QBs in the 2026 CFB Recruiting Class with a Shot to Start as Freshmen

Since no individual player has more impact on a team's success than a quarterback, the arrival of a new signal-caller often generates excitement.

In most cases, an incoming freshman will not be expected to lead an offense immediately. The best programs tend to have experience under center, ideally in a returning starter but regularly from a multi-year backup.

However, there are exceptions.

During the 2025 season, a few true freshmen earned the QB1 label. BYU's Bear Bachmeier, Michigan's Bryce Underwood, Pitt's Mason Heintschel and Cal's Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele were the most notable within that group.

The list of reasonable options from the 2026 recruiting cycle is admittedly small, but a few quarterbacks could be starters at some point this fall.

Will Griffin, Florida

Heading into the 2026 season, the number of uncertain QB situations is remarkably small. That shouldn't be shocking in the portal era, but that leaves few programs at which a true freshman may start immediately.

By the time October or November rolls around, however, a few places may consider making a change at the position.

Florida is one such location, having added Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo in conjunction with hiring his offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner. While the ideal outcome for new coach Jon Sumrall is clear—the familiarity between that duo sparks the UF offense—Will Griffin is lingering.

Griffin, a 4-star signee, enrolled early and will be competing in the spring alongside Philo, Tramell Jones Jr. and Aidan Warner.

Yes, the full expectation is Philo will start, and Jones is UF's returning backup.

But if Griffin can leap Jones for that QB2 role, a rough opening half of the season may lead Sumrall to start prioritizing experience for the future.

Tradon Bessinger, Iowa

Again, this is not necessarily a Day 1 conversation. Longtime coach Kirk Ferentz does not have a big history of leaning on true freshmen.

The context for Iowa in 2026, at least, keeps Tradon Bessinger in the mix.

Needing to replace Mark Gronowski after a nine-win season, the Hawkeyes are expected to look at Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown. I fully believe one of those two players will be Iowa's opening-game starter.

What if the season quickly goes sideways? After all, Iowa takes on rival Iowa State, Michigan, Ohio State and Washington in its first six games.

Depending on Iowa's competitiveness in those games, Ferentz may give Bessinger a chance down the stretch—especially if he's still redshirt-eligible.

Grant Lawless, Wake Forest

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Gio Lopez put together a standout year at South Alabama in 2024, then transferred to North Carolina last season but struggled in a dysfunctional environment. Wake Forest is hoping a reunion with former USA coordinator Rob Ezell will rekindle Lopez's dual-threat production.

Yet because of both graduations and transfers, the Demon Deacons lack experienced depth behind him.

The path to Grant Lawless contributing is not complicated.

Not only is he a 4-star recruit, he's the highest-rated prospect in Wake Forest history. The buzz around Lawless' potential is only rational.

Lopez certainly has the ability to command Wake's offense for multiple years, but Lawless will be pushing to take snaps immediately.

Faizon Brandon, Tennessee

Until we find out otherwise, the Joey Aguilar qualifier must be mentioned first. He's trying to secure another year of eligibility and would be Tennessee's starter if that outcome ends in his favor.

If not, though, the Volunteers will have an interesting competition with 5-star addition Faizon Brandon on the way.

The early front-runner is George MacIntyre, a 4-star prospect in the 2025 class. He served as UT's third-stringer in 2025. Tennessee also brought in Colorado transfer Ryan Staub to provide a veteran option.

But there's a real chance the Vols turn to their newcomer.

An early enrollee, Brandon has a great opportunity in spring practice and through the offseason to move ahead of MacIntyre and Staub.

Jared Curtis, Vanderbilt

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The future is now.

Barring a surprise, Vanderbilt will be shifting from sixth-year veteran Diego Pavia to true freshman and prized recruit Jared Curtis.

Clark Lea and his staff managed to flip Curtis—the No. 4 prospect in the 2026 cycle—from Georgia at the last second. The local product signed with the Commodores and immediately became the favorite to start.

The other options in the QB room are Blaze Berlowitz, Whit Muschamp and Jack Elliott. None of them have significant experience in college.

Curtis will likely be overseeing the Vandy scoring attack in 2026.