The Most Comprehensive QB Ranking of the Year
The Athletic's annual QB Tiers project has become one of the most anticipated preseason features in college football, and the 2026 edition ranks every projected FBS starting quarterback from 1 to 138. The project, compiled by a panel of college football analysts, coaches, and scouts, divides quarterbacks into five tiers based on their projected performance, experience, and supporting cast.
This year's list features a fascinating mix of returning stars, elite transfers, and unproven freshmen. The SEC dominates the top tier, while the Group of Five is represented by several veterans who could push their teams into playoff contention. Here's the breakdown of the five tiers and the quarterbacks who define them.
Tier 1: The Elite (Nos. 1-10)
The top tier is reserved for quarterbacks who are legitimate Heisman Trophy contenders and potential first-round NFL Draft picks. Leading the group is Texas's Arch Manning, who enters his first full season as a starter with the highest expectations of any quarterback in the country. Manning's combination of arm talent, football IQ, and athleticism has drawn comparisons to his uncles, and his supporting cast at Texas is among the best in the nation.
Joining Manning in Tier 1 are Oregon's Dillon Gabriel, who has been a model of consistency throughout his career, and Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava, whose talent has never been in question even if his production has been inconsistent. Ohio State's Julian Sayin rounds out the top five after a dominant spring camp that confirmed his status as the Buckeyes' starter. The Tier 1 group also includes LSU's Michael Van Buren, Alabama's Keelon Russell, and Michigan's Bryce Underwood, each of whom has the talent to lead their team to the College Football Playoff.
Tier 2: Proven Winners (Nos. 11-30)
Tier 2 is the deepest group, featuring quarterbacks who have proven they can win at a high level but may lack the elite physical tools of the Tier 1 group. This tier includes Georgia's Gunner Stockton, who has waited his turn and is ready to lead the Bulldogs' offense, and Florida's DJ Lagway, who is fully healthy and poised for a breakout season. Clemson's Cade Klubnik enters his third season as a starter and has the experience to lead the Tigers back to the ACC Championship.
Also in Tier 2 are Arkansas's Taylen Green, who returns for his sixth season, and Oklahoma's John Mateer, who transferred from Washington State and won the Sooners' starting job. The Group of Five is represented by UNLV's Matthew Sluka and Memphis's Seth Henigan, both of whom have the talent to lead their teams to conference championships.
Tier 3: High Ceiling, Low Floor (Nos. 31-60)
Tier 3 features quarterbacks with significant upside but also significant question marks. This group includes first-year starters at powerhouse programs, transfers adjusting to new systems, and talented players who have yet to put it all together. Miami's Emory Williams, who takes over for the departed Cam Ward, is a typical Tier 3 quarterback — talented but unproven.
Notre Dame's CJ Carr, who impressed in limited action in 2025, is a Tier 3 quarterback with the potential to move up the rankings as the season progresses. Penn State's Ethan Grunkemeyer is another Tier 3 quarterback who could surprise. The most intriguing Tier 3 quarterback is Iowa's Jeremy Hecklinski, who emerged from a competitive spring battle to win the starting job. Hecklinski's accuracy and decision-making have impressed coaches, and his mobility adds a dimension to Iowa's offense that has been missing for years.
Tier 4: Serviceable Starters (Nos. 61-100)
Tier 4 quarterbacks are capable starters who can win games with a strong supporting cast but are unlikely to carry their teams. This group includes several Group of Five starters, as well as Power Four quarterbacks who are placeholder starters until blue-chip recruits are ready. Vanderbilt's Nate Johnson, a Utah transfer, is a Tier 4 quarterback who brings experience and athleticism to a program that needs both.
Mississippi State's Blake Shapen is a Tier 4 quarterback who has been productive but has never been considered elite. The Group of Five is well-represented in this tier, with quarterbacks from Troy, Western Kentucky, and Louisiana leading the way. These quarterbacks may not be NFL prospects, but they are capable of leading their teams to bowl games and conference championships.
Tier 5: Unproven (Nos. 101-138)
Tier 5 quarterbacks are either true freshmen who have won starting jobs, transfers who have yet to prove themselves at the FBS level, or returning starters who have struggled significantly. This group includes several five-star freshmen who are expected to develop into elite players but may struggle early in the season. Texas A&M's Marcel Reed, who won the starting job in fall camp, is a Tier 5 quarterback with significant upside.
Also in Tier 5 are several Group of Five quarterbacks who are stepping into starting roles for the first time. These quarterbacks represent the greatest variance in the entire ranking — some will develop into Tier 2 or 3 quarterbacks by the end of the season, while others will be replaced by midseason.
The Quarterback Landscape for 2026
The 2026 season is defined by the depth of the quarterback position. The SEC leads the way with seven quarterbacks in the top 30, followed by the Big Ten with six. The ACC and Big 12 each have four quarterbacks in the top 30, reflecting the depth of those conferences. The Group of Five is represented by 10 quarterbacks in the top 60, the highest number in the history of the QB Tiers project.
The most significant trend is the number of first-year starters at elite programs. Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Nebraska, and Miami will all start quarterbacks who have never been full-time starters at the FBS level. The success of these quarterbacks will determine the shape of the College Football Playoff, and the QB Tiers project provides a framework for understanding who is most likely to succeed.
What This Means for CFB 27
In College Football 27, the QB Tiers ranking is reflected in the game's quarterback ratings. Arch Manning (94 OVR) leads all quarterbacks, followed by Dillon Gabriel (92 OVR) and Nico Iamaleava (91 OVR). The game's Dynasty mode includes a quarterback development system that mirrors the real-world QB Tiers — players in Tier 1 have the highest potential and fastest development, while Tier 5 quarterbacks require significant investment to reach their ceiling. The Road to Glory mode allows players to start as any quarterback on the list, and the difficulty of the mode is calibrated to the quarterback's tier — starting as a Tier 5 quarterback at a Group of Five school is the hardest path to the Heisman Trophy.
