Top college football programs announce starting quarterbacks for 2026 season
Several major programs named their opening day quarterbacks, with Tennessee starting true-freshman Faizon Brandon and Florida opting for transfer Aaron Philo.
As the 2026 college football season approaches, a wave of announcements identified the quarterbacks who will lead their teams in the opening games. Tennessee elevated true freshman Faizon Brandon, a five-star recruit, to the starting role, making him the first true-freshman starter since 2004. Florida selected transfer Aaron Philo, who arrived from Georgia Tech with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, to guide the Gators.
Arkansas named sophomore KJ Jackson over a transfer, Northwestern chose transfer Aidan Chiles, and Rutgers installed Dylan Lonergan after a final scrimmage. Tulane, USF, Oregon State and Georgia Southern also named their starters, each decision reflecting recent transfers, spring performances, or competition outcomes. The announcements set the stage for the season opener on Sept. 5, when most of these teams will take the field.
Why it matters
Quarterback selections shape each team's offensive strategy and can influence early-season performance and fan expectations.
In this story
