The outlook for school quarterbacks seems different heading into the 2024 season, at least at the top.
Heisman Trophy winners Caleb Williams (USC, 2022) and Jayden Daniels (LSU, 2023) left, decided with the first two picks in the NFL draft. North Carolina’s Drake Maye followed in third, followed by three other stalwart quarterbacks: Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. , J. J. McCarthy and Oregon’s Bo Nix were top-12 picks.
So, who is left? Georgia’s Carson Beck is back for his second season as the Bulldogs’ starter, chasing a national championship and likely the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders remains one of the most debatable and debatable players in school football, with his good luck early last season putting him on the NFL’s radar. Texas’ Quinn Ewers is said to have been in school much longer than he has (he turned just 21 in March) and is entering his third season as the Longhorns’ starter, if he can hold on. to Arch Manning.
Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Arizona’s Noah Fifita remain in their groups despite the coaching changes. Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Missouri’s Brady Cook are back to lead their groups in imaginable CFP races, while Utah’s Cam Rising, Kansas’ Jalon Daniels and Texas A&M’s Conner Weigman are among those returning with serious injuries.
The quarterback moves portal featured notable moves, Cam 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 looking for notable seasons, like Penn State’s Drew Allar, as well as some who have waited their turn and will still get a chance, like USC’s Miller Moss and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. Young players are also making waves, including 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) over the spring and summer to gather data on the smartest returning quarterbacks and what to expect (whether smart or bad) this fall. Not all quarterbacks are shown below, but there is a false sample of names. Most coaches spoke anonymously, but some went on record about how to deal with the players they coached or faced.
This is what they shared.
Carson Beck, Georgia: After betting on Stetson Bennett, Beck shined in his first season as the Bulldogs’ starter, showing production and accuracy. He finished third nationally in passing yards (3941), fourth in finishing touch percentage (72. 4) and eighth in power score (167. 9 score).
His performance was 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 thin, but he’s tall, he’s got clever arm action and wonderful speed. He sees the box very well and we can say it. ” In the second part of the season, his confidence has increased as a quarterback. And they gave him the game before the game against Auburn, they didn’t actually accept it as true.
While the 2025 draft quarterback’s flair is just as strong as his predecessor, Beck projects over the top. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Beck never dropped below 65% in a game last fall nor did he throw multiple interceptions.
“Real arm talent, touch, speed, all that stuff,” one SEC defensive coordinator said. “And he’s tall. You don’t realize how big that kid is until you catch him. “
Quinn Ewers, Texas: During the canopy filming of EA Sports College Football 25 in March at the Cotton Bowl, Ewers noticed something that many enthusiasts might forget when comparing his career: his youth. He is a few weeks away from his 21st birthday.
“I feel a lot older,” Ewers told me. I feel like I’m 24 years old. “
Now 21, he’s about to start his third full season as a starter for Texas, after being traded from Ohio State. Last fall, Ewers helped the Longhorns earn a Big 12 name and their first CFP appearance, earning a second-place finish in the All-Big 12. Team honors with 3,479 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Ewers threw six 300-yard passes and added five rushing touchdowns.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Ewers had two interceptions but completed 31 of 37 passes for 346 yards in a loss to Oklahoma. He finished a season-low 55. 8 of his passes in the Texas CFP semifinal loss to Washington.
“I like Ewers, he’s one of the stable, forged Eddies,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “He’s got so much skill around him that all you have to do is manage the game. I don’t know what it is with me. “
Ewers will launch a new receiver organization, while NFL first-round pick Xavier Worthy, tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (fourth round) and others move on. He also has to adapt to the SEC, even though his functionality last season unlike Alabama (349 passing yards, 3 touchdowns), gives him more confidence. A defensive coordinator for the Big 12 noted that Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is capable of putting his quarterbacks in advantageous positions.
“Sark is doing a smart job with the game and preparing a quick game, with enough RPO material, so that they find a way to move the ball,” the coach said. “[Ewers] is going to be a smart player in this league. He’s taken a big step forward from the first year we saw him to this year. I think he was a completely different guy. He’ll probably keep them competitive. “
Jalen Milroe, Ala. : After a turbulent start to the 2023 season, Milroe has established himself as Alabama’s QB1 and has demonstrated significant playing ability, whether as a passer or running back. He ranked third nationally in yards consistent with passing intent (9. 98). and passing yards consistent with intent (12. 11), while completing fifth place nationally in potential (172. 2).
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Milroe also showed his mobility with 12 rushing touchdowns, the most among SEC quarterbacks and tied for third among FBS quarterbacks. He was sacked 44 times, third most among FBS quarterbacks, but has avoided an interception in his final five games of the season.
Milroe will lead an offense orchestrated through new Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer, who oversaw Michael Penix Jr. ‘s career revitalization in Washington.
“They like to throw the ball vertically,” said one SEC defensive coordinator. “Jalen Milroe has taken a step forward in this area. I don’t know if that is his strong point. It will be interesting to see how it all comes together. He is a very smart football player, so they are going to find out, because DeBoer is a coach very smart. Maybe the boy has become more precise, but I know he kills other people with his legs.
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss: The season has a lot at stake for Ole Miss (preseason No. 6) and Dart, who could try to win the Heisman Trophy and their clients for the NFL Draft. Dart helped lead the Rebels to their first 11-win season last fall and finished in the top 10 nationally in consistent yards per attempt (9. 4) and consistent yards per touch (14. 4). He also finished 11th nationally in passing power (162. 4 rating), throwing just five interceptions in 233 attempts and added 8 rushing touchdowns.
Coaches Dart will take advantage of a third season under coach Lane Kiffin and a talented receiving organization that returns Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins and adds Juice Wells of the South Carolina Gamecocks.
“I don’t know if his arm is as big as some players in the league,” an SEC coach said. “They gave him smart stats, but I don’t know if they gave him a big NFL arm or something. “
Brady Cook, Missouri: Cook flourished in his second season as Missouri’s starter, helping the team earn 11 wins and a Cotton Bowl championship (earning MVP honors in the game), while throwing landing passes in all thirteen games. He had forged numbers in 2022, but saw significant increases in passing yards (2739 to 3317), air landings (14 to 21) and passing yards (11 to 13. 6). 8 ground scores.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior will lead a team with valid CFP aspirations and an offensive Biletnikoff Award favorite, Luther Burden III.
“He’s a very smart player, very smart, he handles it, he throws it better than you think,” one SEC defensive coordinator said. “He’s an elite player, but he’s a smart player. “
Conner Weigman, Texas A
He totaled 979 passing yards with 8 touchdowns and two interceptions, completing 68. 9% of his attempts, in addition to adding two rushing touchdowns in 3 more games in 2023.
“I really like him,” said a defensive coordinator who faced Weigman. “He’s athletic, you can hit him multiple times and he helps you keep playing. He’s a very talented kid. “
Graham Mertz, Fla. : Although Florida’s 2023 season wasn’t good for the team, Mertz revived his career under coach Billy Napier. The Wisconsin move has reached career highs in finishing touch (261), passing yards (2,903), landing passes (20), finishing touch percentage (72. 9), passing average (263. 9 YPG) and power (157. 8), while throwing a career-low 3 interceptions.
Mertz, the highest-rated rookie in Wisconsin history, never completed more than 61. 1 percent of his passes in a full season with the Badgers, yet he did so in each and every one of last fall’s starts for the Gators, eclipsing 79 percent in five directly. games without multiple steal performances. An SEC coach noted that Mertz’s stats are a bit “misleading” because the Gators were behind, but most players in the league noticed his improvement in Gainesville.
“He’s a smart processor, he knows where he needs to pass the ball,” said a defensive coordinator who will face Mertz. “You can tell he’s well-coached, he doesn’t throw a lot of interceptions and he’s athletic enough to escape the rush. “
An SEC defensive coordinator said Mertz will miss the more level-headed receiver Ricky Pearsall, an NFL first-round pick, and will have to rely 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, accurately. He’s better than other people think. He’s very smart. “
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU: Despite 3 seasons as LSU’s reserve, Nussmeier is a familiar call for coaches, largely due to his father, Doug, a veteran professional and school coach, now with the Philadelphia Eagles. Garrett Nussmeier, ESPN’s No. 63 pick in 2021, but made his first late start last season, when he threw for 395 yards and 3 touchdowns against Wisconsin in a ReliaQuest Bowl win.
He played heavily against Arkansas in relief of Max Johnson in his freshman year in 2021 and totaled 800 passing yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions Jayden Daniels in 2022. Nussmeier will lead an LSU offense that led the FBS in scoring last season, but he will. dealing with the loss of two first-round picks at wide receivers (Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr. ). But the Tigers don’t deserve to worry as they have most likely returned to the top spot in the country.
“He’s going to be an elite player,” one SEC coach said of Nussmeier. “He’s got wonderful action in his arms, he’s got wonderful strength in his arms, he’s got wonderful anticipation, he dominates the game. He’s arrogant enough to know how to play. “play quarterback. “
Payton Thorne, Auburn — Thorne is back for his fourth season as a starter and a time at Auburn, where he threw for just 1,755 yards with 16 landings and 10 interceptions last fall. The senior must recapture his magic from 2021, when he set Michigan’s single-season state record with 27 landing passes and throws for 3,233 yards while helping the Spartans achieve an 11-2 record.
Despite Thorne’s disappointing debut, Auburn didn’t get a notable quarterback out of the portal and replaced its offensive coordinator, with Derrick Nix filling in for Philip Montgomery.
“I don’t know if they have an answer,” said an SEC trainer. “The only way not to access the portal is to think, ‘Okay, I’ve been assigned a freshman who will take over and be the guy. ‘ And I don’t think they have it either. “
Taylen Green, Arkansas: The Razorbacks are readjusting their offense and entering a decisive season for coach Sam Pittman. Although new coordinator Bobby Petrino is pushing the intrigue to the max, Green will move from Boise State, where he helped win the 2023 Mountain West title.
Green, an ESPN three-star recruit out of Texas, has struggled with accuracy at times (career 59. 4% final touch rate), but brings dual-threat ability to the Hogs with 17 rushing touchdowns in two seasons.
“It’s going to be attractive to Arkansas because they’ve put all their chips in Bobby and that quarterback,” one SEC coach said. “Bobby is a very smart coordinator, but I don’t know if this quarterback is as smart as they think. “
Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma: The Sooners have had a nonviolent transition of QB strength from Dillon Gabriel to Arnold, ESPN’s No. 3 rookie in the 2023 elegance. Like Gabriel, Arnold is a smaller quarterback (6-1) with a double threat. skill and a prolific passing record (over 7,000 yards at top school). Arnold played in the Alamo Bowl against Arizona and threw for 361 yards with two touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
His first season as a full-time starter at OU coincided with the team’s move to the SEC, which brought a schedule of Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Missouri and LSU, in addition to the Red River Rivalry game opposed to Texas.
“He’s going to have a chance to have a smart year,” said Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby, who served as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator last season. “They have some clever pieces around them. They’ll be better at tight ends, better at running back, and they gave them very, very smart pieces in the receiver room. He is well settled. “
Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee: Iamaleava’s signing received a lot of attention, as Tennessee made a splash via ESPN’s No. 23 rookie touchdown in the 2023 class. He spent last season targeting Joe Milton, but started the Citrus Bowl against Iowa and earned MVP Honors, totaling 178 yards and 4 touchdowns (three rushing, one passing) against a talented Hawkeyes defense.
The key for Iamaleava will be to expand as a passer on coach Josh Heupel’s offense. Heupel described Iamaleava’s offseason as “the elite” and highlighted the red-jersey freshman’s decision-making and ability to control everything that’s asked of him, from protections to running play. to pocket efficiency.
“He’s athletic,” said a coach who will face Tennessee this season. “In bowling, they made it quite easy for him. He’s big, they gave him a smart arm and he was a very recruited boy at the best school, very promoted. “
Dillon Gabriel, Ore. : A coach whose team will face Gabriel this season likely summed up the reaction of many by saying, “I’m surprised he’s still eligible. “Gabriel began his games in 2019 at UCF and comes to Oregon with 49 career starts in 50 games and ranked in the top 8 in FBS history in overall landings (151), overall offense (15,925 yards) and passing yards (14,865). and landing passes (125).
He has already shown adaptability, going from UCF to Oklahoma and producing two all-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 notoriously experienced,” said a Big Ten defensive coordinator. “Maybe he’s the most productive [of the Big Ten]. He’s been so productive, so efficient, he’s gone, so I don’t think he’s going to replace him now. “”.
Another Big Ten defensive coordinator added of the 6-foot Gabriel, “He’s a small guy, he can run. “
Will Howard, Ohio State: Howard arguably wouldn’t have been the biggest decision in the cycle of quarterback moves, but he inherits the most productive scenario in Columbus. Ohio State is prepared as a wide receiver and running back, and added Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator to hire head coach Ryan Day, who has raised the quarterback position to historic heights in schoolArray.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Howard brings championship joy from Kansas State in 2022 and set a team record with 48 touchdown passes in 28 career starts.
“I didn’t play against him, but watching it on video, the double jeopardy is scary,” a Big Ten defensive coordinator said. “He can run, he’s a wonderful physical guy. They’re tough guys to deal with, especially when you wait to see what Chip [Kelly] does and the influence he has. The pleasure of playing with Chip and a guy who can run, that helps. But at the same time, Kansas State was also built that way, I don’t know. I think he’s an elite, I just think he’s a tough, brave kid.
Coaches noted that while Kansas State liked Howard, the team was in a position to move forward with Avery Johnson at quarterback.
“He left for a reason,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire told ESPN. “And it’s because of the guy who’s starting at K-State. That says a lot. “
Drew Allar, Penn State: Allar will be one of the most vetted quarterbacks in the country this fall because his functionality is so closely tied to Penn State’s quest for his first appearance in the CFP. The top-60 rookie produced falsified numbers for a first-year starter: 2,631 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, two interceptions; however, the inability to expand the group came all too often, especially in losses to Ohio State and Michigan. Allar finished 109th nationally in passing yards consistently and tied for 77th in completions of 20 yards or more.
Penn State had shortcomings, especially at wide receiver, and replaced the coordinator by hiring Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas. The purpose is a more dynamic quarterback game, especially in larger games.
“It turns out he just wants some confidence,” said one Big Ten coach. “He played very well against lesser or equal teams, but when you don’t play well in the two big games of the year, that’s how you get labelled. It turns out that [the fans] take it out on him. But Andy is doing a phenomenal job and I think it will be smart for him.
Allar ran for 4 touchdowns last season, one Big Ten defensive coordinator described him as a “statue. “
“Sometimes it looks cool, but it doesn’t,” another Big Ten defensive coordinator said. “Everything they did in Kansas, how did he organize it? Because you can’t do some of those things with this guy, because he’s not a horseman. “
Miller Moss, USC: He’s not your typical Lincoln Riley quarterback and he wasn’t even drafted through Riley for USC (Moss signed Clay Helton). But after waiting 3 seasons, Moss nonetheless gets a chance to lead Riley’s offense when USC enters the Big Ten. Moss saw his maximum complete action in USC’s 2023 Holiday Bowl win over the Louisville Cardinals, throwing six landing passes (a Holiday Bowl and USC record) and completing with 372 yards.
“Obviously, he put up some smart numbers in the bowling game,” said a defensive coordinator who will face Moss this season. “He’s smart. It’s hard to say after a game. I don’t know if he’s part of the elite. It looks a little small, not very cellular, but it has a smart arm. It will be a smart challenge for us. “
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Moss is among the top-40 rookies in the class of 2021. Despite limited opportunities, he has 914 career passing yards with nine touchdowns and one interception.
“He just knows where to pass the ball,” said a Big Ten defensive coordinator. “He just jumped in on time and succeeded in his readings in progress and with confidence. With all the weapons he will have around him, he will be a valid threat. “
Tyler Van, Wis. — Few expected Van to stay in school after the 2021 season, when he thrived under coordinator Rhett Lashlee in Miami, rushing for 2,931 yards with 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He moved up to No. 11 thanks to Mel Kiper. Big Board for the 2023 draft, but was limited by injury to just nine games in 2022 and had 12 interceptions last fall while betting on his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Van will work with new player Phil Longo this fall as Wisconsin tries to unleash its Air Raid-style offense. Since arriving in Wisconsin, Van has shown athleticism — anything Badgers coach Luke Fickell noticed more in his first two years in Miami than in the last two — and has complemented his length and arm strength. Van is not a quarterback but he can use his feet to create more passing opportunities. A defensive coordinator familiar with Van noted that “he’s probably a little bit better than I thought. “
“The next step, athletically, is going to be other people having to play a little bit differently,” Fickell said. “These things give you the ability to have the complete package. “
Will Rogers, Washington: The Brandon, Mississippi, native, who set SEC records with defeated Mike Leach at Mississippi State, may have never imagined his high school career would end in Seattle and a runner-up finish at the national title from last year, he now trained through Jedd. But Rogers kept his promise despite Washington’s coaching replacement and absorbed Fisch’s offense.
He set 29 records at Mississippi State and has 40 career starts with 12,315 passing yards and 94 touchdowns at Montlake. But after struggling during the 2023 peak, Rogers hopes to reboot and retain impressive freshman Demond Williams Jr.
“It’s going to be appealing to see how Will evolves in this environment,” a Big Ten coach said. “When Will is at his best, it’s with Mike [Leach] and the guys at Mississippi State. Will is very good. “
Hudson Card, Purdue: Boilers coach Ryan Walters targeted Card after he hired him in late 2022 and will take him back with quarterback and coordinator Graham Harrell this fall. Card finished the 2023 season strong with six touchdowns, no interceptions and 526 passing yards in the last two games. However, he had disorders with accuracy against greater festival and 3 games with several interceptions.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Card also showed off his backward athleticism on the season with 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries over the past two games.
“It’s inconsistent, but it’s the same thing, if they can hurt you with their legs, it’s scary,” one Big Ten coach said. “You have to be careful what you do in terms of coverage. He’s good. “
Aidan Chiles, Michigan State: When I went to Oregon State in the spring of 2023 to write about DJ Uiagalelei, the quarterback caught my eye at practice. Chiles looked like the Beavers’ long-term quarterback at the time, and coach Jonathan Smith’s move to Michigan State transferred the designation to the Spartans. Chiles, an ESPN four-star rookie from California, played nine games with the Beavers last season, completing 68. 6% of his passes for 309 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
He was one of the first players to follow Smith at Michigan State.
“He was given all the skills,” said a defensive coordinator familiar with Chiles. “He’s tall, he’s athletic, he was given a huge arm, he was given all the attributes that one wants. He can be a highly recruitable guy in “The End of His Career. All he has to do is spend this first year as a Big Ten starter. “
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: Sanders has been through a lot in 2023. He embarked on Heisman Trophy conversion with a record-breaking start and continued to post smart pass numbers despite constant pressure. But Colorado fell to 4-8 and missed the final game with a damaged back.
Although Sanders completed 69. 3 percent of his passes for 3,230 yards with 27 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions, he surpassed 250 passing yards only once in his final 4 games of the season and fired 52 times, tied for the most in the FBS with Old Dominion’s Grant. Wilson.
“They had problems up front and he had problems,” said one Big 12 coach. “There are guys who have lived this life and never fully recovered. I probably haven’t noticed a player whose eyes have been lowered so temporarily. ” like yours. I do. I don’t even know if you have an O line that has improved, if there is even a trace of pressure, the eyes may just go down, they may just direct your entire set.
Sanders is projected as one of the most sensible customers in the quarterback draft for 2025 and will operate under the direction of veteran NFL coach Pat Shurmur, who took over game calls in November. Colorado has also reworked its offensive line through the movement portal.
“He’s looking to throw the ball downfield and he accepts everything you give him,” said a defensive coordinator who faced Sanders in 2023. “So if you keep giving it the limit, number 2, it will just stand up. “and throw to the limit, No. 2. He doesn’t fight, put some problems in the cash that opposes us, mixed the drill and threw it at deepArray.
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 played two full seasons at the school: redshirt in 2018 and 2019 (transfer), and missed a single game due to injury in 2020 and all of 2023.
“It’ll be appealing to see how complete he is,” said a Big 12 coach. “He’s a winner. “
Another Big 12 coach added: “He’s been playing for a long time, he’s had a lot of fun and he’s been very productive, he’s won a lot of football matches. “
Noah Fifita, Arizona: Who remembers Jayden de Laura, not Fifita, opening the 2023 season as Arizona’s QB1? I didn’t believe it. Fifita established himself as one of the most productive quarterbacks in a traditionally elite QB league (Pac-12), helping Arizona to seven straight wins to close the season. He earned Pac-12 offensive rookie honors while setting a single-season team record for finishing touches percentage (72. 4).
Fifita, 5-foot-10, 188 pounds, finished 10th nationally in passing power (165. 9 rating). Despite only nine starts, he ranked in the top 8 in team history in single-season potential, passing yards (308. 3), passing touchdowns (25) and passing yards (2,869). Fifita also remained Jedd Fisch’s training replacement for Brent Brennan, and will lead the offense alongside star receiver Tetairoa McMillan and others.
“I don’t think Noah Fifita is a wonderful player who throws darts all over the field [at quarterback], but because he can run and because he’s competitive, he’s successful,” one Big 12 defensive coordinator said.
What some coaches are wondering is how the offense will be replaced with Brennan as head coach and Dino Babers back in Arizona as offensive coordinator.
“I’m not going to say he’s elite, but he’s a great competitor,” said a Big 12 defensive coordinator. “He loves them out of his own pocket to find routes that he can locate. He’s a smart decision-maker and he knows when to run. “
KJ Jefferson, UCF: Jefferson’s move from Arkansas to UCF didn’t garner widespread national attention, but the 12 great coaches took notice. At 6-3 and 247 pounds, Jefferson is an imposing quarterback with 36 career starts in the SEC, where he has recorded 7,911 passing yards and 67 touchdown passes, as well as 1,876 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns.
After consecutive seasons of more than 2,600 yards and 20 touchdowns, Jefferson’s passing count fell in 2023, when Arkansas finished nationally in passing and fired offensive coordinator Dan Enos.
“It’s huge, man,” said an SEC defensive coordinator. “It was not compatible with what Dan Enos is looking to do. I think he’s going to excel with Gus Malzahn. I’m smart with Kendal [Briles]. It will be the best match for Gus and KJ. “
Several coaches pointed to Jefferson’s connection to UCF coach Gus Malzahn, who thrived with dual-threat quarterbacks.
“He could get hurt because Gus will coach him, but Gus will do a wonderful job with him,” one Power Conference coach said. “He’ll post a lot of stats. Gus will keep things undeniable for him. He’s big, not bad. He’s just a wonderful player. “
A defensive coordinator for the Big 12 added: “He’s just a wonderful athlete. I don’t know if he’s an elite quarterback. “
Jalon Daniels, Kansas: The plot around Daniels extends to the coaches facing Kansas this fall, wondering how he’ll be used. When healthy, Daniels has been one of the most electric quarterbacks in the country, averaging 13. 1 yards per pass. the last two seasons and 5. 4 yards per year with seven touchdowns in 2022.
The senior also averaged just 6. 25 games during his career season at Kansas and missed most of last fall with a mystery back injury. Daniels is also adjusting to a new offensive coordinator in Jeff Grimes, who replaces Andy Kotelnicki.
“Can he stay healthy and how are they going to use him? There was a lot of creativity in the past,” said one Big 12 coach. “There’s definitely wonderful athleticism and a dog at quarterback Array, but to what extent is the trend still the same? same? How much does it change?
Several coaches have echoed a theme that has loomed over Daniels since 2022, when he led Kansas to a 5-0 start but limited by a midseason shoulder injury.
“The way he’s playing, he’s going to take a couple of hits,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “And it’s not very big. “
Garrett Greene, West Virginia: Greene has generated a lot of responses from opposing coaches and has one of the most attractive profiles to study. He helped West Virginia rally 9-4 in the 2023 season, demonstrating his dual-threat ability with 2,406 passes. yards and 772 rushing yards with thirteen touchdowns.
“He’s a runner, a fighter,” said a coach who will face West Virginia this fall. “He’s a smart player, he’s a competitor, he’s tough, he’s fighting. He’s not a smuggler, at least not that. ” “I’ve seen it. He plays with his feet and all that. “
Greene completed just 52. 9% of his passes, down from 55. 1% in 2022, but tied for the national lead in passing yards consistent with pass attempts (12. 31) and completed 42 completions of 20 yards or more , while he was captured with a low FBS. he scored five times and threw 4 interceptions.
“I love him, he’s very competitive,” said one Big 12 defensive coordinator. “He’s very tough. He’s not going to blow your mind off just throwing the ball all over the court, but he works hard and he’ll get it done. ” a great play here or there. He’ll throw a terrible ball one time and the next he’ll throw a dime. It’s that strange.
Several coaches have noted Greene’s tenacity and confidence, and one Big 12 coach said Greene will worry him more than quarterbacks in close games.
“He’s a stud,” said a defensive coordinator who will face West Virginia this fall. “He’s just brave, tough, brave, he makes plays, he’s not an elite passer but he’s an elite competitor. I have a lot of respect for him. It makes them dangerous. They had some falls, but it’s not very accurate, that’s not their strength. “They protect him. He doesn’t put the ball in the middle. He makes recoveries from time to time, but he helps keep him out of harm’s way and rushes. “
Avery Johnson, Kansas State: When I visited Kansas State this spring, I felt that while the Wildcats liked Will Howard and his accomplishments there, they were also in Johnson’s position, a rare local pick in the no-nonsense 80s and 77s. in ESPN’s Class of 2023 – to intervene. Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman praised Howard’s veteran presence, adding, “Avery is 10 times more damaging as an athlete. “
“I think he’s probably the most productive athlete in the country, at the quarterback position,” 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 it’s going to be a challenge for people. “
Johnson averaged five yards consistent with six touchdowns on limited paints last season and had 3 touchdowns in a Pop-Tarts Bowl win over NC State. His accuracy will require some paints (he finished just 14 of 31 passes in the bowling game) so far. The 12 great coaches are what he can bring to K-State’s offense.
“He’s going to be a superstar in the game,” said one Big 12 coach. “The Avery Johnsons of the world will look for league quality, from the deepest to the bottom. “
Rocco Becht, Iowa State Cyclones: Becht, a 3-star rookie with more common Group Five scholarship offers, had a predictable first half of ups and downs before completing strongly. He topped 200 passing yards in his last seven games. and finished with 446 yards and 3 touchdowns in a Liberty Bowl loss to Memphis.
Becht, 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, 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) after being put into action last fall after Cazador. Dekkers left the team following the state’s investigation into sports betting. He exceeded the 70% good luck rate in five games, but also had four with a good luck rate below 58%. Iowa State coach Matt Campbell noted the similarities between Becht and former Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy, now a starter for the San Francisco 49ers. Campbell cited height, breakaway, play-length and accuracy (especially from the 25-yard line) as spaces where Becht reminds him of Purdy.
“As a freshman, he’s as calm and collected as opposed to defensive schemes as I’ve noticed,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “They gave him more and more. He was very calm and just made some plays that looked a lot older than him. “
Another Big 12 coordinator added about Becht: “He’s probably the next guy who can manage a game and make some plays that give you a chance. I was inspired through him. “
Alan Bowman, Oklahoma State: Bowman’s career began in 2018 at Texas Tech and he is entering his seventh college season and moment at Oklahoma State. After betting sparingly on Michigan in 2021 and 2022, Bowman helped Oklahoma State return to the Big 12 Championship. Game, earning an honorable mention in each and every league.
He averaged 285. 9 passing yards in the Big 12’s 12 games and finished 15th in the FBS with 3,460 passing yards, despite sharing plays in the team’s first 3 games. Bowman’s accuracy has fluctuated, as he has played seven games with a finishing touch percentage of 66% or higher and seven games under 58%. He also had several interceptions in 4 games.
“It’s average,” said a Big 12 defensive coordinator. He may have simply thrown more interceptions. The running back special [Ollie Gordon II] and the offensive line schemes are forged and solid. “
Added another Big 12 defensive coordinator: “He’s in the middle of the pack. He’s been in the formula and obviously the running game is his point. “
Josh Hoover, TCU: The Horned Frogs were demoted last fall after clinching the national naming game the year before, however, they emerged with a quarterback response to Hoover. The red-jersey-wearing freshman threw 4 landing passes twice, completing with 15 for the season and 2,206 passing yards.
Coach Sonny praised Hoover’s calmness – “just unflappable, very unflappable,” he told ESPN – and his underrated arm ability, which compares to any other quarterback he coaches.
“He’s grown,” said a Big 12 defensive coordinator. You look at him at the beginning of the season and he looks like just another player at the end of the season. He has gained a lot of confidence. “
Cam Ward, Miami: Ward is probably the biggest quarterback prize in the trade cycle, and several coaches I spoke to, whether inside or outside the ACC, admitted they were looking at him as an addition. His production jumped as a sophomore at Washington State, as Ward had 3,725 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, while completing two-thirds of his attempts and eclipsing 400 passing yards compared to Oregon and Oregon State.
He played five games with 3 or more landing passes and also had 8 touchdowns.
“It’s a huge piece that they gave [Miami],” an ACC coach said. “He has a big arm, he has some strength in his lower body. His ability to run, his ability to throw while running, is athletic. It suits the new-age quarterback who can do both well. He also played a lot of soccer. He’s going back to school for a reason, to his inventory and to his goal of becoming the most productive quarterback in the country, and he is. They were given wonderful abilities.
DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State: DJU’s quarterback’s odyssey brings him back to the ACC, where his career began at Clemson with huge (and probably unrealistic) expectations. He spent a year at Oregon State, absorbing an NFL-style offense under coach Jonathan. Smith, and now he’ll be running his third offensive formula in as many years. Uiagalelei averaged 14. 7 yards per final touch in 2023 and posted very similar numbers to last season in terms of touchdown passes (21 and 22), interceptions (7 and 7). ) and rushing touchdowns (6 and 7).
His final touch percentage has dropped to 57. 1, a statistic Florida State will test under coach Mike Norvell.
“People have had this view: ‘Why is Heisman rarely going to win?'” said an ACC defensive coordinator. “In fact, it’s not going to get worse. It will get better. How much better?Mike did a wonderful job. ” If [Uiagalelei] is going to work out at any NFL combine, there’s the size, the arm strength, the movement, the intelligence. Everyone is going to do it. Say, “yes, it might have NFL compatibility. “
Some around the league are skeptical of Uiagalelei’s ability to succeed in the next point of his game.
“He’s the same guy,” said an ACC coach. He didn’t suddenly become a wonderful player at Oregon State. I think if [Uiagalelei and Smith] enjoyed each other so much, [Uiagalelei] would have gone to Michigan State. “
Cade Klubnik, Clemson: Like Uiagalelei, Klubnik has taken on the pressure of being Clemson’s quarterback and has endured his fair share of hardships. He had just one 300-yard passing role in his first season as the Tigers’ starter, although he failed to accomplish it. He 170 yards in 4 starts and throwing interceptions in six of his last seven games this season.
Klubnik’s accuracy came and went, he finished the season completing 63. 9% of his attempts. Garrett Riley’s offense deserves to help the former ESPN 30 head pick as Riley enters his second season as offensive coordinator.
“He’s a smart player, but he rushes,” said an ACC coach. “He’s been given a smart arm and he’s athletic. The more he plays, the more he will improve. “
Haynes King, Georgia Tech: King’s first season as Georgia Tech’s QB1 had a little bit of everything: early pass production, rushed production throughout, seven games with landing passes, 4 with interceptions and nine ground landings in the team’s last seven games. Array performances were inconsistent at times but rarely boring, and King, a former national top-50 recruit, showcased the playmaking skills that so excited Texas A enthusiasts
“Last year they led ACC in the race down the field, and he played a big role in that,” an ACC defensive coordinator said. “I don’t know if the quarterback is an NFL player, however, he’s a smart school quarterback right now. If you go there and have some other smart year, then someone [selects it], because it turns out it’s made of everything you need. He has the ability to keep a game alive and throw the ball into the field. See it in your game, that’s for sure.
King has a chance to shine Saturday against Florida State in Ireland to open the season. Accuracy will be key as he completed less than 56% of his passes in 3 of the last 4 games last fall.
“He’s tall, he knows how to run, he’s strong, he’s a coach’s son,” said an ACC coach. “He makes a difference. “
Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech: Drones is a potential contender in the ACC and nationally, after helping Virginia Tech finish strong in 2023. He didn’t start the season as the Hokies’ starter, but had 10 touchdowns and only one touchdown. interceptions in his final four games last season, averaging 4. 9 yards per rush for the season and nine consistent with performances of 50 rushing yards or more (176 rushing yards in the Military Bowl win over the Tulane Green Wave).
“He came at the end of the year and played well,” said an ACC coach.
“He’s going to get their attention because he knows how to execute football,” added an ACC defensive coordinator.
Drones threw just 3 interceptions in 285 pass attempts, but finished just 58 percent of his passes this season. Accuracy and timing were issues for the 6-foot-2, 235-pound junior.
“It’s more competitive with some of the shots in a tight window,” Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry told me. “He puts the ball where he wants to be more often. He’s looking to move coverages and move guys and do things that, maybe as a first-year starter, he didn’t think about or that we didn’t ask him to do. And he’s still the leader that can be. “
Grayson McCall, North Carolina State: McCall is a familiar call in school football after a record-breaking run in Coastal Carolina, where he posted dizzying stats: 10,005 career passing yards, 88 touchdowns, 676 completions and just 14 interceptions in 42 games. Array Three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year is now part of a strength convention team that could easily compete for the ACC call-up and a CFP spot.
McCall has been the power style in his first 3 seasons at Coastal, breaking FBS’s single-season power record in 2021 (207. 6) and never completing less than 67. 4% of his passes in a season, but he also missed a few games early. in his career, as well as in the second part of the 2023 season due to a primary concussion that required a brief hospitalization.
“He’s a smart quarterback, but what I’m not sure about is how many hits does he have left before he’s taken out with the concussion protocol?” said a coach who faced McCall in 2023. “That’s what tripped him last time. How far does he go with that?”
Kyle McCord, Syracuse: McCord was one of the first notable quarterbacks to enter the transfer portal last cycle, leaving Ohio State for Syracuse after his first season as a starter. The former top-35 recruit put up smart numbers last fall (3,170 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, six interceptions, 65. 8% final touch rate) but didn’t meet the primary criteria of Ryan Day’s previous shifts.
The third-team All-Big Ten had a winning crusade at Notre Dame, but had some tremors against Michigan, a game that eliminated Ohio State from the Big Ten and CFP races. Unlike his predecessor Justin Fields, McCord provided a racial threat.
“He’s a forged player,” said one Big Ten coach. “He just doesn’t have a lot of confidence, even on the pitch. If you can get off to a smart start, it’s better than people think, but I don’t think it’s eliteArray. I may be wrong, but you just want a lot of smart support. If they can get around him in this league, he can be a very smart quarterback. The race wasn’t there, and it’s not there, it may have other elite qualities. He is only missing a few boys. The point is pretty high at Ohio State, and he’ll never measure up.
Syracuse is an attractive landing spot for McCord. While many internal and external ACC coaches are skeptical of the Orange’s new staff, led by Fran Brown, McCord will run with Jeff Nixon, who brings experience as a coordinator.
“He’s a winner,” a Big Ten defensive coordinator said of McCord. “It’s just that he doesn’t have Ohio State’s line, or Ohio State’s receivers, or Ohio State’s running backs. And it is a new OC. [Nixon] has been OC before, but he hasn’t been for a long time. “
Preston Stone, SMU: Played in SMU’s first 12 games last season and finished in the top 15 nationally in play-consistent finishing touches (15. 5), touchdown passes (28) and passing power (161. 3). Stone had several touchdowns in nine games prior. him breaking his leg in the regular season finale. Backup Kevin Jennings shined in SMU’s AAC naming game win over Tulane, and coach Rhett Lashlee brought both quarterbacks to ACC Media Days last month.
Stone, ranked 121st overall in the class of 2021, revels in the merit but competed with Jennings’ preparatory camp.
“He’s been unpredictable with his health, with his leg damaged, and I’ve heard they love the replacement as much as he does,” said a defensive coordinator who will face SMU this season. “They’ve invested enough money in Stone, so they have to play him. I wouldn’t call him one of the elite players, but I think he has all the equipment to be a smart player. “
Thomas Castellanos, Boston College: Castellanos is a talented and intriguing quarterback who could test the extent of Bill O’Brien’s talent running the position. He doesn’t fit O’Brien’s mold as a typical quarterback, as he ran for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall, but completed just 57. 1 percent of his passes and recorded 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. .
At 5-9 and 196 pounds, Castellanos doesn’t have typical QB length and hasn’t eclipsed 171 passing yards in his last six games in 2023. But he’s a natural playmaker who can attack defenses in other ways.
“I like this guy as a player, but it’s a pro-style offense, a quarterback offense,” one ACC coach said. “That’s why I didn’t even know if he would be the right person. “
An ACC defensive coordinator added of O’Brien: “Does he like [Castellanos], or say, ‘He’s what I got, so I’ve got to figure him out. ‘Possibly he has no other. “
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame: For the second straight year, Notre Dame tapped an established ACC starter to boost its passing game. The hope is that Leonard will provide a bigger boost than Sam Hartman, whose limitations proved contrary to the high-profile festival last season. Leonard is a talented athlete who has 11 rushing touchdowns on 5. 6 yards through 2022, along with 2,794 passing yards and 20 touchdowns.
An ankle injury cut short his 2023 season and lasted until the spring at Notre Dame, but Leonard was healthy for fall camp and performed well. In discussing Leonard, several coaches talked about offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, who returns to Notre Dame after running with quarterbacks Jayden Daniels (LSU) and Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati). Denbrock told me earlier this month that Leonard’s arm ability was underestimated with so much talk about his taste for the game.
“They ran him a little bit at Duke, but I don’t know how many runs they’re going to run with him,” said a defensive coordinator who will face Notre Dame. “It’s almost a bad thing to see LSU because of Jayden Daniels and how smart that guy was. And then they had [Desmond] Ridder before in Cincinnati. They obviously don’t have the receivers they had at LSU, so I almost believe it. It’ll be more similar to Cincinnati. “
Seth Henigan, Memphis: Most Group five quarterbacks with Henigan’s profile would have been gone a long time ago, however, he remained in Memphis, where he played his first 3 seasons. He earned All-AAC Second Team honors last season, when he posted career highs. in landing passes (3,880), finishing touches (317), finishing touches percentage (66. 7) and landing passes (32).
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Henigan has reached 3,000 passing yards over three seasons and enters his senior year with 10,366 passing yards, 811 completions and 77 touchdowns. He will lead a Memphis team with a valid chance of advancing to the PPC.
“He’s salty and he’s a coach’s son and I think that’s a genuine deal,” said an AAC defensive coordinator. “I don’t know if he’s a [NFL] pro. He may be, but he is going to win. A lot of games for them this year. “
Kaidon Salter, Liberty: Salter is another G5 quarterback who will return to his team and coach (Jamey Chadwell) after a record-breaking season in 2023. He helped Liberty win its first undefeated regular season and an appearance in the VRBO Fiesta Bowl , while also earning Conference USA regular-season and championship game MVP honors. The 6-1, 200-pound Salter remained at Liberty through coaching replacement Hugh Freeze to Jamey Chadwell recorded touchdown passes in 11 games and set a team quarterback record with 1,089 yards.
Salter also threw a team-high 32 landing passes, and once back it will work as a separate, quarterback-friendly formula in a league that has had few answers for him.
“One play is going to break and he’s going to take off and make things happen,” said a defensive coordinator who will face Salter this season. “This formula is different to what you’ll see with most teams. “
Joey Aguilar, App State: Aguilar embarked on a desirable adventure into the Blue Ridge Mountains, traveling across the country after playing high school football in the Bay Area in 2022. He had the quarterback season at school, setting team records in passing yards. (3,757), landing passes (33), overall offense (4,002 yards) and completions (293). Aguilar, 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, is the only quarterback returning to the FBS to throw for at least 33 landing passes and 3,700 passing yards last season.
Offensive Player of the Year Sun Belt will lead the heavily favored Appalachian State to win the league.
“It’s good,” said a Sun Belt coach. He didn’t [Grayson] McCall of Coastal, however, he did well what they did, executed his formula well. It’s positive. “
Byrum Brown, South Florida: After betting sparingly in 2022, Brown progressed last season under first-year coach Alex Golesh, helping USF to seven wins and a Boca Raton Bowl title. He set the USF record for passing in a single season with 3,292 yards. , becoming the first Bulls quarterback to reach the 3,000-yard mark, and earned team grades for touchdown passes (26), touch down percentage (64. 6) and touch down percentage (276). Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels was the only FBS quarterback with at least 3,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards last fall.
The 6-foot-3, 209-pound Brown led the Bulls on the field and was the second USF player to eclipse 4,000 yards of offense during the season.
“He’s a smart running back, he’s also cellular,” said a defensive coordinator who will face USF this season. “He’s definitely one of the most productive quarterbacks we’re going to face. It’s very efficient. “