Six QBs Ready to Shake Up 2026 College Football Playoff
Spring practice is almost here, and college football’s already buzzing with anticipation. With the College Football Playoff (CFP) expanding to 12 teams, the path to glory suddenly feels wide open for nearly every FBS squad.
This new format cracks the door for teams outside the usual power conferences. And after the recent wave of conference shake-ups, well, it’s hard not to get a little excited. Let’s dig into the quarterbacks from the Group of Six conferences who might just shake up the 2026 CFP race.
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Quarterbacks to Watch in the Group of Six
The Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12 usually steal the spotlight. But honestly, the Group of Six is loaded with talent that could make things interesting.
Here’s a look at some quarterbacks who could be real difference-makers this season.
Hawai’i: Brayden Alejado
Brayden Alejado’s back for his sophomore year, and he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on. After a freshman season where he finished eighth in the country for passing yards per game (282.4), Alejado looks ready to push Hawai’i higher.
He finished strong in the Hawai’i Bowl and broke records at Bishop Gorman before that. With Timmy Chang coaching him up, the Warriors could be a real threat in the new-look Mountain West.
Boise State: Hank Madsen
Boise State’s been a steady force for years, and 2026 shouldn’t be any different. Hank Madsen, now in his third year as starter, is coming off a season cut short by injury.
He showed what he’s capable of in the Mountain West title game. Madsen has the tools, and with Boise State now in the Pac-12, they’re aiming high again.
UNLV: Jackson Arnold
Jackson Arnold’s path has been anything but boring—Oklahoma, Auburn, and now UNLV with Dan Mullen. Arnold’s a real dual-threat, and the Mountain West could be the perfect stage for him.
Mullen tends to get the most out of his quarterbacks. Arnold might just be the spark UNLV needs to make some noise in the CFP race.
San Diego State: Jayden Denegal
Jayden Denegal transferred in from Michigan and has already made an impact. Last season didn’t end the way the Aztecs hoped, but Denegal’s upside is hard to ignore.
Early matchups against UCLA and James Madison will test him. If he delivers, San Diego State could get people talking early.
Army: Cade Ballard
Army’s fortunes often rest on quarterback play, and now it’s Cade Ballard’s turn. He’s following Bryson Daily and will need to keep the offense humming.
Army’s aiming to climb back to the top of the American Athletic Conference. Ballard’s progress could make or break their season.
Tai Lavatai steps up for Navy after Blake Horvath’s departure. He’s got experience from some big games last season and is a strong candidate to start.
Navy’s been solid in the AAC, and if Lavatai can lead, they might be a tougher out than people expect.
Key Conference Realignments and Their Impact
The Group of Six conferences have seen some wild changes since the end of 2025. These moves have opened new doors and, honestly, thrown a few curveballs at everyone.
Mountain West and Pac-12
North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, and UTEP joined the Mountain West. Meanwhile, Boise State, San Diego State, and Fresno State took off for the re-formed Pac-12.
It’s shifted the balance in a big way, giving teams like Hawai’i and UNLV a shot to stand out.
Sun Belt and Conference USA
The Sun Belt and Conference USA have had their own shake-ups. The American Athletic Conference is the only Group of Six league that didn’t change its football lineup from 2025 to 2026.
That kind of stability is rare these days.
Coaching Changes and Their Influence
New coaches always bring a bit of mystery, and the Group of Six has had its share of fresh faces. These hires could really shift the 2026 season.
Tulane: Will Hall
Will Hall’s promotion to head coach at Tulane keeps things steady but adds a spark. With a CFP appearance and two conference titles in four years, Hall’s got the Green Wave in a good spot.
USF: Brian Hartline
Brian Hartline coming over from Ohio State to USF is fascinating. He’s known for his offensive mind and knack for developing quarterbacks.
The starting QB battle between Luke Kromenhoek, Michael Van Buren, and KJ Cooper is going to be worth watching.
Emerging Stars from Unexpected Places
Some of the best stories come from guys nobody saw coming. The Group of Six has a few quarterbacks who fit that bill.
Memphis: Marcus Stokes
Marcus Stokes heads to Memphis after a standout season at West Florida. He’ll be competing with Air Noland, a former blue-chip recruit.
Both have plenty to prove, and their battle could lift Memphis in the American Athletic Conference.
Washington State: Julian Dugger and Caden Pinnick
Kirby Moore’s first season as head coach at Washington State brings a quarterback competition between Julian Dugger and Caden Pinnick. Pinnick had some real moments at UC Davis, and Dugger’s got plenty of upside, so this could get interesting fast.
Moore’s background on offense hints at a promising direction for the Cougars. Honestly, it’s hard not to be at least a little curious about how this QB battle shakes out.
There’s a lot of buzz around the 2026 college football season, especially in the Group of Six conferences. With new quarterbacks stepping up and all the wild conference moves, things could get chaotic—in a good way.
If you want a deeper dive, check out the CBS Sports article on Group of Six quarterbacks to watch.
