How would you rank the Big 12 quarterbacks in 2026? Well, here at Last Word, we usually rank those guys returning to their teams for at least a second year in a row. As we talked about with the coaches earlier this week, the Big 12 is in a state of flux. So, we decided to do a tiered ranking. Trying my best to get you up to speed before the meet in a few weeks.
Big 12 Quarterbacks Tiers in 2026
No More Bets
Brendan Sorsby was one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the Transfer Portal this offseason. Texas Tech was looking to build off a fantastic 2025 and was in need of a quarterback to matriculate the ball down the field. It was seemingly a match made in heaven, and an alleged five-million-dollar NIL deal saw Sorsby leave Cincinnati for West Texas. Sorsby had all the makings of being a top Big 12 quarterback in 2026.
All was honky dory until it came out that Sorsby allegedly placed bets here, there, and everywhere. We would go into more, and we have, but unless you are living under a rock, you know the story. So, Sorsby is out. But let’s be honest. This is a guy who has struggled to win a game in November. How would he have done in a playoff game in late December or early January? Tech may be in a better spot for it.
The Outgoing Transfers
Who else didn’t make our list? The Big 12 quarterback class of 2026 lost two big names to the portal.
- Josh Hoover (Indiana via TCU): Hoover was the #2-ranked quarterback in the Big 12 in 2025. He has a lively arm and put up big numbers. Unfortunately, Hoover also had a propensity to turn the ball over. Something Sonny Dykes pointed out was why he wasn’t crying when his quarterback for 30+ games decided to take his talents to Bloomington.
- Sam Leavitt (LSU via Arizona State) Maybe the third time will be a charm? Leavitt will be at his third “state” university. He started his career at Michigan State, transferred to Arizona State for two and a half years, and will now finish his college career at Louisiana State University. Leavitt and Sorsby were the two golden gooses of the 2026 Portal Class. Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weiss Jr. are hoping that Leavitt will be the magic voodoo that gets the Tigers off to a fast start.
The Incoming Transfers
Five new faces are looking to make a big impact in 2026. Here is our ranking.
#5 DJ Lagway (Baylor via Florida): Baylor and Dave Aranda need to win. DJ Lagway needed a fresh start. What could go wrong? Probably a lot. Aranda and the Bears have had three losing seasons in the last four years. Lagway has raised more questions and frustrations than the five-star rating he came to Gainesville with. We predict this season won’t go well in Waco.
#4 Jaden Craig (TCU via Harvard) So, long Hoover. Dykes got himself a Harvard man and the all-time leading passer in Crimson football history. Craig has a big arm and a propensity not to turn the ball over, already an upgrade. He led Harvard to the 2025 FCS Playoffs and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award twice.
#3 Cutter Boley (Arizona State via Kentucky) How can you not like a quarterback named Cutter? Probably the second-best quarterback name in the Big 12 and CFB (keep reading to find out who is #1). Cutter set Freshman records last year at Kentucky for completion percentage and touchdowns in SEC competitions. Let’s see what he can do in Kenny Dillingham’s system.
#2 Alonza Barnett III (UCF via James Madison) Leavitt and Sorsby got plenty of ink this offseason, but Barnett might be one of the steals of the 2026 Portal season. Barnett was the Sun Belt Player of the Year last year for James Madison and the Sun Belt Player of the Year, and put together a 2,800+ passing yard and 23-touchdown campaign. So if UCF doesn’t win this year, Scott Frost can’t blame his quarterback for the problems.
#1 Drew Mestemaker (Oklahoma State via North Texas) We are going to see if the “Mean Green” Cowboys of Oklahoma can make some noise in year one for head coach Eric Morris. Morris brought the most prized pieces of his North Texas roster to Stillwater. Caleb Hawkins will tote the rock and lead the country in rushing as a true freshman running back. The prize thought was Mestemaker. He is the winner of the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy for the best former walk-on in the nation, the American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and led the country in passing. There could be a new “man” in Stillwater.
Top Returning Big 12 Quarterbacks
Ok, so is anyone coming back? The short answer is yes. They all have big arms and legs. But, will they have what it takes to outshine the new guys in the list above? Here are five names to keep an eye on.
#5 Devon Dampier (Utah) If Morgan Scalley is gonna make the state of Utah forget about Kyle Whittingham, Dampier is going to be a big reason why. He earned Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year and Third-Team All-Big 12 honors in his first year as Utah’s starter. He threw for almost 2,500 yards and accounted for 35 touchdowns as a sophomore.
#4 Avery Johnson (Kansas State) The hype was real when Johnson decided to stay in-state and play his college ball in the Little Apple. Avery’s production on the field just hasn’t lived up to the promise. He has the hair, the arm, and the leg to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country. If new head coach Collin Klein can put it together, Manhattan will be dancing in 2026.
#3 Conner Weigman (Houston) How is this guy still in college? Don’t worry, we asked the question for you. The former Texas A&M Aggie is a dual-threat that could be the key to unlocking Willie Fritz and Coogs in 2026. 2025 was his best year, finishing with more than 2,700 yards and 25 touchdowns.
#2 Noah Fifita (Arizona Wildcats) Fifita is a three-year starter for the Wildcats. Known for his mobility and arm, the 5’10” fifth-year has thrown for more than 9,000 yards and 73 touchdowns in his career.
#1 Bear Bachmeier (BYU) Thanks for sticking around. Who has the best name in college football and for our Big 12 quarterbacks? It’s not other than Bear, #47 on the field and #1 in our hearts. Bear is the reason BYU will be in contention for a Big 12 Championship and a spot in the CFB Playoff. He set records as a freshman, passing for over 3,033 yards, rushing for an additional 527 yards, totaling 26 touchdowns, and winning the Pop Tart Bowl.
Main Photo: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
