As we hit the preview portion of the 2026 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of which players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning quarterbacks in 2026.
NOTES:
- These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
- 2026 FBS-to-FCS or non-D1-to-FCS transfers will not be included.
- Top Returning FCS Running Backs
Best Returning FCS Quarterbacks
25. Sonny Mannino, Marist
24. Jared Lockhart, Jackson State
23. Bryce Schondelmyer, Dayton
22. Frankie Weaver, Monmouth
21. Jake Stearney, Colgate
20. Joshua Wood, Idaho
19. Gunnar Smith, Fordham
18. Grayson Saunier, Dartmouth
17. Cason Carswell, Western Illinois
16. Dante Reno, Yale
15. Andrew Indorf, Towson
14. James Murphy, Brown
13. Jerry Kaminski, North Dakota
*t12. Pat McQuaide, Villanova
*McQuaide could potentially get one more year of eligibility
t12. Collin Hurst, West Georgia (transfer from Presbyterian)
11. Ty Pennington, Northern Arizona
10. Hayden Johnson, Lehigh
9. Jordan Cooke, Idaho State
8. Andrew Body, Alabama State
7. Chase Mason, South Dakota State
6. DJ Williams, Southern Illinois
5. Devin Farrell, Rhode Island
Farrell is a two-time All-CAA selection for the Rams and is coming off a dynamite season. In 2024, he played in 10 games, throwing for 1,670 yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while rushing for 302 yards and five scores, earning Third Team All-CAA honors. Last year, Farrell took a big step forward. The 6-foot and 195-pounder finished No. 2 in FCS passing yards, throwing for 3,745 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on 267/410 passing (65%). He also rushed for three touchdowns. Farrell, who started his college career at Virginia Tech before transferring to Rhody in 2023, was named an All-American by FCS Football Central and earned a spot on the All-CAA First Team. His 90.3 PFF grade ranked No. 9 among FCS quarterbacks, and he finished No. 13 in passing efficiency.
4. Chris Parson, Austin Peay
Austin Peay saw a strong turnaround last season, going from 4-8 in 2024 to 7-5. A major reason for that was the arrival of Parson from Mississippi State. A four-star prospect out of high school with nearly 20 power-conference offers, he showed off his talent in 2025. The 5-foot-11, 224-pound redshirt sophomore went 206/326 passing (63%) for 3,003 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions while rushing 168 times for 743 yards and 14 touchdowns. Parson’s 86.6 overall PFF grade was No. 20 in the FCS, and he owned the No. 11 passing efficiency. He was named on the All-UAC First Team, earned All-American accolades from Stats Perform and FCS Football Central, and finished No. 10 in Walter Payton Award voting.
3. Keali’i Ah Yat, Montana
After splitting time as Montana’s starter in 2024, Ah Yat turned from a promising young quarterback to an elite quarterback. Last season, he finished No. 1 in FCS passing yards, going 325/470 (69%) for 4,070 yards, 33 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, along with eight rushing scores. The 33 touchdowns were No. 4 in the subdivision. The 6-foot-1 and 200-pound redshirt sophomore led the Grizzlies to the semifinals while earning multiple All-American accolades, being named on the All-Big Sky First Team, and finishing No. 9 in Walter Payton Award voting. Ah Yat finished No. 10 in FCS passing efficiency and was the No. 24-graded FCS quarterback on PFF. He was one of two FCS/FBS quarterbacks to throw for more than 4,000 yards last season, joining North Texas’ Drew Mestemaker (4,379).
2. Justin Lamson, Montana State
Montana State won its first national championship in 41 years last season. A major part of that was finding a more efficient and reliable passing game. Justin Lamson transferred to MSU from Stanford, tasked with winning the starting job and taking over for the legendary Tommy Mellott. Lamson delivered, going 255/356 (71.6%) for 3,172 yards, 26 TDs, and three interceptions while rushing for 734 yards and 16 scores. He was at his best in the biggest games, notably his performance in a win at Montana to secure a Top 2 playoff seed, beating the Griz again in the semifinals, and then another excellent performance in the natty win, earning the game’s Most Outstanding Player. The 6-foot-2 and 210-pound junior was named on the All-Big Sky Second Team and was the conference’s Newcomer of the Year. Lamson also finished No. 7 in Walter Payton Award voting. He was No. 5 in FCS passing efficiency, and graded out as PFF’s No. 10 FCS quarterback.
1. Beau Brungard, Youngstown State
Brungard was a human highlight reel last season, winning the Walter Payton Award as the best FCS offensive player. The unanimous First Team All-American went 277/403 passing (69%) for 3,234 yards, 26 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Brungard was just as dangerous with his legs, rushing 242 times for 1,468 yards and 27 more scores. He finished No. 6 in FCS rushing yards, No. 2 in rushing touchdowns, No. 7 in passing yards, and No. 9 in passing TDs. Brungard’s arm improved from his sophomore year to his junior season in 2025. He was a First Team All-MVFC selection as an all-purpose player in 2024, throwing for 2,141 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while rushing for 998 yards and 16 TDs. The 6-foot and 215-pounder elevated his play and lit it up in 2025 with his dual-threat abilities. Brungard’s 92.0 overall PFF grade finished No. 5 among FCS quarterbacks, and he ranked No. 14 in passing efficiency.
