ESPN predicts 2026 starting QB for every Big 12 team

The college football offseason is officially here, but players are competing harder than ever for starting spots on their respective teams. Of course, there is no place more coveted on the gridiron than the starting quarterback position.

ESPN recently predicted the starting quarterback for each of the Big 12 teams next season. With an influx of transfers in the conference, the predictions included plenty of transfers. Alas, several stars are expected to reprise their role in the 2026 campaign as well.

Simply put, Big 12 fans should expect a surplus of entertaining quarterback play next season. With 16 teams to cover, let’s dive into ESPN’s predictions.

Arizona State

Projected starter: Cutter Boley
After losing Sam Leavitt to the transfer portal this offseason, Arizona State reeled in former Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley. While the Wildcats struggled this past season, Boley showed promising flashes. He completed 65.8% of his pass attempts for 2,160 yards and 15 touchdowns, compared to 12 interceptions

Arizona

Projected starter: Noah Fifita
There will be few, if any, more experienced quarterbacks than Noah Fifita in the Big 12 next season. Fifita boasts 34 career starts and spearheaded an impressive turnaround at Arizona last season, guiding the Wildcats to a 9-4 record.

BYU

Projected starter: Bear Bachmeier
Bear Bachmeier started as a true freshman at BYU last season, and it’ll be difficult for anyone to steal the QB1 title from him. Bachmeier tallied 3,033 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, while throwing seven interceptions. Moreover, he amassed 527 yards and 11 scores in the ground game in 2025.

Baylor

Projected starter: DJ Lagway
After spending two seasons at Florida, DJ Lagway transferred to Baylor this offseason. Lagway excelled as a true freshman, but often underwhelmed fans with his performances this past season. Lagway will look to reach new heights at Baylor.

Cincinnati

Predicted starter: JC French IV
Cincinnati suffered a massive loss when Brendan Sorsby entered the transfer portal this offseason. Alas, the Bearcats couldn’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, the program reeled in a commitment from Georgia Southern transfer QB JC French IV, who threw for 2,929 yards and 20 touchdowns this past season.

Colorado

Projected starter: Julian Lewis
Julian Lewis didn’t win the Colorado sweepstakes last season as a true freshman, but he’s expected to earn starting rights in 2026. Lewis only made two starts, ultimately preserving his redshirt. He tallied 589 passing yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.

Houston

Projected starter: Conner Weigman
Conner Weigman found a home in Houston last season and he plans on taking a step forward in the 2026 campaign. He transferred to the Cougars from Texas A&M ahead of the 2025 season. He thrived in his new environment, logging 2,711 passing yards, 700 rushing yards and 36 total TDs. Houston posted a 10-3 record.

Iowa State

Projected starter: Jaylen Raynor
Iowa State is entering a new era after longtime head coach Matt Campell accepted an offer to take over at Penn State. Arkansas State transfer Jaylen Raynor is expected to be the face of the Cylones’ new offense. Raynor produced 3,361 passing yards and 19 touchdowns last season, in contrast to 11 interceptions.

Kansas

Projected starter: Cole Ballard
With Jalon Daniels out of eligibility, Kansas will have a fresh face behind center next season. Redshirt junior Cole Ballard is the early favorite to receive the starting nod. In his career, Ballard has made 15 appearances for the Jayhawks. He has amassed 445 passing yards, 209 rushing yards and three scores. He is the son of Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard.

Kansas State

Projected starter: Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson is entering his third season as Kansas State’s starter behind center. Johnson’s 2025 season didn’t go as planned, with Kansas State posting a 6-6 record. Nonetheless, with Kansas State’s hire of head coach Collin Klein, analysts are optimistic for Johnson’s senior year.

Oklahoma State

Projected starter: Drew Mestemaker
Drew Mestemaker followed his head coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State this offseason. Mestemaker led the country with 312.8 passing yards per game this past season. Now, he’ll have his first opportunity to shine at a Power Four program.

TCU

Projected starter: Jaden Craig
Like Cincinnati, TCU had no choice this offseason but to pick up a new QB after losing its starter to the transfer portal. The Horned Frogs ultimately secured a commitment from former Harvard QB Jaden Craig, who was Mel Kiper Jr.’s No. 9-ranked QB draft prospect before he entered the portal.

Texas Tech

Projected starter: Brendan Sorsby
Brendan Sorsby was one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal this offseason after enjoying a breakout year at UC. Sorsby will have no shortage of talent around him next season at Texas Tech. As of this report, the Red Raiders boast the No. 3 class in On3’s 2026 Team Transfer Portal Rankings.

UCF

Projected starter: Alonza Barnett III
Alonza Barnett was arguably the best Group-of-Five quarterback in the country this past season at James Madison. He routinely stuffed the stat sheet, finishing the year with 2,806 passing yards, 589 rushing yards and 38 total touchdowns.

Utah

Projected starter: Devon Dampier
Devon Dampier transferred from New Mexico to Utah last offseason. The Utes lost longtime head coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan this offseason, but Dampier is returning to Utah for another run at the Big 12 title. Dampier recorded 2,490 passing yards and 24 touchdowns this past season, while only throwing five picks.

West Virginia

Projected starter: Michael Hawkins Jr.
Michael Hawkins Jr. served as John Mateer‘s backup at Oklahoma this past season. In his lone start of 2025, Hawkins completed 14-of-his-24 pass attempts for 162 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a blowout win over Kent State. With three years of eligibility remaining, Hawkins will have plenty of time to develop at WVU.