Big Ten season preview: Top QBs all have something to prove in 2026

This year, quarterbacks representing the Big Ten football teams have a significant challenge ahead of them as they all possess exceptional talent. While USC is not projected to make it to the College Football Playoff by many, Jayden Maiava presents a possibility for the Trojans to reach the playoffs for the very first time. However, all Big Ten quarterbacks, despite their prowess, did not perform at their best last season.

Notable examples include Dante Moore from Oregon, whose interceptions, particularly in the playoff semifinals against Indiana, were detrimental to the team's performance. Ohio State's Julian Sayin, although named a Heisman Trophy finalist, was not elite in his performance, as seen in his 10-point contribution against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Maiava, Sayin, and Moore all had their share of brilliance in 2025, but they all fell short of playing at the highest level consistently. The question that remains is which quarterback will benefit the most from their offensive teammates. Maiava's offensive line must provide him with ample time for his receivers to get open, an area where he has shown inconsistency.

Similarly, Moore and Sayin will be reliant on their offensive lines to carry them through. The success of these quarterbacks will heavily depend on how well they mesh with their offensive teammates, a dynamic that promises to be a focal point in the upcoming season.