Top returning quarterbacks for 2026 CFB season

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Every college football season begins with a familiar question: which quarterbacks will shape the national conversation? For the 2026 campaign, that question carries even more intrigue as a new wave of talented signal-callers prepares to lead some of the sport’s biggest programs. In a recent ranking, CBS Sports analyst Tom Fornelli highlighted the top returning quarterbacks in college football, identifying players who are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming season.

What makes this list particularly compelling is the mix of established starters and rising stars who are only beginning to tap into their potential. Programs like Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, and Ohio State all feature quarterbacks who not only have impressive physical tools but also the leadership qualities required to guide championship-caliber teams. At the same time, schools such as Miami, Ole Miss, USC, Indiana, Texas Tech, and Georgia have signal-callers ready to take major steps forward in their development.

Some names on the list carry significant expectations. Quarterbacks like Arch Manning and Dante Moore entered college with immense recruiting hype and are now reaching the stage where their performance must match those lofty projections. Others, including players like CJ Carr and Julian Sayin, are viewed as the next generation of elite passers capable of keeping their programs firmly in the national spotlight.

Ultimately, quarterback play remains the most influential factor in determining which teams rise into playoff contention. As the 2026 season approaches, the performances of these returning quarterbacks will likely dictate conference races, playoff positioning, and the overall storylines that define the year.

1. CJ Carr — Notre Dame

CJ Carr enters the season with enormous expectations as the leader of Notre Dame’s offense. A former elite recruit with strong football pedigree, he’s shown the poise and field vision needed to run a pro-style system. Carr’s arm talent allows him to push the ball downfield while still making efficient reads in the short and intermediate game. If he takes the expected developmental leap, he could elevate Notre Dame into serious playoff contention.

2. Dante Moore — Oregon

Dante Moore’s combination of arm strength and natural playmaking ability makes him a dangerous quarterback in Oregon’s explosive offense. After gaining valuable experience early in his career, he looks far more comfortable operating at high tempo. Moore thrives when attacking vertically and stretching defenses across the field. With Oregon’s skill talent around him, he has the potential to produce huge numbers.

3. Arch Manning — Texas

Arch Manning carries one of the most recognizable surnames in football, but he’s steadily carving out his own identity as a quarterback. Known for his calm demeanor and high football IQ, Manning processes defenses quickly and rarely forces throws. His mechanics are polished and his decision-making continues to improve with each start. Entering the season as Texas’ leader, he has the tools to become one of the nation’s most efficient passers.

4. Julian Sayin — Ohio State

Julian Sayin fits perfectly into Ohio State’s quarterback lineage of polished, productive passers. His release is quick and compact, allowing him to distribute the ball effectively in rhythm passing concepts. Sayin is particularly dangerous when working through progressions and finding mismatches against aggressive defenses. With elite receivers around him, he’s positioned to post impressive statistical output.

5. Darian Mensah — Miami

Darian Mensah brings a dynamic skill set to Miami’s offense, blending mobility with impressive arm talent. He’s comfortable extending plays outside the pocket and creating opportunities when protection breaks down. Mensah’s confidence has grown as he’s gained experience, especially when attacking one-on-one matchups downfield. If he continues improving his consistency, he could become one of the ACC’s most exciting quarterbacks.

6. Brendan Sorsby — Texas Tech

Brendan Sorsby has the type of aggressive mentality that fits Texas Tech’s high-volume passing attack. He’s willing to challenge defenses vertically and doesn’t shy away from tight-window throws. Sorsby also shows toughness in the pocket, standing tall even when pressure arrives. In an offense built around pace and production, he has the chance to put up big yardage totals.

7. Trinidad Chambliss — Ole Miss

Trinidad Chambliss offers a versatile skill set that can stress defenses in multiple ways. His mobility makes him a threat on designed runs and improvisational scrambles. At the same time, he’s shown steady improvement as a passer, especially on quick reads and RPO concepts. In Ole Miss’ creative offensive system, Chambliss could emerge as a breakout performer.

8. Jayden Maiava — USC

Jayden Maiava brings an aggressive vertical passing style that aligns well with USC’s offensive philosophy. He’s comfortable pushing the ball deep and taking advantage of explosive play opportunities. Maiava also displays confidence under pressure, often making plays when the pocket collapses. With the Trojans’ offensive weapons, he has the ability to generate highlight-reel performances.

9. Josh Hoover — Indiana

Josh Hoover is a quarterback who relies on rhythm, timing, and accuracy to move the offense. He excels at quickly diagnosing coverage and delivering the ball on schedule. Hoover’s ability to sustain drives through efficient passing makes him a steady presence behind center. As he gains more experience, he could become one of the Big Ten’s more reliable signal callers.

10. Gunner Stockton — Georgia

Gunner Stockton steps into a major role at Georgia with the expectation of maintaining the program’s championship standard. He plays with toughness and confidence, rarely backing down from pressure situations. Stockton’s arm strength allows him to attack every level of the field while still managing the offense effectively. Surrounded by elite talent, he has the opportunity to thrive in one of college football’s most balanced systems.

Conclusion

The 2026 college football season promises no shortage of quarterback intrigue. From highly touted prospects stepping into bigger roles to experienced starters looking to elevate their teams, this group represents the next wave of impact players at the sport’s most important position. If these quarterbacks meet expectations, they won’t just headline weekly highlights—they’ll shape the national title race and define the season’s biggest moments.

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