2026 Big Ten QB1 Rankings For Week 2: Where Does Penn State’s Rocco Becht Land?

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Similar to the NFL, a gifted quarterback can turn a college football program into a playoff contender. This season’s crop of quarterbacks is filled with athletes who will hear their names called early in the 2027 NFL Draft. Interestingly enough, quite a few of those elite players will be leading offenses in the Big Ten this year. But which signal callers stand above the rest as the best of the best in the top conference in college football?

We look to answer that question with our all-new rankings of the top 10 QB1s in the Big Ten heading into Week 2 of the new season.

10. Malik Washington, Maryland

As a freshman, Malik Washington had a very nice debut for Maryland last year. The four-star recruit tallied 2,963 passing yards, 303 on the ground, and 21 total touchdowns to nine INTs. He must improve his efficiency (57.7 completion percentage in 2025) and decision-making, but he is still only in his second season for the Terrapins.

In Week 1 against Hampton, Washington had a solid performance as he was 19-of-31 for 186 yards and a TD in their 62-0 win.

9. Aidan Chiles, Northwestern

NCAA Football: South Dakota State at Northwestern — Sep 5, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Aidan Chiles (0) throws a pass intended for wide receiver Griffin Wilde (17) during the first half against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

After losing his starting job at Michigan State last season, Aiden Chiles took his talents to Northwestern in the transfer portal this spring to prove that the Spartans made the wrong decision. Well, in Week 1, the revenge tour got off to a good start.

In Northwestern’s victory over South Dakota State, he hit on 14 of 24 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns (one rushing). While he didn’t set the world on fire, it was a very nice debut for the senior.

8. Alessio Milivojevic, Michigan State

Michigan State’s Alessio Milivojevic throws a touchdown against Toledo during the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

After getting handed the starting QB job at Michigan State mid-season, Alessio Milivojevic played well and showed a lot of upside. In his first game in 2026, the sophomore continued to show that, despite being fired, former Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith made the right choice last year.

In their Week 1 victory, Milivojevic posted a 76.5 completion percentage with 247 yards and a TD. Michigan State’s QB1 is a player to watch this year.

7. Demond Williams Jr., Washington

NCAA Football: LA Bowl-Boise State vs Washington — Dec 13, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) in the first half of the LA Bowl against the Boise State Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In his first season as the full-time starter at Washington, Demond Williams Jr. showed he has legitimate Heisman potential. In 2025, the QB threw for 3,065 yards, added over 600 more on the ground, and tallied 31 total TDs to 8 interceptions.

In his team’s win over Washington State, Williams Jr. went 24-35 for 268 yards and a TD through the air. He added 61 more and another TD on the ground.

6. Josh Hoover, Indiana

NCAA Football: North Texas at Indiana — Sep 5, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Josh Hoover (10) runs onto the field during the fourth quarter against the North Texas Mean Green at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti and his staff worked their magic with Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza last year. Turning him into the latest Heisman winner and the leader of a team that brought the school its first football national title. They are hoping to do it again in 2026, this time with former TCU star Josh Hoover.

So far so good. In his Hoosiers debut, Hoover tallied 231 yards and 4 TDs on just 16 passes in their dominant win over North Texas last week.

5. Rocco Becht, Penn State

NCAA Football: Marshall at Penn State — Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

At his best, former Iowa State three-year starter Rocco Becht made the Cyclones offense a group to respect when he was under center. In 2024, he had a very good year as he threw for 3,505 yards, ran for 318, and posted 33 total touchdowns. However, a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder hampered him and cut his season short in November.

He followed head coach Matt Campbell to Penn State this year and was outstanding in their Week 1 win over Marshall. Becht hit on 13 of 18 passes for 271 yards and four TDs. He could not have made a better first impression.

4. Ryan Browne, Purdue

NCAA Football: Indiana State at Purdue — Sep 4, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) catches a snap against the Indiana State Sycamores during the third quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Heading into 2026, Purdue QB Ryan Browne was on shaky ground as their starter after posting a 58.9 completion percentage with 9 TDs to 10 INTs in 12 starts last year. He needed to get off to a strong start this year, and he did in Week 1.

Browne posted a 79.3 completion percentage against Indiana State, with 319 yards and 3 TDs. He was electric at times last week.

3. Jayden Maiava, USC

NCAA Football: San Jose State at Southern California — Aug 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) prepares to take the snap against the San Jose State Spartans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

USC’s Jayden Maiava is one of the most dangerous passers in the country, and he showed that last season when the Trojans star posted 3,711 passing yards with 24 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. The leader of the Trojans offense has a quick release and may be the best deep ball thrower in the nation.

In two starts this season, Maiava has looked great and was at his best last week against Fresno State. The USC QB posted 349 yards and 3 TDs in a dominant 39-0 win. He makes the Trojans’ offense a handful for defenses each week.

2. Dante Moore, Oregon

NCAA Football: Boise State at Oregon — Sep 5, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) walks off the field after a game against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Oregon QB1 Dante Moore has put himself in an interesting position. He likely would have been at least the No. 2 pick in April’s NFL Draft but chose to return for another season in Eugene. That was not planned, so the Ducks added former Nebraska starter Dylan Raiola in the transfer portal. It puts unexpected pressure on the junior because a talented QB is waiting in the wings.

It didn’t show at all in an outstanding performance in a hard-fought win over Boise State in Week 1. The future top-10 draft pick hit on 28 of his 37 passes for 378 yards, 3 TDs, and a 75.7 completion percentage.

1. Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) runs for a touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.

Ohio State’s Julian Sayin had big shoes to fill last season. Will Howard wasn’t one of the best QBs in the country when he started for the Buckeyes in 2024, but he did something many of his predecessors couldn’t by helping lead OSU to a national title. Yet, despite the high expectations as the QB1 for a program looking to repeat as champs, Sayin delivered in 2025.

In his 2026 debut, Sayin continued to prove why he is one of the most efficient passers in college football. He posted an 84.0 completion percentage with 320 yards and 4 total TDs — with one on the ground. The OSU QB looks like he will be in the Heisman chase again this year.

Related Headlines