Northwestern’s 2026 QB picture is wide open. From portal targets to high school commits, here’s who could lead the Wildcats next season.
Dropped in recruiting class? Northwestern just stacked the depth chart. The Wildcats welcomed 21 new faces from the Class of 2026 on National Signing Day Wednesday, their largest recruiting haul since 2003. And it feels like a legit culture-shift moment in Evanston.
The headline move? Quarterback Johnny O’Brien officially putting pen to paper. The Palatine, Illinois, native is the lone QB commit in the class, and Northwestern made sure to lock him down early. According to David Braun, programs from the SEC and all over the map tried to flip O’Brien late, but the kid never wavered. He bought into the vision.
Braun loves what O’Brien brings to the table: live arm, quick processor, natural command of the offense. And it’s not just the tools. This is a vocal leader, a fiery competitor, and the kind of quarterback teammates rally around in the huddle.
That said, recruiting never sleeps, and neither does roster building in the portal era. With Braun and the front office still looking to fortify the QB room, the next move is clear.
Here are the top transfer quarterback targets Northwestern should have on speed dial as they look to keep stacking the room and future-proof the position.
1. Rocco Becht (Iowa State)
Becht is the definition of plug-and-play. A three-year starter, he hit the portal on Dec. 20 with one season left after Matt Campbell bolted for Penn State. The résumé checks out — 64 career TD passes, second-most in Cyclones history behind Brock Purdy.
Son of former NFL tight end Anthony Becht, Rocco’s been battle-tested against legit defenses and has taken real hits. This is a QB1-ready option who understands protections, tempo, and how to manage a game when things get muddy.
2. Sam Leavitt (Arizona State)
Leavitt brings winning DNA. He helped steer Arizona State to a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance before an injury cut his 2025 season short after seven games. His 2024 tape still pops, nearly 2,900 passing yards, 24 TDs, plus real juice as a runner.
He’s mobile, creative off-script, and comfortable on big stages. In a Big Ten where chaos lives in the trenches, that playmaker gene matters.
3. Kenny Minchey (Notre Dame)
Minchey’s path got blocked, not broken. He lost the QB battle to CJ Carr, who’s now entrenched after a breakout year. In limited reps, Minchey was efficient and explosive, completing 20 of 26 passes and adding value with his legs.
Northwestern could pitch him what Notre Dame couldn’t: the keys to the offense. Clear runway, leadership reps, and a chance to be the guy instead of the backup plan.
4. Drew Mestemaker (North Texas)
This is your late-round grinder with starter traits. A former walk-on who just ripped off a 4,000-yard season, Mestemaker led North Texas into a conference title chase and a bowl berth. That’s production, not projection.
Accurate, poised, and sharp pre-snap, he feels like a QB who can run the system, protect the football, and keep the offense on schedule. Exactly what NU’s been chasing.
5. Josh Hoover (TCU)
Hoover brings volume, durability, and reps. Over 35 career games, he’s piled up 9,600+ yards and 71 touchdowns, averaging over eight yards per attempt. Now, that’s sustained efficiency.
If Northwestern wants a quarterback who can step into the huddle on Day 1 and command it, Hoover’s experience as a full-time starter gives him a real edge.
Northwestern already locked up its future with Johnny O’Brien, now it’s about securing the present. A portal QB who can stabilize the room, raise the floor, and keep the Wildcats competitive while the young guns develop. That’s roster building the modern way.