The Athletic Ranks All 138 FBS Starting Quarterbacks Into Seven Tiers

College Football writers Antonio Morales and Sam Khan Jr. and The Athletic recently ranked all 138 FBS starting quarterbacks for the 2026 season.

The QBs were ranked from 1 to 138 and divided into seven tiers.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was ranked the No. 1 overall quarterback in Tier 1.

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Chambliss was largely unknown at this time a year ago, a D-II transfer slated to back up Austin Simmons. Instead, he became one of college football’s best, leading the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals. He appealed for and won an extra year and heads into 2026 with Heisman Trophy hype.

“Trinidad is probably the best one (in the SEC),” an SEC assistant said. “I think he’s a baller.”

Said a Power 4 OC, “He can beat you in a multitude of different ways.”

He’s not considered an elite NFL prospect in large part because of his size, which is why he’s still in the SEC. With Lane Kiffin gone, he’ll have a new head coach, play caller and several new receivers, which has opponents intrigued. But nobody we spoke with has doubts about Chambliss doing his part.

“He’s a winner. He’s a gamer,” an SEC general manager said. “Should have a ton of confidence and has a ton of experience.”

Scouting Take
All due respect to the mighty Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, but Chambliss’ near-seamless jump from Ferris State to the SEC was something to behold. An electric mover with the ball in his hands, Chambliss was able to use his accuracy and decision making to overcome a lack of size. If Dillon Gabriel can be a third-round pick, Chambliss has it in him, too. — Nick Baumgardner

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Here are the complete rankings and tiers:

Tier 1:
1. Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss)
7. Arch Manning (Texas)
8. Sam Leavitt (LSU)

Tier 2:
11. Gunner Stockton (Georgia)
13. Marcel Reed (Texas A&M)
16. John Mateer (Oklahoma)

Tier 3:
18. LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina)
19. Byrum Brown (Auburn)
26. Austin Simmons (Missouri)

Tier 4:
32. Kamario Taylor (Mississippi State)
33. Keelon Russell (Alabama)
34. Kenny Minchey (Kentucky)

Tier 5:
55. Aaron Philo (Florida)
57. Jared Curtis (Vanderbilt)
63. KJ Jackson (Arkansas)

Tier 6:
75. Faizon Brandon (Tennessee)