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The Big 12 enters 2026 with one of the nation’s most interesting quarterback groups. The conference lost several proven stars after last season. That turnover creates plenty of opportunities for new names. Some quarterbacks return with impressive production. Others arrive through the transfer portal. Meanwhile, several young players could make major jumps. I ranked all 16 Big 12 quarterback situations heading into the 2026 season. It was considered production, experience, talent, mobility, and expected team success. I also weighed current preseason reports and quarterback competitions.
- Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Drew Mestemaker earns the top spot after a monster 2025 season. He completed 68.9 percent of his passes at North Texas. Mestemaker threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also finished with only nine interceptions. Now, Mestemaker follows Eric Morris to Oklahoma State. That coaching continuity should help his transition. The jump into the Big 12 still presents a major challenge. However, his production gives him the highest ceiling. If he adjusts quickly, he could become a national star.
- Noah Fifita, Arizona
Noah Fifita gives Arizona the conference’s safest quarterback. He threw for 3,228 yards last season. Fifita also recorded 29 touchdowns and only six interceptions. More importantly, Arizona improved dramatically with Fifita leading the offense. The Wildcats jumped from four wins to nine wins. Fifita brings accuracy, command, and excellent timing. He also enters his fourth season as the starter. That experience gives Arizona a major advantage.
- Devon Dampier, Utah
Devon Dampier could become one of the Big 12’s biggest stars. He completed 63.5 percent of his passes last season. He added 2,490 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Dampier also brings serious value as a runner. His dual-threat ability makes him difficult for defenses to contain. Utah can build its offense around that versatility. Therefore, Dampier deserves a spot near the top.
- Bear Bachmeier, BYU
Bear Bachmeier enjoyed an impressive freshman campaign. He completed 64.9 percent of his passes. He also threw for 3,033 yards and 15 touchdowns. Bachmeier added 527 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. Those numbers show his ability to create plays with his legs. He still needs to improve his consistency. Nevertheless, his youth and physical ability make him extremely intriguing.
- Conner Weigman, Houston
Conner Weigman enters 2026 with plenty of momentum. He threw for 2,705 yards last season. He also recorded 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Weigman helped Houston finish 10-3 during his first season with the program. He also brings athletic ability that adds another dimension. The former Texas A&M standout finally found stability. Now, Houston expects another strong season.
- Avery Johnson, Kansas State
Avery Johnson remains one of the Big 12’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks. He threw for 2,385 yards last season. Johnson also produced 18 passing touchdowns and six interceptions. His running ability makes him even more dangerous. New Kansas State coach Collin Klein should know how to maximize that skill. Johnson needs a more explosive passing season. Still, his experience and athleticism make him a top-six quarterback.
- Jaden Craig, TCU
Jaden Craig represents one of the conference’s most fascinating transfers. He arrives at TCU after starring at Harvard. Craig threw for 2,869 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. He also threw only seven interceptions. His career production also stands out. He finished with a 52-to-15 touchdown-to-interception ratio across 23 starts. The biggest question involves the competition level. Big 12 defenses will challenge him differently. Still, Sonny Dykes has a strong quarterback track record.
- DJ Lagway, Baylor
DJ Lagway might rank much higher by December. However, his 2025 production creates legitimate concerns. Lagway threw for 2,264 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also threw 14 interceptions at Florida. His talent remains undeniable. The former five-star recruit possesses tremendous arm strength and athletic ability. Now, Baylor gives him a fresh start. If Lagway cuts down the turnovers, he could become a major star.
- Alonza Barnett III, UCF
Alonza Barnett III brings serious playmaking ability to UCF. He threw for 2,806 yards last season. He also produced 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Barnett also brings dangerous rushing ability. He totaled more than 1,000 rushing yards across his final two seasons. He scored 22 rushing touchdowns during that span. His completion percentage remains a concern. Still, his athleticism can create problems every Saturday.
- Jaylen Raynor, Iowa State
Jaylen Raynor gives Iowa State plenty of experience. He transferred from Arkansas State after a productive 2025 season. Raynor completed 66.5 percent of his passes. He also threw for 3,361 yards last year. However, turnovers remain a concern. He threw 11 interceptions last season. Still, Raynor owns 36 career starts. That experience gives Iowa State a solid foundation.
- Will Hammond, Texas Tech
Will Hammond suddenly became one of the Big 12’s most important quarterbacks. Texas Tech lost Brendan Sorsby after his eligibility issue. Hammond threw for 680 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He added 299 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Texas Tech expects Hammond to start if cleared. The Red Raiders also enter 2026 as the Big 12’s highest-ranked team. His health remains the biggest question. If healthy, Hammond could easily climb this ranking.
- Cutter Boley, Arizona State
Cutter Boley takes over an important job at Arizona State. He arrives after starting at Kentucky. Boley completed 65.8 percent of his passes last season. He threw for 2,160 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, he also threw 12 interceptions. That turnover rate explains his ranking here. Arizona State needs Boley to become more consistent. If that happens, the Sun Devils could surprise people.
- JC French IV, Cincinnati
JC French IV brings experience from Georgia Southern. He threw for 2,929 yards last season. French also recorded 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He added 315 rushing yards and six rushing scores. Therefore, Cincinnati gets a quarterback with genuine mobility. The jump to the Big 12 remains significant. French must also improve his pocket protection.
- Julian Lewis, Colorado
Julian Lewis remains one of the biggest wild cards. The former five-star recruit has tremendous long-term potential. However, Lewis played only four games last season. He completed 55.3 percent of his passes for 589 yards. He added four touchdowns without throwing an interception. Colorado also surrendered 38 sacks last season. That ranked as the most in the Big 12. Lewis needs protection and development. If both improve, his ranking could change quickly.
- Michael Hawkins Jr., West Virginia
Michael Hawkins Jr. brings intriguing athletic ability to West Virginia. However, the Mountaineers entered fall camp with a quarterback competition. Hawkins battled Scotty Fox for the starting job. Hawkins saw limited action at Oklahoma last season. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 167 yards. He also threw three touchdowns without an interception. His talent makes him interesting. Still, Hawkins needs more experience before moving higher.
- Cole Ballard, Kansas
Cole Ballard rounds out the rankings because Kansas still has uncertainty. Ballard emerged as the likely starter during preseason camp. However, Isaiah Marshall remains part of the competition. Kansas therefore still has questions at quarterback. Ballard owns limited college experience. He has made 15 appearances during his career. Replacing Jalon Daniels creates enormous pressure. Still, Ballard has an opportunity to establish himself.
The Big 12 Quarterback Picture
The Big 12 quarterback race should remain fascinating throughout 2026. Several teams have legitimate conference championship aspirations. Texas Tech enters the season as the conference’s top-ranked team. BYU, Arizona, Houston, and Utah also received strong preseason support. That makes quarterback play especially important this season. Mestemaker gets my top spot because of his incredible production. Fifita follows closely because of his proven consistency. Dampier and Bachmeier could also make major national noise. Meanwhile, Lagway remains the conference’s biggest potential breakout candidate. The middle of this ranking could change quickly. One hot month could move several quarterbacks several spots. That unpredictability makes the Big 12 even more entertaining. The conference has plenty of new faces under center. Now, those quarterbacks must prove themselves on the field. Once the games begin, rankings will matter far less than results.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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