The 2026 Quarterback Landscape Takes Shape
The Athletic’s latest college football quarterback tiers list, released ahead of the 2026 season, sorts 138 signal‑callers into seven distinct tiers, offering a snapshot of where the nation’s most promising arms stand.
Among the Pac‑12, Texas State’s Brad Jackson emerged as the conference’s highest‑rated quarterback, landing in Tier 3 and being positioned as the No. 27 overall player in the country. His ascent reflects a blend of experience and upside that has caught the eye of analysts.
Boise State’s own Maddux Madsen, a veteran with 26 career starts, is listed among the conference’s most seasoned options, though his recent accuracy issues and pocket presence concerns keep him in a serviceable rather than elite bracket.
The Athletic’s tier breakdown also spotlights other emerging arms: Caden Pinnick of Washington State, who earned Big Sky Freshman of the Year at UC Davis, and Maalik Murphy, a sophomore transfer from Duke who brings a strong Duke pedigree to Oregon State.
Meanwhile, Colorado State’s Hauss Hejny, who opened the previous season as Oklahoma State’s starter before a broken foot ended his campaign, is listed as a question mark for the upcoming year. San Diego State’s Jayden Denegal, a Michigan transfer, struggled in 12 starts last season, while Fresno State’s Khristian Martin, who saw limited time at Maryland, is slated to open the Bulldogs’ first game.
Utah State’s McCae Hillstead, a true freshman who made four starts before moving to BYU and returning to the Aggies, rounds out a group that The Athletic describes as a mix of proven starters, serviceable options and unproven talent.
The publication’s analysis, sourced from Boise State Broncos on SI, underscores the competitive depth of the Pac‑12 and the pivotal role quarterbacks will play in shaping the conference’s narrative in 2026.