A year ago, Fernando Mendoza did not top any preseason lists that ranked the elite quarterbacks in college football, and that turned out to be a big miss by many analysts. Mendoza managed to outplay several other overhyped quarterbacks en route to winning the Heisman Trophy, leading Indiana to the national championship and becoming the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft.
The importance of the quarterback to a team’s success is obvious, but scouting the position accurately is not always easy.
In 2024, a record six quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the draft, including the first three overall picks. Now, after back-to-back down years at the position, some analysts believe the 2027 draft could challenge the first-round record.
Time will tell, but this has the potential to be “The Year of the Quarterback” in college football. While names like Manning, Chambliss and Carr are certain to garner their share of headlines during the upcoming season, the depth of this year’s class is what sets it apart.
Without further ado, this is how I rank the top quarterbacks entering this season:
1. Arch Manning, Texas
Perhaps the most polarizing figure in all of college sports, Manning began the 2025 season as the Heisman favorite, but he sputtered in September and quickly fell from grace. From October on, however, the nephew of two former Super Bowl MVPs showcased his talents, throwing for 2,012 yards in the season’s final eight games, while accounting for 21 touchdowns against just three turnovers during that span. Expect to see the Longhorns utilize Manning more in the running game after his 155-yard rushing outburst against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.
2. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Was there a better single-game performance in 2025 than the masterpiece turned in by Chambliss in the Rebels’ 39-34 CFP quarterfinal win over Georgia? Eluding would-be Dawg defenders play after play, the Ferris State transfer threw for 362 yards against one of the nation’s stingiest stop units. Currently listed at 15-1 to win the Heisman, one could argue Chambliss is the best betting option on the board.
3. CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Manning and Chambliss share top billing, but it would be no surprise if Carr hoisted the hardware in Manhattan come the second Saturday in December. Draft analyst Todd McShay hailed Carr as the MVP at the recent Manning Passing Academy, proclaiming “it wasn’t even close.” The Irish are legitimate national championship contenders, so Carr’s possibilities for individual and team accolades seem endless.
4. Dante Moore, Oregon
After struggling as a true freshman at UCLA and then sitting behind Dillon Gabriel at Oregon as a sophomore, the Detroit native showed why he was one of the top recruits in the Class of 2023, leading the Ducks to the CFP semifinals last season. Moore was projected by some as a potential top-five selection in this past April’s draft, but he opted to return to school.
5. Gunner Stockton, Georgia
Despite an NIL deal reportedly north of $1 million, Stockton drives a hand-me-down 1984 Ford F-150 pickup gifted by his grandfather with over 300,000 miles. Like his truck, he’s an old-school throwback who may not throw the prettiest ball yet competes with grit and comes through in clutch moments.
6. Julian Sayin, Ohio State
With college football’s top pass catcher, Jeremiah Smith, and an embarrassment of other riches at his disposal, Sayin is a solid bet to post Heisman-worthy numbers in his second season as the Buckeyes’ starter. Games against Texas, Indiana, USC, Oregon and Michigan certainly provide the platform to attract the voters’ attention. At a double-digit price (12-1 at Circa), Sayin may be worth a look in the Heisman market.
7. John Mateer, Oklahoma
Opinions are mixed on Mateer, who was hindered by a bum thumb on his throwing hand throughout much of the 2025 campaign. Supporters say he’s among the nation’s elite at his position, while detractors want more evidence against top-shelf opposition. The tough Texan is a true dual threat, having rushed for 847 yards and 15 TDs in 2024 at Washington State.
8. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Gamecock quarterbacks have been sacked more than 40 times in each of the past three seasons. With more experience up front, the dynamic Sellers could shine with additional time to operate. At 6-3 and 245 pounders, Sellers is a load to bring down as evidenced by his 674 rushing yards in 2024. For those dreaming of a bigger Heisman payout, Sellers is currently 50-1 at the Westgate SuperBook.
9. Sam Leavitt, LSU
After guiding Arizona State to the first-ever 12-team CFP in 2024, Leavitt’s production dipped last season, primarily because of a foot injury which shortened his season by five games. The dual-threat Leavitt might not have a Cam Skattebo in his arsenal, but the Tigers’ receivers may be among the nation’s finest after scoring big in the portal.
10. Darian Mensah, Miami
Coming out of St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria, Calif., Mensah was a largely-ignored two-star prospect who ultimately ended up with just two offers: Tulane and Idaho State. After spending one season each at Tulane and Duke, Mensah (56 career passing TDs) steps into the South Beach spotlight as he attempts to guide the Hurricanes back to the playoff.
11. Bear Bachmeier, BYU
As a true freshman, Bachmeier threw for 3,000 yards or more, rushed for 500 or more, accounted for at least 25 TDs, and had 10 or fewer turnovers, becoming only the 19th power conference quarterback to accomplish that feat in the past 20 years. With a full offseason to sharpen his skills, Bachmeier is an intriguing Heisman long shot at 80/1 at Westgate.
12. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
At his best, Reed can beat opponents with his arm (more than 5,000 yards passing across the past two seasons) and legs (more than 1,000 yards rushing during the same term). At his worst, the Nashville product has turned the ball over 21 times in 21 career starts – including a total of five in back-to-back losses to Texas and Miami to end the 2025 season.
13. Jayden Maiava, USC
The Honolulu native began his career at UNLV, but a stellar freshman season there in 2023 (almost 3,100 yards passing) caught the eye of Lincoln Riley and others. Maiava has a big arm, but needs to protect the football (26 interceptions in three seasons) and perform better on the road. If he does those things and new receivers emerge, he could be a dark horse contender for national honors.
14. Byrum Brown, Auburn
The 6-foot-3, 232-pound dual-threat Brown had better rushing (1,008 yards) and passing (3,158 yards) numbers at South Florida last season than Mateer did at Washington State in 2024. If Brown remains healthy, the Tigers could throw a wrench in someone’s playoff plans.
15. CJ Bailey, North Carolina State
At 6-foot-6 with a quick release and big arm, Bailey has certainly attracted the attention of NFL scouts. With 22 starts under his belt in just two years on campus – if he can refine his mechanics and sharpen his accuracy – it’s not out of the question that he could ultimately play his way into the first round of the draft.
