As spring practice looms on the horizon, college football programs are gearing up, and some are already feeling confident about their quarterback situations. The spotlight is on ten returning quarterbacks who bring invaluable experience to the table-something the transfer portal simply can't offer.
These athletes have weathered late-game dramas, playoff runs, and everything in between. The upcoming 2026 season is shaping up to be all about these seasoned quarterbacks.
Take Lewis, for instance. With four games and three starts under his belt, he’s already shown promise with 589 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman.
Colorado is bringing in Brennan Marion to run the dynamic “Go-Go offense,” and with an improved offensive line, the potential is sky-high. Year two will be telling for Lewis.
Then there's Hoover, who initially committed to Indiana before making his way to TCU, only to return to Bloomington to fill the shoes of Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. At TCU, Hoover amassed an impressive 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns over 36 games. His 8.4 yards per attempt last season led the Big 12, and as a junior, he threw for 3,472 yards and 29 scores, guiding TCU to nine victories.
Carr, a redshirt freshman, is turning heads and was even ranked as the top returning quarterback by Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports. With 2,741 yards, 24 touchdowns, and a 66.6% completion rate, Carr has shown he can compete with the best, even outshining Arch Manning when Notre Dame faced Texas A&M in 2025.
Mensah is on a mission after a dramatic exit from Duke, where he threw for 3,951 yards, the highest among Power Four quarterbacks, and 34 touchdowns, tying for second nationally. His 28 big-time throws were among the top in the FBS, and he led Duke to their first ACC championship in 36 years. Now with Miami, he's aiming for another conference title.
Over at Texas Tech, Sorsby is living up to hefty expectations after reportedly receiving a $5 million offer. He delivered 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, with an additional 580 rushing yards and nine scores. His PFF grade of 90.5 tied for fifth nationally, and his performance under pressure was unmatched.
Moore, projected as a top-three pick for the 2026 NFL Draft, chose to stay at Oregon. His 90.2 PFF passing grade ranked sixth nationally, and his prowess with deep balls was unmatched, leading Oregon to the College Football Playoff semifinals. With Moore back, the Ducks are PFF's preseason No. 1 team.
Leavitt, Lane Kiffin’s first quarterback at LSU, comes with high expectations after being ranked the No. 2 quarterback entering 2025. Despite a foot injury limiting his play, his 87.8 PFF grade over two years still ranks him among the top returning quarterbacks. Kiffin’s task is to harness Leavitt’s potential without the heroics.
Sayin, with a completion rate of 77% as a redshirt freshman, set a new PFF College single-season record for accuracy. Leading the Buckeyes to a Heisman Trophy finalist nod, he stands as a favorite for the 2026 Heisman and a potential first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Manning had a rocky start in 2025 but turned things around with an 89.5 PFF grade from Week 9 onward. More of a dual-threat than his famous uncles, Manning’s ten rushing touchdowns put him among the top in the Power Four. With a bolstered offensive line, his second year will be crucial.
Finally, Chambliss, a sixth-year player with an incredible backstory, powered Ole Miss through the playoffs with nearly 4,500 total yards. Despite a rough game against Georgia, he bounced back in the CFP quarterfinal rematch with a season-high passing grade. Another season like the last, and he could be heading to New York.
These quarterbacks are not just returning players; they’re the backbone of their teams, ready to make the 2026 season unforgettable.