The Ultimate Quarterback Tier List for College Football 26
Understanding the Tier List Approach
Before diving into individual quarterbacks, it's important to understand the methodology behind this tier list. Ratings are assessed based on:
Speed and Acceleration: Determines mobility and the ability to escape pressure or extend plays.
Throw Power: Crucial for deep passes and overcoming defensive coverage.
Accuracy Ratings: Includes short, medium, and deep passing, as well as high and low 3/4 accuracy.
Release: How easily the quarterback's throw animations sync with input, affecting timing and success on-the-run passes.
Abilities: Gold or silver abilities like On-Time, Dot, Off-Platform, and Shifty are critical for scheme flexibility and situational advantages.
The combination of these factors determines whether a quarterback lands in S, A, B, C, D, or F tier.
F-Tier Quarterbacks-Avoid or Use Only for Budget
F-tier quarterbacks generally have poor release mechanics, limited abilities, or low accuracy. These cards are challenging to build around unless you are looking for a very cheap or specialized card. Notable F-tier quarterbacks include:
Chandler Morris: 87 speed, 86 acceleration, 91 throw power, and solid short-to-medium accuracy, but silver On-Time 6 ability and limited release options drop him to F-tier.
Mark Gronicowski: 92 speed and acceleration with 85 throw power, but terrible over-the-top release renders him a non-starter.
Brandon Lewis: 92 speed, 98 acceleration, and good throw power, yet poor release and lack of abilities keep him in F-tier.
Julian Lewis: 91 speed and acceleration, 94 throw power, but no useful abilities and poor over-the-top release make him virtually unusable.
Players should only consider F-tier quarterbacks if they are looking for novelty or extremely low-cost options.
D-Tier Quarterbacks-Budget Playable
D-tier quarterbacks have slightly better ratings than F-tier but still struggle with consistency. They can serve as budget options or backups:
Byron Brown: 92 speed, 92 acceleration, 92 throw power, and solid short and medium accuracy. Off-platform silver for five makes him a competent but unremarkable card.
Tommy Castellanos: 90 speed, 89 acceleration, 92 throw power, gold off-platform 7 ability. His 5'11 height and limited deep accuracy keep him in D-tier.
These quarterbacks can be useful for casual gameplay or as temporary solutions while saving for higher-tier options.
C-Tier Quarterbacks-Mid-Range Value
C-tier quarterbacks are serviceable for most players. They offer strong mobility and accuracy but may lack elite abilities or deep throws for high-level schemes:
Brendan Sorsby: 91 speed, 90 acceleration, 94 throw power, gold off-platform 6. He is a versatile mid-tier option, capable of running most offensive schemes.
Diego Pave: 93 speed, 82 acceleration, 94 throw power, gold off-platform 6. Strong mobility paired with solid abilities makes him a reliable choice.
Sam Bradford: 93 speed, 88 acceleration, 94 throw power, gold off-platform 7. Good release and respectable abilities place him near the top of C-tier.
Doug Fluty: 5'10, 93 speed, 90 acceleration, 96 low throw power, gold dot 5, gold off-platform 5. Fluty performs slightly better than other lower mobility quarterbacks.
Jake Locker: 93 speed, 90 acceleration, 96 throw power, decent release, gold off-platform 5. Can compete at mid-level gameplay.
C-tier quarterbacks are perfect for players balancing mobility, throw power, and budget, making them ideal for mid-tier team builds.
B-Tier Quarterbacks-Strong Options
B-tier quarterbacks excel in mobility and accuracy but may lack the ultimate abilities or high-end release of A and S-tier cards. These are solid choices for competitive play without going full S-tier:
Andrew Luck: Though slightly dropping from A-tier due to updates, Luck's discount abilities and overall stats keep him relevant.
Troy Aman: Consistent stats make him reliable for most schemes.
Michael Vic: Retains A-tier potential due to the Shifty ability for quarterbacks on gold level. His agility is valuable for spread offenses or Utah-style schemes.
John Matier: 90 speed, 89 acceleration, 96 throw power, gold dot 7, gold off-platform 7. Reliable but slightly edged out by A-tier quarterbacks.
Trinidad Chamblas: 6'0, 93 speed, 93 acceleration, 95 throw power, dot 8, off-platform 8. Name recognition is high, but performance leans B-tier.B-tier quarterbacks strike a balance between skill and usability, offering high value for teams that can't invest in top-tier options.
A-Tier Quarterbacks-Elite Performers
A-tier quarterbacks dominate the field with excellent mobility, strong throw power, and abilities that provide flexibility in nearly any offensive scheme:
Dante Moore: 6'3, 93 speed, 91 acceleration, 94 throw power, gold dot 7, gold off-platform 7. Combines height, mobility, and abilities, making him a premier choice.
Donovan McNab: 6'2, 93 speed, 93 acceleration, 95 throw power, gold dot 4, gold off-platform 4. Solid stats and abilities, though sometimes inconsistent.
Carson Beck: 88 speed, 89 acceleration, 96 throw power, gold On-Time. A hidden gem comparable to Troy Aman in mid-tier performance.
Vince Young: 94 speed, 90 acceleration, 96 throw power, gold off-platform 7. Excellent mobility and power combination for high-paced offenses.
A-tier quarterbacks are versatile, consistent, and capable of competing with S-tier performers in the right hands.
S-Tier Quarterbacks-The Best in the Game
S-tier quarterbacks are the absolute best. They have the highest throw power, mobility, accuracy, and elite abilities, making them must-have cards for competitive players:
Drew Mesa Maker: 93 speed, 91 acceleration, 97 throw power, gold dot 4, gold On-Time 5. Exceptional release and abilities make him a top-tier QB.
Johnny Manzel: 95 speed, 96 acceleration, 96 throw power, gold dot 4, gold off-platform 4. Considered QB1 in the game, combining speed, accuracy, and elite abilities.
Joe Branisk: 6'4, 93 speed, 90 acceleration, 97 throw power, high 3/4s 10, gold dot 4, On-Time 5. Great release and elite throw power.
Vinnie Tessavery: 6'5, 93 speed, 91 acceleration, 97 throw power, gold dot 4. Height, accuracy, and release put him in S-tier.
S-tier quarterbacks are game-changers, providing maximum efficiency in passing, mobility, and ability usage. They are ideal for high-level Ultimate Team or competitive play.
Key Takeaways
1.Mobility Matters: Speed and acceleration are crucial for escaping pressure and extending plays. Cards like Vince Young and Dante Moore excel in this category.
2.Abilities Make a Difference: Gold dot, On-Time, Off-Platform, and Shifty abilities significantly affect quarterback performance. Cards like Johnny Manzel and Drew Mesa Maker benefit greatly.
3.Release Is Crucial: Over-the-top releases or poor animations can limit even high-rated quarterbacks. Cards with smooth releases maintain consistent passing accuracy under pressure.
4.Budget vs. Elite: F and D-tier quarterbacks are great for budget builds, while S and A-tier cards dominate competitive settings. Mid-tier C and B-tier quarterbacks balance cost and performance effectively.
5.Height Considerations: Shorter quarterbacks like Tommy Castellanos or Doug Fluty may struggle in certain plays despite solid mobility, impacting their tier placement.
Recommendations for Players
Casual or Budget Players: Opt for C-tier or D-tier quarterbacks. They are cost-effective, easy to use, and can win games with smart play.
Competitive or Elite Play: Focus on S and A-tier quarterbacks. These cards have superior stats and abilities, allowing for high-level strategies and consistent performance.
Scheme-Specific Choices: Use quarterbacks like Michael Vic if you want to run a Shifty-based offense or choose tall quarterbacks for red-zone passing advantages.
Conclusion
The quarterback tier list in CFB 26 continues to evolve, with players needing to balance stats, abilities, and personal playstyle. From F-tier budget options to S-tier elite performers like Johnny Manzel, Drew Mesa Maker, and Joe Branisk, knowing which quarterbacks to target can drastically improve your Ultimate Team experience.
By understanding release mechanics, abilities, NCAA Football 26 Coins, speed, and throw power, players can make informed decisions that suit their offensive strategy. For those looking to dominate the field, S and A-tier quarterbacks remain the gold standard, while B and C-tier options provide excellent value for mid-level gameplay.
With this comprehensive tier list, you can confidently build a quarterback lineup tailored to your style, maximizing both your in-game success and enjoyment of College Football 26.