ESPN analysis elevates Manning and Chambliss ahead of 2026 college football season
A comprehensive review of 43 returning signal-callers by ESPN identifies Arch Manning and Trinidad Chambliss as central figures, while projecting Dante Moore and Julian Sayin as top Heisman contenders.
ESPN has published a detailed evaluation of 43 returning college football quarterbacks ahead of the 2026 season, synthesising insights from opposing coaches, coordinators, and general managers across the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 conferences. The report identifies Texas’s Arch Manning and Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss as key figures, noting Manning’s improved maturity and Chambliss’s arm talent following his transfer from Ferris State.
Manning is expected to be the most-discussed quarterback for the second consecutive season, buoyed by a strong finish to the 2025 campaign. An SEC defensive coordinator who faced Manning noted his exceptional handling of the spotlight and schematic demands, while praising his willingness to run and trust in his arm strength. Texas aims to return to the College Football Playoff, with the quarterback’s growth in game management and leadership viewed as a critical springboard for the programme.
Chambliss projects as a leading Heisman contender after a standout debut season at Ole Miss, where he recorded 921 passing yards and four touchdowns in three College Football Playoff games. Coaches have highlighted his sound mechanics and ability to make plays with his feet, with one SEC coach describing him as a "dude" who is a quick decision-maker. Chambliss must now adjust to a new offensive playcaller, John David Baker, after Lane Kiffin departed for LSU.
Dante Moore of Oregon and Julian Sayin of Ohio State are identified as top Heisman contenders in the analysis. Moore, who returned to Oregon after the 2025 season, is praised for his arm talent and intelligence, with Big Ten coaches noting his confidence and presence. Sayin, who led Ohio State to a 12-0 regular season, is commended for his consistent execution and record-setting completion percentage, though some observers question his willingness to run.
The evaluation covers numerous other signal-callers, including Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, who proved capable of leading a national contender, and LSU’s Sam Leavitt, whose mobility remains a threat despite injury concerns. The report also examines the impact of transfers such as Indiana’s Josh Hoover and Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, assessing their projected impact on NFL draft potential and conference performance.
