Well, here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2026 season.
As usual, we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Darian Mensah, Miami
Darian Mensah has been a star wherever he has been. He was great at Tulane, then he went to Duke and led the Blue Devils to a 9-win season, an ACC Title, and a bowl victory as he threw for nearly 4000 yards. If he can do that at Duke, what can he do at Miami, where the last 2 Hurricane QBs were NFL picks?
I’m expecting Mensah, with the talent surrounding him at Miami, to have an All-American type of season. He’s never won fewer than 9 games. Some critics say he’s a bit undersized for the NFL, but as a college QB, he’s a perfect fit, and a winner.
2) Kevin Jennings, SMU
Just one QB is returning off last year’s top 5 ACC QB list, that’s SMU Kevin Jennings, who took over as the starting QB at SMU early in the 2024 season. It changed everything for SMU last year. He threw for 3,245 yards while completing 65% of his passes in 2024. Then in 2025, he threw for 3,641 yards with a completion rate of 66%.
It was another 9-win season for SMU, with a bowl victory. Jennings is experienced, he wins, and he might make SMU the biggest threat to Miami in the ACC.
3) CJ Bailey, NC State
CJ Bailey is just starting to touch the surface of his potential. Last year, he completed nearly 69% of his passes for 3,105 yards. He also totaled 215 yards on the ground, leading NC State to an 8-win season. Former coach and college football analyst Jimbo Fisher says Bailey can be a first-round pick.
Bailey could be the best NFL draft prospect of the bunch, and NC State has to feel great about getting him back. He could have a monster breakout season.
4) Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California
Last year Cal’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele showed flashes of the kind of QB play that could land him at the top of this list one day. Despite a coaching change, Cal managed to hold on to JKS to lead the Bears in 2026. The 6’3 former star recruit had 3,454 passing yards with a completion rate of 64%.
JKS could be a little inconsistent, but as a freshman, there isn’t any reason to think he won’t have a monster 2026 season. If you don’t JKS you will after this year.
5) Mason Heintschel, Pittsburgh
Last year, Pitt’s Eli Holstein was one of the ACC’s better returning quarterbacks. It took Mason Heintschel just a handful of games to take over and never relinquish the job back to Holstein. Heintschel threw for over 2300 yards passing in just 9 games started, going 6-3, while nearly leading Pittsburgh to the ACC Championship Game.
Heintschel is a fearless, confident competitor. That’s the kind of makuep you want out of your QB, and the Panthers have a good one.
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