College football programs evaluate new starting quarterbacks after Week 1 performances

Major college football programs introduced new starting quarterbacks during the opening week of the 2026 season. Miami transfer Darian Mensah led the Hurricanes to a 45-6 win over Stanford, finishing with 401 passing yards and five touchdowns. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt accounted for three total touchdowns in his debut against Clemson, while Tennessee freshman Faizon Brandon produced five total scores in a victory against Furman. Indiana’s Josh Hoover recorded four passing touchdowns during his first start for the Hoosiers. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell also made his debut, contributing to a halftime lead against his opponent with a rushing touchdown and 256 passing yards. These signal-callers, spanning transfers and true freshmen, now prepare for their respective upcoming games as programs assess their offensive rotations.

• 6:28 AMYahoo Sports — Ranking the new quarterbacks' debuts, from Darian Mensah masterclass to DJ Lagway head-scratcher