The Big Ten isn’t short on quarterback talent heading into 2026. Ten starters return to their teams, while seven programs will roll out a transfer under center. With Week 0 still months away and most spring games over a month out, there’s already a fairly clear picture of who’s expected to take the field.
Here are the conference’s quarterbacks ranked No. 1 through 18 entering spring ball.
1.Julian Sayin
Ohio State dominated the regular season following its 17–10 opener vs. Texas, and Sayin was extremely efficient, completing nearly 80% of his passes. But in the postseason, the Buckeyes’ offense became one-dimensional, failing to adjust while trailing Miami by 14 and missing key opportunities against eventual national champion Indiana.
Sayin operated in an offense that rarely pushed the ball downfield, relying heavily on safe throws that inflated his completion percentage. Ohio State surrounds its quarterback with elite talent, including All-American Jeremiah Smith and a dominant run game. A demanding 2026 schedule could provide the adversity Sayin needs to take the next step.
2.Dante Moore
Moore looked like a near lock to be a top-two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft but chose to return to Eugene for another season. The decision was surprising, though it may prove beneficial considering he’s started only 20 games at the college level.
Even with injuries plaguing Oregon’s receiver room, Moore still ranked top-10 nationally in several passing categories. Eight of his ten interceptions came against ranked opponents, where elite defenses such as Indiana, Iowa, and Texas Tech gave him trouble. With healthier weapons and sharper decision-making, Moore could elevate Oregon’s national title hopes.
3.Jayden Maiava
USC’s improved defense carried much of the load in 2025, though Maiava still averaged 285 passing yards per game.
Heading into 2026, he’ll be without four of his top five pass-catchers, including NFL-bound stars Makai Lemon and Jakobi Lane. Both tight ends who ranked fourth and fifth on the team in receptions are also gone. The Trojans do return all five starting offensive linemen and the nation’s top freshman class, giving Maiava a solid foundation to build on. If he continues progressing, USC could find itself in the College Football Playoff conversation.
4.Josh Hoover
The pressure arrives immediately for Hoover, who steps in for Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza in Bloomington.
The TCU transfer brings experience, owning a 19–12 record across 31 career starts. Hoover posted impressive production in both 2024 and 2025, though turnovers occasionally held him back. Indiana’s RPO-heavy system should fit his skill set well, and portal additions could supply the veteran support needed to keep the Hoosiers competitive near the top of the conference.
5.Demond Williams Jr.
Potential defines Demond Williams entering his second year leading Washington’s offense. The dual-threat quarterback added 818 rushing yards while surpassing 3,000 yards through the air.
Washington must replace top receiver Denzel Boston and standout running back Jonah Coleman, both heading pro. Still, consistent success in the portal and recruiting should help fill those gaps. Williams also faces the challenge of stabilizing the locker room after a chaotic transfer portal cycle while maintaining Washington’s explosive scoring pace against tougher competition.
6.Bryce Underwood
Michigan fans were relieved when freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood stayed in Ann Arbor despite the offseason coaching turbulence.
Offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s success building run-focused attacks at New Mexico and Utah with Devon Dampier could unlock Underwood’s dual-threat ability. Michigan kept its passing volume low last season, averaging around 25 attempts per game, but that number should grow as the former No. 1 recruit gains experience.
7.Rocco Becht
Becht arrives as a three-year starter from Iowa State who produced excellent numbers in 2024.
Losing his top two receiving targets made 2025 less efficient, though the Cyclones still managed eight wins. With Becht, the expectation is consistency—a steady quarterback capable of managing games while contributing as both a passer and runner.
8.Colton Joseph
Colton Joseph helped Old Dominion exceed expectations in 2025, showcasing playmaking ability both passing and running the ball.
Wisconsin, however, struggled to support its quarterbacks last season. The Badgers lacked reliable playmakers and surrendered 27 sacks. If that environment improves, Joseph has the tools to make the jump from Group of Six standout to effective Big Ten starter.
9.Nico Iamaleava
Nico’s stock took a major hit in 2025. At Tennessee in 2024, he wasn’t asked to carry the offense thanks to a dominant rushing attack and elite defense during a CFP run.
At UCLA, the supporting cast was far less reliable, and the former No. 2 overall recruit finished with just 13 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Head coach Bob Chesney has since improved the roster, giving Iamaleava a legitimate chance at a rebound season.
10.Anthony Colandrea
Whether Nebraska fans want to admit it or not, Colandrea is a step down from Raiola, whose sophomore campaign was trending upward before injury.
The UNLV transfer is electric, capable of creating explosive plays with both his arm and his legs. Still, his aggressive style must become more disciplined against Big Ten defenses.
11.Malik Washington
Malik Washington started all 12 games as a true freshman in 2025 and produced better numbers than many anticipated.
Maryland finished just 4–8, largely because Washington was forced to throw at an unsustainable rate. His raw ability is clear, but the Terps didn’t significantly upgrade the roster this offseason. A stronger ground game could help Washington unlock another level in year two.
12.Katin Houser
ECU transfer Katin Houser experienced plenty of highs and lows during his two seasons with the Pirates. His 2025 season showed meaningful growth, with improved production and nearly half as many interceptions despite starting five additional games. Houser also adds mobility, finding the end zone nine times on the ground.
13.Aidan Chiles
Chiles is a below-average passer. While he can hurt weaker defenses with his legs, stronger opponents have consistently pressured him, leading to 51 sacks in 20 starts at Michigan State.
Northwestern provides a more stable situation and features a capable running back room to ease the burden.
14.Drake Lindsey
Minnesota won eight games with Lindsey under center despite inconsistent passing production. Four of those victories came by a single score against weaker competition. Lindsey surpassed 200 passing yards only five times and managed just one touchdown against three interceptions when facing ranked Big Ten teams.
15.Dylan Lonergan
At Boston College in 2025, Dylan Lonergan guided the team to just one win. Half of his starts ended without a touchdown pass, and two-thirds of his total touchdowns came in games against FCS Fordham and a struggling Michigan State defense.
16.Alessio Milivojevic
Milivojevic didn’t perform much better than Chiles in 2025. A full season of playing time, improved consistency, and a pair of early MAC opponents are among the few factors giving Michigan State optimism entering 2026.
17.Ryan Browne
Browne—and Purdue as a whole—struggled badly in 2025. He finished with nine touchdowns and ten turnovers, with nearly half of his scoring passes coming against Ball State and Southern Illinois. The Boilermakers faced one of the nation’s toughest schedules last year, though 2026 appears more manageable. The key question remains whether Purdue can finally secure its first Power Four victory since 2023 with Browne leading the offense.
18.Jeremy Hecklinski
In 2025, Iowa leaned heavily on quarterback Mark Gronowski’s rushing ability, with the position accounting for nearly a quarter of the team’s ground production while averaging just 133 passing yards per game.
The starting job likely comes down to Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown. Hecklinski has a strong arm but limited experience and stands just 5-foot-11. Brown started two games at Auburn in 2024 and posted a 6–3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
After serving as QB2 last season, Hecklinski enters 2026 as the early favorite.