The rise of the superflex format has made quarterback evaluation more important than ever for devy and Campus-to-Canton (C2C) managers. With the ability to start multiple quarterbacks each week, the temptation is often to draft the position early and aggressively. However, the reality is far more complicated. Quarterback development is rarely linear. Only a small number of prospects each year ultimately achieve Day 1 NFL Draft capital, the benchmark most devy managers chase.
Beyond talent, countless factors shape a quarterback’s trajectory: processing ability, physical traits, landing spot, depth chart competition, coaching stability and the ever-changing impact of the transfer portal. Identifying the right signal callers to invest in requires patience and careful evaluation.
With that in mind, here are initial scouting reports on some of the most notable College Football quarterbacks in the incoming freshman class.
RELATED: Freshman Fever 2026: Wide Receiver Scouting Reports
The Top 8 2026 College Football Freshmen Quarterback | Devy Fantasy Football
Keisean Henderson (Houston Cougars)
6’3″ | 185 lbs | Legacy the School of Sport Sciences, Texas
Keisean Henderson is one of the most dynamic quarterback prospects in the 2026 class, combining explosive athleticism with rapidly developing quarterback instincts. Originally beginning high school as a wide receiver, Henderson transitioned to quarterback early in his career and quickly developed into one of the nation’s most intriguing dual-threat passers.
A natural playmaker, Henderson thrives both inside and outside the pocket. His ability to evade pressure, extend plays, and manipulate defenders in space gives him a dangerous improvisational element, while his passing development has taken significant strides over the past two seasons. His short-to-intermediate accuracy and timing have improved considerably, allowing him to operate effectively within the structure of a spread offense.
Strengths
- Dynamic athleticism: Elite movement ability for the quarterback position, allowing him to evade pressure, extend plays and create explosive rushing opportunities.
- Off-script playmaking: Displays strong instincts when plays break down, using mobility and vision to buy time or generate yardage on the ground.
- Short-to-intermediate passing: Shows good timing and accuracy in the quick and intermediate passing game, with improving velocity and release speed.
- Pocket awareness: Demonstrates a natural feel for pressure and understands when to climb the pocket or escape.
- Elite production: Finished his high school career with nearly 9,000 passing yards, a 98-to-16 touchdown-to-interception ratio and significant rushing production.
Concerns
Projection
A dynamic dual-threat, Henderson projects as a quarterback capable of eventually becoming the centerpiece of a modern spread offense. His combination of mobility, field awareness and improved passing mechanics gives him the tools to generate explosive plays both through the air and on the ground.
He may benefit from a developmental year in Houston before taking over the starting role, allowing him to continue refining his mechanics and adjusting to the speed of the college game. Once fully established, his rushing ability and improvisational play style could make him a highly productive fantasy option.
Jared Curtis (Vanderbilt Commodores)
6’3” | 225 lbs | Nashville Christian School, Tenn.
One of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2026 class, Jared Curtis brings prototypical NFL size, elite arm talent and advanced off-script playmaking ability to the position. A polished passer with a confident, aggressive play style, he has the tools to attack every level of the field while also creating explosive plays when the structure of a play breaks down.
With strong production and a championship pedigree during his high school career, Jared Curtis arrives at Vanderbilt as a high-upside signal caller capable of elevating an offense.
Strengths
- Elite arm talent: Generates impressive velocity and torque, allowing him to drive throws to all areas of the field.
- Off-platform playmaking: Comfortable throwing from different arm angles and delivering accurate passes outside of structure.
- Pocket awareness: Navigates pressure effectively with subtle movement and maintains throwing posture while extending plays.
- Deep-ball ability: Capable of attacking defenses vertically with strong ball placement and touch on deep throws.
- Experience and production: Finished his high school career with strong efficiency and multiple state championships as a starting quarterback.
Concerns
- Decision-making aggression: Will occasionally force throws into tight windows or rely on “hero ball” tendencies.
- Level of competition: Faced mostly mid-tier competition during his high school career.
- Risk-taking as a runner: Can lower his shoulder rather than protecting himself, which could expose him to unnecessary hits.
Projection
Curtis projects as a high-upside quarterback capable of developing into the centerpiece of a collegiate offense. His combination of size, arm strength and playmaking instincts gives him the physical tools to operate both within structure and in improvisational situations. He could have an opportunity at Vanderbilt to see the field early as the program continues building around young talent. His aggressive downfield mentality and ability to create off-script plays could quickly make him the focal point of the offense if his development progresses smoothly.
Faizon Brandon (Tennessee Volunteers)
6’3.5” | 206 lbs | Grimsley High School, N.C.
Faizon Brandon is one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects in the 2026 class, combining prototypical size, smooth mechanics and dual-threat athletic ability. A poised passer with strong command of modern spread concepts, Brandon has shown the ability to efficiently distribute the football while also creating explosive plays with his legs when needed.
Strengths
- Prototypical quarterback frame: Possesses ideal size and build for the position with room to continue developing physically.
- Arm talent: Smooth release and strong base allow him to deliver accurate throws with velocity across the field.
- Ball security: Demonstrated excellent decision-making at the high school level with extremely low interception numbers.
- Athletic mobility: Capable runner who can extend plays, operate in RPO concepts and pick up yards on designed quarterback runs.
- Timing and anticipation: Shows comfort with throwing on rhythm and delivering anticipatory passes in the short and intermediate game.
- Winning pedigree: Compiled an outstanding record as a high school starter while consistently leading efficient offenses.
Concerns
- Downfield consistency: Needs to continue refining ball placement on deeper throws to maximize his vertical passing potential.
- Intermediate field usage: Film shows limited work attacking the intermediate middle of the field.
- Development trajectory: Evaluators differ on whether his development plateaued somewhat after an early breakout.
- Competition and injuries: Missed time during his senior season and will enter a crowded quarterback room at Tennessee.
Projection
Projecting as a high-upside quarterback, Faizon Brandan is capable of leading a modern spread offense with both efficiency and explosive-play potential. His combination of size, arm talent and mobility allows him to function comfortably within structured passing concepts while also providing the ability to create outside the pocket. However, his development timeline at Tennessee may depend on how the quarterback competition unfolds. While he possesses the tools to eventually command the offense, he may benefit from additional time to refine his downfield accuracy and continue developing physically after missing key reps during his senior season.
Long term, Brandon’s physical profile, athletic ability and experience in spread concepts provide the foundation for a productive collegiate career with legitimate early-round NFL Draft potential if his development continues on an upward trajectory.
Jett Thomalla (Alabama Crimson Tide)
6’4” | ~215 lbs | Millard South High School, Neb.
Jett Thomalla is a polished pocket passer with the size, mechanics and field vision to develop into a high-level distributor at the collegiate level. A three-year starter who steadily improved throughout his high school career, he built a reputation for his calm presence in the pocket and his ability to deliver accurate throws to all areas of the field.
Operating primarily from the pocket, Thomalla shows advanced command of progression-based passing concepts. His mechanics and sturdy base allow him to generate easy velocity while also layering throws with touch and trajectory. Combined with strong anticipation and timing, his passing skill set gives him the tools to keep an offense on schedule consistently. While not a major rushing threat, the Nebraska native’s poise under pressure and ability to climb the pocket allow him to extend plays and maintain passing opportunities when protection breaks down.
Strengths
- Prototypical pocket passer frame: Possesses ideal size and physical build for the position with the strength to withstand pressure in the pocket.
- Arm talent and touch: Generates solid velocity while also demonstrating the ability to layer passes and vary trajectory.
- Progression reading: Comfortable working through reads and identifying deep opportunities as coverage shifts.
- Mechanics and base: Strong fundamentals allow him to throw accurately with balance and consistent footwork.
- Pocket presence: Slides and climbs effectively to avoid pressure while keeping his eyes downfield.
- Winning production: Led his team to multiple state championships while steadily improving his statistical output each season.
Concerns
- Limited rushing upside: Offers minimal threat as a runner, which limits the designed quarterback run element of an offense.
- Consistency: Can occasionally struggle with rhythm and ball placement when facing stronger competition.
- Level of competition: Played primarily against regional competition that may not match the speed of Power Four defenses.
Projection
Thomalla projects as a traditional pocket quarterback capable of operating an offense through timing, accuracy and decision-making. His mechanics, anticipation and ability to distribute the football efficiently give him the tools to develop into a steady multi-year starter at the collegiate level.
At Alabama, Jett Thomalla will likely benefit from a developmental period as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of SEC defenses. With multiple quarterbacks already competing for the starting role, a redshirt season could provide valuable time for refinement. Long term, his size, arm talent and natural feel for the quarterback position give him legitimate NFL upside if his consistency and anticipation continue to develop.
Dia Bell (Texas Longhorns)
6’2” | ~205 lbs | American Heritage High School, Fla.
Dia Bell is a polished pocket passer with advanced mechanics, strong field vision and the ability to attack defenses at every level of the field. A multi-sport athlete and Elite 11 Finals MVP, Bell built a reputation as one of the most refined pure passers in the 2026 class while competing against top-tier high school competition.
Thriving as a rhythm-based distributor who can diagnose coverages and deliver the football with timing and precision, his smooth throwing motion and natural touch allow him to layer passes over defenders and drop deep balls into tight windows. While primarily a pass-first quarterback, Bell also possesses enough mobility to escape pressure and extend plays when necessary. Despite an injury-shortened senior season, he enters college with the tools and processing ability to eventually lead a high-level offense.
Strengths
- Advanced passing mechanics: Smooth, repeatable throwing motion that allows him to deliver accurate passes consistently.
- Field vision and processing: Comfortable diagnosing coverages and working through progressions before delivering the football.
- Short-to-intermediate accuracy: Consistently finds windows in zone coverage with strong timing and placement.
- Pocket composure: Remains calm under pressure and navigates the pocket effectively while keeping his eyes downfield.
- Off-platform ability: Capable of throwing from multiple arm angles and making plays when structure breaks down.
Concerns
- Durability: Missed significant time due to injuries throughout his high school career, including an abbreviated senior season.
- Arm strength ceiling: While accurate, his raw velocity may not match some of the stronger-armed quarterbacks in the class.
- Consistency: Limited reps due to injuries have occasionally led to uneven stretches of play.
Projection
Projecting as a highly efficient pocket passer, Dia Bell is capable of thriving in a structured offensive system built around timing, precision and play-action concepts. His accuracy, field awareness and deep-ball touch make him a natural fit in a quarterback-friendly offense.
Bell will likely benefit from a developmental period behind established Longhorn quarterbacks before competing for the starting role. With time to continue building strength and refining his game, he has the potential to emerge as the next polished passer in the program’s pipeline. Looking to the future, Bell’s mechanics, processing ability and passing touch provide the foundation for a productive collegiate career with legitimate Day 2 NFL Draft potential if he remains healthy and continues to progress physically.
Ryder Lyons (BYU Cougars)
6’2” | ~210 lbs | Folsom High School, Calif.
One of the most dynamic and competitive quarterback prospects in the 2026 class, Ryder Lyons blends strong arm talent with improvisational playmaking ability. As a multi-sport standout and California Gatorade Player of the Year, he built a reputation as a fearless competitor who thrives when plays break down and the game moves off script.
Excelling at extending plays with his mobility and creativity, Lyons frequently escapes pressure and creates unexpected throwing lanes. His compact release and natural touch allow him to deliver accurate passes to the short and intermediate levels and combining his ability to change speeds and manipulate defenders helps generate explosive plays down the field. With a strong leadership presence and a long résumé of winning football, Ryder Lyons arrives at BYU as a high-upside quarterback capable of eventually becoming the centerpiece of the offense.
Strengths
- Off-script playmaking: Exceptional ability to extend plays, escape pressure and create opportunities when structure breaks down.
- Quick release: Compact throwing motion allows him to deliver the ball quickly and efficiently in the short and intermediate passing game.
- Pocket manipulation: Navigates pressure effectively with subtle movements and maintains vision downfield.
- Athletic mobility: Capable runner who can generate explosive plays and create advantages in RPO or scramble situations.
- Competitiveness and leadership: Proven winner with strong intangibles and a reputation for stepping up in critical moments.
Concerns
- Hero-ball tendencies: Can occasionally force throws when trying to create big plays.
- Consistency with mechanics: Footwork and throwing mechanics can become inconsistent under pressure.
- Arm strength limitations: More of a touch passer than a pure power thrower when attacking the deeper portions of the field.
- Development timeline: Expected to serve a mission before starting his college career, delaying on-field development.
Projection
At BYU, Lyons will likely follow a patient development path, potentially redshirting and serving a mission before stepping into a starting role. This timeline could allow him to physically mature while also continuing to refine his mechanics and decision-making. Long term, his competitiveness and off-script ability provide a strong foundation for success at the collegiate level. If his mechanics and timing continue to improve, Ryder Lyons has the upside to develop into a high-impact starter with NFL Draft potential.
Bowe Bentley (Oklahoma Sooners)
6’2” | 200 lbs | Celina High School, Texas
Bowe Bentley is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback whose competitive edge and improvisational play style make him one of the more entertaining signal callers in the 2026 class. A natural playmaker with a fearless mentality, the new Sooner thrives when plays break down, frequently extending drives with both his arm and his legs. Bentley’s game is built around creativity and toughness. He is comfortable operating inside the pocket but becomes especially dangerous once he escapes pressure, where his agility and vision allow him to find passing windows or create yards as a runner. His quick release and ability to maintain velocity while throwing on the move make him particularly effective in off-platform situations.
After leading his team to a perfect season and a state championship as a junior, Bentley arrives at Oklahoma with strong production and a reputation as a quarterback who can create explosive plays when the moment demands it.
Strengths
- Off-script playmaking: Exceptional ability to extend plays and generate opportunities outside of structure.
- Dual-threat mobility: Dangerous runner who can beat defenders to the edge and generate explosive gains on designed runs and scrambles.
- Quick release: Compact throwing motion allows him to get the ball out quickly to the short and intermediate levels.
- Accuracy on the move: Maintains velocity and ball placement when throwing outside the pocket.
- Competitive mentality: Proven winner with a strong leadership presence and the confidence to attack defenses in high-pressure situations.
- Production and winning pedigree: Led his team to a perfect season and state championship while producing massive offensive numbers.
Concerns
- Deep-ball consistency: Can show mixed results when pushing the ball vertically down the field.
- Structure versus improvisation: Must continue refining timing and discipline within the structure of the offense.
Projection
Projecting as an exciting dual-threat quarterback capable of generating explosive plays both through the air and on the ground, Bentley’s creativity and competitive nature make him a natural fit for an offense that encourages playmaking and tempo. He will likely have time to develop behind John Mateer before competing for a larger rol, but this developmental period should allow him to refine his decision-making and grow more comfortable operating within a structured passing attack.
Looking to the future, Bowe Bentley’s combination of mobility, arm talent and competitive drive gives him the upside to develop into a multi-year starter with playmaking ability. If he can balance his aggressive style with improved discipline and consistency, he could eventually emerge as a dynamic offensive leader.
Jonas Williams (USC Trojans)
6’1” | 215 lbs | Lincoln-Way East High School, Ill.
Jonas Williams is an experienced and creative quarterback prospect who brings poise, mobility and strong distribution skills to the position. A four-year starter and the all-time leading passer in Illinois high school history, he enters college with a large body of game experience and a reputation for efficiently operating fast-paced offenses.
Williams is at his best when the play extends beyond its original structure. His quick release and ability to throw accurately on the move allow him to find receivers working across the field, particularly in RPO-heavy systems. While capable of operating from the pocket, his creativity and instincts outside of structure often lead to his most explosive plays. With a natural feel for timing concepts and a proven track record of production, Jonas Williams arrives at USC as a quarterback well suited for an up-tempo offensive system.
Strengths
- Extensive experience: Four-year starter with significant game reps and strong statistical production.
- Quick release: Delivers the ball rapidly, allowing him to operate efficiently in timing-based offenses.
- Accuracy on the move: Comfortable throwing while rolling out or escaping pressure, often finding crossers and intermediate targets in stride.
- RPO command: Displays good timing and decisiveness in run-pass option concepts.
- Touch and trajectory: Capable of layering passes downfield and fitting throws over defenders.
- Leadership and composure: Proven ability to guide an offense and maintain confidence in high-pressure situations.
Concerns
Projection
Fitting into the mold of a modern-system quarterback capable of efficiently distributing the football within an up-tempo offensive structure, Williams’ quick release, experience in RPO concepts and ability to extend plays give him the tools to thrive in a quarterback-friendly scheme. He may benefit from a developmental year at USC as he adapts to the speed and complexity of the college game. With multiple quarterbacks already on the roster, this period could allow him to refine his timing and mechanics within the offense.
Long term, his experience, creativity and feel for the position provide a strong foundation for a productive collegiate career. If Jonas Williams continues developing physically and sharpens his downfield consistency, he has the potential to emerge as a capable Power Four starter with NFL Draft consideration.
RELATED: Devy Quarterback Scouting Report: Jaden Craig (2026)
Thanks for reading my article on the Devy Freshman Quarterbacks of 2026! For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
*Photo Credit: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean – USA TODAY Sports*
