Top College Football Teams with Elite QB Depth in 2026

In college football, depth at quarterback isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s pretty much a must if you want to keep winning. Looking ahead to 2026, a handful of programs have put themselves in a great spot, not just with top-tier starters but also with backups who could step in if needed.

The transfer portal has thrown a wrench into things, but it’s also opened up a lot of doors. So, who’s stacked at quarterback for 2026? Let’s take a closer look at the teams with the best setups, the key players, and what’s making these rooms so tough to beat.

Oregon Ducks: Dante Moore and Dylan Raiola

Oregon’s quarterback room is, frankly, the envy of most programs right now. They managed to keep Dante Moore, who’s probably going to be a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Then they went and added Dylan Raiola, maybe the most coveted transfer this year. Both guys were five-star recruits, and it shows.

Moore’s putting up a 71.8% completion rate and has tossed 30 touchdowns. Raiola was on track to shatter Nebraska’s completion record before he got hurt.

Together, they’ve started 42 games, so Oregon’s not short on experience heading into the season.

Key Stats

• Dante Moore: 71.8% completion rate, 30 passing touchdowns
• Dylan Raiola: On pace to break Nebraska’s single-season completion rate before injury
• Combined career starts: 42

LSU Tigers: Sam Leavitt and Husan Longstreet

LSU’s made some big moves at quarterback, too. They landed Sam Leavitt, who was the top guy in the transfer portal from Arizona State.

Leavitt’s racked up 4,652 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 816 rushing yards in just two years. Not bad at all.

They didn’t stop there, either. Husan Longstreet, coming in from USC, gives them a backup with real upside.

Leavitt’s probably the starter, but Longstreet means LSU’s not going to be caught off guard if things go sideways.

Leavitt’s Impressive Record

• 4,652 passing yards and 36 touchdowns at Arizona State
• 816 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground
• 16-4 record, including a Big 12 Championship and a CFP appearance

Houston Cougars: Conner Weigman and Keisean Henderson

Houston’s quarterback competition could get interesting. Conner Weigman returns after a breakout 2025, where he led the Cougars to a 10-3 record.

He threw for 2,711 yards and 25 touchdowns, plus picked up 700 yards and 11 scores on the ground. Now, they’ve added Keisean Henderson, the top high school recruit in the 2026 class.

Henderson’s expected to push Weigman, which should keep both guys sharp. It’s a solid setup for Houston, honestly.

Weigman’s 2025 Performance

• 2,711 passing yards and 25 touchdowns
• 700 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns
• 10-3 record

Texas Longhorns: Arch Manning and MJ Morris

Texas has a quarterback room that’s just loaded, thanks in large part to Steve Sarkisian’s recruiting. Arch Manning is the clear starter after a big 2025, but what’s behind him is what really stands out.

They picked up MJ Morris, a veteran who’s played at NC State, Maryland, and Coastal Carolina. He’s got 20 games and 10 starts under his belt.

Then there’s KJ Lacey and five-star freshman Dia Bell. It’s hard to call Texas anything but stacked going into 2026.

Depth Chart

• Arch Manning: Established starter
• MJ Morris: Experienced backup with 20 game appearances
• KJ Lacey and Dia Bell: Rising talents

Texas Tech Red Raiders: Brendan Sorsby and Will Hammond

Texas Tech didn’t mess around this offseason. They brought in Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati, who’s got three years of starting experience.

Sorsby’s stats are no joke—5,613 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, and a 62.9% completion rate. Will Hammond is there, too, a redshirt sophomore who looked promising before an ACL injury.

Together, that’s a quarterback room you can trust.

Sorsby’s Stats

• 5,613 passing yards and 45 touchdowns
• 1,027 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns
• 62.9% completion rate

Ole Miss Rebels: Trinidad Chambliss and Deuce Knight

Ole Miss has a bit of a question mark at quarterback. Senior Trinidad Chambliss threw for 3,927 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, but his sixth-year waiver is still up in the air.

To cover their bases, the Rebels added Deuce Knight from Auburn. Knight’s only start came against Mercer, where he went 15 of 20 for 239 yards and two touchdowns, plus ran for 162 yards and four scores.

Even if Chambliss can’t play, Knight gives them a solid option.

Knight’s Potential

• 239 passing yards and two touchdowns in one start
• 162 rushing yards and four additional scores

Utah Utes: Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin

Utah lost head coach Kyle Whittingham and OC Jason Beck to Michigan, but their quarterbacks are still in good shape. Devon Dampier had a breakout 2025, throwing for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns, plus 835 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

Backing him up is Byrd Ficklin, a true freshman who managed 13 total touchdowns and led the nation with 9.0 yards per carry. Utah’s got a foundation to build on, even with all the coaching changes.

Dampier’s Breakout Season

• 2,490 passing yards and 24 touchdowns
• 835 rushing yards and 10 scores
• 11-2 record as a starter

Ohio State Buckeyes: Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair

For the first time in a while, Ohio State isn’t starting the year with a quarterback battle. Julian Sayin is back after being a Heisman finalist in 2025, leading the FBS with a 77% completion rate and tossing 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Right behind him is Tavien St. Clair, a five-star recruit and the No. 3 quarterback in the 2024 class. It’s hard to find a more stable quarterback situation than what the Buckeyes have right now.

Sayin’s Heisman-Worthy Performance

• 77% completion rate
• 3,610 passing yards and 32 touchdowns
• Heisman Trophy finalist

Want to dig deeper into these teams and their quarterback drama? Check out the full breakdown at CBS Sports.