Big Ten’s 2026 Quarterback Rankings
College football enters the next season with a crowded quarterback picture across the conference. Michigan State faces its first full year under Pat Fitzgerald, while experienced signal‑callers and promising transfers each stake a claim to being the Big Ten’s top option. This guide breaks down every starter, highlighting their 2025 marks, where they stand in the preseason hierarchy, and what needs to improve for a successful 2026 run.
#18 – Jeremy Hecklinski (Iowa)
Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) warms up Nov. 8, 2025 before a Big Ten Football game against the Oregon Ducks at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Hecklinski is the only player on the list without prior game experience, having served as Iowa’s backup in 2025 and completing a single pass. A Wake Forest transfer, he lacks a proven pedigree, but Kirk Ferentz trusts him to eventually become the starter. Until he demonstrates consistency on the field, he will remain at the bottom of the preseason order.
#17 – Ryan Browne (Purdue)
Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Browne earned the starting nod for the second half of 2025 and showed flashes of the skill needed to lift the Boilermakers into contention. His 58.9% completion rate (199‑for‑338) produced 2,153 yards and nine touchdowns, balanced by ten interceptions. 2026 will be a make‑or‑break season for him to turn his experience into a top‑half ranking.
#16 – Dylan Lonergan (Rutgers)
Sep 6, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan (9) throws the ball in the second quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images
Lonergan transferred to Michigan State as a freshman and quickly became the starter, but the 2025 season unraveled for the Spartans. He still posted a solid 66.9% completion rate with 2,025 yards and 12 touchdowns, but the disruption left him on the sidelines now. Returning to Rutgers under Greg Schiano gives him another chance to lock down a starting role.
#15 – Aidan Chiles (Northwestern)
Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) moves out to pass against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Chiles possesses the raw tools to be a dominant college quarterback, but he has yet to consistently execute his playbook. In 2025, he completed 63.1% of his passes for 1,392 yards and ten touchdowns, yet turnovers hampered his progress. Chip Kelly’s arrival as offensive coordinator at Northwestern could help him refine his decision‑making, but the 2026 season will be the true test.
#14 – Alessio Milivojevic (Michigan State)
Nov 22, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Milivojevic took over the starting reins from Aidan Chiles and quickly elevated the Spartans to a more competitive level in 2025. He registered a 64.2% completion rate with 1,267 yards and ten touchdowns, though the season’s overall record fell short of expectations. New offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan should help Milivojevic tap his quick‑release arm for greater efficiency.
#13 – Katin Houser (Illinois)
Sep 6, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser (4) throws the ball against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Houser spent two seasons as East Carolina’s quarterback, excelling at the Group of Five level, and brings that confidence to Illinois. His 65.9% completion rate in 2025 yielded 3,300 yards and a solid 19 touchdowns. Moving into the Big Ten will test his ability to handle increased competition and defensive pressure.
#12 – Drake Lindsey (Minnesota)
Sep 14, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (3) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Lindsey entered his second year as Minnesota’s starter and proved to be a reliable game manager. In 2025 he completed 63.2% of passes for 2,382 yards and 18 touchdowns, while limiting turnovers. For 2026, he must add more explosiveness to the passing attack to become a true winner rather than just a stabilizer.
#11 – Bryce Underwood (Michigan)
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) looks to pass downfield against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Underwood’s freshman season offered glimpses of elite potential, but consistency remained elusive in 2025. He posted a 60.3% completion rate for 2,428 yards and 11 touchdowns, while turning the ball over 9 times. Sharpening his ball‑security and expanding his progression reads will be critical for him to become a premier quarterback.
#10 – Malik Washington (Maryland)
Washington displayed dominant play as a freshman despite a less‑talented surrounding cast. In his rookie year he completed 57.7% of passes for 2,963 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding 9 more scores on the ground. 2026 will be his true test as the expectations rise and defenses prepare for his dual‑threat attacks.
#9 – Colton Joseph (Old Dominion)
Sep 13, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs quarterback Colton Joseph (1) throws a pass during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
After leading Wisconsin to a prominent transfer pickup, Joseph showed versatility with both his arm and legs in 2025. He completed 59.7% of passes for 2,624 yards and 21 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,007 yards and 10 extra scores. Transitioning to the Big Ten will challenge him to stay healthy and adapt to faster defenses, but his skill set matches Wisconsin’s offensive philosophy.
#8 – Anthony Colandrea (Nebraska)
Dec 23, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; UNLV Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) attempts a pass as he is chased by Ohio Bobcats linebacker Charlie Christopher (30) during the second half at the Ford Center at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Colandrea transferred to UNLV and exploded in his final college season, then moved on to Nebraska for 2026. He threw for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 649 rushing yards and 10 more scores in 2025. Nebraska’s high‑powered offense should let him replicate that success, but he’ll need to maintain health and avoid costly mistakes.
#7 – Nico Iamaleava (UCLA)
Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) throws against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Iamaleava arrived from Tennessee with high expectations but struggled to find his footing in UCLA’s offense in 2025. He completed 64.4% of passes for 1,928 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also facing a coaching overhaul under new head coach Bob Chesney. The change brings fresh ideas, and he will need to capitalize on any improved chemistry to regain his prior form.
#6 – Rocco Becht (Penn State)
Apr 25, 2026; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws a pass during the Penn State Blue-White Spring game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Becht arrived from Iowa State with Matt Campbell and quickly became the focal point for Penn State’s offensive revival. In his lone 2025 season he posted a 60.5% completion rate for 2,584 yards and 16 touchdowns. As the Nittany Lions move forward, Becht’s three years of starting experience should provide the stability needed to compete for conference honors.
#5 – Jayden Maiava (USC)
Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Maiava thrives in Lincoln Riley’s spread scheme, having taken over as USC’s full‑time signal‑caller. His 2025 numbers read a 65.8% completion rate with 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns. Although the Trojans lost some receiving threats, his arm talent and mobility should allow him to exploit mismatches and keep the offense potent in 2026.
#4 – Demond Williams (Washington)
Dec 13, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) sets to pass in the first half of the LA Bowl against the Boise State Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Williams took over as Washington’s starter in 2025 and delivered an efficient season under Jedd Fisch. He completed 69.5% of his attempts for 3,065 yards and a strong 25 touchdowns, adding 6 more scores on the ground. With heightened expectations for 2026, he will need to keep his accuracy high while handling increased defensive attention.
#3 – Josh Hoover (Indiana)
Indiana’s Josh Hoover (10) during the Indiana football spring game at Memorial Stadium on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Hoover left TCU after three seasons and signed with the defending national champions, bringing a steady arm to the Hoosiers. In 2025 he posted a 65.9% completion rate for 3,472 yards and 29 touchdowns, though he also tossed 13 interceptions. Indiana’s offense should help minimize turnovers, allowing Hoover to stay in the conversation for a top‑5 finish.
#2 – Dante Moore (Oregon)
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore looks to pass as the Oregon Ducks host the Montana State Bobcats on Aug. 30, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Moore started his college career slowly but exploded in the second half of 2025, earning a one‑year contract extension instead of entering the NFL draft. He threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns with a 71.8% completion rate. The added pressure to stay healthy and keep the playmakers around him will be crucial as Oregon eyes a return to national relevance.
#1 – Julian Sayin (Ohio State)
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws a touchdown pass to Carnell Tate during the NCAA football game against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9.
Sayin capped a dynamic 2025 with a 77.0% completion rate, 3,610 yards and a league‑leading 32 touchdowns, propelling the Buckeyes to the top of the polls. His skill set fits Ryan Day’s up‑tempo offense perfectly, and the Heisman buzz remains strong heading into 2026. With expectations mounting, he must stay healthy and continue to elevate his decision‑making.
These rankings give fans a roadmap of who to watch as the Big Ten prepares for another season of high‑stakes football. Stay tuned for game‑day updates, injury reports, and deeper analysis as the action unfolds.
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