Chicago Bears Named Tyson Bagent Starting Quarterback

The Bears have selected Tyson Bagent to start against the New York Jets this Sunday.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Football

Chicago Bears Named Tyson Bagent Starting Quarterback

Live Poll

Do you believe playing Division I college football is necessary to succeed in the NFL?

The Chicago Bears have officially named Tyson Bagent as the starting quarterback for this weekend's game against the New York Jets. Bagent replaces Case Keenum as the starter because Caleb Williams is out.

Why it matters

Bagent steps into the starting role to stabilize the Chicago offense during Caleb Williams' absence. His promotion follows his signing of a $10 million contract extension with the team in 2025.

Bagent holds the NCAA all-division record with 159 total career touchdown passes. His collegiate performance includes a standout 2021 season where he completed 391 of 579 passes for 5,000 yards and 53 touchdowns.

The players

Tyson Bagent

He is a professional quarterback for the Chicago Bears who previously played at Shepherd University and holds the all-division NCAA record for career touchdown passes.

Caleb Williams

He is the primary starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears who is currently sidelined for the upcoming game.

Case Keenum

He is a veteran NFL quarterback who was replaced by Tyson Bagent as the Bears' starter.

The details

An undrafted free agent who attended Shepherd University, Bagent previously gained attention by winning the 2021 Harlon Hill Trophy. During his high school career, he amassed 7,800 passing yards and 112 touchdowns.

Bagent recorded 5,000 passing yards and 53 touchdowns during the 2021 season.
Bagent starts against the New York Jets on October 4, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Bagent's promotion shifts the immediate competitive balance for the Chicago Bears as they navigate the absence of their primary signal-caller. This move forces the team to rely on depth chart adjustments to maintain their playoff-chasing momentum through the current season.

Fantasy managers and bettors should account for Bagent's starting status, as his performance will directly dictate the offensive output against the New York Jets. His play style and reliance on his 159-touchdown collegiate pedigree will now be tested in a full NFL starting capacity.

The takeaway

Bagent represents a unique case of a highly productive small-school talent successfully transitioning to the professional level. His ability to adapt from his record-setting collegiate career will be the primary factor in Chicago's offensive efficiency this week.