A college football quarterback depth chart lists a team’s stated order at the position: the starter is first, the backup is second, and third string is third. It is a snapshot of the listing—not a guarantee that each player will take the field or how many snaps he will get. To understand what it means for a particular game, check the chart’s date, any shared “OR” designation, coach comments and a separate availability report.
What do QB1, QB2 and QB3 mean?
- Starter or QB1: The first quarterback listed. In ordinary usage, he is the team’s primary choice to start, subject to availability and game-specific decisions.
- Backup or QB2: The next quarterback listed, generally the first replacement if the starter cannot play or leaves the game.
- Third string or QB3: The third quarterback in the listed order. The label identifies his place on the chart; it does not predict that he will enter a game.
A “two-deep” generally lists the starter and primary backup. Third-string information may appear on a deeper chart, but teams do not all use the same public format or publish the same depth of information.
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How to read a college football quarterback depth chart
Check who published it and when
A depth chart might come from a team athletics publication, game notes or a third-party reference. Compare charts only when their dates are clear; listings from different weeks may not describe the same point in a season. For a specific team, prefer its latest game notes or athletics publication. Ourlads describes its 2026 college directory as evolving and provides an update date and legend markings, including for transfers and true freshmen: Ourlads’ 2026 NCAA College Football Depth Charts and Rosters.
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Read “OR” as shared or unsettled status, not a firm ranking
When two quarterbacks appear as “A OR B,” the chart is not presenting a simple settled order between them. The notation’s meaning can depend on the team’s conventions, so read it alongside any explanation from the program rather than assuming one player is definitively ahead.
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Compare the order with the coach’s comments
A numbered chart can simplify a competition or developmental plan. In a 2026 NFL example—not a college-team example—the Los Angeles Rams listed Stetson Bennett IV second and Ty Simpson third on a Week 1 chart, while coach Sean McVay described the pair as “2A, 2B” in a developmental context. McVay said, “I’ll tell you when I decide who is going to be the actual two in the game.” The example illustrates why a published order may not fully describe a coach’s intended use: the Rams’ explanation of McVay’s comments.
Does the backup play if the starter is injured?
Usually, the backup is the next listed option and may replace the starter if he cannot continue. But a chart alone cannot establish who will play in every situation. Availability, an in-game decision, a particular package, player development and the coach’s plan can all affect usage. The listing shows an order, not guaranteed snaps or a settled long-term role.
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How is a depth chart different from an availability report?
A depth chart answers, “Where does this player sit in the listed order?” An availability report answers, “Is this player available for this game?” One cannot substitute for the other.
Reporting rules vary by competition and team. The College Football Playoff’s published policy applies to schools in its playoff beginning with the 2025–26 season: it calls for a report three days before each game, daily updates and a final report 90 minutes before kickoff. It is a playoff-specific policy, not a general rule for all college football games. College Football Playoff student-athlete availability reporting policy.
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Team materials can also treat availability separately from the chart. Texas Tech’s 2024 game notes, for example, describe weekly availability categories and a pregame update apart from the depth chart. That is a school-specific example, not a universal NCAA-wide system: Texas Tech at West Virginia game notes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to compare between two teams
- The listed order and publication date for each team.
- Whether the chart gives a clear sequence or uses a shared “OR” designation.
- Game availability from the team or applicable competition report.
- Coach comments about competition, development or planned use.
Use sources from the same point in the season where possible; comparing listings with different dates can create a misleading picture of the two teams’ current quarterback situations.
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