With Zero Chill content shaking up Madden Ultimate Team, the quarterback landscape in Madden 26 has shifted dramatically. New discounted-ability buckets, theme-team boosts, and all-32 chemistry options have made several cards significantly more powerful than they were just a month ago. Whether you're planning upgrades using your existing lineup or looking to buy Madden 26 coins to accelerate your progress, understanding these changes is essential. If you're trying to build a top-tier MUT offense or simply understand why certain QBs dominate the meta, this instructional guide breaks down the latest tier list-A tier through S+-and helps you choose the right quarterback for your playstyle.

Understanding Why This Tier List Changed

Zero Chill quarterbacks have changed the game. Unlike most promo cards, these QBs receive frozen ability discounts and theme-team chem boosts that remain active until January 15. For a position that is entirely dependent on fast releases, accuracy boosts, and mobility, discounted abilities can elevate even mid-tier cards into elite territory.

Meanwhile, recent Team Diamonds and LTDs still offer solid value, but their inability to access these discounted abilities is what separates A-tier players from S+ monsters. If you're wondering why certain QBs fell in the rankings, that’s the reason.

A Tier: Solid Starters With Limited Ability Value

The A-tier quarterbacks—LTD Vinny Testaverde, Dan Fouts, and Joe Unitas-offer reliable gameplay without the explosive upside of higher tiers.

· Vinny Testaverde stands out as the best of the group, thanks to his height (6’5"), smooth release, and enough mobility to escape pressure.

· Dan Fouts and Unitas are similar in attributes and play style.

· All three get full-price tactician, Set Feet Lead, and Pass Lead Elite, but none receive discounted buckets.

These QBs work well for budget squads or pocket passers, but you’ll feel the difference the moment you move into S tier.

S Tier: Competitive Options With Playstyle-Driven Value

The S tier is home to quarterbacks who can absolutely win games but lack the boosted ability packages or elite mobility required to reach S+. These cards shine depending on your scheme.

Steve Young (92 OVR)

A mobile lefty with a clean release, Young is a dangerous dual-threat option. If you run rollout plays or designed QB runs, he fits perfectly.

Troy Aikman (93 OVR)

More of a classic pocket passer. Aikman’s right-handed release and strong accuracy make him ideal for players who never scramble and want a consistent, smooth thrower.

Cam Newton (90–91 OVR)

Cam’s mobility is elite for his tier, and he adds true running-back-like ball-carrier potential. Though he misses Set Feet Lead, he brings big-play upside.

Peyton Manning (Collector Series)

Peyton’s discounted ability bucket is his key advantage. If you're a strict pocket passer who doesn’t care about mobility, he’s one of the best “brainy” QBs in MUT.

Baker Mayfield (Stocking Stuffer)

Compact throwing motion, good speed, and reliable accuracy. Baker’s only drawback is height, but his release is one of the best in the game.

Shad Sanders (All 32)

When he released, he looked like the clear QB1 thanks to all-32 chemistry and strong stats. But the lack of discounted abilities now holds him back compared to Zero Chill elites.

S+ Tier: The Best Quarterbacks in Madden 26

These are the QBs that define the meta. Every player in this tier benefits from Zero Chill discounted abilities, theme-team boosts, and elite mobility.

Tim Tebow (Zero Chill)

Tebow plays like a running back with a cannon. He gets gunslinger, Set Feet Lead, and frozen ability discounts-plus all-32 chem. The only knocks: his release and being a lefty. If those don’t bother you, he's a monster.

Kyler Murray (Stocking Stuffer)

Lightning fast with 95 acceleration and custom running animations. Kyler is pure fun and one of the deadliest scramblers in MUT.

Josh Allen (Zero Chill) – QB1

Allen currently sits alone at the top. He combines elite acceleration, top-tier throw power, a clean custom release, and full frozen-ability access. With Tebow at backup for stat boosts, Allen becomes nearly flawless. He’s the perfect blend of mobility, power, and discounted abilities.

Final Thoughts

When choosing your quarterback in Madden 26, ability discounts matter more than nearly any other factor. Zero Chill QBs dominate because they receive powerful frozen abilities and theme-team boosts that last more than a month. If you’re running an older RG3, Shad Sanders, or any non-Zero Chill QB, know that you’re playing at a real disadvantage-unless you invest smartly and use your cheap mut 26 coins to upgrade efficiently. If you want the best chance to win right now, the path is simple: Go Zero Chill. Get Josh Allen, Kyler Murray, or Tebow. Build around discounted abilities. That’s the meta-and it will stay that way until mid-January.