Backup quarterbacks are reshaping the 2026 college football season, with injuries and benchings forcing teams to rethink their playoff plans. Some, like Tennessee’s George MacIntyre and UCLA’s Ty Dieffenbach, have turned opportunity into momentum; others face uncertain quarterback competitions that could derail their teams’ postseason hopes.

By the Numbers
  • Ole Miss won 10 of 11 games after Trinidad Chambliss replaced injured starter Austin Simmons.
  • UCLA is 6-0; Dieffenbach threw for 264 yards in his first official start.
  • Oregon is 4-2, while No. 15 Iowa is 5-1.
  • Michigan’s Bryce Underwood threw 5 touchdown passes and 6 interceptions through 6 games before being benched.
Yes, But

A strong backup can revive a season, but a change at quarterback is no guarantee of success. Oregon’s Dylan Raiola has delivered both a standout relief performance and a poor start, while several teams still face unsettled competitions or uncertain starter returns.

State of Play
  • Ohio State’s Julian Sayin is out indefinitely, leaving freshman Luke Fahey in line to start.
  • UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava is out for the season, with Dieffenbach now leading the unbeaten Bruins.
  • Michigan, Tennessee, Iowa and Washington have turned to backups after struggling results from their original starters.
  • Oregon is weighing Raiola against Brock Thomas as it tries to stay in playoff contention.
What’s Next

Upcoming games will test whether these new starters can sustain their teams’ momentum. Ohio State faces No. 16 USC after its bye, Michigan meets No. 6 Indiana, and UCF is set to host No. 2 BYU with Keyone Jenkins at quarterback.

Bottom Line

In a season shaped by injuries and uneven play, backup quarterbacks are no longer just insurance—they may decide who reaches the College Football Playoff.