Big Ten QB1 Rankings Heading Into Week 1 of 2026 Season: Where Does Michigan’s Bryce Underwood 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 QB talent is filled with players who should hear their names called in Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2027 NFL Draft. And quite a few will be playing in the Big Ten this year. But which signal callers stand above the rest as the best of the best entering the new season?

We look to answer that question with our brand new rankings of the top 10 Big Ten QB1s heading into Week 1 of the 2026 college football season.

10. Drake Lindsey, Minnesota

In his first full season as a starting QB last year, Minnesota’s Drake Lindsey showed promise. While he isn’t a major deep ball or running threat, he is smart pocket passer who threw for over 2,300 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025.

Lindsey will need to be better against the elite defense in the Big Ten, but he had a sound start to the new season by throwing for 264 yards and a TD in a 59-7 win over Eastern Illinois last week.

9. Nico Iamaleava, UCLA

Nico Iamaleava was very impressive in his 13 starts for Tennessee two years ago. Posting 2,616 passing yards, 358 rushing yards, and 19 total TDs to 5 INTs. It is why he got big bucks from UCLA in the transfer portal after the 2024 season.

Unfortunately, year one for the Bruins was a big disappointment that included efficient play and nagging injuries. Despite a down season, Iamaleava rumbled for a career high 505 yards on the ground. The talent is there and if he can get back on track with his passing, he is one of the most dangerous QBs in the Big Ten.

8. 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.

Washington is a player to keep an eye as a QB who could be behind some big upsets in 2026.

7. Rocco Becht, Penn State

Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) participates during a practice session inside Holuba Hall on Monday, August 10, 2026, in State College.

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. It is why he was seen as a QB to watch last year.

However, a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder hampered him for much of the year before cutting his season short late in November. He followed head coach Matt Campbell to Penn State and he is a major reason why some think the Nittany Lions are a sleeper team in the Big Ten in 2026.

6. Bryce Underwood, Michigan

There was a ton of hype surrounding five-star Michigan recruit Bryce Underwood in his debut season. However, to the dismay of Wolverines fans, the freshman delivered mixed results for the team in 2025. While he showcased his talent as dual threat he only had 11 passing TDs to nine INTs.

However, with respected veteran head coach Kyle Whittingham replaceing Sherrone Moore, there is a lot of buzz about the potential in Underwood’s second season. He certainly has the size, athleticism, and arm talent to have a sophomore season in Ann Arbor.

5. Josh Hoover, Indiana

Indiana's Josh Hoover (10) during Indiana University's football camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. — Indiana’s Josh Hoover (10) during Indiana University’s football camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.

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.

The senior had two rock-solid seasons for the Horned Frogs in 2024 and 2025. Peaking with a career-best 29 TDs last year. However, he also had a career-high 13 INTs. If he can cut down on his mistakes, he has the talent and support around him to be an elite QB all season.

4. 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 junior season, big things are expected from Williams Jr. and it wouldn’t be shocker if he ends up being the conference’s most prolific QB in this year.

3. Dante Moore, Oregon

Oregon’s Dante Moore runs for a first down during the first half of the Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene April 25, 2026

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.

However, if Moore takes another step forward in 2026 like he did last year when he threw for over 3,500 yards, 30 touchdowns, and hit on 71.8 percent of his passes, he should be just fine. While the Oregon QB tailed off late last year, he is getting a lot of Heisman buzz heading into this season.

2. 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. 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.

Maiava’s biggest issue heading into his season debut in Week 0 was his riskiness with the ball. But last weekend, he displayed the peaks of his talent by hitting on 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions against San Jose State. There are quite a few college football analysts who feel Maiava has Heisman potential this year.

1. Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) smiles participates in the third day of training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Aug. 8, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

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.

The first-time starter posted 3,610 yards through the air with 32 TDs and 8 INTs. He was also one of the most efficient passers in the country. Tallying a 77.0 completion percentage last year. Sayin has all the skills and the talent around him to put up big numbers again against some of the toughest competition in the country this year.

Related Headlines