Top College Football Programs with the Toughest QB Decisions Entering 2026
No matter how long until the next college football season begins, the most important position on the field is always under a microscope.
Want to compete for a national title? Aiming at a conference crown? Hoping to make the ascent back to bowl eligibility?
You'd better have a reliable quarterback.
In the player movement era, perhaps it's not surprising that an overwhelming majority of top-40 teams are stable at the position. Between returning players and transfers—particularly now that Darian Mensah is formally bound for Miami—a clear starter exists on so many rosters.
But there are still a few major question marks at QB for some programs that should be nationally competitive in 2026.
Alabama Crimson Tide
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From an overall perspective, Ty Simpson had a solid year. He threw for 3,567 yards and totaled 30 touchdowns to five interceptions, leading Alabama to appearances in the SEC Championship Game and College Football Playoff.
No, neither of those marquee games are memorable in a good way. But he certainly leaves a significant void on the Crimson Tide offense.
Will his successor be Austin Mack or Keelon Russell?
Mack served as the backup in 2025 but only logged notable snaps in the lopsided Rose Bowl loss, while Russell played in two blowout wins as a true freshman. In other words, neither one has substantial experience.
Bama coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff will be choosing between Mack—who followed him from Washington—or a recent top prospect in Russell.
Iowa Hawkeyes
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This past season, South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski did a serviceable job at Iowa. Although the offense again struggled through the air, he was a bulldozer for a run-first attack and propelled the Hawkeyes to 9-4.
Iowa is poised to unveil a new, inexperienced option in the fall.
The main contenders are 2025 backup Hank Brown and third-stringer Jeremy Hecklinski. Ryan Fitzgerald and Jimmy Sullivan are also returning, so all of the Hawkeyes' candidates are familiar to the staff.
Incoming signal-caller Tradon Bessinger at least deserves a mention, even as it would be uncharacteristic of Kirk Ferentz to start a freshman QB.
Whoever earns the job will be hoping to give Iowa a sixth straight eight-win year.
Ole Miss Rebels
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This inclusion comes with a major asterisk: If the court rules in favor of Trinidad Chambliss and the year of eligibility he's seeking, Ole Miss has zero questions at the position. He is a tremendous player.
If not, this conversation shifts in a meaningful way.
Ole Miss brought in Auburn transfer Deuce Knight, a coveted prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle. He started one game but kept a redshirt, then entered the transfer portal and chose the Rebels.
Knight is the logical alternative, and I would fully anticipate he becomes the QB1 if Chambliss is not back.
Still, he'd need to formally beat out Louisiana transfer Walker Howard—who spent 2023 and 2024 with Ole Miss and once was a prized recruit himself.
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Tennessee Volunteers
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Tennessee swung and missed on several top portal entries. At minimum, the pursuit of quarterbacks like Brendan Sorsby and Sam Leavitt suggested the Vols aren't totally sold on their options.
The optimist, however, can rightfully point out UT isn't thin on talent.
George MacIntyre was a well-regarded 4-star in the 2025 cycle, and incoming freshman Faizon Brandon just earned a 5-star billing. Tennessee added a veteran in Colorado transfer Ryan Staub, as well.
As far as whether the Vols have a compelling solution, opinions will vary. The only consequential experience in the room is Staub's limited snaps.
And that's exactly what makes it such a tough decision for the Vols.
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