Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning enters the 2026 season as one of college football's biggest stars, but ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers believes another SEC quarterback has earned the top spot.

In a recent episode of ESPN's Get Up, Jordan said Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is currently the top quarterback in college football. When asked whether Manning is the nation's best quarterback, Jordan gave a direct response.

"No, I don't," Jordan said. "I was the one, maybe the only one last year preseason, saying, 'Let's pump the brakes a little bit. We haven't seen this guy play yet.'"

He later acknowledged that Manning proved many doubters wrong as the season progressed. He noted that the Texas quarterback finished the regular season 7-1 as a starter while throwing 20 touchdowns. 

"Arch was the best quarterback at the end of the regular season," Jordan said on ESPN's Get Up (@espncfb YouTube video). "But the best quarterback in the College Football Playoff, and the best quarterback going into this season, in my opinion, is Trinidad Chambliss."

Jordan pointed to Chambliss' postseason performances, including a 362-yard outing against Georgia and a standout display against Miami. These were the two biggest reasons behind his ranking. 

He also revealed there had been first-round NFL Draft buzz around the Ole Miss quarterback before he chose to return for another season.

Jordan stopped short of naming Manning his No. 1 quarterback, but he expects the Texas star to remain firmly in the Heisman Trophy race. He also believes Manning still has room to improve before becoming a projected first-round NFL Draft pick.

Chambliss' 2025 campaign changed Jordan's outlook 

Jordan's ranking was backed by Chambliss' breakout 2025 season. Chambliss turned plenty of heads during the 2025 season after arriving at Ole Miss from Division II Ferris State. 

His production explains why Jordan believes he deserves the No. 1 spot entering 2026. According to Tucker Harlin of College Football HQ on SI, Chambliss finished last season with 3,937 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. 

His dual-threat ability helped Ole Miss reach its first-ever College Football Playoff semifinal.

Chambliss now returns with high expectations despite several offensive changes around him.

Manning is coming off his first full season as Texas' starter after throwing for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns.

With both quarterbacks leading College Football Playoff contenders, the debate over college football's best passer is likely to continue throughout the 2026 season.

Who do you think is the best college football QB, Manning or Chambliss? Let us know in the comments.

Read more on the Michigan Football Community

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey