Ranking the Best Quarterbacks in College Football 26: The Ultimate Tier List Update
Let's dive into the current crop of quarterbacks and see who rises to the top!
S Tier: The Elite of the Elite
The S Tier quarterbacks represent the best of the best in CFB 26. These players are the complete package-powerful arms, blazing speed, and elite abilities that make them hard to stop.
1. Keenan Reynolds (QB1)
For me, Keenan Reynolds stands at the top of the quarterback rankings in CFB 26. With 97 speed, 98 acceleration, and 97 throw power, Reynolds checks all the boxes for a mobile quarterback. What sets him apart is his incredible 98 carry and 99 COD (Change of Direction), which make him a threat on the ground as well as through the air.
His release is smooth, and his abilities, including Plat Shifty for 14 AP and Gold Off Platform for 4 AP, complement his playstyle perfectly. If you're running a scheme like Utah, Reynolds is the ideal fit. His versatility, combined with high agility and passing power, make him my QB1 and the ultimate playmaker.
2. Cam Newton
Cam Newton is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks to ever step onto the field, and in CFB 26, his card reflects that. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 245 lbs, Newton boasts 96 speed, 97 acceleration, and 99 throw power, making him a tank both on the ground and in the air. His high 3/4 eight release and solid accuracies make him a reliable passer.
His abilities, including Gold Dot for 3 AP and Gold Magician for 4 AP, add even more value to his already impressive toolset. While Keenan Reynolds takes the top spot for his versatility, Newton's raw power and passing ability make him a close second. Many players may prefer Newton as their QB1, and I totally respect that. He's that good.
3. CJ Bailey
At 6'6" and 210 lbs, CJ Bailey offers one of the most unique quarterbacks in CFB 26. With 94 speed, 93 acceleration, and 98 throw power, he is a perfect blend of size, speed, and arm strength. His 3/4 release is smooth and consistent, and his Silver Dot for 1 AP and Gold Dot for 2 AP abilities make him an extremely effective weapon.
What sets him apart, though, is his abilities. With some of the best abilities in the game, Bailey is the most effective quarterback when it comes to leveraging his skills in the right moments. For me, he's borderline S-tier-his abilities push him just into the top of the list, though some may find him better suited for a backup role.
A Tier: The Strong Contenders
Quarterbacks in the A Tier are no slouches. They may not have the overwhelming abilities of those in S Tier, but they are still incredibly solid options that can take you far in CFB 26.
4. Jalen Hurts (Ultimate LTD)
The Ultimate LTD Jalen Hurts card is a monster. With 95 speed, 95 acceleration, and 96 throw power, Hurts brings the perfect combination of mobility and arm strength. His 3/4 five release is smooth, making him a reliable passer.
When it comes to abilities, his Gold Dot for 4 AP and Gold Off Platform for 4 AP allow him to make plays on the move, while Gold Magician for 5 AP adds an extra layer of versatility to his game. His value comes from his dual-threat capability, and while he's not quite at the S-tier level, Hurts is still one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the game. He's easily top-tier for most players.
5. Cordell Stewart
Cordell Stewart is a quarterback that could easily be an S-tier candidate if not for some slight limitations in his abilities. With 97 speed, 97 acceleration, and 98 throw power, Stewart has all the physical tools needed to succeed. His 3/4 release is above average, and his abilities-Gold Dot for 4 AP and Gold Off Platform for 4 AP-are perfect for running a fast-paced offense.
While Stewart doesn't have the discount abilities that some of the other quarterbacks enjoy, his raw stats make him a top contender in the A-tier. His mobility, combined with strong passing ability, make him a force to be reckoned with on the field.6. Achilles Smith
Achilles Smith stands at the top of the A-tier for me due to his impressive stats. With 95 speed, 93 acceleration, and 97 throw power, he checks all the boxes for a mobile quarterback. His Threearters one release is solid, and his Gold Dot for 4 AP and Gold Off Platform for 4 AP abilities make him a versatile weapon.
What pushes him into the A-tier is his ability to make big plays with his legs while also maintaining accuracy. His abilities and release are smooth enough to allow him to thrive in a variety of schemes. Though he doesn't have the standout abilities of some S-tier quarterbacks, Smith's overall playstyle makes him a solid choice.
B Tier: The Reliable Stars
These quarterbacks may not have the speed or raw power of those higher up, but they are incredibly reliable. You can win with them, especially in the right system.
7. Julian Sain
Julian Sain comes in at 94 speed, 93 acceleration, and 96 throw power, which makes him a solid choice for a quarterback. His High 3/47 release is consistent, and his abilities-Gold Dot for 4 AP, Gold On Time for 5 AP, and Silver Dot for 2 AP-make him a viable option for most teams.
He's a solid quarterback who can fit in a variety of playstyles, but he lacks the elite abilities that elevate the top-tier quarterbacks. Still, if you're looking for consistency, Sain is a great addition to any team.
8. Joey (Tennessee)
Joey from Tennessee is a very solid option, especially for players on a budget. With 92 speed, 91 acceleration, and 97 throw power, he can compete with some of the best quarterbacks in the game. His High 3/13 release and strong accuracies make him a reliable passer.
His abilities-Gold Dot for 4 AP and Gold On Time for 5 AP-help him stand out, though he lacks some of the discounts of higher-tier quarterbacks. Still, Joey is a great option, especially for players looking for a budget-friendly QB. He slots comfortably in the B-tier.
9. Braxton Miller
With 95 speed, 92 acceleration, and 96 throw power, Braxton Miller is a solid mobile quarterback who brings speed and power to the table. His Load 3/4 release is good, and his abilities-Gold Dot for 5 AP and Gold Off Platform for 5 AP-are solid.
While Miller isn't as flashy as some of the other quarterbacks, his mobility and accuracy make him a strong B-tier player. His ability to extend plays with his legs gives him the edge in this category.
C Tier: The Budget-Friendly Options
Quarterbacks in the C Tier might not have the elite stats or abilities of the higher tiers, but they can still get the job done if you're working with a budget or just need a reliable option for your team.
10. Jaylen Daniels
With 92 speed, 93 acceleration, and 97 throw power, Jaylen Daniels is a decent quarterback. His Over Top 5 release and abilities-Gold Dot for 6 AP-make him a viable option for many players. However, his lack of discount abilities means he doesn't quite reach the higher tiers.
While he's not as good as some of the other quarterbacks, Daniels is a solid, mid-tier player who can still make an impact on the field.
D Tier: The Bench Warmers
At this level, the quarterbacks are still usable, but they fall short in terms of abilities and raw stats. These quarterbacks may be more suited for those on a tight budget or who are willing to take on a project.
11. Peter Tom Willis & Matt Leinart
Both Peter Tom Willis and Matt Leinart are decent quarterbacks, but they lack discount abilities, which holds them back significantly in comparison to other top-tier players. They both have 97 throw power and solid accuracies, but their lack of standout abilities puts them in the D-tier.
Conclusion: Who is the Best QB in CFB 26?
The top quarterbacks in College Football 26 offer a mix of speed, throw power, and game-changing abilities. For me, Keenan Reynolds is the best quarterback in the game, with his speed, acceleration, NCAA 26 Coins and dynamic skillset. However, Cam Newton and CJ Bailey are right behind him, offering their own unique strengths.
As always, the best quarterback for you will depend on your playstyle and team needs. Whether you're looking for a dual-threat QB like Reynolds or a strong pocket passer like Newton, CFB 26 offers plenty of elite quarterbacks to fit your strategy.
Mar-17-2026 PST