TJ Inman

Top College Football QBs 2025: Power Rankings Insight

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/20-breakout-cfb-stars-to-know-for-the-2025-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breakout College Football Stars to Know for the 2025 Season</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/garrett-nussmeier/51357">Garrett Nussmeier</a> waited multiple years to become the starting quarterback for the LSU Tigers. The redshirt junior did not have the season many anticipated, but he was pretty good despite an offensive line that did not live up to the hype and a receiver corps that was far from what LSU ran out in 2023. Nussmeier had 29 touchdowns and threw for an impressive 4,052 yards with a completion percentage of better than 64 percent. The Tigers loaded up in the transfer portal and expect a playoff push in 2025.
Week 1: LSU (+2.5) at Clemson

1. Garrett Nussmeier - LSU Tigers

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-running-backs-for-the-2025-college-football-season-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Running Backs for 2025</a>
Few players made a more significant jump during the season than Clemson quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cade-klubnik/37193">Cade Klubnik</a>. After a disappointing opener against Georgia, Klubnik and the Clemson offense took off and showed a lot of progress in Garrett Riley’s second season. Klubnik threw for 36 touchdowns to only six interceptions and added seven scores on the ground and nearly 500 rushing yards. Klubnik will enter the 2025 season with more experience and a blossoming group of stars on offense. The opening-week matchup at Clemson against LSU has the makings of a classic!
Week 1: LSU at Clemson (-2.5)

2. Cade Klubnik - Clemson Tigers

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-offensive-linemen-in-college-football-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Offensive Linemen for 2025</a>
I'm high on Florida’s <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dj-lagway/44049">DJ Lagway</a>. His numbers from this past season do not stand out, as he was in and out of the lineup, alternating with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/graham-mertz/44092">Graham Mertz</a>. Still, Lagway's promise persuaded Florida to keep Billy Napier for the 2025 season, and the fate of the Gators rests on the development and star turn of the talented young quarterback. Lagway has elite throwing ability, and if he can make consistently good decisions with the ball, Florida could make the College Football Playoff in 2025. He is one of two dual-threat dynamos in the SEC on this list.
2025 Heisman Odds: DJ Lagway (+2500)

3. DJ Lagway - Florida Gators

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-wrs-for-the-2025-college-football-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Wide Receivers for 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/arch-manning/41118">Arch Manning</a> was a part-time player in 2024 as the Texas Longhorns leaned on veteran <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/quinn-ewers/41130">Quinn Ewers</a> to carry the offense. Steve Sarkisian trusted Ewers, but he was banged up, and the offense definitely could have used Manning's running ability. In 2025, the show will belong to Manning, and it will be fascinating to watch. He has all the physical tools, and his teammates reportedly have complete faith in his ability. This is a critical offseason for Manning's development as he takes center stage with a Week 1 game at Ohio State.
Week 1: Texas (+4.5) at Ohio State

4. Arch Manning - Texas Longhorns

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/cfb-top-10-penn-state-nittany-lions-returning-for-another-college-football-playoff-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Penn State Nittany Lions Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run</a>
Have we seen the ceiling for <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/drew-allar/49426">Drew Allar</a>? Or is there more to be unlocked for the veteran Penn State quarterback? The Nittany Lions reached the semifinal of the College Football Playoff. Still, it's fair to point out they lost each time they went up against a team with equivalent talent (Ohio State, Oregon, Notre Dame). Also, Penn State has not figured out the wide receiver position. Allar is a good collegiate quarterback who enters his second season under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki.
2025 Heisman Trophy Odds: Drew Allar (+1200)

5. Drew Allar - Penn State Nittany Lions

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/ranking-the-top-5-college-football-safeties-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Safeties for 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/lanorris-sellers/33348">LaNorris Sellers</a> is just scratching the surface of what he can be. As a redshirt freshman, Sellers threw for only 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he managed to complete 65.6 percent of his passes, a figure that is higher than expected. His danger to defenses comes in the other part of his game, as he is a nightmare to tackle when he starts to get outside of the pocket. Sellers ran for 674 yards and seven touchdowns, and there were a few games this season when he looked like the most dynamic player in college football. South Carolina won some big-time portal battles and will be a top-25 team to begin the 2025 season.
Week 1: South Carolina (-9.5) at Virginia Tech

6. LaNorris Sellers - South Carolina Gamecocks

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Placing Arizona State quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/sam-leavitt/16678">Sam Leavitt</a> on this top ten list is as much a bet on head coach Kenny Dillingham and his offensive system as it is on Leavitt. As a redshirt freshman, Leavitt threw for 24 touchdowns to only six interceptions as he paired with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cam-skattebo/16673">Cam Skattebo</a> and led the Sun Devils to the Big 12 Championship. He surprised defenses with his ability to evade tackles and pick up yards with his legs, running for 443 yards and five touchdowns. Leavitt gets back his best-receiving target and a good offensive line, and the offense will run through him more than it did in 2024.
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7. Sam Leavitt - Arizona State Sun Devils

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/cfb-top-10-indiana-hoosiers-returning-for-another-college-football-playoff-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Indiana Hoosiers Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run</a>
It was not a great transfer portal class for the quarterback position, but a few gems have switched schools. One of those is former Cal quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/fernando-mendoza/49656">Fernando Mendoza</a>. Mendoza completed 68.7 percent of his passes for over 3,000 yards and added two touchdowns on the ground. This success came despite playing behind a truly awful offensive line. Mendoza will now be playing for Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers in a system that just helped <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kurtis-rourke/39213">Kurtis Rourke</a> receive votes for the Heisman Trophy and a cast of weapons much better than what he had in 2024.
Matriculate down the field with SportsGrid’s FREE Top <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/picks">College Football Picks</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/player-props">College Football Player Prop Picks</a> weekly!

8. Fernando Mendoza - Indiana Hoosiers

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The most expensive transfer quarterback was reportedly <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/carson-beck/22644">Carson Beck</a>. If reports are to be believed, the former Georgia Bulldog is getting $4 million to play the 2025 season for the Miami Hurricanes. Beck was wildly inconsistent in 2024 but ended with nearly 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also had 12 interceptions and was below 65 for completion percentage on just 7.8 yards per attempt. Miami will hope to get a season like <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cam-ward/22788">Cam Ward’s</a> from Beck as they try to make the College Football Playoff.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/">SportsGrid</a>.

9. Carson Beck - Miami Hurricanes

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The Tennessee Volunteers made the College Football Playoff, but not because of the passing attack or the play of <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/nico-iamaleava/38678">Nico Iamaleava</a>. The quarterback was expected to be a star in 2024 but threw for only 2,616 yards with just 19 touchdowns as the Vols leaned on a great running back and defense to win games. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dylan-sampson/38649">Dylan Sampson</a> is now gone, so it's time for Iamaleava to turn his potential into production.
2025 Heisman Trophy Odds: Nico Iamaleava +1200

10. Nico Iamaleava - Tennessee Volunteers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/john-mateer/20580">John Mateer</a> had a remarkably good 2024 for the Washington State Cougars, throwing for more than 3,100 yards with 29 touchdowns and adding a team-high 826 yards on the ground with 15 more scores. In total, he nearly eclipsed 4,000 yards and had 44 touchdowns for the Cougars! He follows his offensive coordinator to Norman, and the pair will try to revitalize the offense of the Oklahoma Sooners. How will Mateer make the leap from the shell of the PAC-12 to a loaded SEC schedule?
2025 Heisman Trophy Odds: John Mateer +2500

11. John Mateer - Oklahoma Sooners

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The Vanderbilt Commodores got a massive boost as <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/diego-pavia/34431">Diego Pavia</a> was granted another year of eligibility, and he will return to Nashville for the 2025 campaign. Pavia was excellent this past year, totaling more than 3,200 yards with 28 touchdowns as he operated Clark Lea’s offense with expert efficiency and led his team to a bowl win. Vanderbilt will have difficulty replicating their success from 2024, but Pavia will be one of the toughest quarterbacks in the SEC to stop.

12. Diego Pavia - Vanderbilt Commodores

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According to some early polls, Bret Bielema's Illinois Fighting Illini are a preseason top-ten team, and they return a veteran group that was on the verge of playoff contention in 2024. The offensive leader is veteran quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/luke-altmyer/22382">Luke Altmyer</a>. If the Illini have a strong 2025 season and make the College Football Playoff, Altmyer will get the attention he has thus far been denied. Altmyer had 2,717 yards with 22 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 2024 and should have another strong supporting cast in 2025.

13. Luke Altmyer - Illinois Fighting Illini

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With Shedeur Sanders exiting Colorado for the NFL Draft, there is a hole at the top of the Big 12 quarterback rankings. There are several strong candidates, but we are calling for Baylor’s <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/sawyer-robertson/35762">Sawyer Robertson</a> to step up and become the best of the bunch. Robertson was impressive in 2024, throwing for 3,071 yards and beating out transfer <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dequan-finn/35789">Dequan Finn</a>. He averaged more than eight yards per attempt and had 28 touchdowns to only eight interceptions while chipping in 230 yards rushing and four more touchdowns for a Baylor Bears squad that got hot late and won their final six regular season games to save Dave Aranda’s job.

14. Sawyer Robertson - Baylor Bears

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kevin-jennings/30182">Kevin Jennings</a> had a rotten end to the season as he imploded at Penn State and looked overwhelmed by the atmosphere and the cold weather. Before that game, he was fantastic and helped lead the Mustangs to a shocking College Football Playoff berth. Jennings had 3,245 yards with 23 touchdowns and ran for another 354 yards and five scores in Rhett Lashlee’s wide-open attack. SMU was much more of a force in the ACC than many expected, and they have the investment and the quarterback to remain a contender moving forward.

15. Kevin Jennings - SMU Mustangs

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Ten quarterbacks threw for over 3,600 yards during the 2024-2025 season. The three returning to play in 2025-2026 are <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cade-klubnik/37193">Cade Klubnik</a> of Clemson, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/garrett-nussmeier/51357">Garrett Nussmeier</a> of LSU, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/josh-hoover/38995">Josh Hoover</a> of TCU. Hoover completed 66.5 percent of his passes en route to a season with 3,949 yards through the air and 27 passing touchdowns. The Horned Frogs lost four games, including three defeats in games in which Hoover went off for more than 330 yards. He’s not a running threat (-19 yards on the season), but he’ll be one of the more prolific passers in the sport next season.

16. Josh Hoover - TCU Horned Frogs

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jake-retzlaff/30359">Jake Retzlaff</a> has all the tools needed to be a top-20 quarterback, but he needs to be more consistent. Retzlaff threw for nearly 3,000 yards with 20 touchdowns while adding 417 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground during a surprising campaign for the Cougars in which they almost reached the College Football Playoff but settled for a romp over Colorado in a bowl game. His biggest issue to correct is the completion percentage of only 57.9 percent. That needs to come up to around 63-65 percent if the Cougars are to live up to their likely top-ten preseason ranking.

17. Jake Retzlaff - BYU Cougars

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The Texas Tech Red Raiders were a bit of a disappointment in 2024, limping to an 8-5 record with a loss to Arkansas in their bowl game. The mediocre result was not the fault of quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/behren-morton/20911">Behren Morton</a>. Morton stayed healthy and started 12 games, throwing for 3,335 yards and 27 touchdowns while attempting 466 passes. The running game was not what they anticipated, and Morton is a negative in that department (-22 yards on the season). Improving his accuracy and upping the completion percentage by a few points will be key after the Red Raiders invested heavily in the transfer portal and have geared up for a run at the Big 12 Championship in Morton’s senior season.

18. Behren Morton - Texas Tech Red Raiders

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Is <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/taylen-green/27390">Taylen Green</a> ready to make a leap? He beat out Malachi Singleton for the starting role under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. He was inconsistent but flashed terrific potential. Green threw for 3,154 yards with 15 touchdowns, but he turned it over nine times and was well below 55% completions in multiple games. The excitement comes in the running game as Green’s long strides can quickly eat up yards. If he can harness his potential, he can become a top-ten quarterback. The biggest impediment might be the hits the Razorbacks have taken in the transfer portal and whether they have a roster good enough to help him excel.

19. Taylen Green - Arkansas Razorbacks

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/eli-holstein/40158">Eli Holstein</a> was a well-regarded high school recruit who enrolled at Alabama. There were, reportedly, immediate concerns from the Alabama coaching staff that they had missed their evaluation of Holstein and that he would not be able to contribute to the Crimson Tide. Holstein was an afterthought when he transferred to Pitt, but he surprised everyone by winning the starting job and helping the Panthers to a shocking 7-0 start. Injuries and increased competition spoiled that as Pitt fell apart down the stretch, but Holstein showed a lot as a redshirt freshman. He’s relatively accurate, big-bodied, and a physical runner and offers a lot of promise for the Pitt offense moving forward.

20. Eli Holstein - Pitt Panthers

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-ohio-state-buckeyes-returning-for-another-championship-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Ohio State Buckeyes Returning For Another Championship Run</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/julian-sayin/38120">Julian Sayin</a> is the heir apparent at quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/will-howard/38101">Will Howard</a> went to Columbus for one season and accomplished the mission before him, winning a national title and coming up huge during the College Football Playoff run. His eligibility is exhausted, and it was telling that Ohio State did not pursue any transfer portal quarterbacks to take over for him. Then he let former five-star <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/air-noland/38091">Air Noland</a> leave for South Carolina without a fight. Sayin has a fantastic arm and received rave reviews for his play in practice all season. Of course, he’ll have a fantastic group of weapons to throw to, including all-world receiver <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jeremiah-smith/38164">Jeremiah Smith</a>.

21. Julian Sayin - Ohio State Buckeyes

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dylan-raiola/37686">Dylan Raiola</a> arrived in Lincoln with nigh impossible expectations. He was a five-star recruit who initially committed to Georgia before choosing to play for Nebraska. The Husker legacy represented a great hope for Nebraska to return to relevance under Matt Rhule, and he was immediately thrown into the fire as the starting quarterback. His first season was not a smashing success, but it is fair to say it represented a significant step forward for Nebraska as the Huskers reached and won a bowl game. Raiola threw for 2,819 yards, completed 67 percent of his passes, and threw for 13 touchdowns. He needs to do a better job taking care of the ball, but Nebraska added some good pass catchers to help him take the next step.

22. Dylan Raiola - Nebraska Cornhuskers

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Potential. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/demond-williams/63965">Demond Williams Jr.</a> oozes potential, and the Washington Huskies are counting on 2025 as a significant step towards realizing it and turning potential into production. Demond Williams played as the backup to Will Rogers for much of the 2024 season, but he offered a spark every time he was on the field. Williams is a good athlete who can hurt opponents with his legs but appears to be quite capable of developing as an accurate passer. Jedd Fisch needs Williams to be the answer at quarterback for the Huskies to challenge in the top half of the Big Ten.

23. Demond Williams Jr. - Washington Huskies

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It would be fair to call <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/noah-fifita/38528">Noah Fifita’s</a> sophomore season a disappointment. A season after lighting it up as a freshman for Jedd Fisch in Tuscon, Fifita returned to Arizona and played for a new head coach in a new offensive system. Unfortunately, it did not go as planned, but Fifita was not terrible. He threw for 2,958 yards with 18 passing touchdowns despite playing behind a sieve of an offensive line. The biggest issue is Fifita’s accuracy, as he completed only 60.5 percent of his passes, and he’s now without his best receiver (a likely first-round NFL Draft pick).

24. Noah Fifita - Arizona Wildcats

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Can <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/maddux-madsen/23559">Maddux Madsen</a> get the job done without star running back <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ashton-jeanty/23544">Ashton Jeanty</a> taking all of the defensive attention off the passing game? Madsen played second fiddle, understandably, but he had a terrific season and deserves a lot of credit for getting Boise State to the College Football Playoff. Madsen threw for over 3,000 yards and had 23 touchdowns with only six interceptions. The offense will need much more from him in 2025, but Madsen showed the ability to do what was asked of him.

25. Maddux Madsen - Boise State Broncos

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It was a bit of a surprise when freshman <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/darian-mensah/30844">Darian Mensah</a> beat out <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kai-horton/63457">Kai Horton</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ty-thompson/30865">Ty Thompson</a> for the starting quarterback position at Tulane. Despite his youth, Mensah completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,723 yards with 22 touchdowns and only turned the ball over six times. The Green Wave ran the ball quite a bit, but Mensah did everything asked of him. Mensah entered the transfer portal and surprisingly bolted to Duke to play for Manny Diaz. I do think a bit of skepticism is warranted here. He was poor against Oklahoma in a 34-19 defeat, struggled against Army in the AAC title game, and did not play in the bowl game. How is his game going to translate to a tougher league?

26. Darian Mensah - Duke Blue Devils

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/avery-johnson/18504">Avery Johnson</a> and the Kansas State Wildcats did not have the season they hoped for in 2024. The sky is still the limit for this talented athlete. If he can stay healthy in 2025, I believe in his ability to elevate the Wildcats to a playoff spot. Johnson needs to improve his accuracy and consistency, and Kansas State needs to do a better job of putting him in a position where he can utilize his legs. He can hurt defenses if he can get outside of the tackles.

27. Avery Johnson - Kansas State Wildcats

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The Michigan State Spartans had a rougher-than-expected first year under head coach Jonathan Smith. He came from Oregon State and brought <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/aidan-chiles/19819">Aidan Chiles</a> to East Lansing. The talented quarterback has definite growing pains, but the ability is undeniable. Chiles must increase his accuracy (59.4% completion percentage) and improve his decision-making. When under pressure, which was often, Chiles had a tendency to try and make a play, resulting in many turnovers (11 interceptions), but if Michigan State can improve their offensive line play a bit, Chiles should have a good junior season.

28. Aidan Chiles - Michigan State Spartans

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/grayson-mccall/17067">Grayson McCall</a> was brought in from Coastal Carolina, and Dave Doeren was counting on him to improve the NC State offense after a disappointing 2023 season. After a few terrible starts and an injury to McCall, North Carolina State turned to freshman <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cj-bailey/17056">CJ Bailey</a> and gave the Wolfpack a glance at the future. Bailey impressed, completing 65 percent of his passes and accumulating 2,413 yards with 17 touchdowns. He adds a good running element and had five rushing touchdowns and almost 280 yards on the ground. As they try to compete in the ACC, Bailey is a good foundation piece for North Carolina State.

29. CJ Bailey - North Carolina State Wolfpack

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Matt Campbell seemed to have all of the pieces in place for Iowa State to finally get over the hump and push for the Big 12 Championship, but they needed a strong season of growth for young quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/rocco-becht/45201">Rocco Becht</a>. Becht threw for 3,504 yards and 25 touchdowns, but he still has another level to grow. He only completed 59.4 percent of his passes and needs to jump by at least a few percentage points, which will be difficult after losing both of his top receivers.

30. Rocco Becht - Iowa State Cyclones

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Ole Miss went “all-in” for the 2024 season, investing a ton of money in defensive reinforcements in the transfer portal, believing they could challenge for the SEC Championship. Things did not go as planned, and the Rebels missed the College Football Playoff. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jaxson-dart/48278">Jaxson Dart</a> is now in the NFL Draft but Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss have a firm belief they have a rising star at quarterback ready to step into the void.
As a freshman, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/austin-simmons/48379">Austin Simmons</a> completed 19 of 32 passes with two touchdowns, and he clearly has Kiffin's trust. The “Portal King” did not opt to pursue anyone at the position in this year’s transfer portal. Simmons is still only 19 years old, and he will be entering his third season in Kiffin’s system in Oxford. He’s a good athlete, and coaches believe his ceiling is incredibly high.

31. Austin Simmons - Ole Miss Rebels

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The Texas A&amp;M Aggies entered the 2024 season, Mike Elko’s first season in charge in College Station, relying on <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/conner-weigman/45593">Conner Weigman</a> to begin playing like the highly-touted prospect he was. Weigman never really took off and then was injured, and the Aggies turned to freshman <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/marcel-reed/45716">Marcel Reed</a> to spark the offense. He ended up playing in 11 games and took over the starting role, offering glimpses of really good play mixed with inconsistency. Reed is a good athlete who definitely looks like a player who could develop into a difference-maker at the position. Texas A&amp;M should have a great rushing attack in 2025, but they need Reed to offer a consistent threat at quarterback to exceed expectations.

32. Marcel Reed - Texas A&M Aggies

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<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/cfb-top-10-oregon-ducks-returning-for-another-college-football-playoff-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Oregon Ducks Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run</a>
The quarterback for the Oregon Ducks is almost sure to put up big numbers. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/bo-nix/60112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bo Nix</a> did it, and then Dillon Gabriel stepped in, and the offense actually made a bit of a further jump. Offensive coordinator Will Stein is remarkably adept at putting his players in position to succeed, and Oregon has a dynamic group of skilled players to distribute the ball to. 
The next quarterback to take a turn in the spotlight is <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dante-moore/29407">Dante Moore</a>. Moore transferred into the program from UCLA before the 2024 season and spent a year learning in Eugene. The show is now his. There are significant questions about whether or not he can live up to his five-star billing as a high school prospect. Still, the Ducks had enough belief in him not to seriously pursue anyone at the position in the transfer portal. We’ll see if Stein can work his magic.

33. Dante Moore - Oregon Ducks

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Do the Iowa Hawkeyes have a good quarterback? There’s not much to like about the wide receivers but South Dakota State transfer <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/mark-gronowski/26282">Mark Gronowski</a> might be the answer at the position that has vexed the black and gold for years. The veteran has played in 55 games, thrown for 10,309 yards, rushed for 1,767 yards, and racked up a remarkable 110 touchdowns. Will Iowa open up the playbook some and let Gronowski take some chances? Unfortunately, he had to undergo offseason shoulder surgery and will not be available in the spring. That could limit his ability to hit the ground running in Iowa City.

34. Mark Gronowski - Iowa Hawkeyes

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Auburn was a mess for much of the 2024 season, but it must be pointed out that they lost many close games and suffered from abysmal turnover luck. If you squint, there is a path for the Tigers to be genuine playoff contenders in 2025, but it will require a major step forward from transfer quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jackson-arnold/21212">Jackson Arnold</a>. Arnold was benched at Oklahoma but stuck with the team and played a big part in a stunning upset of Alabama. He has talent but has not played like the five-star prospect he was in high school. Auburn reaching a level deemed acceptable by their hungry fanbase will require him to begin to play like a top-level quarterback. They have surrounded him with a good group of weapons.

35. Jackson Arnold - Auburn Tigers

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The numbers don’t necessarily jump off the page, but you cannot quantify leadership, toughness, and how much a player means to a team. The intangibles are off the charts for Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/haynes-king/30011">Haynes King</a>. He was hampered by injuries in 2024 and was limited to more than 2600 yards and 25 touchdowns as he rotated and the Yellow Jackets altered the offense. He should enter the 2025 campaign healthy and as the leader of Georgia Tech’s offense. The schedule sets up nicely for Georgia Tech to be a real sleeper in the ACC.

36. Haynes King - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

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Jeff Brohm continues to cycle through transfer portal quarterbacks and has a type. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/miller-moss/36450">Miller Moss</a> fits the mold on paper and joins the Cardinals for the 2025 campaign after a wild ride at USC. Moss was outstanding in a bowl game to end the 2023 season but sputtered in an up-and-down 2024 before losing his job to <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jayden-maiava/36482">Jayden Maiava</a> and then transferring to Louisville. Brohm’s offensive system requires accuracy and quick decision-making from his quarterback, and Moss inherits a good running back group to lean on.

37. Miller Moss - Louisville Cardinals

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It is difficult for a true freshman to be highly successful at the quarterback position. Still, Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the incoming freshman class, is a special talent that could buck tradition. Fresno State transfer <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/mikey-keene/28090">Mikey Keene</a> might begin the season at No. 1 as a veteran presence, but I’m betting Underwood won’t be on the bench for long. Underwood has been described by recruiting analysts as “Cam Newton with better accuracy.” If he can scratch the surface of his potential, the Wolverines will have solved their quarterback issue.

38. Bryce Underwood - Michigan Wolverines

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The USC Trojans turned to <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jayden-maiava/36482">Jayden Maiava</a> for their final four games, and the UNLV transfer seemed to stabilize the offense in a way that <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/miller-moss/36450">Miller Moss</a> could not. He threw for 11 touchdowns and 1,135 yards and could hardly be called a star, with “solid” being a more apt description. Is Lincoln Riley capable of reproducing his successes of the recent past and developing Maiava into a star now that he is the full-time starter? Placing him at this spot on the list leans towards a modest improvement but no star-turn in 2025.

39. Jayden Maiava - USC Trojans

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What to do with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/gunner-stockton/22591">Gunner Stockton</a>? He’ll need to hold off four-star <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ryan-puglisi/63789">Ryan Puglisi</a>, a player the UGA staff thinks highly of. Stockton is a wildcard, assuming he is the starter for the Georgia Bulldogs in 2025. The former high school star does not have the physical profile of a stud quarterback, but Stetson Bennett did not either, and that turned out just fine for the Bulldogs. He looked overwhelmed against Notre Dame but still ended up with 234 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. He made a few critical runs to help Georgia beat Texas while Carson Beck was injured. How much has he progressed with some experience under his belt? The answer will be a key to determining Georgia’s potential to return to the top of the sport.

40. Gunner Stockton - Georgia Bulldogs

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/byrum-brown/48983">Byrum Brown</a> was a breakout star in 2023. As a true dual-threat quarterback, he accumulated more than 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns, propelling the South Florida Bulls. USF took a step back in year two under Alex Golesh, as Brown suffered a leg injury and only played in six games. South Florida has a good group of skill players, but a questionable offensive line gives me pause about ranking Brown higher than this.

41. Byrum Brown - South Florida Bulls

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The Florida State Seminoles are essentially starting over after an unthinkably bad 2024 season. Gus Malzahn is the new offensive coordinator, and former Boston College quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/thomas-castellanos/20776">Thomas Castellanos</a> is the new QB1. Castellanos essentially quit on his team last season, but it’s fair to say that he was never a good fit for Bill O’Brien’s system and makes a whole lot more sense in Tallahassee with Malzahn. Castellanos will not be a remarkably accurate or efficient quarterback, but he’s a significant threat as a runner and will be an upgrade on what the Noles had last season.

42. Thomas Castellanos - Florida State Seminoles

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There were high expectations in Blacksburg entering the 2024 season as Virginia Tech got a lot of buzz, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kyron-drones/28872">Kyron Drones</a> was expected to compete for All-ACC honors at quarterback. Things did not go as planned, and head coach Brent Pry enters the 2025 campaign on a hot seat. Drones played in nine games in 2024 and completed only 60.7% of his passes for 1562 yards with ten touchdowns and six interceptions. He also only ran the ball for 3.43 yards per rush and was generally ineffective as the Hokies sputtered to a 6-7 record. He’ll have to be much better in 2025 to stay on the field.

43. Kyron Drones - Virginia Tech Hokies

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/caden-veltkamp/48595">Caden Veltkamp</a> left Western Kentucky, which is generally not an advisable move for a quarterback. However, he’s going to Boca Raton with new head coach and former offensive coordinator at WKU Zach Kittley. That likely means a very prolific offense and huge numbers for Veltkamp. The former tight end had over 3,100 yards with 32 total touchdowns and 66.3 percent completions. After entertaining some interest from power conference schools, Veltkamp decided to play for Kittley. This pairing could form one of the more explosive offenses in the Group of Five.

44. Caden Veltkamp - FAU Owls

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There are some players that you end up just believing in. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/gio-lopez/42412">Gio Lopez</a> is one of those players for me. The South Alabama quarterback lost running back Fluff Bothwell, which likely hurts the team but will increase Lopez’s production in 2025. As a redshirt freshman, the undersized Lopez had more than 3,000 yards with 25 touchdowns, and he now has a full year of experience under his belt and will be entering year two in a solid offensive system. The Jaguars might struggle in the Sun Belt after personnel losses, but Lopez is a significant reason for optimism, and I think he’ll keep them competitive.

45. Gio Lopez - South Alabama Jaguars

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The 2024 college football season is over, but this sport never sleeps. Teams are gearing up for the 2025 campaign. Who will be the 45 best quarterbacks in CFB?

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