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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 2h ago
The 4 Most Underrated Quarterbacks Entering the 2026 College Football Season
Photo by: Petre Thomas
Drew Mestemaker – Oklahoma State
Drew Mestemaker may have a new jersey this season, but the expectations are just as high. After a breakout year at North Texas, he transferred to Oklahoma State and has a chance to become one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12.
Mestemaker has one of the best arms in college football and is coming off a season where he led the nation in passing yards. Following head coach Eric Morris to Stillwater gives him the chance to stay in the same offensive system that helped him become one of the country’s top quarterbacks. If his production carries over to the Big 12, he could quickly become a Heisman contender and an early NFL Draft favorite.
2025 Stats (North Texas)
4,379 passing yards (Led the FBS )
34 passing touchdowns
9 interceptions
68.9% completion percentage
5 rushing touchdowns
2025 Burlsworth Trophy Winner
American Conference Offensive Player of the Year
This version matches his current school while still highlighting what made him one of the biggest quarterback transfers heading into the 2026 season.
Kamario Taylor – Mississippi State
Kamario Taylor has all the ability to become one of the SEC’s biggest breakout quarterbacks. Playing in the toughest conference in college football means every game is a challenge, but it also gives him the chance to prove himself against elite competition.
Taylor has the arm strength, mobility, and confidence to make plays when things break down. If Mississippi State takes a step forward this season, don’t be surprised if Taylor is one of the biggest reasons why.
2025 Stats
629 passing yards
5 passing touchdowns
1 interception
458 rushing yards
8 rushing touchdowns
Malik Washington – Maryland
Malik Washington has the talent to be one of the Big Ten’s most exciting quarterbacks, but he doesn’t get talked about nearly enough. He can make plays with both his arm and his legs, making him a tough player for defenses to stop.
Maryland has quietly built a solid roster, and if Washington puts everything together, he has the chance to put up big numbers while helping the Terrapins compete with some of the conference’s top teams.
2025 Stats
2,963 passing yards
17 passing touchdowns
9 interceptions
57.7% completion percentage
303 rushing yards
4 rushing touchdowns
Ethan Grunkemeyer – Virginia Tech
Ethan Grunkemeyer has the talent to become one of the ACC’s biggest surprises. After transferring from Penn State, he has a fresh opportunity to lead Virginia Tech and show what he can do as a full-time starter.
Ethan Grunkemeyer has the talent to become one of the ACC’s biggest surprises. After transferring from Penn State, he followed head coach James Franklin to Virginia Tech, giving him the chance to continue playing in a system he already knows. That familiarity could help him make an immediate impact as the Hokies look to bounce back this season. Franklin recruited Grunkemeyer out of high school and brought him to Blacksburg after taking over at Virginia Tech, making him one of the key pieces of the program’s rebuild.
Oklahoma State Drew MestemakerAfterNorth TexasOklahoma StateBigMestemakerPhotoPetre ThomasDrew MestemakerFollowingEric MorrisStillwater
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