Quarterback depth is no longer just about having a backup on the roster. It is about having a second option who can actually run the offense and win games if the starter goes down. With injuries, transfers, and constant roster movement, teams that prepare for change have a clear edge. Experience now matters just as much as raw talent. A proven starter paired with a capable backup can keep a season alive when pressure hits.
For 2026, several programs stand out because their quarterback rooms are built with both stability and upside in mind. Some teams feature two players with starting experience. Others combine a polished veteran with a former five-star recruit who is ready to grow. These rooms offer security and competition at the same time. Ranked from least to strongest, here are the college football teams with the best quarterback depth for 2026. (Via CBS Sports).
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7. Texas
Arch Manning
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs with the ball against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Manning enters 2026 as the clear starter after a breakout 2025 season. He quieted doubts and established himself as one of the top returning quarterbacks in the country. His role is secure, but much of the pressure rests on who follows him.
MJ Morris
Former Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback MJ Morris (7) throws the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Morris brings experience from stops at NC State, Maryland, and Coastal Carolina. He has appeared in 20 games with 10 career starts. His knowledge of different systems gives Texas a steady veteran presence.
KJ Lacey
KJ Lacey, of Saraland High School, is named Alabama Mr. Football during the 2024 Mr. Football and Players of the Year Banquet in Montgomery. Credit: Imagn Images
Lacey remains a developing option in the room. He has not yet proven himself as a starter, but he provides depth and competition in practice.
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Dia Bell
Texas Longhorns quarterback recruit Dia Bell before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Bell arrives as a five-star freshman and the No. 4 quarterback in the 2026 class. His future is bright, though he still needs time to adjust to college football.
6. Utah
Devon Dampier
Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) throws the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dampier had a breakout season with 2,490 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. He also added 835 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability makes him the clear starter.
Byrd Ficklin
Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin (15) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Ficklin impressed as a freshman with 13 total touchdowns and an average of 9.0 yards per carry. His speed and playmaking give Utah a dangerous backup with game-changing potential.
5. Texas Tech
Brendan Sorsby
Texas Tech football team quarterback Brendan Sorsby reacts to a play during a Big 12 Conference men’s basketball game. Credit: Nathan Giese-Imagn Images
Sorsby transferred from Cincinnati with three seasons of starting experience. He has thrown for 5,613 yards and 45 touchdowns while rushing for 1,027 yards and 18 more scores. His resume makes him a dependable leader for the offense.
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Will Hammond
Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Will Hammond (15) passes against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
Hammond showed promise in limited action before a torn ACL ended his season early. He finished with 680 passing yards, 299 rushing yards, and 12 total touchdowns. His recovery could give Texas Tech another strong option.
4. Houston
Conner Weigman
Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) warms up prior to the game against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium. Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Weigman turned his career around in 2025 by leading Houston to a 10-3 record. He threw for 2,711 yards and 25 touchdowns with nine interceptions. His rushing added 700 yards and 11 scores, showing growth in all areas.
Keisean Henderson
Henderson joins as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class. His talent gives Houston a future star waiting behind a proven starter.
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3. LSU
Sam Leavitt
Former Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) against the Houston Cougars at Mountain America Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Leavitt transferred from Arizona State after throwing for 4,652 yards and 36 touchdowns in two seasons. His record includes a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance. He is expected to lead LSU in 2026.
Husan Longstreet
Southern California Trojans quarterback Husan Longstreet (4) carries the ball against the Missouri State Bears in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Longstreet arrives from USC as a former five-star recruit. His athletic tools make him a strong backup and a long-term option for the Tigers.
2. Ohio State
Julian Sayin
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T stadium. Credit: Adam Cairns-Imagn Images
Sayin is coming off a Heisman finalist season. He completed 77 percent of his passes for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns with only eight interceptions. His accuracy and decision-making anchor the Buckeyes.
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Tavien St. Clair
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Tavien St. Clair (9) warms up prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
St. Clair was a five-star recruit and the No. 3 quarterback in his class. His presence gives Ohio State one of the strongest backup options in the country.
1. Oregon
Dante Moore
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore walks the field after the Ducks’ loss as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Moore ranked among national leaders with a 71.8 percent completion rate and 30 touchdowns. His consistency and arm talent make him a projected top NFL Draft pick.
Dylan Raiola
Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Raiola was on pace to set records at Nebraska before a season-ending injury. He entered college as a five-star recruit and has already shown elite accuracy and poise.
Conclusion
Quarterback depth separates good teams from title contenders. Programs that prepare for change stay competitive when problems arise. Oregon sets the standard with two proven stars. Ohio State and LSU follow closely with elite talent behind their starters. Even teams lower on the list have solid plans in place. In 2026, these quarterback rooms could decide championships when the season turns on one snap.
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