Full Breakdown
2026 College Football Quarterback Rankings: Big 12 and SEC Insights
3/6/2026, 10:01:17 PM
Overview of the Big 12 Quarterback Landscape
As the 2026 college football season approaches, the Big 12 Conference is experiencing a significant shift in its quarterback roster. With at least ten teams expected to start new quarterbacks, the landscape is ripe for competition. Notably, three prominent quarterbacks have departed for the NFL, prompting a wave of transfers and new talent entering the fray. Among the top transfers are Brendan Sorsby (Texas Tech), Drew Mestemaker (Oklahoma State), and DJ Lagway (Baylor), who are among the top four transfer quarterbacks nationally.
Key Rankings in the Big 12
The early rankings for the Big 12 quarterbacks feature Noah Fifita from Arizona at the top, following a stellar 2025 season where he threw for 29 touchdowns and 3,228 yards. Close behind are Brendan Sorsby and Drew Mestemaker, both of whom are expected to make significant impacts at their respective schools. Other notable quarterbacks include Bear Bachmeier (BYU), Conner Weigman (Houston), and DJ Lagway (Baylor), each bringing unique strengths and experiences to their teams.
Notable Rankings:
1. Noah Fifita, Arizona - 29 touchdowns, 3,228 yards in 2025.
2. Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech - Dual-threat capabilities, praised for his passing skills.
3. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State - Transitioning from North Texas, noted for his potential.
4. Bear Bachmeier, BYU - Impressive performance leading to the Big 12 Championship Game.
5. Conner Weigman, Houston - 36 total touchdowns, significant rushing ability.
SEC Quarterback Rankings and Challenges
In the SEC, Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jackson finds himself ranked near the bottom of the conference, overshadowed by established quarterbacks like Arch Manning of Texas. Jackson's limited experience has contributed to his low ranking, as he has yet to demonstrate consistent performance in high-pressure situations. The SEC is known for its depth of talent at the quarterback position, making it challenging for newcomers like Jackson to gain recognition.
Key Points on KJ Jackson:
- Limited Experience: Jackson's performance has not yet established him as a top contender in the SEC.
- Competition: He faces formidable opponents, including Manning and Ole Miss's Trinidad Chambliss, who have proven track records.
- Historical Context: Arkansas quarterbacks have historically been placed lower in preseason rankings, reflecting the competitive nature of the SEC.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
The shifting dynamics in both the Big 12 and SEC highlight the importance of quarterback performance in shaping team success. For the Big 12, the influx of new talent could lead to unexpected outcomes, while in the SEC, established quarterbacks will continue to dominate the conversation. Jackson's ability to rise in the rankings will depend on his performance against top-tier opponents, which could redefine perceptions of Arkansas's quarterback situation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While rankings provide a snapshot of expectations, they often fail to capture the full picture. Preseason evaluations can change dramatically as the season progresses, influenced by player development, injuries, and team performance. Jackson's ranking may not reflect his potential to improve, and similarly, the Big 12's new quarterbacks may exceed early expectations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “| Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images KJ Jackson’s Ranking Reflects Short Resume Jackson’s position near the bottom of the SEC quarterback ranking mostly comes down to a simple explanation.” — Andy Hodges, Sports Columnist
- “Noah Fifita, Arizona There's little separation between the top three, but staying in the same spot helps give Fifita an early edge.” — CBS Sports Analysis
As the season unfolds, both conferences will be closely watched for emerging talents and the impact of new quarterbacks on their teams' fortunes.
