Iowa Ties and Top QB Talent: Big Ten QB Preview 2026

As the 2026 college football season approaches, the Big Ten Conference is loaded with elite quarterback talent, including a familiar name with strong Iowa connections. Rocco Becht, who started 39 consecutive games for Iowa State under Coach Matt Campbell, has followed his coach to Penn State. Becht ranks in the top three on Iowa State's career list for passing yards (9,274) and passing touchdowns (64), and his leadership is expected to be a key factor in Penn State's transition. This article breaks down the top returning quarterbacks in the Big Ten and other conferences, with a focus on their strengths, weaknesses, and what to expect this fall.

Big Ten Quarterbacks to Watch in 2026

Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks

Moore, a likely top-three NFL draft pick, returned to Oregon after a strong 2025 season. He passed for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns, completing nearly 72% of his attempts. His arm talent and ability to improvise have impressed Big Ten coaches, who call him the most confident quarterback in the league. He must adjust to a new playcaller, but his experience and intelligence make him a top contender for the Heisman Trophy.

Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes

Sayin won the starting job at Ohio State and led the team to a 12-0 regular season, setting a Big Ten single-season completion percentage record at 77%. He threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. While he is not a big runner, his game management and accuracy have drawn praise. However, he threw three interceptions in losses to Indiana and Miami to end the season, showing room for growth.

Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans

Maiava finished second nationally in QBR (89.9) and fifth in passing yards (3,711) last season. His poise and ability to make plays under pressure have impressed coaches, but he also threw interceptions in seven of his final nine games. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can run, but some question if he can lead USC to its first playoff appearance under Coach Lincoln Riley.

Josh Hoover, Indiana Hoosiers

Hoover arrives at Indiana after a record-setting career at TCU, where he set the school's single-season passing record with 3,949 yards in 2024. He has 9,629 career passing yards and 71 touchdowns. While he is a quick thinker and experienced, he must cut down on interceptions after throwing 33 at TCU. Coaches see him as a good but not elite replacement for Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.

Rocco Becht, Penn State Nittany Lions (Iowa Ties)

Becht, a former Iowa State star, brings 39 starts and 26 wins to Penn State. He is a proven leader and an elite connector, according to Coach Matt Campbell. His experience will be crucial as Penn State navigates a favorable schedule without Indiana, Ohio State, or Oregon. However, some coaches question if he can be explosive enough in the Big Ten's physical style of play.

Bryce Underwood, Michigan Wolverines

Underwood, the nation's No. 1 recruit in 2025, will lead Michigan's offense under new Coach Kyle Whittingham. He showed promise in wins against Washington and Maryland but struggled with accuracy and threw seven interceptions in his final five games. Coaches are divided on his potential, with some calling him a future star and others saying he is not yet dangerous.

Demond Williams Jr., Washington Huskies

Williams returned to Washington after a brief flirtation with the transfer portal. He completed 69.5% of his passes for 3,065 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and rushed for 611 yards and six touchdowns. His improvisational skills and mobility make him tough to defend, but he struggled against top teams like Ohio State, Michigan, and Oregon.

Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Bruins

Iamaleava endured a turbulent season with a coaching change and 27 sacks, but he showed his talent with five touchdowns against Penn State and 505 rushing yards. His size (6-6) and arm talent have impressed coaches, and he returns under new Coach Bob Chesney. He is a special player who can do damage with his legs.

Colton Joseph, Wisconsin Badgers

Joseph comes to Wisconsin from Old Dominion, where he was one of the nation's top dual-threat quarterbacks. He recorded 2,624 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, plus 1,007 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. His ability to extend plays and make throws on the run could revive a Wisconsin offense that ranks 132nd nationally in scoring since 2024.

Drake Lindsey, Minnesota Golden Gophers

Lindsey is a traditional quarterback who developed in Minnesota's program. He completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,382 yards and 18 touchdowns with only six interceptions last season. He is accurate and processes well, but he needs to improve his pocket movement. His mobility has improved, and he was clocked at 20.6 miles per hour.

Malik Washington, Maryland Terrapins

Washington set Maryland freshman records for passing yards (2,963) and completions (273) last season. He is a super explosive athlete who makes every throw needed. He has trimmed down and improved his leadership, and coaches say he is one of the better players in the conference.

Anthony Colandrea, Nebraska Cornhuskers

Colandrea won Mountain West Player of the Year at UNLV last season with 3,459 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, plus 649 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He is a dynamic playmaker who can escape the pocket and make explosive plays. Some compare his style to Johnny Manziel. He could spark a Nebraska offense that ranks 112th nationally in scoring since 2022.

Other Notable Quarterbacks Across the Country

SEC: Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns

Manning faced unrealistic expectations in 2025 but finished strong, accounting for multiple touchdowns in five of his final six starts. He rushed for 208 yards and three touchdowns against Texas A&M and Michigan. Coaches praise his maturity, arm strength, and willingness to run. He is poised for a big season as Texas aims for the College Football Playoff.

ACC: Darian Mensah, Miami Hurricanes

Mensah transferred from Duke to Miami after leading the ACC in passing yards (3,973) and touchdowns (34). He is an accurate passer who can deliver off-platform and is athletic enough to pick up chunk yards. He joins a Miami offense with standout wide receiver Malachi Toney.

Big 12: Noah Fifita, Arizona Wildcats

Fifita is a fifth-year senior who has seen everything at Arizona. He is the first Arizona quarterback to earn first-team all-conference recognition since 1975. Coaches call him the best in the Big 12, praising his ability to throw guys open and his competitive spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the top quarterback in the Big Ten for 2026?

Dante Moore of Oregon is widely considered the top quarterback in the Big Ten, with NFL scouts projecting him as a top-three draft pick. His arm talent, intelligence, and experience make him the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.

What is Rocco Becht's connection to Iowa?

Rocco Becht started 39 consecutive games for Iowa State under Coach Matt Campbell, winning 26 of them. He ranks in the top three on Iowa State's career list for passing yards, touchdowns, and efficiency. He followed Campbell to Penn State this season.

Which Big Ten quarterback has the most experience?

Rocco Becht has the most starting experience among Big Ten quarterbacks, with 39 consecutive starts at Iowa State. He has 9,274 career passing yards and 64 touchdowns.

How does the 2026 quarterback class compare to previous years?

The 2026 quarterback class is one of the deepest in recent memory, with multiple Heisman contenders and NFL draft prospects across the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12. The group includes established stars like Arch Manning and Dante Moore, as well as rising talents like Julian Sayin and Darian Mensah.

Photo: ESPN.com