College football future Power Rankings: Quarterbacks
ESPN’s annual future energy rankings sequence begins with a very powerful — and seemingly fluid — place in faculty soccer: Quarterback.
This winter did not function as a lot motion amongst marquee quarterbacks because the earlier switch cycle, however notable gamers modified uniforms and impacted depth charts. Sam Hartman, the ACC’s landing passes chief, left Wake Forest for Notre Dame. Drew Pyne, who began 10 video games for the Preventing Irish final season, is an Arizona State Solar Satan.
The ACC’s embellished quarterback class coming into 2022 did not pan out and principally splintered, as Devin Leary transferred from NC State to Kentucky, Brennan Armstrong from Virginia to NC State and D.J. Uiagalelei from Clemson to Oregon State. Two outstanding ACC quarterbacks who stayed put are Florida State’s Jordan Travis and North Carolina’s Drake Maye, who will lead their groups by way of 2023.
Different key holdovers embody USC’s Caleb Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon’s Bo Nix, South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler, Utah’s Cam Rising, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel, Arkansas’ KJ Jefferson, Mississippi State’s Will Rogers, UTSA’s Frank Harris and Western Kentucky’s Austin Reed, the nation’s passing yards chief in 2022.
However most if not all can be gone in 2024, and the problem right here is to venture the highest 25 quarterback teams in faculty soccer in the course of the subsequent three seasons — 2023, 2024 and 2025. Assessments are based mostly on present rosters and dedicated recruits, whereas bearing in mind the chance of transfers, each out and in of applications. Applications which have continuity and success with teaching quarterbacks additionally obtained particular consideration.
Here is a take a look at last year’s quarterback rankings. Now, let’s get began.
1. USC Trojans
2022 rating: 2 Returning starter: Caleb Williams
Coach Lincoln Riley wanted only one season at USC to once more present he is the game’s premier developer of quarterbacks. Williams, who moved with Riley from Oklahoma to USC, turned the third Riley-coached quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy (becoming a member of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray). He led the nation with 42 landing passes and ranked third in passing yards with 4,537, whereas finishing two-thirds of his makes an attempt. Williams will spend another season with the Trojans earlier than probably changing into the No. 1 general choose within the 2024 NFL draft. However USC is properly stocked behind him, particularly after signing Malachi Nelson, ESPN’s No. 1 general recruit within the 2023 class.
Nelson may compete with Miller Moss, who returns for his second 12 months in Riley’s offense and third general at USC. Moss was ESPN’s No. 39 general recruit within the 2021 class. If he stays for 2024, he could have the expertise edge over Nelson. However each are good choices within the post-Williams period. The Large Ten will symbolize an adjustment for USC, however Riley’s long-term success with quarterbacks places the Trojans on prime.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
2022 rating: 1 Returning starter: None
Regardless of by no means successful the Large Ten with C.J. Stroud at quarterback, the Buckeyes will miss the two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, who handed for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns the previous two seasons. Like Riley, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day has established sufficient credibility to churn out prime quarterbacks yearly, both from recruiting or the portal. Kyle McCord is probably going the subsequent man up. He was ESPN’s No. 31 general recruit in 2021 and will develop into Ohio State’s QB1 for a number of seasons. Day additionally introduced in Devin Brown, ESPN’s No. 81 recruit within the 2022 class, and No. 4 pocket passer.
Though Ohio State’s long-term outlook took successful when Dylan Raiola, ESPN’s No. 1 recruit within the 2024 class, decommitted from the group, the employees acted rapidly in including Lincoln Kienholz — initially a Washington dedication — late within the 2023 cycle. The important thing for Ohio State is McCord or presumably Brown panning out like Stroud did, as a productive multiyear choice.
3. Oklahoma Sooners
2022 rating: 7 Returning starter: Dillon Gabriel
The beginning of the Brent Venables period in Norman did not go properly, however Gabriel wasn’t the issue. He handed for 3,168 yards with 25 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, whereas including 315 speeding yards and 6 scores. Regardless of lacking a sport and most of one other, his numbers in contrast favorably to his first two seasons at UCF. He may play two extra seasons at OU, which retained coordinator Jeff Lebby, and will proceed to supply. Oklahoma seemingly is well-positioned for every time Gabriel departs after signing Jackson Arnold, ESPN’s prime dual-threat quarterback and No. 3 general participant within the 2023 class. Arnold earned Gatorade Nationwide Participant of the Yr honors after passing for 3,476 yards and 33 touchdowns as a highschool senior, whereas including 921 speeding yards and 24 touchdowns.
Arnold ought to assist with depth, as Oklahoma struggled mightily with out Gabriel in losses to TCU and Texas. OU misplaced a quarterback with Nick Evers transferring to Wisconsin, however returns veteran Davis Beville for one more 12 months. If Arnold delivers on the expectations round him, the Sooners needs to be in excellent form underneath heart by way of 2025.
4. Georgia Bulldogs
2022 rating: 5 Returning starter: None
The next sentence would have appeared inconceivable three years in the past however is undeniably true: Georgia will actually miss Stetson Bennett. The previous walk-on leaves Georgia with a legacy after guiding the group to consecutive nationwide titles when the Bulldogs had gone greater than 40 years with out one. Now Georgia should exchange Bennett and proficient offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Mike Bobo, who served because the Bulldogs’ OC from 2007 to 2014 and was an analyst final fall, will take over the offense once more. Bobo had success with previous Georgia quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Aaron Murray, however Monken helped put the group excessive.
Carson Beck enters his fourth 12 months in this system after serving as Bennett’s long-term backup. The previous ESPN 300 recruit regarded sharp in restricted motion in 2022, finishing 74.3% of his passes for 310 yards and 4 touchdowns. He must fend off Brock Vandagriff, ESPN’s No. 6 pocket passer and No. 37 general participant within the 2021 recruiting class, who has simply two move makes an attempt in his faculty profession. Georgia signed a 2022 quarterback in Gunner Stockton however didn’t take one in its 2023 class, opening up the chance of a switch addition if Beck and the others aren’t making sufficient progress.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
2022 rating: 3 Returning starter: None
Alabama is in a transition interval after dropping Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner and an 8,200-yard passer on the college, in addition to playcaller Invoice O’Brien. Coach Nick Saban made an attention-grabbing rent in Tommy Rees, the 30-year-old who has spent most of his profession teaching quarterbacks at Notre Dame, the place he performed QB. Third-year sophomore Jalen Milroe is ready to compete with second-year Ty Simpson all through the offseason. Milroe backed up Younger and noticed his most in depth motion towards Arkansas and Texas A&M after Younger went out with a throwing shoulder harm. The 6-2, 212-pound Milroe, who initially dedicated to Texas and was ESPN’s No. 112 recruit in 2021, had 182 speeding yards within the two-game stretch whereas struggling at instances as a passer.
Simpson was ESPN’s No. 34 general recruit in 2022, and accomplished 4 of 5 move makes an attempt final fall. Like Milroe, he has dual-threat potential however might need the next ceiling as a passer. Alabama additionally bolstered its depth within the 2023 class with quarterbacks Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan, ESPN’s Nos. 5 and 6 pocket passers within the class, and ranked No. 29 and No. 36 general. It is unrealistic to anticipate all of the quarterbacks to stay in Tuscaloosa, however Saban and Rees could have sufficient proficient choices to pick from within the subsequent few seasons.
6. Michigan Wolverines
2022 rating: 10 Returning starter: J.J. McCarthy
The McCarthy period started a 12 months sooner than some anticipated, however coach Jim Harbaugh’s daring transfer to choose him over returning starter Cade McNamara paid off. McCarthy at first operated a secure passing sport, finishing no less than 69% of his passes in his first six begins with 9 touchdowns and two interceptions. His accuracy fell off within the second half of the season, however he additionally displayed big-play potential, particularly when star working again Blake Corum went out with a knee harm. McCarthy had six landing passes and just one interception in wins over Ohio State within the regular-season finale and Purdue within the Large Ten title sport. His sport wants refinement, particularly after he threw two pick-sixes towards TCU in Michigan’s CFP semifinal loss, however the upside is extraordinarily thrilling, if Michigan is keen to show him unfastened.
The query is whether or not McCarthy performs one or two extra years at Michigan. If he departs after 2023, Michigan faces uncertainty. The group hasn’t landed one other latest quarterback recruit rated anyplace close to McCarthy (ESPN’s No. 25 general). Michigan is pushing for Jadyn Davis, ESPN’s No. 3 dual-threat quarterback and No. 35 general prospect within the 2024 class. Isaac Wilson, an ESPN 300 junior, is another choice. However Michigan would profit from two extra years of McCarthy. The group additionally may look to the portal, the place it has had success at different positions.
7. Texas Longhorns
2022 rating: 8 Returning starter: Quinn Ewers
Issues are not often boring at Texas, particularly on the quarterback place, which may go in a number of instructions over the subsequent three years. Quinn Ewers is again for his second season as a Longhorn, however must constantly present accuracy and playmaking potential. Ewers, ESPN’s No. 2 general recruit in 2021, spent a season at Ohio State earlier than transferring, and completed the 2022 marketing campaign at Texas with two of his higher performances. However the arrival of Arch Manning creates an added layer of stress on Ewers to maintain creating. Ideally, Ewers holds down the QB1 spot by way of 2023 earlier than giving strategy to Manning, the newest product from America’s most well-known quarterbacking household.
Manning completed as ESPN’s No. 5 general recruit within the 2023 class, however ranked behind quarterbacks Nelson and UCLA signee Dante Moore. He would possibly find yourself pushing Ewers in 2023 earlier than probably taking up the beginning job by 2024. Not surprisingly, Texas misplaced Hudson Card to the switch portal. Maalik Murphy, a second-year participant with an enormous body (6-foot-5, 225 kilos), may share the backup function this coming season with Manning. Murphy was ESPN’s No. 250 recruit within the 2022 class.
8. Tennessee Volunteers
2022 rating: Not ranked Returning starter: None
Tennessee simply missed the lower for final 12 months’s prime 25, a call that did not age properly as Hendon Hooker continued to shine underneath coach Josh Heupel and coordinator Alex Golesh. Hooker departed Knoxville after passing for six,080 yards and 58 touchdowns in two seasons. Golesh is also transferring on — taking the head-coaching job at South Florida — however the offensive construction that has remodeled this system’s trajectory will stay with Heupel and new OC Joey Halzle, who has coached the Vols quarterbacks. Joe Milton III has began seasons for each Tennessee and Michigan in an interesting faculty profession, and can enter his ultimate 12 months hoping for an prolonged run at QB1. Milton changed the injured Hooker late final season and gained Orange Bowl MVP honors after passing for 251 yards and three touchdowns towards Clemson.
The Vols may lean on Milton this fall, however incoming freshman Nico Iamaleava arrives with large intrigue. The California native was ESPN’s No. 4 pocket passer and No. 23 general participant within the 2023 class. Iamaleava is ready as much as lead the offense in 2024 and 2025. Tayven Jackson‘s switch to Indiana creates a necessity for extra depth, however Tennessee is positioned properly for recruits and transfers due to the attraction of its offense.
9. Florida State Seminoles
2022 rating: Not ranked Returning starter: Jordan Travis
Jordan Travis returns to guide the Florida State offense in 2023 and the Seminoles have stable choices for his alternative in 2024 and 2025. Chris Graythen/Getty Photos
Travis’ development is spectacular however not fully shocking, particularly given coach Mike Norvell’s monitor report with quarterbacks. Final fall, Travis greater than doubled his passing yards manufacturing from 2021, and threw 24 touchdowns towards solely 5 interceptions whereas including seven speeding scores for the third consecutive season. He could have another 12 months on the helm of an offense that returns principally intact and has made strides alongside the road and at large receiver. Tate Rodemaker, who changed the injured Travis throughout an enormous street win at Louisville final fall, is again for his fourth 12 months in this system.
FSU can also be seemingly well-positioned for 2024 and 2025. The group final 12 months signed A.J. Duffy, ESPN’s No. 3 pocket passer and No. 60 general recruit, and he appeared in three video games final fall and threw a landing. Duffy could possibly be the favourite to take over in 2024, however FSU additionally signed Brock Glenn, a three-star prospect within the 2023 class from Memphis. The group additionally has a dedication from Luke Kromenhoek, an ESPN four-star within the 2024 class who, like Travis, brings a dual-threat to the backfield.
10. Oregon Ducks
2022 rating: 19 Returning starter: Bo Nix
Nix, who blossomed with the Geese after an erratic profession at Auburn, can be again for his ultimate season. Final season, he set the Oregon single-season completion proportion report (71.9%), and accounted for 4,103 yards of whole offense. He’ll work with a brand new coordinator in Will Stein from UTSA after Kenny Dillingham departed for the head-coaching job at Arizona State. Stein is simply 33 however moved up the ranks rapidly, going from Lake Travis Excessive College in Austin, Texas, to UTSA OC and now Oregon.
The Geese appeared set to show over the offense to class of 2023 QB Dante Moore, however his pivot to UCLA modifications the long-term outlook. Ty Thompson, ESPN’s No. 67 general recruit in 2021, has remained on the roster and could possibly be Nix’s successor in 2024. Thompson has solely 35 move makes an attempt in two seasons at Oregon. After dropping Moore, Oregon flipped Austin Novosad, a Baylor commit ranked as ESPN’s No. 271 general prospect within the 2023 class.
11. Washington Huskies
2022 rating: Not ranked Returning starter: Michael Penix Jr.
Washington was one of many nation’s improved groups in 2022, primarily due to a new-look offense and a revived quarterback who led the nation in passing common and whole offense. Penix, who emerged underneath Washington coach Kalen DeBoer early in his faculty profession at Indiana, propelled the Huskies with 10 video games of 300 passing yards or extra and 10 with a number of landing passes. The strong-armed left-hander shocked some by saying he’ll return for a sixth faculty season. Penix’s harm historical past in the end sidetracked his promising profession at Indiana, however after beginning each sport final fall, he is poised for one more large season and nationwide honors consideration.
The outlook for 2024 and 2025 is a bit much less clear. Sam Huard, ESPN’s highest-rated quarterback recruit in 2021 and a Washington quarterback legacy, transferred to Cal Poly in January. Washington misplaced Lincoln Kienholz to Ohio State and will need to look to the portal once more for a 2024 choice. The group did choose up Austin Mack, an ESPN four-star recruit who reclassified for the 2023 class. Washington additionally has 2024 prospect E.J. Caminong. However the greatest secret’s DeBoer’s continued presence, together with a proficient offensive teaching employees led by coordinator Ryan Grubb, who was courted by Alabama however will stay with UW.
12. LSU Tigers
2022 rating: 16 Returning starter: Jayden Daniels
LSU initiatives properly at quarterback by way of 2025, particularly with Daniels returning after an encouraging first season as a Tiger. The Arizona State switch had profession highs for completion proportion (68.3), speeding yards (885) and speeding touchdowns (11), whereas practically matching his 2019 whole for passing yards (2,913). He lowered his interceptions whole from 10 in his ultimate season at ASU to simply three final fall. Daniels can be working with the identical offensive coordinator (Mike Denbrock) and quarterbacks coach (Joe Sloan) in his ultimate faculty season.
The quarterback room modified a bit as Walker Howard, ESPN’s No. 42 general prospect in 2022, transferred to Ole Miss. However Garrett Nussmeier has remained and can enter his third season after passing for 800 yards with 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions final fall. If Nussmeier stays at LSU, he is the probably successor to Daniels in 2024 and presumably 2025. LSU’s coaches have been impressed by his talent set and method. However the group additionally signed Rickie Collins, ESPN’s No. 199 general recruit within the 2023 class, and has a dedication from Colin Hurley, ESPN’s No. 64 prospect for 2024.
13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2022 rating: 20 Returning starter: None
Notre Dame landed the largest prize of this winter’s quarterback switch cycle in Hartman, who began elements of the previous 5 seasons at Wake Forest. Hartman had 110 landing passes and can deliver manufacturing and expertise to a Notre Dame offense going by way of some transition. The Irish promoted Gerad Parker as playcaller after a coordinator search centered on exterior candidates. How Hartman meshes with Parker and Notre Dame’s offense will go a good distance towards figuring out how profitable the group can be in coach Marcus Freeman’s second season.
Notre Dame misplaced Pyne to the switch portal after the season. Tyler Buchner, who opened the 2022 season because the group’s QB1, stays and has three years of eligibility remaining. Buchner could possibly be Notre Dame’s reply for 2024 and 2025, however the group has loads of different choices due to some sturdy recruiting. Steve Angeli returns for his second season, and Notre Dame provides Kenny Minchey, ESPN’s No. 5 dual-threat quarterback within the 2023 class. The group additionally has a dedication from C.J. Carr, ESPN’s No. 29 general prospect for 2024 and the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.
14. Utah Utes
2022 rating: 14 Returning starter: Cam Rising
Is Utah changing into a quarterback college? Different positions have stood out extra throughout coach Kyle Whittingham’s lengthy tenure, however Utah is on a powerful run of quarterbacks with Rising following Tyler Huntley, and will proceed to thrive. Rising is again for a ultimate season after main Utah to consecutive Pac-12 titles. Though a torn ACL within the Rose Bowl raises some questions on his effectiveness, particularly early within the 2023 season, he has already solidified legend standing across the program. Rising has 5,527 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, together with 964 speeding yards and 12 touchdowns, the previous two seasons. He’ll as soon as once more work underneath coordinator Andy Ludwig, who practically left for Notre Dame’s employees earlier than returning to Utah, which desires to maintain him so long as it could.
The post-Rising period has some intrigue. Stroll-on Bryson Barnes has backed up Rising and supplied some highlights in aid the previous two seasons. However Utah can also be grooming Nate Johnson, ESPN’s No. 4 dual-threat quarterback and No. 93 general participant within the 2022 class. Johnson, who accomplished his solely move try in 2022 for a 16-yard landing, ought to see extra enjoying time this fall in preparation to probably lead the offense in 2024 and 2025. Utah additionally added 2023 three-star recruit Mack Howard.
15. Penn State Nittany Lions
2022 rating: 11 Returning starter: None
The Sean Clifford period at Penn State included 32 victories, capped by a Rose Bowl championship, and several other group passing information, however in the end no Large Ten titles or CFP appearances. Penn State now turns to Drew Allar, its most embellished quarterback recruit (No. 51 in ESPN’s 2022 class) since Christian Hackenberg (No. 15 in 2013). The group has schematic continuity with coordinator Mike Yurcich, who enters his third season because the playcaller. Allar is ready to guide the offense for no less than the subsequent two seasons. The Ohio native had 9,103 passing yards and 98 touchdowns in highschool, and 4 touchdowns and no interceptions final 12 months for the Nittany Lions.
Penn State’s fast concern is depth after Christian Veilleux transferred to rival Pitt. The group is ready to enter spring observe with solely two different quarterbacks, redshirt freshman Beau Pribula and true freshman Jaxon Smolik, an ESPN three-star recruit from Iowa who had initially dedicated to Tulane. There’s so much driving on Allar right here, however he has the talent set to take Penn State a good distance.
16. UCLA Bruins
2022 rating: 13 Returning starter: None
UCLA has been making ready for this second, for when four-year beginning quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson would lastly depart this system. The group had one of many extra attention-grabbing winters on the quarterback entrance, highlighted by the recruiting flip of Dante Moore from Oregon. Moore was ESPN’s No. 2 general recruit within the 2023 class, UCLA’s most embellished offensive recruit ever and its most anticipated quarterback recruit since Josh Rosen (ESPN’s No. 50 in 2015). He could possibly be a Day 1 starter for Chip Kelly, as his talent set in Kelly’s system may translate to a different DTR-like run in Westwood. However UCLA additionally has different choices.
Ethan Garbers, who backed up Thompson-Robinson the previous two seasons, is again for his third season at UCLA and fourth within the Pac-12 (he spent his first 12 months at Washington). UCLA additionally added Collin Schlee, who had 2,109 passing yards and 13 touchdowns as Kent State’s starter final season, so Kelly has some insurance coverage if Moore is not prepared instantly. The Bruins additionally added a second 2023 quarterback in ESPN three-star recruit Luke Duncan.
17. Kansas State Wildcats
2022 rating: Not ranked Returning starter: Will Howard (part-time)
Life is sweet within the Little Apple, as Kansas State comes off of a Large 12 championship and returns Howard — who has began chunks of video games in every of the previous three seasons — in addition to glorious long-term depth. Howard was excellent in the course of the league title push final fall, and completed with 1,633 move yards and 15 touchdowns in seven video games. Howard could lead on the offense by way of 2024 if he makes use of his COVID season. Kansas State additionally obtained an enormous increase when former star quarterback Collin Klein, the group’s offensive coordinator, remained after receiving vital curiosity from Notre Dame.
Jake Rubley, who accomplished 4 passes final season, will probably function Howard’s backup in 2023. Rubley was ESPN’s No. 4 pocket passer and No. 27 general participant within the 2021 class. If he stays at Okay-State, he needs to be in line to exchange Howard. The group additionally has second-year quarterback Adryan Lara and simply signed Avery Johnson, ESPN’s No. 3 twin menace and No. 77 general participant. Kansas State may not maintain everybody on the roster, however Klein and coach Chris Klieman have some good choices by way of 2025.
18. South Carolina Gamecocks
2022 rating: 18 Returning starter: Spencer Rattler
After Rattler’s standout freshman season at Oklahoma in 2020, nobody may have predicted he would nonetheless be enjoying faculty soccer in 2023, a lot much less for South Carolina. However that’s how his fascinating profession unfolded, and South Carolina stands to profit this fall after Rattler’s sturdy end to the 2022 season. He helped the Gamecocks to signature wins over Clemson and Tennessee, and completed with 3,026 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Rattler additionally turned a greater decision-maker, throwing simply 4 interceptions within the ultimate seven video games after eight picks within the first six. He can be working with a brand new playcaller in Dowell Loggains, a former NFL offensive coordinator (Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets).
South Carolina has spectacular depth, each within the quick and long run. Luke Doty, who began video games in 2021, is again and offers some insurance coverage behind Rattler. Colten Gauthier, Braden Davis and Tanner Bailey competed for the third-string job final season, and all stay on the roster for now. Bailey was ESPN’s No. 5 pocket passer within the 2022 class. South Carolina additionally signed ESPN 300 quarterback LaNorris Sellers and has a dedication from Dante Reno, an ESPN 300 prospect within the 2024 class. Attrition is probably going however the room is stable for now.
19. North Carolina Tar Heels
2022 rating: Not ranked Returning starter: Drake Maye
UNC can be a lot larger if this had been a one-year projection, as Maye emerged as one of many nation’s greatest quarterbacks in 2022. He completed within the prime 5 nationally in each passing yards (4,321) and passing touchdowns (38). Maye can be working with a brand new offensive coordinator in Chip Lindsey, who begins his fifth playcalling stint within the FBS (UCF, Auburn, Arizona State, Southern Miss). He is projected because the probably No. 2 quarterback within the 2024 draft, behind USC’s Williams, and nearly definitely will depart Chapel Hill after this 12 months.
Jacolby Criswell, who competed with Maye for the beginning job final offseason, transferred to Arkansas in December. There’s not a lot confirmed depth behind Maye. Projected backup Conner Harrell was an ESPN three-star recruit within the 2022 class, and North Carolina signed Tad Hudson, ESPN’s No. 9 pocket passer and No. 150 general participant, in December. The competitors between Harrell and Hudson, which begins this offseason, will assist chart the course for the offense in 2024. UNC additionally may go to the portal to exchange Maye.
20. Clemson Tigers
2022 rating: 17 Returning starter: None
Clemson dropped 15 spots within the quarterback energy rankings from 2021 to 2022. Final 12 months’s outcomes had been higher general, however nonetheless not overly encouraging for a program that has thrived with the passing sport. There’s some transition forward, as two-year starter D.J. Uiagalelei transferred to Oregon State and Clemson fired offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter earlier than hiring TCU’s Garrett Riley, the Broyles Award winner. Riley’s process is to maximise Cade Klubnik, the embellished 2022 recruit who shined towards North Carolina within the ACC championship earlier than struggling in Clemson’s Orange Bowl loss to Tennessee. Klubnik and Riley are each Texas natives and will click on, particularly as Riley implements a quarterback-friendly system that helped TCU’s Max Duggan develop into the Heisman Trophy runner-up final season.
Klubnik could possibly be positioned to guide Clemson no less than by way of the 2025 season. If he struggles, Clemson probably will flip to Christopher Vizzina, ESPN’s No. 7 pocket passer and No. 42 general prospect within the 2023 class. Arizona State switch Paul Tyson, who started his profession at Alabama, will compete with Vizzina for the backup function. Tyson, the great-grandson of former Alabama coach Bear Bryant, was the Crimson Tide’s backup QB in 2021.
21. Mississippi State Bulldogs
2022 rating: 12 Returning starter: Will Rogers
Rogers’ return retains Mississippi State in these rankings regardless of a big transition forward. Coach Mike Leach’s sudden passing in December impacts the group in a number of methods, however Rogers offers management, reliability, manufacturing and different substances to information the offense into its subsequent part. He adopted a record-setting 2021 season with one other sturdy set of numbers — 3,974 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 68% completions — and enters his fourth season in this system with 33 begins in 35 video games. Rogers technically may use his COVID season and play in 2024, however a lot will rely on how he adjusts to a brand new scheme underneath playcaller Kevin Barbay, who comes over from Appalachian State.
Assuming Rogers strikes on after the 2023 season, Mississippi State has some uncertainty after the switch departures of Sawyer Robertson (Baylor) and Braedyn Locke (Wisconsin). The group added Vanderbilt switch Mike Wright, who began 11 video games the previous two seasons, and in addition signed Chris Parson, ESPN’s No. 6 dual-threat quarterback within the 2023 class. However the method Barbay and new head coach Zach Arnett take can be attention-grabbing to observe, particularly concerning switch quarterbacks.
22. Kansas Jayhawks
2022 rating: Not ranked Returning starter: Jalon Daniels
Kansas reached its first bowl since 2008 and issues seem like simply getting began for this system, particularly on offense. Daniels has two extra seasons of eligibility left after main the FBS in whole QBR and recording 2,014 passing yards, 425 speeding yards and 25 whole touchdowns (18 passing, seven speeding) in solely 9 video games. When wholesome, Daniels is without doubt one of the most enjoyable and environment friendly quarterbacks within the nation. Kansas additionally retained coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, who has orchestrated a enjoyable and QB-friendly system, on a long-term deal. If KU can maintain the Kotelnicki-Lance Leipold mixture collectively, it ought to proceed to supply on the quarterback spot.
The Jayhawks return a succesful backup in Jason Bean, who has began video games in every of the previous two seasons and provides a working menace to the offense. Ethan Vasko, an ESPN three-star recruit in 2022, needs to be able to contribute by 2024. Kansas didn’t signal a 2023 quarterback however already has a dedication from 2024 prospect Isaiah Marshall, a twin menace from Michigan.
23. TCU Horned Frogs
2022 rating: Not ranked Returning starter: None
TCU did not seem within the final model of those rankings and finds itself in an attention-grabbing spot, after dropping each quarterback Max Duggan and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley from an offense that propelled the group to the game’s greatest stage. However there’s sufficient optimism after a breakthrough season, particularly given coach Sonny Dykes’ monitor report with quarterbacks. Dykes changed Riley with coordinator Kendal Briles, who helped KJ Jefferson develop the previous two years at Arkansas and is aware of the Large 12 properly. TCU additionally brings again Chandler Morris, who really beat out Duggan for the beginning job final summer season and began the opener earlier than struggling a knee harm. Morris had a record-setting efficiency in TCU’s upset of Baylor in 2021 and was an ESPN prime 200 recruit within the 2020 class. He has three years of eligibility left.
Sam Jackson‘s switch to Cal means third-year quarterback Josh Hoover will probably again up Morris this coming season. Hoover was an ESPN three-star recruit within the 2020 class. TCU didn’t signal a quarterback in 2023, and Dykes expects to be lively within the portal within the subsequent few years, particularly as Briles has extra enter over the place.
24. UTSA Roadrunners
2022 rating: Not ranked Returning starter: Frank Harris
UTSA is 30-10 the previous three seasons underneath coach Jeff Traylor, and could have an excellent probability at one other double-digit win season this coming fall. Quarterback Frank Harris, who holds greater than 30 group information, is again for a seventh season to guide the Roadrunners’ offense. Harris had 4,059 move yards with 32 touchdowns on a 69.6% completion fee final season, constructing on sturdy numbers from 2021. He’ll lead UTSA into the American Athletic Convention, particularly because the group goes by way of a coordinator transition with Will Stein’s departure to Oregon.
There are quarterback questions in 2024 and 2025, however Traylor’s monitor report is encouraging. Eddie Lee Marburger, who has backed up Harris and can proceed to take action this fall, could have two seasons of eligibility left. UTSA signed ESPN three-star quarterback Diego Tello within the 2022 class and provides three-star Jackson Gilkey this 12 months. The group additionally brings in Colorado switch Owen McCown, who began three video games as a real freshman in 2022 and is the son of longtime NFL quarterback Josh McCown.
25. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
2022 rating: Not ranked Returning starter: Austin Reed
Coach Tyson Helton has made WKU one of many nation’s premier locations for prolific passing offenses and quarterbacks. Over the previous two seasons, the Hilltoppers lead the FBS by large margins in each passing yards (11,001) and passing touchdowns (106). They’ve completed it with completely different quarterbacks (Bailey Zappe and Reed) and completely different playcallers (Zach Kittley and Ben Arbuckle). Drew Hollingshead turns into the group’s third main playcaller in as many seasons, however Reed returns after initially coming into the switch portal. The switch from Division II West Florida surged in his first 12 months as WKU’s starter, main the FBS in passing yards (4,746), ending second in passing common (339 ypg) and third in passing touchdowns (40). Reed had a staggering 907 yards and 7 touchdowns in his ultimate two video games final fall.
He’s set to depart after 2023, however Helton’s historical past with quarterbacks and playcallers suggests extra success will comply with. Caden Veltkamp is an enormous physique at 6-foot-5 and 225 kilos, and enters his second season in this system with 4 years of eligibility left. Veltkamp may compete with Willie Taggart Jr., a Florida Atlantic switch and the son and namesake of the longtime faculty coach and star WKU quarterback. Western Kentucky additionally will proceed to be a lovely vacation spot for quarterback transfers following Reed’s departure.
