The conversation around the 2026 college football season has already shifted from preseason speculation to a concrete debate about who will ultimately claim the quarterback crown.
Chris Low, the longtime ESPN analyst, has put his weight behind Trinidad Chambliss of the Ole Miss Rebels, arguing that the senior’s blend of poise under pressure and proven playoff success makes him the most likely candidate to dominate the upcoming schedule.
Chambliss’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of historic. He guided the Rebels to their first College Football Playoff appearance, throwing for 3,937 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding 527 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground.
His playoff numbers were equally impressive, completing 67.9% of his passes for 921 yards and four scores without an interception, a performance that helped cement his reputation as a clutch player.
Legal Hurdles and Eligibility
The quarterback’s path to a fifth year of eligibility has been anything but straightforward. After a legal battle with the NCAA, a court granted an injunction that allows him to return for another season, a decision that could reshape the competitive landscape.
Across the SEC and beyond, Arch Manning continues to draw attention. The grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning posted 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025, completing 61.4% of his passes.
Manning’s pedigree adds a narrative layer to the quarterback conversation, as the family’s legacy looms large over his professional prospects.
The Heisman Landscape
Other names also surface in the Heisman conversation. Darian Mensah, along with prospects such as CJ Carr, Julian Sayin, Dante Moore, Gunner Stockton and Austin Simmons, are all cited as potential contenders, each bringing distinct skill sets to the table.
The upcoming season will likely hinge on how these quarterbacks navigate injuries, schedule difficulty and the evolving dynamics of college football’s transfer portal.
If Chambliss can maintain his current trajectory, the 2026 campaign could see the Rebels not only contend for a national title but also set a new benchmark for quarterback development in the modern era.