophy while keeping the Longhorns near the top of the national title odds.

2. CJ Carr – Notre Dame

Carr enters the season as one of the nation’s fastest-rising quarterbacks. ESPN has consistently identified him as one of college football’s most important players because of his ability to elevate Notre Dame into championship contention.

3. Julian Sayin – Ohio State

The Buckeyes once again feature one of the country’s most talented rosters, and Sayin’s development could determine whether Ohio State returns to the top of the Big Ten. His arm talent and efficiency make him one of the most closely watched quarterbacks entering the season.

4. Dante Moore – Oregon

After gaining valuable experience, Moore is expected to lead another explosive Oregon offense. His ability to stretch defenses vertically gives the Ducks one of the nation’s highest offensive ceilings.

5. Gunner Stockton – Georgia

Georgia remains among the SEC favorites, and Stockton’s consistency will be critical if the Bulldogs hope to return to the College Football Playoff. ESPN continues to rank him among the quarterbacks capable of changing the national championship picture.

6. Christopher Vizzina – Clemson

Clemson’s hopes of returning to national prominence largely rest with Vizzina. ESPN identified him as one of the sport’s most important players, and a breakout season could put the Tigers back in the ACC title race.

7. Rocco Becht – Iowa State

Becht has quietly become one of the Big 12’s most reliable quarterbacks. His leadership and experience give Iowa State a legitimate opportunity to compete for another conference championship.

8. Darian Mensah – Duke

Following a strong rise through the transfer portal, Mensah enters the season with high expectations. His performance will go a long way toward determining whether Duke can emerge as one of the ACC’s surprise contenders.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks like DraftKings and bet365 continue to favor several traditional powers heading into the 2026 season, with quarterback play expected to drive much of the movement in national championship and Heisman Trophy markets.

National Championship Favorites

• • Texas (+500)

• • Ohio State (+650)

• • Georgia (+700)

• • Oregon (+850)

• • Notre Dame (+1000)

• • Clemson (+1400)

• • Penn State (+1600)

• • Alabama (+1800)

Quarterback performance will likely have the biggest influence on futures markets throughout the season. Strong starts from players such as Manning, Carr or Sayin could shorten both their Heisman odds and their teams’ championship prices, while injuries or inconsistent play could quickly shift the betting landscape before conference play begins.