For this exercise, we surveyed more than 40 coaches and staffers from across college football, soliciting their opinions on the quarterbacks they faced, how the QBs in their conference stack up and who the best in the country are. We relied heavily on this feedback to form the list. There was no formal point system or vote tally. We simply leaned on coaches for their expertise. All coaches were granted anonymity in exchange for their candor while discussing other teams\u2019 quarterbacks.<\/p>\n
The rankings and tiers are based on a combination of coaches\u2019 perspectives, the players\u2019 physical abilities and traits, career accomplishments to date and a projection of what 2025 may hold for them. We ranked the quarterbacks based on how they stack up at the college level, not what their NFL Draft projection will be (though draft analysis is included for some 2026-eligible prospects, courtesy of Dane Brugler and Nick Baumgardner).<\/p>\n
The quarterbacks are also ranked by conference and by their status: returning starter, transfer or new starter. Returning starters are those who generally started more than half of their current team\u2019s 2024 games, with exceptions for QBs who were opening-day starters but lost extended time to injury. Transfers include only the projected starting QBs who transferred to their current team this offseason. New starters are mostly first-time starters and generally include QBs who haven\u2019t started at least half a season before.<\/p>\n
For teams that haven\u2019t officially named a starter because they\u2019re still engaged in a quarterback battle, we ranked who we project to start based on information gathered to this point.<\/p>\n
Let the debate begin.<\/p>\n
Tier Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 5 Tier 6 Tier 7<\/p>\n
Conference ACC American Big 12 Big Ten CUSA Ind. MAC Mountain West Pac-12 SEC Sun Belt<\/p>\n
Status New starter Returning starter Transfer<\/p>\n
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Loading<\/p>\n
Try changing or resetting your filters to see more.<\/p>\n
Tier 1<\/p>\n
The lack of consensus on a clear-cut No. 1 underscored the unique quarterback year this is in college football. There\u2019s no alpha. Garrett Nussmeier, LaNorris Sellers and DJ Lagway all got No. 1 votes. But Klubnik received the most love from opposing coaches because he checks every box.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s really solid everywhere,\u201d a Power 4 head coach said. \u201cGood, accurate passer, good size, can run. \u2026 I don\u2019t know if he\u2019s elite at any trait, but I don\u2019t think he has any weaknesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Klubnik, a former five-star recruit, increased his production from 2023 to 2024, cut down his interception rate and got Clemson back to the College Football Playoff. <\/p>\n
\u201cI was a Cade Klubnik hater,\u201d a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. \u201cHe balled out last year. I was impressed with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Tigers are a trendy pick to go deep into the CFP in 2025, and Klubnik is a big reason why. <\/p>\n
Since enrolling at Clemson, Klubnik has made noticeable improvements each season and has put himself in position to be an early-round prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. I was particularly impressed with his ability to adjust his platform and deliver with touch. He is still guilty of the occasional panic moment when he feels pressure, but Klubnik is a good-sized athlete and is becoming more and more consistent as a passer. \u2014 Dane Brugler<\/p>\n
Tier 1<\/p>\n
ACC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Nussmeier waited three years on the bench for his chance to be QB1 at LSU, but when his time arrived, he dazzled. He\u2019s the only returning starter in the FBS who threw for 4,000-plus yards last season.<\/p>\n
His ability to laser the ball to any part of the field has won a lot of admirers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was up and down on him, then I watched him play (up close) and I was like \u2018This f\u2014\u2019s pretty good,\u2019\u201d a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. \u201cHe can make some great go-ball throws.\u201d<\/p>\n
His footwork and ability to navigate pressure, climb the pocket and still deliver the ball accurately and on time is one of Nussmeier\u2019s best traits. He\u2019s not immune to a head-scratching decision, and he\u2019ll have to work through that, but he plays winning football.<\/p>\n
Said an SEC assistant, \u201cGarrett Nussmeier\u2019s a baller, dude.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nussmeier had overaggressive moments in his first season as a starter last year and needs to take better care of the football. But NFL scouts love his command of the offense and his translatable skill set. He makes pre-snap checks, quickly gets through his reads, navigates around muddy pockets and anticipates passing windows. With a former quarterback and current NFL offensive coordinator for a father (Doug Nussmeier), there isn\u2019t much mystery how he developed his feel and football IQ for the position. \u2014 Brugler<\/p>\n
Tier 1<\/p>\n
SEC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Imagine you\u2019re an SEC defensive lineman or linebacker. You have a free, clean shot at the quarterback with no blockers, no impediments between you and the target. It\u2019s a sack, right? Not if it\u2019s Sellers. It may instead turn into a 40-yard gain.<\/p>\n
South Carolina\u2019s breakout star is a tank. He\u2019s raw as a passer, but he put up respectable numbers in his first year as a starter. But his playmaking ability, even in the toughest of circumstances, is otherworldly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s like the size of a defensive end in that league,\u201d a former SEC assistant said. \u201cSo when he decides to tuck the ball and run with it, he\u2019s a bad matchup for people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other schools thought highly of Sellers; one reportedly offered him a two-year deal for $8 million that he turned down, according to his father. Hanging on to him should have the Gamecocks firmly in CFP contention this season.\n<\/p>\n
This sounds hyperbolic, but Sellers might be the strongest quarterback I have ever evaluated. He isn\u2019t a one-dimensional quarterback by any means, but his superpower is the way he creates conflict for defenses with the ball in his hands, shrugging off contact and making tacklers miss. Hopefully we see more A-to-B-to-C passing reads in the Gamecocks offense in 2025 because the raw talent is there for Sellers to compete for QB1 status. \u2014 Brugler<\/p>\n
Tier 1<\/p>\n
SEC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
If you didn\u2019t stay up late last season or tune into the CW, you might have missed one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country. The Washington State transfer accounted for nearly 4,000 combined passing and rushing yards and 44 touchdowns. He followed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Oklahoma, so the system continuity will benefit him and the Sooners.<\/p>\n
His speed and elusiveness jump off the tape, but he\u2019s no slouch as a passer. Coaches we spoke with were nearly universal in their praise, and expectations are high for Mateer, even as he steps into the rugged SEC.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has some Baker Mayfield to his game,\u201d a Power 4 personnel director said. \u201cHe can throw off-platform and run around back there if he needs to, but he still has really good arm talent. He\u2019s not hesitant to throw it in tight windows.\u201d <\/p>\n
Mobility and moxie \u2013 Mateer has an excess of both in his game. He was a lot of fun to watch in the Washington State offense, and it will be interesting to see how he does (with the same offensive coordinator) vs. SEC competition in Norman in 2025. With his athleticism and toughness, Mateer is a true dual-threat weapon who can also rip strikes down the field. \u2014 Brugler <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The No. 1 QB in the 2024 recruiting class according to On3, Lagway opened eyes immediately last season, throwing for a Florida freshman record 456 yards in his first start. He started the second half of the season, and though he made his share of freshman mistakes, he showed why he was so highly regarded, capping the year with a 300-yard performance and bowl game MVP honors.<\/p>\n
He displayed elite arm talent, good mobility and poise beyond that of a typical true freshman. His size and strength helped him keep plays alive. With Lagway behind center, the future is bright in Gainesville.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I\u2019m starting a team right now, I\u2019m probably taking DJ Lagway as my quarterback,\u201d a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. <\/p>\n
Tier 1<\/p>\n
SEC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Allar is a polarizing player. There are very credible NFL Draft analysts who view him as a potential top-five pick. Other observers are less enthusiastic: \u201cHe\u2019s timid. He gets freaked out by pressure,\u201d a Power 4 personnel director said. \u201cNow, he is athletic. He can run. I know people probably make the Josh Allen comparison. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s that athletic, but he\u2019s a moose. I think he\u2019s just OK.\u201d <\/p>\n
The truth is not many quarterbacks possess Allar\u2019s physical tools \u2014 the size, the great arm, the athleticism. He\u2019s also experienced and will be surrounded by a good supporting cast and strong play caller (OC Andy Kotelnicki). <\/p>\n
Folks have soured on the former five-star because he\u2019s been underwhelming in nearly every big game he\u2019s started. Penn State has sky-high expectations this season, so Allar has an opportunity to change the narrative on the field.\n <\/p>\n
A big athlete with a big arm, Allar checks a lot of the physical boxes for the next level. As a passer, he efficiently reads left-to-right and delivers with anticipation, although his ball placement must become more consistent in 2025. If Allar takes another jump in his development like he did last year (in Year 2 under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki), he could be in the mix for QB1 next April. \u2014 Brugler<\/p>\n
Tier 1<\/p>\n
Big Ten<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Coach Kenny Dillingham has quickly built a strong reputation for QB development. Leavitt is well on his way to becoming the latest success story. <\/p>\n
Leavitt rapidly progressed from first-time starter into the Big 12\u2019s best quarterback by season\u2019s end. He\u2019s a fluid athlete who relied on that athleticism and his legs early on until he found his groove as a passer in the second half of the year. Once he did, Arizona State\u2019s offense took off on its way to a Big 12 title and CFP appearance. Running back Cam Skattebo, the Sun Devils\u2019 heartbeat, is gone, so Leavitt will be relied upon more, but he showed in the second half of last year he\u2019s ready for that sort of responsibility. <\/p>\n
\u201cSuper smart, really good processor, has traits, a real arm. He\u2019s gonna be a stud. He\u2019s a real one,\u201d a Power 4 general manager said.\n <\/p>\n
With his athletic instincts and steady heartbeat, Leavitt does an outstanding job navigating the chaos and finding answers. Scouts want to see him improve his timing and overall process as a passer before he is ready to face NFL defenses, but his abilities to create and take care of the football are why evaluators are optimistic about his football future. \u2014 Brugler <\/p>\n
Tier 1<\/p>\n
Big 12<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The lasting impression of Jennings at the end of 2024 \u2014 throwing three interceptions, including two pick sixes, in a CFP first-round loss at Penn State \u2014 is hard to shake. But coaches didn\u2019t let that cloud their judgment about his talent and body of work, when he went 9-2 as SMU\u2019s starter last year. <\/p>\n
Jennings has the arm strength to get the ball to every part of the field and is elite at creating off schedule. He needs to trim his interception total, but most of those occurred in two games (Penn State and Duke). <\/p>\n
\u201cThe kid\u2019s a baller, a gamer, he gets it done,\u201d a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t always look the prettiest. He\u2019s a little herky-jerky as a thrower. He\u2019s rail thin. But he wins games and is a great leader. And he can throw the crap out of the ball.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Jennings is too small to be considered a high-tier draft prospect, but he\u2019s a great, twitched-up athlete, both in the pocket and on the move, who is capable of escaping backfield trouble with ease. Though most of his best stuff comes off-script, it\u2019s all very hard for defenses to deal with, as Jennings\u2019 arm talent and physical explosion allow him to take full advantage of Rhett Lashlee\u2019s veer-and-shoot-inspired attack. \u2014 Nick Baumgardner <\/p>\n
Tier 1<\/p>\n
ACC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re looking for a traditional passer who can pick a defense apart from the pocket, Hoover fits the bill. \u201cHe\u2019s the most natural thrower in our league,\u201d a Big 12 coordinator said.<\/p>\n
Hoover, the Big 12\u2019s most productive returning passer \u2014 he set a TCU single-season record with 3,949 passing yards last year \u2014 is accurate, operates the offense cleanly and efficiently and has the zip to get the ball to the sidelines and down the field quickly. He\u2019s not a dynamic runner but is mobile enough to escape pressure or pick up a first down in a pinch. Some feel he has a case as the league\u2019s best quarterback over Leavitt.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a problem,\u201d a Power 4 head coach said. \u201cIf he’s gonna sit back there and throw it 40-plus times a game, you’re gonna be concerned until the end of the game that he’s going to move the football and score points.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
He\u2019s not a high-level NFL prospect because of physical limitations and ball placement, but Hoover\u2019s football IQ combined with his work as one of the quickest-working throwers in college football led to a near 4,000-yard season in 2024. Hoover is a highly confident deep-ball thrower and was an outstanding processor last season \u2014 he always seemed to find the open man. \u2014 Baumgardner <\/p>\n
Tier 1<\/p>\n
Big 12<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ranking Manning was one of the toughest exercises. The outside expectations have reached a fever pitch, thanks to his recruiting profile, bloodlines and famous last name. There\u2019s little question about his physical skills: He\u2019s big, with a rocket arm and a healthy dose of athleticism. \u201cHe can throw with anticipation and be completely on schedule with everything he does,\u201d a Power 4 personnel director said.<\/p>\n
But there is some skepticism among opposing coaches in the rush to anoint him after he showed a few growing pains in limited action.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know if I would be ready to crown him as the best quarterback in the nation right now,\u201d a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. \u201cI didn\u2019t walk away from the Louisiana-Monroe film thinking, \u2018Man, this kid is a no-doubt first overall pick in the draft.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Most coaches we spoke with remarked on how unrealistic the expectations of Manning are. But they almost all conceded future success for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cArch Manning\u2019s probably going to be great,\u201d a Power 4 head coach said. \u201cHe should be great. He\u2019s at Texas with a good coach and a good roster, and I think he\u2019s good. All the fanfare is on potential, though.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Regardless if he is in the 2026 or 2027 NFL Draft class, Manning will be viewed as a prized prospect by NFL teams. With only two career starts to his name right now, there is plenty he still needs to prove. But beyond his last name, Manning has teased the skill set to be a high-end NFL starter. Watching his Mississippi State tape from last season, you see a big athlete who plays in rhythm and has the arm to attack every level of the field. \u2014\u00a0Brugler <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tier 2<\/p>\n
Robertson was not Baylor\u2019s opening-day starter last year \u2014 that was transfer Dequan Finn \u2014 but when Robertson took over, it quickly became evident who gave the Bears the best chance to win.<\/p>\n
After Baylor hit rock bottom with a 2-4 first half, Robertson led the team to a six-game winning streak to save the season. In his second season as QB1 with an offense that fits his skill set, he should be even better.<\/p>\n
Robertson doesn\u2019t have the strongest arm or the quickest release, but he gets the job done with consistency and accuracy. He manages Baylor\u2019s offense well and is a real running threat.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he\u2019s limited as a passer, but he was really productive and is a good athlete who can make some plays,\u201d a Big 12 coordinator said.\n <\/p>\n
Tier 2<\/p>\n
Big 12<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A year ago, Beck would have contended for No. 1 on this list. But an up-and-down final season at Georgia, an elbow injury and a transfer to Miami have led to some skepticism. Nobody questions his arm talent or his ability. But Beck\u2019s lack of consistency is a concern. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou watch his tape and you\u2019re like, \u2018All right, this guy is pretty good.\u2019 And then you keep watching and it\u2019s same mistakes over and over again,\u201d a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. \u201cWhen you need a good throw in a critical moment, sometimes you don\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Multiple coaches were bothered by his lack of mobility. An ACC personnel director said Miami is in for a \u201crude awakening\u201d if it thinks it will be better with Beck compared to Cam Ward. But a former Power 4 scouting director still has optimism.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf he\u2019s healthy \u2014 a big if \u2014 he\u2019s the second-best quarterback in the ACC,\u201d he said.\n <\/p>\n
Despite helping Georgia to an SEC championship, Beck struggled to live up to the high expectations last season, including several disaster performances (at Alabama, at Texas). Now at Miami, Beck spins a nice ball and processes really well from the pocket, but the key to his NFL projection will be his ability to make second-reaction plays when forced to play out of structure. \u2014 Brugler<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Altmyer progressed from Ole Miss\u2019 backup in 2022 to first-time starter at Illinois in 2023 to quality Big Ten quarterback in 2024. Coach Bret Bielema\u2019s offenses will always be run-first, but they\u2019re at their best when the quarterback can make the necessary throws. And Altmyer is ideal for the system. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a really good game manager,\u201d a Big Ten assistant coach said. \u201cGood, accurate passer. He can run it if he needs to, too. Probably a better athlete than people might think. He\u2019s a good player. He\u2019s definitely scrappy, too.\u201d <\/p>\n
Altmyer has demonstrated moxie in several late-game situations. His game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds against Rutgers turned some heads, but he also orchestrated clutch drives against Kansas, Nebraska, Purdue and South Carolina last year. Illinois will be a trendy Playoff pick this offseason, and Altmyer is one of the reasons for the optimism.\n <\/p>\n
Tier 2<\/p>\n
Big Ten<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP and son of former NFL tight end Anthony Becht led the Cyclones to their first double-digit win season in school history. Iowa State leaned on him more as a passer in his second year as the starter, but he also became a real rushing weapon (318 yards, eight TDs). His 35 rushes for first downs as a QB trailed only Garrett Greene and Avery Johnson in the Big 12 (41). <\/p>\n
\u201cHe plays his nuts off,\u201d a Power 4 personnel director said of Becht. <\/p>\n
He\u2019s not the most physically imposing quarterback, but he has good anticipation and consistently gets the ball into tight windows over the middle with plenty of velocity. <\/p>\n
\u201cGood decision maker, processes well, does everything quickly,\u201d a former Power 4 scouting director said. \u201cHe manages the position and the game well.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 2<\/p>\n
Big 12<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Pavia got an extra year after challenging an NCAA eligibility rule regarding junior college seasons, and we all benefit because there are few quarterbacks more fun to watch. There may not be a better marriage between quarterback and scheme than what Pavia has at Vanderbilt under offensive coordinator Tim Beck, who also coached him at New Mexico State.<\/p>\n
Pavia\u2019s not the biggest, strongest or fastest, but he produces (he led SEC QBs with 801 rushing yards). He\u2019s slippery, able to elude elite SEC rushers whether scrambling to throw or looking for ground gains. And his competitive edge is off the charts. His performance in the Commodores’ win over Alabama will live in SEC lore, but he\u2019s also the biggest reason they logged their first winning record since 2013.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s accurate in the RPO game and underneath throws,\u201d a Group of 5 head coach said. \u201cBut he\u2019s the epitome of what you want in an alpha.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tier 2<\/p>\n
SEC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
After leading the Yellow Jackets to a winning record in the ACC and a bowl game in consecutive seasons, King has won over a lot of people inside and outside the conference with his dual-threat ability (1,324 combined rushing yards in 2023 and 2024) and hard-nosed play style. His performance in Georgia Tech\u2019s eight-overtime loss to Georgia last November was the epitome of the Haynes King experience. <\/p>\n
Most coaches had similar critiques. \u201cI hate the way he throws, but he\u2019s a f\u2014ing competitor,\u201d an ACC personnel director said.<\/p>\n
Said a Power 4 head coach, \u201cHe\u2019s a warrior. He\u2019s a winner. He\u2019s a leader. He\u2019s tough. \u2026 Can he throw it good enough? I don\u2019t know. If he\u2019s healthy and takes the next step as a passer, I think he fits what Georgia Tech\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tier 2<\/p>\n
ACC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tier 3<\/p>\n
Mendoza flew under the radar of the more casual college football audience while at Cal the past two seasons, but he was definitely not overlooked by some of the top programs in the country. Georgia pursued him in the transfer portal before he chose Indiana. Mendoza has a solid arm and enough athleticism to create and improvise in the pocket. He breathed life into what had been an anemic passing attack at Cal. <\/p>\n
Mendoza will face tougher defenses in the Big Ten than he did in the Pac-12 and ACC, but he\u2019s stepping into a good situation from a personnel and coaching perspective at Indiana.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right,\u201d a Power 4 OC said. \u201cHe\u2019s young, he works hard, he cares. The Indiana OC (Mike Shanahan) does a good job of calling plays in situational and stuff. He can spin it.\u201d<\/p>\n
With an inconsistent supporting cast, Mendoza routinely elevated the Cal offense last season and put himself on the NFL radar. Now that he’s at Indiana under Curt Cignetti (a former quarterback), scouts are eager to see how much more he will continue to develop. Maybe it is from studying him in a Cal jersey, but Mendoza gives off Jared Goff vibes with his touch and feel as a passer and has a chance to become a top-50 draft pick. \u2014 Brugler <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Mensah is a gifted young passer who burst onto the scene with Tulane last year. He was highly coveted when he entered the transfer portal, and Duke made sure he was well compensated. The Blue Devils pushed out a capable starter, Maalik Murphy, to bring him in as well. Armed with that context, expectations will be really high for Mensah this fall as the Blue Devils try to build off a nine-win season in coach Manny Diaz\u2019s first year at the helm. \u201cReally talented with his ability to extend and create,\u201d said a personnel staffer whose program faced Mensah last year. \u201cOnly going to get better. We had him bottled up a couple times, and he turned it into a big play.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Meet one of college football\u2019s lightning rods, a player who has always been at the forefront of NIL drama \u2014 the latest being a failed holdout at Tennessee. Still, Iamaleava was a starting quarterback on a Playoff team last season, and the physical tools are obvious. \u201cExtremely athletic, a better runner than people give him credit for,\u201d an SEC assistant coach said. \u201cCannon for an arm, accurate, capable of making every throw.\u201d <\/p>\n
Last season, Iamaleava\u2019s first as a starter, demonstrated the former five-star prospect is still very much a work in progress. Although Tennessee did reach the Playoff, the Volunteers’ run game and defense led the way. Now he\u2019ll be tasked with leading a UCLA squad with a weaker supporting cast on offense, a first-time play caller in OC Tino Sunseri and a defense that\u2019s middle of the road at best. <\/p>\n
Iamaleava faces a tall order but also a chance to outperform this ranking if he plays well.\n <\/p>\n
A tall, skinny athlete with quick feet and an even quicker release, Iamaleava is a good deep-ball thrower when he\u2019s set, and he has enough arm talent to drive the ball down the middle into tight windows. He\u2019s also inconsistent with his drops, however, and an average processor. It\u2019s hard to tell if his successes in the veer-and-shoot offense (for which he\u2019s perfect) will translate to the NFL. \u2014\u00a0Baumgardner <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How does a quarterback of a team that went 5-7 make it this high on the list? \u201cVery talented thrower, NFL arm, one of the best in the country,\u201d a former Power 4 scouting director said. <\/p>\n
Sorsby\u2019s big and gets the ball downfield effortlessly, but he\u2019s not a statue. His 447 rushing yards were third most among Big 12 QBs last year, and he was the only QB in the country last season to record a 425-yard passing game and a 125-yard rushing game. <\/p>\n
\u201cSuper talented,\u201d a Big 12 coordinator said. \u201cReally natural thrower, can run around.\u201d <\/p>\n
Now, can the former Indiana transfer help the Bearcats take the next step and return to the postseason after a two-year absence?\n <\/p>\n
Tier 3<\/p>\n
Big 12<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The word that comes to mind when watching Green is \u201csmooth.\u201d He\u2019s a fluid runner with a long stride and the ability to make opponents miss (602 rushing yards, eight TDs in ’24), and his throws look effortless, whether he\u2019s fitting it into an intermediate window or finding an open receiver 40 yards downfield.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat guy\u2019s a real-deal player,\u201d a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. \u201cHe\u2019s so explosive as a runner, and he\u2019s a better passer than you think.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some question his decison-making and processing \u2014 \u201che takes some awful sacks,\u201d an SEC assistant said \u2014 and cite his need to be a better passer in critical situations. But the former Boise State transfer is entering his second year working under Arkansas OC Bobby Petrino, so the bet is that Green will take a significant step forward.\n <\/p>\n
Based on his 2024 film, Green is more exciting than consistent. But if you grade to the flashes, it is very easy to be optimistic about his next-level potential with the way he routinely escapes trouble and creates second-chance plays. Scouts are hoping to see him take a jump with his passing reads and placement in his final season to warrant early-round draft grades.
\n\u2014 Brugler <\/p>\n
Tier 3<\/p>\n
SEC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Johnson\u2019s first year as K-State\u2019s starter had its ups and downs. There were nights when it all came together and he was the dual-threat star many projected, and others when he was bit by the turnover bug, which doomed the Wildcats in losses to BYU and Houston. <\/p>\n
He\u2019ll have to do a better job of understanding coverages and identifying defensive looks pre-snap to cut that down. But when he takes care of the ball, there are few more electric than Johnson, who has the acceleration and burst to eat up chunks of yards on the ground (605 rushing yards, seven TDs). Coaches love Johnson\u2019s upside. <\/p>\n
\u201cSupreme athlete,\u201d a Power 4 general manager said. \u201cIt\u2019s really a good fit for that offense. It\u2019s third-and-2, third-and-3 and he scrambles around and escapes.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 3<\/p>\n
Big 12<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to argue with Madsen being the top-ranked Group of 5 quarterback after he helped Boise State reach the Playoff. He doesn\u2019t possess overwhelming physical traits, but he gets the ball out quickly and generally makes good decisions. <\/p>\n
Boise State will need that composure as it navigates life after star running back Ashton Jeanty. It\u2019ll be impossible to replace Jeanty, so more will be required of Madsen. It\u2019ll be interesting to see what the Broncos offense looks like without the 2024 Heisman runner-up. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat will hurt the offense overall, I\u2019m sure,\u201d a G5 general manager said. \u201cBut I think Madsen is talented and experienced.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 3<\/p>\n
Mountain West<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Moore threw just eight passes last season, but his inclusion in the top 25 is a bet on his potential, Oregon OC Will Stein\u2019s ability to produce prolific offenses and head coach Dan Lanning\u2019s talent acquisition skills. Moore, a former five-star prospect, started five games as a true freshman at UCLA in 2023 and displayed promising flashes but turned the ball over too much and was benched. We\u2019ll see how much sitting behind Dillon Gabriel last year helped his development. There will be a big spotlight placed on Moore this fall, but there\u2019s no reason for him not to be successful.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just thought he was accurate. I thought he was efficient \u2014 from when I saw him in high school, anyway,\u201d said a Big Ten assistant coach. \u201cHe has made a couple plays in his (college) career. I think he\u2019ll be a good player.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
NFL scouts are fascinated to see if Moore can pull a Bo Nix and resurrect himself in Oregon\u2019s system \u2014 the former five-star prospect owns every tool in the box, including competitive toughness. His year at UCLA was messy, but the team and coaching staff around him shares blame in that. Don\u2019t be shocked if he reintroduces himself in 2025. \u2014 Baumgardner <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
If you wanted to capture the essence of an NFL Street quarterback (remember that game?) in a real-life signal caller, he might play like Dampier. Every dropback can be an adventure, and more often than not, something memorable \u2014 good or bad \u2014 will happen. <\/p>\n
His elusiveness is his best trait. At New Mexico in 2024, he ranked fourth in the FBS in rushing yards among quarterbacks (1,166). But he can make some dynamite throws as well. Joining Jason Beck, his New Mexico offensive coordinator, at Utah and running the same offense should ease Dampier\u2019s transition to the Power 4. He\u2019s not immune to throwing an egregious interception, but there\u2019s a lot to like. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a magician back there,\u201d a P4 GM said. \u201cReally slippery. Has a good feel for it. Throws it better than you think.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Reed, a late take in A&M\u2019s 2023 recruiting class, filled in for the injured Conner Weigman, then took over as the starter in the final month of the season after a breakout performance in a win against LSU. He showed enough that the Aggies didn\u2019t take a QB to compete with him for the starting job in the portal after Weigman left. <\/p>\n
His speed is a game-changer. \u201cHe\u2019s explosive,\u201d an SEC assistant said. <\/p>\n
He needs to develop more as a passer, but he has good arm strength and a fluid motion, and he\u2019s a good fit for Collin Klein\u2019s offense, which utilizes heavy doses of the quarterback run game.\n <\/p>\n
Tier 3<\/p>\n
SEC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Since signing as the highest-ranked QB recruit in program history in 2021, Morton has steadily increased his production and cut down his interception rate each of the last three years. But there\u2019s a level he hasn\u2019t reached just yet, perhaps in part because he played the last season-and-a-half with an AC joint injury that was finally repaired over the winter. Will a fully healthy Morton make a sizable leap? <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s good but didn\u2019t blow me away talent-wise,\u201d a Power 4 GM said.\n <\/p>\n
Tier 3<\/p>\n
Big 12<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Lopez is a stocky southpaw with some juice. Coaches love his arm strength. He\u2019s not the twitchiest athlete, but he\u2019s a speedy, tough and effective runner (463 yards, 7 TDs last year).<\/p>\n
Can he elevate his play, going from South Alabama to the ACC?<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a no-brainer Power 4 guy,\u201d a Power 4 OC said. \u201cHe has serious playmaking abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Said a former P4 scouting director, \u201cHe\u2019s the guy in the ACC who\u2019s gonna raise the most eyebrows.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Holstein was very productive through five games last season, but he suffered a concussion and a leg injury that sent his and Pitt\u2019s season into a tailspin. So health will be key for Holstein, who managed to play in 10 of 12 regular-season games but was never seemingly at full strength down the stretch. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe had some good moments and is physically impressive, but last year he just made some of the worst decisions you can imagine,\u201d said a former P4 scouting director. <\/p>\n
Tier 3<\/p>\n
ACC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Duke favored Darian Mensah over Murphy, who transferred to Oregon State, but if you were to draw up a prototypical quarterback, he\u2019d have Murphy\u2019s size and arm. Murphy is still an unfinished product who needs refinement, but he made several big-time throws in clutch situations last year. <\/p>\n
\u201cBig dude. \u2026 Now, he wasn\u2019t really mobile, but he just had a cannon for an arm,\u201d said an assistant coach who faced Murphy last season. \u201cA really sharp arm, and he\u2019s fairly accurate. Sometimes he throws it too hard. But he definitely had a cannon.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
Bailey, a good passer who is more than capable of making plays with his legs, emerged as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the country last season. There is plenty of optimism about him within the ACC. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love CJ Bailey. He\u2019s a dude. He\u2019s only going to keep ascending. We\u2019ll see how the supporting cast is around him this year, but I think he\u2019s going to take a big step,\u201d an ACC personnel director said.\n <\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
ACC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ohio State is breaking in a first-year play caller, Brian Hartline, and a quarterback who has thrown just 12 collegiate passes. Sayin has the pedigree as the top-rated quarterback recruit in the 2024 cycle. Additionally, Sayin will be surrounded by the best receiving group in the country. However, questions will remain until we see him in live action. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s going to be growing pains any time a guy hasn\u2019t played,\u201d a Big Ten assistant coach said. \u201cHow does he handle the fishbowl of being the quarterback at Ohio State?\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Washington brought Williams along slowly last year, but it\u2019s the electric youngster\u2019s show now. Williams demonstrated great creativity in the pocket, dynamic running ability and a good deep ball in two starts to end the season. Pair those skills with coach Jedd Fisch\u2019s mentoring, and Williams has the potential to have a big season. <\/p>\n
\u201cFisch is gonna put him in every situation he can to be successful,\u201d a Power 4 general manager said. \u201cHe\u2019s a kid who I think more people will talk about and know about (nationally) by the end of the season.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The quarterback who led Kansas\u2019 revival is still heavily respected around the Big 12, even after a down 2024 in which he never got in a groove and his turnover total skyrocketed. On the bright side, the oft-injured Daniels played all 12 games for the first time in his career. If he can do that again, there\u2019s a belief that he\u2019ll return to form. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s electric,\u201d a Big 12 coordinator said.\n <\/p>\n
Daniels can be a real roller coaster, and he\u2019s had bad luck with injuries during his career. But he\u2019s also one of the most exciting college QBs to scout because you never know when he\u2019s going to dazzle with his arm or legs. His inconsistency in the pocket and as a processor are what they are at this point, but NFL teams will maintain interest because of Daniels\u2019 stellar physical gifts. \u2014 Baumgardner <\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
Big 12<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A mess of offensive problems \u2014 from the line, to the receiving corps, to the coordinator \u2014 muddied Arnold\u2019s would-be breakout sophomore season at Oklahoma, where he was briefly benched. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe was set up to fail at OU,\u201d a Power 4 coordinator said. <\/p>\n
Auburn provides a fresh start for a guy coaches are still bullish on talent-wise, but he\u2019ll have to take better care of the ball.\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Fifita was tremendous in 2023 but regressed under a new coaching staff last year. New offensive coordinator Seth Doege will have the responsibility of getting Fifita back on track, but there\u2019s still confidence in Fifita\u2019s abilities. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat son of a b\u2014 can play now,\u201d a Power 4 head coach said. \u201cHe\u2019s a shorter guy and may take some unnecessary risks, but he can run. He\u2019s really talented, arm talented, has a great feel for the game.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
Big 12<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Simmons is a unicorn: a lefty who reclassified up by two years and has already earned his college degree at 19. His resume is limited (32 career pass attempts), but he showed enticing potential last season when he stepped in for an injured Jaxson Dart against Georgia and led a touchdown drive while going 5-for-6 for 64 yards. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe didn\u2019t even blink and dropped five dimes like he was the starter the whole time,\u201d a G5 head coach said. \u201cHe has no fear, he\u2019s confident, can run, has a strong arm. He\u2019s got a shot.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Penn State transfer hit the portal when Drew Allar decided to return for one more year and was a coveted prospect. Pribula looked plenty capable in relief of Allar, especially in the second half of a road win over Wisconsin. He doesn\u2019t have the biggest arm, but his mobility, accuracy, poise and command are encouraging. And he\u2019s a real run threat, scoring four touchdowns as a change-of-pace option last season. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Gronowski missed the spring while recovering from shoulder surgery, but he won two national championships at the FCS level as South Dakota State\u2019s starter. He\u2019s a winner. He has good arm strength and is a tough, physical runner who has accounted for 130 touchdowns in his career. <\/p>\n
The quarterback spot has been a black hole for Iowa in recent years, but Gronowski is a ray of light who could help elevate an anemic passing game.\n <\/p>\n
With a solid build and NFL-caliber arm talent, Gronowski is a proven winner with back-to-back national championships as a four-year starter (and Walter Payton Award honoree) at South Dakota State. Gronowski would\u2019ve been drafted last year had he declared, but he\u2019s hoping a big year in the Big Ten will boost his stock. \u2014 Baumgardner<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Raiola looked every bit of a five-star prospect last September but hit a wall midway through his true freshman season. The hope is he\u2019ll make a jump with Dana Holgorsen fully in charge of the offense now.<\/p>\n
\u201cHas a calmness, maturity, and swagger to him which you want out of your QB,\u201d a Big Ten personnel staffer said. \u201cThink him continuing to get bigger, faster, stronger and leaner in the offseason can take his game to another level.\u201d<\/p>\n
Raiola didn\u2019t display top-end athleticism last year, though, which has left some in the sport wondering how high his ceiling actually is.<\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
Big Ten<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Horvath is only the third quarterback in Navy history to run and pass for more than 1,200 yards in a season. Horvath\u2019s versatility has him in line to be a top-tier G5 QB this fall.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a unique kid because he\u2019s got the ability to really run, but they actually throw the ball pretty effectively,\u201d a G5 head coach said. \u201cThat kid\u2019s a different type of academy quarterback than people are used to.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
American<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Braxton is a physical runner, who is a load for a defense to tackle. He seemingly turned a corner as a passer last season as he led Marshall to a Sun Belt title. Now he and coach Charles Huff will try to turn things around at Southern Miss, which won one game in 2024. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s probably the most dynamic playmaker at the position (in the conference),\u201d said a personnel staffer who worked in the Sun Belt last year. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t stop him.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Moss is a solid college quarterback who can keep an offense on schedule. He doesn\u2019t have elite athleticism, and his limitations were on display at USC last fall. Moss should be highly motivated after getting benched toward the end of the 2024 season. It’s beneficial to be playing for Louisville coach Jeff Brohm, who has maximized the skill sets of transfer quarterbacks Jack Plummer and Tyler Shough the past two seasons. <\/p>\n
Watching Moss can be like watching two different players. When he\u2019s confident, he\u2019s a good processor who can attack any area of the field with accuracy and velocity. When he loses that confidence, he struggles with downfield accuracy, drifts in the pocket and holds on to the ball too long. The former version of Moss belongs in the top-100 conversation; the other guy might not be on draft boards. \u2014 Baumgardner<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Chiles was inconsistent as a first-time starter last year, but some in the Big Ten still believe in his talent, skill set and athleticism. He could be poised to take a leap forward under coach Jonathan Smith, who typically gets the most out of his quarterbacks. <\/p>\n
\u201cReally talented but still growing as a quarterback, how to run a team, making winning plays,\u201d a Big Ten assistant coach said. \u201cBut that\u2019ll come with experience.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
A great athlete with good size and an explosive arm, Chiles was too streaky during his debut season at Michigan State in 2024 but still remains firmly on NFL radars because of his potential. If he can tighten up as a pocket processor, Chiles could be a breakout star in 2025. \u2014 Baumgardner<\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
Big Ten<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The highest-ranked QB SMU has signed in the modern recruiting era, Stone threw for nearly 3,200 yards and 28 TDs during a 2023 run to the AAC championship. But he was replaced by Kevin Jennings early last season and landed at Northwestern. Stone can extend plays if necessary but is not an elite runner. He\u2019s best in the dropback game, attacking downfield. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe throws a really good deep ball,\u201d a Power 4 head coach said.\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Drones\u2019 physical talent is enticing. \u201cHe\u2019s 230 pounds of pure muscle,\u201d an ACC personnel director said. \u201cHe\u2019s so hard to bring down.\u201d<\/p>\n
But as effective a runner as he is (1,154 yards, 11 TDs in the last two seasons), coaches want to know whether Drones can win through the air. His career completion rate is 59.4 percent.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe’s gonna have to prove he can play the position as a passer to be an all-around guy,\u201d a Power 4 head coach said.\n<\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
ACC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Simpson is competing with Austin Mack and five-star freshman Keelon Russell, but he led the race coming out of spring and has the experience edge after backing up Jalen Milroe for two seasons. In his limited action, Simpson showed a penchant for making plays with his legs by running for first downs, throwing on the run or escaping pressure. But his potential ascension to full-time action is a subject of curiosity and even some skepticism around the conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s going to be in the upper tier of the league,\u201d an SEC assistant said.\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no questioning Stockton\u2019s toughness \u2014 it\u2019s hard to forget the hit he endured in overtime of Georgia\u2019s SEC title win over Texas \u2014 and even in his first career start in the CFP against Notre Dame, Stockton showed poise under constant pressure and uncorked some impressive downfield throws. His physical gifts aren\u2019t quite those of his predecessor, Carson Beck, so his preseason ranking is very much a wait-and-see approach. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Carr emerged as the leader in the QB competition coming out of spring practice. He took only four snaps last season and didn\u2019t attempt a pass as he recovered from an injury to his throwing elbow suffered during preseason camp. But in the Blue-Gold game, the former Elite 11 QB showed touch and accuracy on downfield throws and a good feel for the offense. <\/p>\n
He\u2019ll make mistakes as a first-time starter. How he handles those, along with the pressure that comes with being QB1 at Notre Dame, will be telling.\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It\u2019s difficult to temper the optimism, excitement and massive expectations surrounding Underwood, who was the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2025. \u201cHe\u2019s the most talented QB I\u2019ve ever watched,\u201d said someone who evaluated Underwood thoroughly during the recruiting process. \u201cLiterally has it all.\u201d <\/p>\n
Underwood is a freak athlete with a huge arm and will take over the starting role at Michigan at some point. When will that be? And will the supporting cast be good enough around him? <\/p>\n
\u201cReally hope Michigan doesn\u2019t screw it up putting him out there early without a good enough supporting cast,\u201d that same source said. \u201cJust because he\u2019s that good doesn\u2019t mean he needs to start Week 1.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The former Texas A&M five-star recruit is seeking a fresh start with the Cougars. When healthy, Weigman showed flashes of why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school, showing a quick release, good downfield accuracy and touch and the athleticism to make plays off schedule. <\/p>\n
But injuries got the best of him more often than not in Aggieland. Houston is betting on a rejuvenated Weigman to revive one of the worst offenses in the FBS.\n <\/p>\n
With great pocket presence and a live arm, Weigman entered 2024 drawing lots of attention from NFL scouts who expected to see a leap from the former five-star prospect. Instead, they watched another year derailed by injury. Weigman showed tremendous promise in nine games of action over ’22 and ’23 but has started only 13 times in his career. If he can stay healthy, he could turn into a mid-round prospect. \u2014 Baumgardner<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a lot of buzz out of Boulder about freshman Julian Lewis, who likely will see significant time this season. But Salter is a seasoned veteran with 29 career starts and a New Year\u2019s Six bowl appearance under his belt at Liberty. <\/p>\n
Salter had notable statistical dropoffs last year, and there\u2019s some skepticism as he goes to the Power 4 \u2014 \u201cHe was super erratic,\u201d a Group of 5 GM said \u2014 but he\u2019s still an intriguing dual-threat. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m betting Salter will be the starter at Colorado,\u201d a Power 4 head coach said. \u201cHe\u2019s got a great skill set.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The son of former NFL QB Josh McCown had a breakout 2024 to emerge as one of the best QBs in the Group of 5. His ability to move both within and outside the pocket and keep his eyes downfield keeps defenses guessing. He throws an accurate ball, is athletic enough to pick up chunk yards on the ground and manages UTSA\u2019s offense well. <\/p>\n
“He\u2019s a competitor,\u201d an AAC assistant said. \u201cI think he\u2019s clearly the best quarterback in this conference.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
American<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Maiava played well in moments last year but also displayed some really confounding lows. USC\u2019s offense was inconsistent as a result. Maiava will be in his second year under Lincoln Riley, who is one of the best QB mentors in the sport, but he\u2019ll have to trim the fat from his game and eliminate the three to four bad mistakes that stall the offense. Otherwise, the Trojans will be boom-or-bust offensively.\n <\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
Big Ten<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Morris has been at Oklahoma, TCU (where he was twice the opening-day starter only to have injuries cut his seasons short) and North Texas, where he finally blossomed and led the American Athletic Conference with 3,774 passing yards. <\/p>\n
His return to the P4 gives the Cavaliers a serviceable, mobile, gritty player who should provide them consistency. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s not a big guy that’s going to sit back there and pick you apart, but they can get creative offensively and keep him on the move, which he’s good at,\u201d a P4 head coach said.\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Maryland struggled last year, but Edwards was adequate as a first-time starter. He attempted 40 or more passes in six games, and the Terrapins\u2019 run game was one of the worst in the country. Jeff Grimes has taken over as the offensive coordinator at Wisconsin. The goal should be to re-establish the Badgers’ identity as a run-first outfit and lessen the load for Edwards. Regardless, he\u2019ll be an upgrade at QB in Madison. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This job is not cinched just yet, as new coach Rich Rodriguez also signed Texas A&M transfer Jaylen Henderson, but Marchiol has the experience edge, with 19 games of action in a Mountaineer uniform, including a 3-0 record as a starter.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s a capable thrower who can drive the ball downfield and layer it over defenders. He\u2019s also a strong runner who isn\u2019t afraid to get physical \u2014 like he did when he ran over Oklahoma State safety Trey Rucker last year. He just has to prove he can do it across an entire season.\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Almost four years have passed since Shapen led Baylor to a Big 12 title game victory, and he still flashes the ability that was so intriguing then. His deep-ball prowess is a good fit for Jeff Lebby\u2019s offense, which is heavy on deep choice routes. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s an elite thrower,\u201d a Power 4 coordinator said. <\/p>\n
Shapen showed that last fall in his four starts before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Staying healthy and consistent \u2014 both of which have been elusive in his career \u2014 are top priorities. <\/p>\n
Tier 4<\/p>\n
SEC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Veltkamp was named the 2024 Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year while at Western Kentucky. Now he\u2019s paired up with coach Zach Kittley, who led a top-five scoring offense as Texas Tech\u2019s OC last year. Veltkamp should post some prolific numbers. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat’s one of my favorite quarterbacks from last year,\u201d a G5 head coach said. \u201cI think he’s extremely difficult to defend. I\u2019m shocked that he\u2019s at FAU. I can\u2019t believe a Power 4 school didn\u2019t get that kid.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
There will be plenty of eyes on Aguilar because of his place in the Nico Iamaleava saga. He gained an extra year via the Diego Pavia ruling and, after two years as a starter and a coaching change at Appalachian State, transferred to UCLA in the winter. But Iamaleava\u2019s arrival in Westwood prompted another transfer, and Aguilar is now in position to be Iamaleava\u2019s successor in Knoxville \u2014 though he must beat out Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre for the starting role. <\/p>\n
Aguilar\u2019s skills translate well to what Tennessee does. \u201cHe\u2019s got a cannon, so that will fit that offense perfectly with how many deep shots they take,\u201d a former G5 recruiting director said. \u201cAnd he\u2019s a better runner than you think.\u201d <\/p>\n
He can trust his arm too much, though, as evidenced by his rising interception total last year. He\u2019ll have to take better care of the ball in the SEC. But he\u2019s confident and fearless.\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Angeli was the odd man out of a three-man competition at Notre Dame this spring and quickly landed at Syracuse, where he\u2019ll have to beat out LSU transfer Rickie Collins. Angeli demonstrated strong poise in a relief appearance in the Orange Bowl last season and looked good in a start against a decimated Oregon State team in the Sun Bowl the year before that. Outside of that, his game is still a mystery.\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Lewis took a substantial step forward at Nevada in 2024 after years of subpar play. He\u2019s a true dual-threat, and he displayed enough of those abilities for Memphis, one of the most consistent G5s in the country, to bet on him at quarterback. <\/p>\n
\u201cI thought he improved a lot last year,\u201d a G5 general manager said. \u201cGave us some issues, does a lot with his legs.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The sixth-year senior has had an eventful journey. He led Texas A&M to a landmark upset of Alabama in 2021 but transferred to Auburn in 2022, where a shoulder surgery knocked him out for the year. He found a home at FCS Incarnate Word, where he was the Southland Conference Player of the Year and led the Cardinals to the playoffs. <\/p>\n
Now he\u2019s back in the SEC in hopes of proving he can excel at that level. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe has one of the strongest arms in the country,\u201d an SEC assistant said. \u201cHe\u2019ll have to clean up some things from a touch and accuracy standpoint, but he can absolutely rip the ball.\u201d <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Castellanos was benched by Boston College last November and left the team before the season ended. Now, a Florida State program that desperately needs a culture reset is taking a chance on him and his former coach at UCF, offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you ask him to be a quarterback, he struggles. But if you get him going as a runner and allow him easy access throws, then he gets confident, he can play,\u201d an ACC personnel director said.\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Could McIvor be Bailey Zappe 2.0 for the Hilltoppers? He\u2019s following a similar path. Like Zappe, he came oh-so-close to upsetting Texas Tech while quarterbacking an FCS program (Abilene Christian lost 52-51 to the Red Raiders in overtime last year, as McIvor threw for 506 yards). He followed Rick Bowie, his ACU offensive coordinator, to WKU, like Zappe did with Zach Kittley. And McIvor comes with tools. \u201cI think he has the best arm in the league,\u201d a G5 scouting director said. <\/p>\n
\u201cStands big in the pocket, delivers strikes down the field, strong arm and can run,\u201d a G5 head coach said. \u201cHe\u2019s got a chance to have a big year.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In his first year as a starter after Kurtis Rourke\u2019s departure, Navarro dazzled, leading the Bobcats to the MAC championship and winning Cure Bowl MVP honors. Navarro\u2019s legs are his best asset: He racked up 1,046 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns to go with 2,423 passing yards. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s elusive, he\u2019s hard to tackle,\u201d a G5 head coach said. \u201cHe\u2019s not the best pure thrower, but he\u2019s a winner.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
MAC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In eight starts as a redshirt freshman, Joseph dazzled with his dual-threat ability. He ran for 647 yards and 11 touchdowns to go with 1,627 passing yards. Opposing coaches see a rising star. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe’s super dynamic,\u201d a former G5 personnel director said. \u201cHis athleticism can change the game, and they scheme it up really well.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
Sun Belt<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Jackson, who is competing with Cam Fancher and Jacurri Brown, was Indiana\u2019s opening-day starter in 2023 before being replaced midseason by Brendan Sorsby. He backed up Kurtis Rourke last season and excelled in limited action. He has good size and velocity on his throws and can move. But he\u2019s on his third stop (he played at Tennessee in 2022). Can he be a consistent, winning QB for an entire season? <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Good luck predicting whether Colandrea, a transfer from Virginia, will produce an amazing play or a costly turnover from one down to the next. But coach Dan Mullen is good with quarterbacks and could fine-tune Colandrea\u2019s game. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re a casual fan just watching the game, you enjoy it,\u201d a former Power 4 scouting director said. \u201cIf you work for the team he plays for, you hold your breath a little bit. If Mullen\u2019s gonna do his traditional stuff, Colandrea\u2019s gonna be a great fit.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
Mountain West<\/p>\n
Transfer<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Gleason is big and mobile (364 rushing yards, seven rushing TDs), which makes him a load to bring down and comes in handy in the red zone. He did some of his best work last year against Power 4 opponents, leading the Rockets to wins over Mississippi State and Pitt with a combined 636 passing yards and six touchdowns. He should be even better in his second year as Toledo\u2019s full-time starter. <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
MAC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Coming off a phenomenal 2023 season, Brown would\u2019ve been much higher on this list a year ago. But the dual-threat playmaker was underwhelming and injured last season. Which version will show up in 2025?<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen there are good things happening, they\u2019re good,\u201d a former P4 scouting director said. \u201cBut he\u2019s been there for three years now and it doesn\u2019t feel like someone you can parse yet. \u2026 If it clicks, sure, you can take a chance on that.” <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
American<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a return to the MAC for Finn, the league\u2019s 2023 MVP at Toledo. Finn struggled in a brief stint at the Power 4 last year at Baylor, and an injury two weeks into the season opened the door for Sawyer Robertson, who never relinquished the job. <\/p>\n
With the RedHawks, can Finn recapture the success he had his first time around in the conference? <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a big, raw, pull-the-ball-down-and-go guy,\u201d a G5 head coach said. \u201cNot a pure polished quarterback but a good player who\u2019s strong.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
James is a good-looking athlete, has a good arm and is fluid enough to hurt defenses with his legs when the situation calls for it. He\u2019s involved in a competition with Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan, but James has an edge in experience \u2014 both in Boston College\u2019s offense and from his three seasons and 422 passing attempts at FIU. That should give him a leg up.\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sullivan has never been a full-time starter but has a shot at Tulane this season if he can beat out Ball State transfer Kadin Semonza, who was productive in the MAC. Sullivan is the more athletic, dynamic option but still has work to do as a passer. The Green Wave have been one of the better G5 programs over the past three seasons, so this is an intriguing situation to monitor. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Kaliakmanis has attempted 800 passes over the past three seasons for two Big Ten programs (Minnesota and Rutgers). We have a pretty good idea of what he is at this point: a so-so passer who completes around 53 percent of his throws. He was the first Rutgers quarterback to cross the 2,000-yard passing mark since 2015, so he has provided some stability under center for the Scarlet Knights. <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
Big Ten<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hejny (pronounced hey-knee) is competing with Zane Flores, but his familiarity with OC Doug Meachem, who was at TCU with Hejny, and QB coach Kevin Johns, whom Hejny originally committed to at Duke before flipping to the Horned Frogs, gives him an edge. <\/p>\n
There\u2019s very little experience to draw upon: He only took 18 snaps in four games as a true freshman last year. But the ball rockets out of the hand of the former Elite 11 QB, and he possesses 10.6-second speed in the 100-meter dash.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a little shorter, but the kid is a tough son of a b\u2014,\u201d a Power 4 coordinator said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Finley helped Akron to four wins last season, the program’s most since 2018. The former NC State and Cal QB can zip the ball to any part of the yard and has enough mobility to pick up a first down or create conflict in a defense. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s super underrated, but I think he could be an NFL prospect,\u201d a G5 head coach said. \u201cHe can absolutely sling it.\u201d <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
MAC<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Raynor is a very entertaining watch because he\u2019s athletic and slippery in the pocket, which allows him to keep plays alive that would normally be doomed. He\u2019s entering his third year as the Red Wolves\u2019 starter, and that experience will make him one of the best signal callers in the Sun Belt.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s the best pure QB in the league that\u2019s returning,\u201d said a personnel staffer who worked in the Sun Belt last season.\n <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
Sun Belt<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This is a very interesting situation. Barnett was a dual-threat standout for the Dukes last season but suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out of the bowl game and spring practice. Coach Bob Chesney brought in UNLV transfer Matthew Sluka, who played for Chesney at Holy Cross. Sluka famously left the Rebels last September after an NIL dispute. <\/p>\n
Sluka is a good insurance option and has history with the staff, but Barnett offers higher upside \u2014 health permitting. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf he can stay healthy and get back to a consistent level of play, he could get some P4 attention,\u201d a former P4 scouting director said.\n <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
Sun Belt<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Vattiato is coming off back-to-back 3,000-yard passing seasons and has a chance to hit 10,000 career passing yards with another productive year. He has no issues pushing the ball down the field or freelancing to make a play on the run. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s one of the purest passers in the conference,\u201d a G5 head coach said. \u201cExtremely level-headed. Nothing rattles him and he\u2019s extremely consistent.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
CUSA<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Eget started just seven games last season but still passed for 2,504 yards. He fits the gunslinger mold, and he isn\u2019t afraid to test the defense vertically. Eget is also a surprisingly good athlete for his size. There\u2019s little doubt he\u2019ll post big numbers in Craig Stutzmann\u2019s spread-and-shred offense, especially now that Eget is armed with the confidence of being the clear starter for the first time in his career. <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
Mountain West<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Fagnano\u2019s 20 touchdown passes last season (on 206 pass attempts across 10 games and six starts) were the most by a UConn QB since 2017. He\u2019s a steady presence and displays an array of skills, from patience in the pocket as he works through progressions to a willingness to deliver the ball as a defender is closing in for a hit. He possesses good touch on downfield passes and good velocity in the intermediate game. <\/p>\n
Tier 5<\/p>\n
Ind.<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tier 6<\/p>\n
Colorado State asked Fowler-Nicolosi to do less last season, which created more offensive balance and cut down on the 16 interceptions he threw in 2023. Fowler-Nicolosi is talented and experienced. Can he put all the tools together to elevate himself toward the top of the league?<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t necessarily feel like he was an absolute world beater. But I do think he\u2019s a solid quarterback,\u201d one G5 head coach said. \u201cHe\u2019s a good player. There just wasn\u2019t a level of fear when we played him.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
Tier 6<\/p>\n
Mountain West<\/p>\n
Returning starter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n