As the dust settles on another whirlwind offseason in college football, the Transfer Portal has finally cooled off. Most programs have locked in their rosters, and while the Portal Era has made it tougher than ever to build and maintain depth-especially with players eager to get on the field and capitalize on NIL opportunities-there’s one position where teams are still stockpiling talent: quarterback.
In today’s game, QB depth is a luxury that can quickly become a necessity. One injury can derail a season, but a well-stocked quarterback room can keep a team’s championship hopes alive. Despite the reality that only one guy gets the snaps, we’re seeing more quarterbacks stick around in competitive rooms, betting on development, system familiarity, and the long-term payoff.
Let’s take a closer look at five programs heading into 2026 with some of the deepest quarterback rooms in the country.
LSU Tigers
When Lane Kiffin took the reins at LSU, the quarterback cupboard was bare. Garrett Nussmeier was off to the NFL, and both Michael Van Buren and Colin Hurley hit the Transfer Portal. But in typical Kiffin fashion, he wasted no time flipping the script.
In just one offseason, LSU has gone from QB crisis to QB surplus. Sam Leavitt, the expected starter, has drawn plenty of buzz, but the depth behind him is just as intriguing.
Former 5-star Husan Longstreet comes in from USC after his freshman campaign, bringing elite arm talent and upside. Add in Elon transfer Landen Clark, a high-ceiling prospect in his own right, and Kiffin suddenly has a quarterback room that’s not just deep-it’s dangerous.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Replacing a quarterback like Ty Simpson is never easy, but Kalen DeBoer has options-and lots of them.
Austin Mack followed DeBoer from Washington and already flashed his potential on the big stage in the Rose Bowl. But he’s not the only name to know.
DeBoer’s first full recruiting class brought in Keelon Russell, the No. 2 overall recruit in the country, who could very well push for the starting job right away. And just to make sure the room stays stocked, Alabama added two more freshmen in Jett Thomalla and Tayden Kaawa.
This is a group built for both the present and the future, giving DeBoer flexibility and security as he begins a new era in Tuscaloosa.
Oregon Ducks
Dan Lanning and the Ducks scored one of the biggest offseason victories when Dante Moore opted to return for another year instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. That decision alone gives Oregon a proven leader under center-but the talent behind him makes this quarterback room one of the most impressive in the country.
Dylan Raiola, one of the most hyped quarterback recruits in recent memory, transfers in with the understanding he’ll likely sit behind Moore for a season. That’s a luxury most programs can’t afford, but Oregon can. Add in former top recruit Akili Smith Jr., and the Ducks have a trio of quarterbacks that could start just about anywhere else.
Texas Longhorns
Arch Manning is back in Austin, and that alone makes Texas a contender. He finished last season strong, and he enters 2026 as both a Heisman hopeful and a likely first-round NFL Draft pick.
But head coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t putting all his eggs in one basket. Behind Manning are two more blue-chip talents: 5-star freshman Dia Bell and KJ Lacey, a highly touted recruit in his own right. That’s a trio of quarterbacks with NFL potential, all learning under one of the best offensive minds in college football.
Texas isn’t just set for this season-they’re building something sustainable, and it starts in the quarterback room.
Tennessee Volunteers
The Volunteers are waiting on the NCAA’s ruling regarding Joey Aguilar’s eligibility, which could add even more intrigue to an already loaded quarterback room.
Even without Aguilar, Tennessee is in good shape. Redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon are both poised to compete for the starting job. And to round out the group, Josh Heupel brought in Colorado transfer Ryan Staub, who adds valuable experience and depth.
Heupel’s offense demands a smart, quick-trigger quarterback, and with this group, he’s got multiple options who can run the system effectively. If Aguilar gets the green light, Tennessee’s QB room goes from solid to stacked.
Final Thoughts
In an era where quarterbacks are transferring more than ever and playing time is king, these five programs have managed to build depth without sacrificing talent. Whether it’s through smart recruiting, savvy portal pickups, or just creating a culture that quarterbacks want to be part of, these teams are positioned to weather the storm-whatever the 2026 season throws their way.
Depth at quarterback isn’t just a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity. And these schools are leading the way.