The rise of talent at the quarterback position has made solid backups increasingly crucial in college football. Injuries frequently sideline starters, emphasizing the need for reliable second options. Several teams have successfully managed to cultivate depth, featuring quarterbacks with significant starting experience. The analysis spotlights ten backup quarterbacks poised to impact their respective programs in 2026, spanning from seasoned transfer veterans to promising recruits.

By the Numbers
  • Dante Moore: 20 starts, 5,208 passing yards, 41 touchdowns.
  • Dylan Raiola: 22 starts, 4,816 passing yards, 31 touchdowns.
  • Mason Holstein: 34 career starts, 8,245 passing yards, 65 touchdowns.
  • Amari Odom: 2,594 passing yards and 19 touchdowns as a starter with Kennesaw State.
State of Play
  • Oregon boasts two former five-star quarterbacks, both with extensive starting experience.
  • Ohio State's St. Clair is viewed as the future QB despite limited on-field time so far.
  • Alabama's starting quarterback situation remains competitive; both Russell and Mack are strong backup candidates.
  • Keene, now at Arizona State, has a wealth of experience with 34 career starts across four programs.
What's Next

Expect ongoing quarterback battles as teams finalize their lineups for the season. Players like Henderson and Ficklin could see increased roles, changing team dynamics. Injuries or performance issues may force some backups into action much sooner than anticipated, stressing their importance in the current climate of college football.

Bottom Line

The depth at the quarterback position will significantly influence team success in 2026. Programs with reliable backups like those on this list are better equipped to handle the unpredictability of injuries. As competition intensifies, the ability to maintain a strong second option could prove crucial for championships and playoff ambitions.