Big Ten football: Josh Pate ranks 10 best QBs in 2026

The 2026 college football season kicks off later this month, and Josh Pate has ranked the 10 best QBs in the Big Ten. The conference enters the year on top of the sport with three different teams winning the last three national titles. There are plenty of talented quarterbacks in the Big Ten, and they will be expected to do big things this season. One team to watch is Indiana, as an experienced quarterback takes over for Heisman winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza. But who is the Big Ten quarterback, and which QBs were left out since there are 18 teams? Here’s a look at the 10 best QBs in the conference, according to Josh Pate. [ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ] 10. Nico Iamaleava, UCLA If UCLA wants to turn things around in 2026, Iamaleava will have to take his game to the next level. He joined the Bruins in 2025 after spending the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Tennessee. Last year, Iamaleava played in 11 games and completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 1,928 yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also led the Bruins in rushing yards (505) and rushing TDs (4). 9. Colton Joseph, Wisconsin A new season means a new quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers. Joseph joins Wisconsin after spending the last three years at the Sun Belt program Old Dominion. After a strong 2024 season, Joseph became one of the best QBs in the Group of 6 in 2025. In 12 regular-season games, Joseph threw for 2,624 yards and 21 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,007 yards and 13 TDs. 8. Malik Washington, Maryland Maryland struggled to win games in 2025, but Washington was one of the team’s bright spots. Washington played as a true freshman and showed why he was a top recruit. In 12 games, Washington threw for 2,963 yards and 17 touchdowns. He ranked in the top five in the Big Ten in completions and passing yards per game and was named the conference’s Freshman of the Week twice. 7. Demond Williams, Washington 2026 could be the year when Williams becomes one of the stars in college football. He is entering his third season with the Huskies and has improved each year. In 2025, Williams threw for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns, while completing 69 percent of his passes. He was also dangerous on the ground, rushing for 611 yards and six scores. 6. Rocco Becht, Penn State Along with having a new head coach in Matt Campbell, Penn State has a new quarterback in Becht. He joins the Nittany Lions after spending the last four seasons at Iowa State. During his time with the Cyclones, Becht threw for 9,274 yards and 64 touchdowns. He was named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2023 and was the MVP of the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl. 5. Bryce Underwood, Michigan While Underwood struggled in 2025, he showed why Michigan trusted him to lead the offense as a true freshman. He was named the team’s Rookie of the Year and was the fourth true freshman to start at QB in school history. In 13 games last year, Underwood threw for 2,428 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The second-year QB also rushed for 392 yards and six touchdowns. 4. Josh Hoover, Indiana Hoover has the daunting task of taking over for a national champion QB and Heisman winner. The good news for the Hoosiers is Hoover has a lot of experience after spending four seasons at TCU. In his career, Hoover has thrown for 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns. Last season was arguably his best, throwing for 3,472 yards and 29 TDs in 12 games. 3. Jayden Maiava, USC Maiava looks ready to lead USC to a playoff run in 2026. He is entering his third season with the Trojans after spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons at UNLV. In 13 games last year, Maiava completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns. He led the nation with a 91.2 QBR and was selected to the All-Big Ten Third Team. 2. Dante Moore, Oregon Many Big Ten fans thought Moore would not return to Oregon this fall because of the NFL. But he announced in January that he’s coming back to the Ducks and is ready for a big year. In 2025, Moore completed 71.8 percent of his passes for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns. His play helped Oregon reach the College Football Playoff Semifinal. 1. Julian Sayin, Ohio State Sayin was impressive in his first season as a starting quarterback in 2025. The Buckeyes finished the regular season undefeated before losing to Indiana in the Big Ten title game and Miami in the CFP quarterfinals. Sayin played in all 14 games and completed 77 percent of his passes for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was selected to the AP All-America Third Team and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.