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The college quarterback landscape has a different look heading into the 2024 season, at least at the top.
Heisman Trophy winners Caleb Williams (USC, 2022) and Jayden Daniels (LSU, 2023) are gone, selected with the top two picks of the NFL draft. North Carolina Drake Maye followed at No. 3, and three other QB mainstays — Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and Oregon’s Bo Nix — went within the top 12 picks.
So, who’s left? Georgia’s Carson Beck is back for his second season as the Bulldogs’ starter, chasing a national championship and possibly the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders remains one of the more talked-about and polarizing players in college football, with his success early on last season put him on the NFL radar. Texas’ Quinn Ewers seemingly has been in college a lot longer than he actually has — he only turned 21 in March — and enters his third season as the Longhorns’ starter, if he can hold off Arch Manning.
Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Arizona’s Noah Fifita both remain with their teams despite coaching changes. Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Missouri’s Brady Cook are back to lead their teams on possible CFP runs, while Utah’s Cam Rising, Kansas’ Jalon Daniels and Texas A&M’s Conner Weigman are among those returning from significant injuries.
The quarterback transfer portal featured some notable moves, including Cameron Ward from Washington State to Miami, Dillon Gabriel from Oklahoma to Oregon, Riley Leonard from Duke to Notre Dame, Kyle McCord from Ohio State to Syracuse, Will Howard from Kansas State to Ohio State and DJ Uiagalelei from Oregon State to Florida State.
There are also big-name quarterbacks seeking breakout seasons, like Penn State Drew Allar, as well as some who waited their turn and will finally get a chance like USC’s Miller Moss, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. Several young players are generating buzz, too, like Kansas State’s Avery Johnson, Oklahoma’s Jackson Arnold and Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava.
I spoke with more than 25 head coaches and defensive assistants (mostly coordinators) during the spring and summer to gather intel on the top returning quarterbacks and what to expect — both good and bad — this fall. Not every quarterback is represented below, but there’s a solid sampling of names. Most coaches spoke anonymously, but a few addressed players they have coached or faced on the record.
Here’s what they shared.
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SEC | Big Ten | Big 12
ACC | ND/Others
SEC
Carson Beck, Georgia: After playing behind Stetson Bennett, Beck shined during his first season as the Bulldogs’ starter, displaying production and precision. He finished third nationally in passing yards (3,941), fourth in completion percentage (72.4) and eighth in efficiency (167.9 rating).
His performance was a bit overshadowed by more established quarterbacks, but SEC coaches took notice of Beck’s talent.
“He’s the most talented quarterback in our league,” an SEC coach said. “He’s a little bit skinny, but he’s got the height, he’s got great arm action, great velocity. He sees the field really well, and you could just tell, in the second half of the season, his confidence really grew being their quarterback. And they put the game in his hand. Prior to the Auburn game, they didn’t really trust him.”
Although the 2025 quarterback draft class isn’t nearly as strong as its predecessor, Beck is projected at the top. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Beck never dipped below 65% completions in a game last fall or threw multiple interceptions.
“Real arm talent, touch, velocity, all that,” an SEC defensive coordinator said. “And he’s big. You don’t realize how big that kid is until you get up on him.”
Quinn Ewers, Texas: During the EA Sports College Football 25 cover shoot in March at the Cotton Bowl, Ewers noted something that many fans might overlook when sizing up his career: his youth. He was a few weeks shy of his 21st birthday.
“I feel like I’m a lot older,” Ewers told me. “I feel like I’m closer to 24.”
He’s 21 now and set to enter his third full season as Texas’ starter, after transferring in from Ohio State. Last fall, Ewers helped the Longhorns to a Big 12 title and their first CFP appearance, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors with 3,479 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. Ewers had six 300-yard passing performances and added five rushing touchdowns.
The 6-2, 210-pound Ewers had two interceptions but completed 31 of 37 passes for 346 yards in a loss to Oklahoma. He completed a season-low 55.8% of his passes in Texas’ CFP semifinal loss to Washington.
“I like Ewers, he’s just one of those steady Eddie, solid guys,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “He’s had so much talent around him that really all you’ve got to do is manage the game. I don’t know what he has.”
Ewers will be throwing to a new group of receivers, as NFL first-round pick Xavier Worthy, tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (fourth round) and others move on. He must adjust to the SEC, too, although his performance last season against Alabama — 349 passing yards, three touchdowns — should boost his confidence. A Big 12 defensive coordinator noted that Texas coach Steve Sarkisian thrives at putting his quarterbacks in advantageous positions.
“Sark does such a good job with play-action and setting up quick game, just enough RPO stuff, so they’ll find a way to move the ball,” the coach said. “[Ewers] will be a good player in that league. He got a lot better from the first year we saw him to watching him this year. I thought he was a totally different guy. He’ll probably keep them competitive.”
Jalen Milroe, Alabama: After a bumpy start to the 2023 season, Milroe established himself as Alabama’s QB1 and showed big-play ability, both as a passer and a runner. He ranked third nationally in both yards per pass attempt (9.98) and air yards per attempt (12.11), while finishing fifth nationally in efficiency (172.2).
The 6-2, 225-pound Milroe also showcased his mobility with 12 rushing touchdowns, most among SEC quarterbacks and tied for third among FBS quarterbacks. He was sacked 44 times, the third most among FBS quarterbacks, but avoided an interception in his last five games of the season.
Milroe will lead an offense orchestrated by new Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer, who oversaw the revitalization of Michael Penix Jr.’s career at Washington.
“They like to throw the ball vertically,” an SEC defensive coordinator said. “Jalen Milroe got better at that. I don’t know if that’s his strong suit. It’ll be interesting to see how that all flows together. He’s a damn good football player, so they’ll figure it out, because DeBoer’s a damn good coach. Maybe the kid has gotten more accurate, but I know he kills people with his legs.”
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss: The season carries big stakes for both Ole Miss (preseason No. 6) and Dart, who could make a Heisman Trophy push and improve his outlook for the NFL draft. Dart helped the Rebels to their first 11-win season last fall and finished in the top 10 nationally in both yards per attempt (9.4) and yards per completion (14.4). He also finished 11th nationally in pass efficiency (162.4 rating), throwing only five interceptions in 233 attempts, and added eight rushing touchdowns.
Coaches think Dart will benefit from a third season under coach Lane Kiffin, and a talented receiver group that returns Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins, and adds Juice Wells from the South Carolina Gamecocks.
“I don’t know that his arm is as big as some in the league,” an SEC coach said. “He’s got the good stats, but I don’t know if he’s got a big NFL arm or anything like that.”
Brady Cook, Missouri: Cook blossomed in his second season as Missouri’s starter, helping the team to 11 wins and a Cotton Bowl championship (winning MVP honors in the game), while throwing a touchdown pass in all 13 games. He had solid numbers in 2022 but saw significant increases in passing yards (2,739 to 3,317), passing touchdowns (14 to 21) and yards per pass (11 to 13.6), while continuing to be a rushing threat with eight scores on the ground.
The 6-2, 215-pound senior will lead a team with legitimate CFP aspirations and an offense featuring Biletnikoff Award favorite Luther Burden III.
“He’s a really good player, really smart, manages it, throws it better than you think,” an SEC defensive coordinator said. “He’s not an elite player, but he’s a good player.”
Conner Weigman, Texas A&M: Although Weigman missed most of last season with a foot injury, he retained the Aggies’ starting job under new coach Mike Elko and new coordinator Collin Klein. The 6-3, 220-pound sophomore has eight starts over the past two seasons, displaying his talent right away with a Texas A&M freshman-record 338 yards and four touchdowns against Ole Miss in 2022.
He had 979 passing yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions, completing 68.9% of his attempts, while adding two touchdowns in three-plus games in 2023.
“I like him a lot,” said a defensive coordinator who has faced Weigman. “He was athletic, you can hit him a bunch of times and he just keeps playing. Very talented kid.”
Graham Mertz, Florida: Although Florida’s 2023 season did not go well for the team, Mertz revived his career under coach Billy Napier. The Wisconsin transfer had career highs in completions (261), passing yards (2,903), touchdown passes (20), completion percentage (72.9), passing average (263.9 YPG) and efficiency (157.8), while throwing a career-low three interceptions.
Mertz, the highest-rated quarterback recruit in Wisconsin history, never surpassed 61.1% completions in a full season with the Badgers, but did so in every start last fall for the Gators, eclipsing 79% in five consecutive games with no multi-interception performances. An SEC coach noted that Mertz’s statistics are a bit “misleading” because the Gators often trailed, but most around the league took notice of his improvement in Gainesville.
“He’s a good processor, he knows where he wants to go with the ball,” said a defensive coordinator who will face Mertz. “You can tell he’s coached up well, he doesn’t throw a lot of interceptions, and he’s athletic enough to get away from the rush.”
An SEC defensive coordinator said Mertz will really miss top wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, an NFL first-round draft pick, and will need to lean on Eugene Wilson III.
“He’s smart, he’s efficient,” another SEC defensive coordinator said of Mertz. “I don’t think he throws the deep ball very well, with accuracy. He’s better than people give him credit for. He’s really, really smart.”
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU: Despite three seasons as an LSU reserve, Nussmeier is a familiar name to coaches, largely because of his father, Doug, a longtime pro and college coach, now with the Philadelphia Eagles. Garrett Nussmeier was ESPN’s No. 63 recruit in 2021 but made his first start at the end of last season, when he passed for 395 yards and three touchdowns against Wisconsin in a ReliaQuest Bowl win.
He played extensively against Arkansas in relief of Max Johnson as a freshman in 2021, and had 800 passing yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions behind Jayden Daniels in 2022. Nussmeier will lead an LSU offense that led the FBS in scoring last season but deals with the loss of two first-round draft picks at wide receiver (Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr.). But the Tigers shouldn’t worry as they return arguably the nation’s top line.
“He’s going to be an elite player,” an SEC coach said of Nussmeier. “He’s got great arm action, he’s got great arm strength, he’s got great anticipation, he knows the game. He’s got just enough arrogance that he knows how to play quarterback.”
Payton Thorne, Auburn: Thorne is back for his fourth season as a starter and his second at Auburn, where he had only 1,755 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last fall. The senior is trying to recapture his magic from 2021, when he set Michigan State’s single-season record with 27 touchdown passes and threw for 3,233 yards in helping the Spartans to an 11-2 record.
Despite Thorne’s underwhelming debut, Auburn did not add a notable quarterback from the portal and instead changed offensive coordinators, as Derrick Nix took over for Philip Montgomery.
“I don’t know that they’ve actually got an answer,” an SEC coach said. “The only way you don’t go to the portal is if you think, ‘OK, I’ve got a freshman who’s going to take over and be the guy.’ And I don’t think they’ve got that, either.”
Taylen Green, Arkansas: The Razorbacks are resetting their offense entering a make-or-break season for coach Sam Pittman. Although new coordinator Bobby Petrino will generate most of the intrigue, Green transfers in from Boise State, which he helped to a Mountain West title in 2023.
An ESPN three-star recruit from Texas, Green has struggled with accuracy at times — 59.4% career completions — but brings dual-threat ability to the Hogs with 17 rushing touchdowns in two seasons.
“It will be interesting with Arkansas, because they put all their chips in Bobby and in that quarterback,” an SEC coach said. “Bobby’s a really good coordinator, but I don’t know that that quarterback’s as good as they think he is.”
Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma: The Sooners had a peaceful transition of QB power from Dillon Gabriel to Arnold, ESPN’s No. 3 overall recruit in the 2023 class. Like Gabriel, Arnold is a shorter quarterback (6-1) with dual-threat ability and a track record of prolific passing (more than 7,000 yards in high school). Arnold started the Alamo Bowl against Arizona and had 361 pass yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
His first season as OU’s full-time starter coincides with the team’s move to the SEC, which brings a schedule featuring Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Missouri and LSU, in addition to the Red River Rivalry game against Texas.
“He’s going to have a chance to have a really good year,” said Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby, who served as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator last season. “They’ve got some really good pieces around him. They’re going to be better at tight end, better at running back, and they’ve got some great, great pieces in the receiver room. He’s set up really well.”
Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee: Iamaleava’s recruitment gained plenty of attention, as Tennessee made a splash in landing ESPN’s No. 23 recruit in the 2023 class. He spent last season playing behind Joe Milton but started the Citrus Bowl against Iowa and earned MVP honors, accounting for 178 yards and four touchdowns (three rushing, one passing) against a talented Hawkeyes defense.
The key for Iamaleava will be developing as a passer in coach Josh Heupel’s offense. Heupel described Iamaleava’s offseason as “elite” and noted the redshirt freshman’s decision-making and ability to command all that is asked of him, from protections to the run game to pocket efficiency.
“He’s really athletic,” said a coach who will face Tennessee this season. “In the bowl game, they made it pretty simple for him. He’s long, he’s got a good arm and he was a really highly recruited kid in high school, highly touted.”
Big Ten
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon: A coach whose team will face Gabriel this season likely summed up the reaction of many in saying, “I’m shocked he still has eligibility.” Gabriel first started games way back in 2019 at UCF and comes to Oregon with 49 career starts in 50 games, and ranked in the top eight in FBS history in total touchdowns (151), total offense (15,925 yards), passing yards (14,865) and passing touchdowns (125).
He has already shown adaptability, transferring from UCF to Oklahoma and producing two all-league-caliber seasons. Gabriel now joins an Oregon team with national championship aspirations and a No. 3 preseason ranking, which joins the Big Ten this fall.
“He’s obviously battle-tested,” a Big Ten defensive coordinator said. “He may be the best one [in the Big Ten]. He’s been so productive, so effective, at every place he’s gone, so I don’t think it will change now.”
Another Big Ten defensive coordinator added of the 6-foot Gabriel, “He’s a little guy, but he can spin it.”
Will Howard, Ohio State: Howard might not have been the biggest name in the quarterback transfer cycle, but he inherits the best situation in Columbus. Ohio State is loaded at wide receiver and running back, and added Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator to join head coach Ryan Day, who has lifted the quarterback position to historic heights at the school.
The 6-4, 235-pound Howard brings championship experience from Kansas State in 2022, and set a team record with 48 touchdown passes in 28 career starts.
“Haven’t played against him, but watching him on film, the dual [threat] part of that is always scary,” a Big Ten defensive coordinator said. “He can run, big, physical guy. Those are tough guys to deal with, especially when you wait to see what Chip [Kelly] does and the influence he has. The style of play with Chip and a guy that can run, that helps. But at the same time, Kansas State was kind of built that way, too. I don’t think he’s elite. I just think he’s a tough, gritty kid. The jury’s still out.”
Coaches noted that while Kansas State appreciated Howard, the team was ready to move forward with Avery Johnson at quarterback.
“He left for a reason,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire told ESPN. “And that’s because of the dude that’s going to start at K-State. That says a lot.”
Drew Allar, Penn State: Allar will be one of the nation’s most scrutinized quarterbacks this fall, as his performance is so closely tied to Penn State’s quest for its first CFP appearance. The top-60 recruit produced solid numbers for a first-year starter — 2,631 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, two interceptions — but an inability to stretch the field showed up too often, especially in losses to Ohio State and Michigan. Allar finished 109th nationally in air yards per attempt and tied for 77th in completions of 20 yards or longer.
Penn State had other deficiencies, namely at wide receiver, and made a coordinator change in hiring Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas. The goal is more dynamic quarterback play, especially in the biggest games.
“It seems like he just needs confidence,” a Big Ten coach said. “He played really well against lesser teams or equal teams, but when you don’t play well in your two big games of the year, that’s how you get labeled. It seems like [the fans are] down on him. But Andy does a phenomenal job, and I think he’ll be really good for him.”
Allar rushed for four touchdowns last season, but a Big Ten defensive coordinator described him as a “statue back there.”
“Sometimes he looks great, sometimes he doesn’t,” another Big Ten defensive coordinator said. “All the stuff they did at Kansas, how does he put it together? Because you can’t do some of that stuff with that kid, because he’s not a runner.”
Miller Moss, USC: He isn’t the typical Lincoln Riley quarterback, and wasn’t even recruited by Riley to USC (Moss signed with Clay Helton). But after waiting three seasons, Moss finally gets his opportunity to steer Riley’s offense as USC enters the Big Ten. Moss saw his most extensive action in USC’s 2023 Holiday Bowl win over Louisville Cardinals, throwing six touchdown passes — a Holiday Bowl and USC record — and finishing with 372 yards.
“Obviously, he put up really good numbers in the bowl game,” said a defensive coordinator who will face Moss this season. “He’s good. It’s hard to say after one game. I don’t know if he’s elite. He looks a little undersized, not great mobility but he’s got a good arm. It’ll be a good challenge for us.”
The 6-2, 205-pound Moss was a top-40 recruit in the 2021 class. Despite limited opportunities, he has 914 career passing yards with nine touchdowns and one interception.
“He just seems to know where to go with the ball,” a Big Ten defensive coordinator said. “He just threw on time and seemed to hit his reads in progression and with confidence. With all the weapons he’s going to have around him, he’ll be a legit threat.”
Tyler Van Dyke, Wisconsin: Few expected Van Dyke to still be in college after the 2021 season, when he thrived under coordinator Rhett Lashlee at Miami, passing for 2,931 yards with 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He rose as high as No. 11 on Mel Kiper’s Big Board for the 2023 draft, but was limited by injury to only nine games in 2022 and had 12 interceptions last fall while playing for his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons.
The 6-4, 225-pound Van Dyke will work with another new playcaller in Phil Longo this fall, as Wisconsin tries to spark its Air Raid-style offense. Since arriving at Wisconsin, Van Dyke has displayed athleticism — an element Badgers coach Luke Fickell noticed more in his first two years at Miami than the past two — and complemented his size and arm strength. Van Dyke is not a running quarterback but can use his feet to create more passing opportunities. A defensive coordinator familiar with Van Dyke noted that he’s “probably a little better athlete than I realized he was.”
“The next step, athleticism-wise, people have to play you a little bit different,” Fickell said. “Those things gives you a chance to have the whole package.”
Will Rogers, Washington: The Brandon, Mississippi, native, who set SEC records under the late Mike Leach at Mississippi State, never could have envisioned his college career wrapping up in Seattle for last year’s national title runner-up, now being coached by Jedd Fisch. But Rogers stuck with his pledge despite Washington’s coaching change, and has been absorbing Fisch’s offense.
He set 29 records at Mississippi State and brings 40 career starts with 12,315 passing yards and 94 touchdowns to Montlake. But after struggling for most of 2023, Rogers is hoping to reboot and hold off impressive freshman Demond Williams Jr.
“It will be interesting to see how Will transitions to this environment,” a Big Ten coach said. “When Will was at his absolute best, it was with Mike [Leach] and those guys at Mississippi State. Will’s damn good.”
Hudson Card, Purdue: Boilers coach Ryan Walters targeted Card after his hiring in late 2022, and will run it back with the quarterback and coordinator Graham Harrell this fall. Card finished the 2023 season strong with six touchdowns, no interceptions and 526 passing yards in the final two games. He had accuracy issues against better competition, though, and three games with multiple interceptions.
The 6-3, 210-pound Card also showcased his athleticism late in the season with 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in the final two games.
“He’s inconsistent but it’s the same old thing, if they can hurt you with their legs, it’s a scary thing,” a Big Ten coach said. “You’ve got to be careful what you do coverage-wise. He’s a really good one.”
Aidan Chiles, Michigan State: When I went to Oregon State in spring 2023 to write about DJ Uiagalelei, a different quarterback caught my eye at practice. Chiles looked like the Beavers’ quarterback of the future back then, and coach Jonathan Smith’s move to Michigan State has shifted the designation to the Spartans. An ESPN four-star recruit from California, Chiles appeared in nine games for the Beavers last season, completing 68.6% of his passes for 309 yards with no touchdowns and an interception.
He was among the first players to follow Smith to Michigan State.
“He has all the ability,” said a defensive coordinator familiar with Chiles. “He’s big, he’s athletic, he has a huge arm, he has all the attributes you want. He can become a high draftable guy at the end of his career. He just has to go through that first year as a Big Ten starter.”
Big 12
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: Sanders went through a lot in 2023. He vaulted himself into the Heisman Trophy conversion with a record-setting start, and continued to put up strong passing numbers despite constant pressure. But Colorado slipped to 4-8 and he missed the final game with a fractured back.
Although Sanders completed 69.3% of his passes for 3,230 yards with 27 touchdowns and only three interceptions, he eclipsed 250 passing yards only once in his final four games of the season and was sacked 52 times, tied for most in the FBS with Old Dominion’s Grant Wilson.
“They really struggled up front, and he really struggled,” a Big 12 coach said. “There’s guys who have lived that life who have never really fully recovered. There’s probably no player I’ve seen whose eyes came down as quick as his. I don’t even know if you have an O-line that’s improved, if there is even a hint of pressure, the eyes could come down. That could direct their whole thing.”
Sanders is projected as one of the top quarterback draft prospects for 2025, and will be operating under longtime NFL coach Pat Shurmur, who took over playcalling in November. Colorado also reworked its offensive line through the transfer portal.
“He’s always looking to get the ball downfield, and he takes whatever you give him,” said a defensive coordinator who faced Sanders in 2023. “So if you keep giving him the boundary, No. 2, he’ll just raise up and throw to the boundary, No. 2. He doesn’t beat himself. He put a couple right on the money against us, scramble drill and throw it deep.”
Cam Rising, Utah: One of the country’s most accomplished quarterbacks returns to the field this fall after missing the entire 2023 season with a knee injury. Rising, who began his career way back in 2018 at Texas, helped Utah to consecutive Pac-12 titles in 2021 and 2022. The offense struggled in his absence last fall, and he brings 5,572 career passing yards and 46 touchdowns to the huddle.
He also has played only two full seasons in college — redshirting in 2018 and 2019 (transfer), missing all but one game with injury in 2020, and all of 2023.
“It will be interesting to see how full strength he is,” a Big 12 coach said. “He’s another winner.”
Added another Big 12 coach: “He’s been playing for a long time and has got a lot of experience and been really productive, won a lot of football games.”
Noah Fifita, Arizona: Who remembers that Jayden de Laura, not Fifita, opened the 2023 season as Arizona’s QB1? Didn’t think so. Fifita immediately established himself as a top quarterback in a historically elite QB league (Pac-12), helping Arizona to seven straight wins to close the season. He earned Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors while setting a team single-season record for completion percentage (72.4).
The 5-10, 188-pound Fifita finished 10th nationally in pass efficiency (165.9 rating). Despite only nine starts, he ranked in the top eight in team history for single-season efficiency, passing yards average (308.3), passing touchdowns (25) and passing yards (2,869). Fifita also remained through the coaching change from Jedd Fisch to Brent Brennan, and will lead the offense alongside star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and others.
“I don’t think Noah Fifita’s a big-time, throwing darts all over the field [quarterback], but because he can run and because he’s competitive, he’s really successful,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said.
The question some coaches have is how the offense will change with Brennan as head coach and Dino Babers returning to Arizona as offensive coordinator.
“I’m not going to say he’s elite, but he’s such a competitor,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “They love him out of the pocket to get him routes he can find. He’s really a good decision-maker and he knows when to run.”
KJ Jefferson, UCF: Jefferson’s transfer from Arkansas to UCF didn’t generate widespread national attention, but Big 12 coaches certainly took notice. At 6-3 and 247 pounds, Jefferson is a hulking quarterback with 36 career starts in the SEC, where he recorded 7,911 passing yards and 67 passing touchdowns, along with 1,876 rushing yards and 21 scores on the ground.
After consecutive seasons of more than 2,600 yards and 20 touchdowns, Jefferson’s passing numbers dropped off in 2023, as Arkansas finished 105th nationally in passing and fired offensive coordinator Dan Enos.
“He’s huge, man,” an SEC defensive coordinator said. “He didn’t fit what Dan Enos is trying to do. I think he’s going to excel with Gus Malzahn. He was good with Kendal [Briles]. It’s going to be a perfect fit for both Gus and KJ.”
Several coaches noted the connection between Jefferson and UCF coach Gus Malzahn, who has thrived with dual-threat quarterbacks.
“He may get hurt, because Gus will run him, but Gus will do a great job with him,” a power conference coach said. “He’ll put up a lot of stats. Gus will keep it real simple for him. He’s really big, not in a bad way. He’s just a big player.”
Added a Big 12 defensive coordinator: “He’s just a big athlete. I don’t know if he’s an elite quarterback.”
Jalon Daniels, Kansas: The intrigue around Daniels extends to the coaches who will face Kansas this fall, wondering how he will be used. When healthy, Daniels has been one of the nation’s most electric quarterbacks, averaging 13.1 yards per completion during the past two seasons, and 5.4 yards per rush with seven touchdowns in 2022.
The senior also has averaged only 6.25 games per season in his Kansas career, and missed most of last fall with a mysterious back injury. Daniels also is adjusting to a new offensive coordinator in Jeff Grimes, who replaces Andy Kotelnicki.
“Can he stay healthy, and how will they use him? There was a lot of creativity in the past,” a Big 12 coach said. “There’s for sure great athleticism and a dog in the quarterback, but how much of the scheme stays the same? How much of it changes?”
Several coaches echoed a theme that has been raised about Daniels since 2022, when he led Kansas to a 5-0 start, but was limited by a midseason shoulder injury.
“The way he plays, he’s going to take some hits,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “And he’s not very big.”
Garrett Greene, West Virginia: Greene generated a lot of responses from opposing coaches, and has one of the more interesting profiles to study. He helped West Virginia to a bounce-back 9-4 season in 2023, showcasing his dual-threat ability with 2,406 passing yards and 772 rushing yards with 13 touchdowns.
“He’s a runner, a scrambler,” said a coach who will face West Virginia this fall. “He’s a good player, he’s a competitor, he’s tough, he’s got some s— to him. He’s not a passer, at least not that I’ve seen. He’ll make plays with his feet and all that stuff.”
Greene completed only 52.9% of his passes, a drop from 55.1% in 2022. But he tied for the national lead in air yards per pass attempt (12.31) and had 42 completions of 20 yards or longer, while being sacked an FBS-low five times and throwing only four interceptions.
“I love him, he’s so freaking competitive,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “He’s just so tough. He’s not going to wow you with just chucking the ball all over the yard, but he scrambles around and he’ll hit a big play here or there. He’ll throw a horrible ball one time and then the next time, he’ll throw a dime. He’s weird that way.”
Several coaches noted Greene’s toughness and confidence, and a Big 12 coach said Greene would worry him more than other quarterbacks in close games.
“He’s a stud,” said a defensive coordinator who will face West Virginia this fall. “He’s just gritty, tough, moxie, makes plays, not an elite passer but an elite competitor. I have a lot of respect for him. He makes them dangerous. They had some drops, but he’s not super accurate, that’s not his strength. They protect him. He doesn’t put the ball across the middle much. He throws the digs every now and then, but he keeps it out of harm’s way a lot, and he scrambles.”
Avery Johnson, Kansas State: When I visited Kansas State this spring, I sensed that while the Wildcats were appreciative of Will Howard and his accomplishments there, they also were ready for Johnson, a rare homegrown top-80 recruit — No. 77 in ESPN’s 2023 class — to step in. Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman praised Howard’s veteran presence while adding, “Avery is 10 times more dangerous as an athlete.”
“He’s probably the best athlete in the country, I would guess, at quarterback,” Klanderman told me. “He [runs at] 22 miles an hour. He’s got a cannon for an arm and it’s not like he can’t throw it. So he’s going to be a problem for people.”
Johnson averaged five yards per carry with six touchdowns in limited work last season, and accounted for three touchdowns in a Pop-Tarts Bowl win over NC State. His accuracy will need work — he completed only 14 of 31 passes in the bowl game — but Big 12 coaches are aware of what he can bring to K-State’s offense.
“He’s going to be a superstar in the game,” a Big 12 coach said. “The Avery Johnson’s of the world are going to determine how good the league is, top to bottom.”
Rocco Becht, Iowa State Cyclones: Becht, a three-star recruit with mostly Group of 5 scholarship offers, had a predictably up-and-down first half of the season before finishing strong. He eclipsed 200 passing yards in each of his final seven games of the season, and finished with 446 yards and three touchdowns in a Liberty Bowl loss to Memphis.
The 6-1, 220-pound Becht was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and set ISU freshman records for completions (231), passing yards (3,120) and passing touchdowns (23) following him being thrown into action last fall after Hunter Dekkers left the team in the wake of the state’s sports wagering investigation. He eclipsed 70% completions in five games, but also had four at below 58% completions. Iowa State coach Matt Campbell noted the similarities between Becht and former Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy, now the starter for the San Francisco 49ers. Campbell cited stature, escapability, extending plays and accuracy (especially from the 25-yard line in) as areas where Becht reminds him of Purdy.
“As a freshman, he was about as poised and composed against defensive schemes as I’ve seen,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “He just got better and better and better. He was so composed and he just made some plays that looked like he was much more veteran than what he was.”
Another Big 12 coordinator added of Becht: “He’s probably the next coming of somebody that can just really manage a game and make a few plays that give you a chance. I was impressed with him.”
Alan Bowman, Oklahoma State: Bowman’s career began way back in 2018 at Texas Tech, and he begins his seventh college season and second at Oklahoma State. After playing sparingly at Michigan in 2021 and 2022, Bowman helped Oklahoma State return to the Big 12 championship game, earning honorable mention all-league honors.
He averaged 285.9 passing yards in Big 12 games and finished 15th in the FBS with 3,460 passing yards, despite sharing snaps in the team’s first three games. Bowman’s accuracy fluctuated, as he had seven games with a completion percentage of 66% or better and seven below 58%. He also had multiple interceptions in four games.
“He’s average,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “He could have had more interceptions. The running back [Ollie Gordon II] was special and the O-line schemes are sound and solid.”
Added another Big 12 defensive coordinator: “He’s middle of the pack. He’s been in the system and obviously the running game is their strong suit.”
Josh Hoover, TCU: The Horned Frogs backslid last fall after reaching the national title game the year before, but they emerged with an answer at quarterback in Hoover. The redshirt freshman started the final six games and threw four touchdown passes twice, finishing with 15 for the season and 2,206 passing yards.
Coach Sonny Dykes praised Hoover’s calm demeanor — “just unflappable, very unemotional,” Dykes told ESPN — and underrated arm talent, which Dykes compares with any other quarterback he has coached.
“He really grew,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “You watch him at the beginning of the season, and he looked like a different player at the end of the season. He gained a bunch of confidence.”
ACC
Cam Ward, Miami: Ward was likely the biggest quarterback prize in the transfer cycle, and several coaches I spoke with — both inside and outside the ACC — admitted that they pursued him as an addition. His production jumped in Year 2 at Washington State, as Ward had 3,725 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, while completing two-thirds of his attempts and eclipsing 400 pass yards against both Oregon and Oregon State.
He had five games with three or more touchdown passes and also added eight rushing touchdowns.
“That’s a huge piece that [Miami] got,” an ACC coach said. “He’s got a big arm, he’s got some strength to his lower body. His ability to run, his ability to throw on the run, he’s athletic. He fits the new age quarterback that can do both things well. He’s played a lot of football, too. He’s coming back to college for a reason, to improve his stock, and try to be the best quarterback in the country, and he’s got a great skill set.”
DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State: DJU’s quarterbacking odyssey brings him back to the ACC, where his career began at Clemson with outsized (and likely unrealistic) expectations. He spent a year at Oregon State, absorbing an NFL-style offense under coach Jonathan Smith, and now will operate his third offensive system in as many years. Uiagalelei averaged 14.7 yards per completion in 2023 and had very similar numbers from the previous season in passing touchdowns (21 and 22), interceptions (7 and 7) and rushing touchdowns (6 and 7).
His completion percentage dipped to 57.1, a stat Florida State will try to boost under coach Mike Norvell.
“People always had that vision: ‘Why isn’t he going to win the Heisman?'” an ACC defensive coordinator said. “He’s definitely not going to get worse. He’s going to get better. How much better? Mike’s done a great job. If [Uiagalelei] goes and works out at any NFL combine, there’s size, arm strength, movement, intelligence. Everybody’s gonna say, ‘Yeah, he could fit the NFL.'”
Some around the league are skeptical that Uiagalelei can reach the next level in his game.
“He’s the same guy,” an ACC coach said. “He didn’t just suddenly become a great player at Oregon State. I’d imagine if [Uiagalelei and Smith] liked each other that much, [Uiagalelei] would have gone to Michigan State.”
Cade Klubnik, Clemson: Much like Uiagalelei, Klubnik has shouldered the pressure that comes with being Clemson’s quarterback and endured his share of struggles. He had only one 300-yard passing performance in his first season as the Tigers’ starter, while failing to reach 170 yards in four starts and throwing interceptions in six of his final seven games that season.
Klubnik’s accuracy came and went, although he finished the season completing 63.9% of his attempts. Garrett Riley’s offense should help the former ESPN top-30 recruit as Riley enters his second season as offensive coordinator.
“He’s a good player, but he rushes things,” an ACC coach said. “He’s got a good arm and he’s really athletic. He’ll get better the more he plays.”
Haynes King, Georgia Tech: King’s first season as Georgia Tech’s QB1 had a bit of everything — passing production early, rushing production throughout, seven games with multiple touchdown passes, four with multiple interceptions, and nine rushing touchdowns in the team’s final seven games. The performances were erratic at times but rarely boring, and King, a former top-50 national recruit, showcased the playmaking skills that made Texas A&M fans so excited about his arrival.
“They led the ACC in rushing last year, and he was a big part of that,” an ACC defensive coordinator said. “I don’t know if the quarterback’s an NFL player, but he’s a really good college quarterback right now. If he goes and has another good year, then somebody will [draft him], because he looks like he’s made of all the right stuff. He has the ability to keep a play alive and throw the ball down the field. You can see that in his game for sure.”
King has a showcase opportunity Saturday against Florida State in Ireland to open the season. Accuracy will be key as he completed less than 56% of his passes in three of the final four games last fall.
“He’s tall, he can run, he’s tough, coach’s kid,” an ACC coach said. “He makes a difference.”
Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech: Drones is a potential breakout candidate in the ACC, and possibly nationally, after helping Virginia Tech to a strong finish in 2023. He didn’t begin the season as the Hokies’ starter but had 10 touchdowns and only one interception in his final four games last season, while averaging 4.9 yards per rush for the season and nine performances of 50 rushing yards or more (176 rushing yards in Military Bowl win over Tulane Green Wave).
“He really came on at the end of the year and played well,” an ACC coach said.
“He’s going to catch your attention because he can run the football,” added an ACC defensive coordinator.
Drones threw only three interceptions in 285 pass attempts, but he completed barely 58% of his passes for the season. Accuracy and timing have been big emphasis points for the 6-2, 235-pound junior.
“He’s more competitive with some of those tight-window throws,” Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry told me. “He’s putting the ball where it needs to be more often. He’s trying to move coverages and move guys and do some things that, maybe as a first-year starter, he didn’t think about or we didn’t ask him to do. And he’s continuing to become the leader that he can be.”
Grayson McCall, NC State: McCall is a familiar name around college football after a record-setting career at Coastal Carolina, where he put up head-spinning stats: 10,005 career passing yards, 88 touchdowns, 676 completions and only 14 interceptions in 42 games. The three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year now makes the move to a power conference team that could contend for the ACC title and a CFP spot.
McCall was the model of efficiency during his first three seasons at Coastal, never completing less than 67.4% of his passes in a season. But he also missed a few games early in his career, and the second half of the 2023 season with a significant concussion that required a brief hospitalization.
“He’s a good quarterback, but the thing I’m not sure of is: How many hits is he away from being out with concussion protocol?” said a coach who faced McCall in 2023. “That’s what tripped him up the last time. How far does he get with that?”
Preston Stone, SMU: He started SMU’s first 12 games last season and finished in the top 15 nationally for completions per game (15.5), passing touchdowns (28) and pass efficiency (161.3). Stone had multiple touchdowns in nine games before breaking his leg in the regular-season finale. Backup Kevin Jennings shined in SMU’s AAC title game win against Tulane, and coach Rhett Lashlee brought both quarterbacks to ACC media days last month.
Ranked No. 121 overall in the 2021 class, Stone has the experience edge but competed with Jennings during preseason camp.
“He’s been unpredictable with health, with the broken leg, and I heard they like the backup as much as they like him,” said a defensive coordinator who will face SMU this season. “They put enough money into Stone, so they’ve got to play him. I wouldn’t call him one of the elite, elite guys, but I do think he’s got all the tools to be a really good player.”
Thomas Castellanos, Boston College: Castellanos is a talented and fascinating quarterback who could test the scope of Bill O’Brien’s ability to coach the position. He certainly doesn’t fit the mold of a typical O’Brien quarterback, after rushing for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall but completing only 57.1% of his passes and recording 15 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions.
At 5-9 and 196 pounds, Castellanos lacks typical QB size and didn’t eclipse 171 passing yards in his final six games in 2023. But he’s a natural playmaker who can attack defenses in different ways.
“I like that kid as a player, but it’s a pro-style offense, not a quarterback run,” an ACC coach said. “That’s why I didn’t know if he’d even be the guy.”
An ACC defensive coordinator added of O’Brien, “Does he like [Castellanos], or is he like, ‘He’s what I’ve got, so I’ve got to figure it out.’ He’s not going to get another one.”
Notre Dame/Others
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame: For the second straight year, Notre Dame plucked an established ACC starter to spark its passing game. The hope is that Leonard provides a bigger boost than Sam Hartman, whose limitations showed up against top competition last season. Leonard is a gifted athlete who had 11 rushing touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry in 2022, to go along with 2,794 passing yards and 20 touchdowns.
An ankle injury cut his 2023 season short and lingered into the spring at Notre Dame. But Leonard has been healthy for fall camp and performed well. In analyzing Leonard, several coaches mentioned offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, who returns to Notre Dame after working with quarterbacks Jayden Daniels (LSU) and Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati). Denbrock told me earlier this month that Leonard’s arm talent is undervalued with so much talk about his play style.
“They ran him a little bit at Duke, but I don’t know how much run they’re going to do with him,” said a defensive coordinator who will face Notre Dame. “It’s almost a bad thing to watch LSU because of Jayden Daniels, and how good that guy was. And then he had [Desmond] Ridder before at Cincinnati. Obviously, they don’t have the receivers they had at LSU, so I almost think it will be more Cincinnati-esque.”
Seth Henigan, Memphis: Most Group of 5 quarterbacks with Henigan’s profile would be long gone, but he has remained at Memphis, where he has started his first three seasons. He earned second-team All-AAC honors last season, when he recorded career highs in touchdown passes (3,880), completions (317), completion percentage (66.7) and touchdown passes (32).
The 6-3, 215-pound Henigan has reached 3,000 passing yards in all three seasons and enters his final year with 10,366 passing yards, 811 completions and 77 touchdowns. He will lead a Memphis team with a legitimate chance of making the CFP.
“He’s salty and a coach’s son and I think he’s the real deal,” an AAC defensive coordinator said. “I don’t know if he’s a pro [NFL] guy. He might be. But he’ll win a lot of games for them this year.”
Kaidon Salter, Liberty: Salter is another G5 quarterback standout who will be back with his team and his coach (Jamey Chadwell) following a record-setting 2023 season. He helped Liberty to its first undefeated regular season and a VRBO Fiesta Bowl appearance, while winning Conference USA regular season and championship game MVP honors. The 6-1, 200-pound Salter remained at Liberty through the coaching change from Hugh Freeze to Jamey Chadwell, recorded multiple passing touchdowns in 11 games and set a team quarterback rushing record with 1,089 yards.
Salter also had a team-record 32 touchdown passes and once again will operate a distinct and quarterback-friendly system in a league that has had few answers for him.
“A play will break down and he’ll take off and make things happen,” said a defensive coordinator who will face Salter this season. “That system is different than you’ll see with most teams.”
Joey Aguilar, App State: Aguilar has taken a fascinating journey to the Blue Ridge mountains, traveling across the country after playing junior college football in the Bay Area in 2022. He delivered the school’s best-ever quarterbacking season, setting team records for passing yards (3,757), passing touchdowns (33), total offense (4,002 yards) and completions (293). The 6-3, 220-pound Aguilar is the only quarterback returning to the FBS who had at least 33 touchdown passes and 3,700 passing yards last season.
The Sun Belt preseason Offensive Player of the Year will lead an Appalachian State team heavily favored to win the league.
“He was good,” a Sun Belt coach said. “He wasn’t [Grayson] McCall from Coastal, but he did what they did well, he ran their system well. That was a positive.”
Byrum Brown, South Florida: After playing sparingly in 2022, Brown surged last season under first-year coach Alex Golesh, helping USF to seven wins and a Boca Raton Bowl title. He set USF’s single-season passing record with 3,292 yards, becoming the first Bulls quarterback to reach the 3,000-yard mark, and had team marks for passing touchdowns (26), completion percentage (64.6) and completions (276). Brown and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels were the only FBS quarterbacks with at least 3,000 pass yards and 800 rushing yards last fall.
The 6-3, 209-pound Brown led the Bulls in rushing and became the second USF player to eclipse 4,000 yards of offense for the season.
“He’s a good runner; he’s mobile as well,” said a defensive coordinator who will face USF this season. “He’s definitely up there at the top of quarterbacks we’ll face. He’s very efficient.”
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