The 2026 Elusiveness Rankings
Analysts have turned to a blend of sack‑avoidance percentages, tackle‑evasion rates and yards‑per‑rush to separate the quarterbacks who can slip past defenders. The resulting list reads like a who’s‑who of emerging talent.
At the top of the list, Malik Washington of Mississippi State boasts a 93.8 % sack‑avoidance rate, the second‑best mark among Power Four quarterbacks in 2025. His ability to stay upright has made him a cornerstone for the Bulldogs’ offense.
Kamario Taylor of Louisiana State, though limited in snaps, led the nation in tackles avoided per rush at 0.38, showcasing a knack for slipping through defensive gaps.
Sam Leavitt from Texas Tech combined a 9.4‑yard average on scrambles with a 0.30 tackles‑avoided per rush, placing him among the most efficient runners in the sample.
Arch Manning of Texas turned heads with a 21.7 mph burst on a 60‑yard touchdown run against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, a speed that helped him rank among the top breakout performers.
Devon Dampier of Washington State posted a 92.5 % sack‑avoidance rate and led all quarterbacks with 6.6 yards per rush, underscoring his dual-threat capability.
Will Hammond of Utah surged to a 7.0‑yard per rush average before a season‑ending ACL injury in October 2025 cut his campaign short, a statistic that still resonates in the rankings.
Bryce Underwood of Michigan State averaged 0.28 tackles avoided per rush and posted a 13.5 % explosive rush rate, placing him 14th in that niche metric.
Demond Williams Jr. of South Carolina ranked second in tackles avoided per rush at 0.32 and eighth in yards after contact per rush at 4.2, highlighting his durability under pressure.
LaNorris Sellers of Wisconsin logged 4.6 yards after contact per rush and a 0.29 tackles‑avoided per rush rate, rounding out a strong group of mobile quarterbacks.
Finally, Colton Joseph of Texas Tech holds the highest career explosive rush rate at 19.3 % among Power Four quarterbacks entering 2026, a testament to his knack for big plays.
Why Elusiveness Matters
Coaches increasingly value quarterbacks who can extend plays and keep drives alive. The ability to avoid sacks and tackles translates directly into longer possessions and higher scoring opportunities, especially in fast‑paced offenses.
As programs invest in analytics platforms like 247Sports and Reel Analytics to track these metrics, the profile of the elusive quarterback continues to evolve, shaping recruiting strategies and game planning across the Power Four conferences.