The 2026 college football season carries the kind of quarterback depth analysts have been on waiting for years. Projected Heisman finalists, NFL hopefuls and transfer wild cards fill out a group with real staying power.

USA Today's Paul Myerberg released his post-spring quarterback rankings Thursday morning, and the order at the top raised eyebrows across the sport.

Ohio State's Julian Sayin claimed the No. 1 spot, leapfrogging two of the most talked-about passers in recent memory.

Why Sayin tops the QB rankings

Sayin beat out Oregon's Dante Moore at No. 2 and Texas star Arch Manning at No. 3, despite both being projected as top-of-the-board picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.

The reasoning hinges on production and supporting cast.…