Sportsgrid-Staff

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Auburn’s 2024 campaign appeared ugly on the surface, but a deeper dive reveals that a string of narrow defeats and brutal turnover misfortune ultimately undid the Tigers. That leaves some room for optimism entering 2025, especially if transfer quarterback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jackson-arnold/21212">Jackson Arnold</a> can finally deliver on his immense potential.
Arnold arrives in Auburn with a fascinating backstory. Once a five-star recruit, he never fully seized the starting job at Oklahoma, even getting benched before later helping engineer a shocking win over Alabama. The tools are there, but consistency has been missing. For Auburn to climb into SEC contention—and quiet an impatient fanbase—Arnold must elevate his play to the level once expected of him.
The supporting cast is solid, giving Arnold every opportunity to prove he can be the difference-maker this program has been searching for.

30. Jackson Arnold, Auburn Tigers (SEC)

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Quarterback has long been Iowa’s glaring question mark, but there’s new optimism in Iowa City with the arrival of <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/mark-gronowski/26282">Mark Gronowski</a> from South Dakota State. The transfer brings an impressive résumé—55 career games, more than 10,000 passing yards, over 1,700 rushing yards, and 110 total touchdowns. He offers the kind of proven production the Hawkeyes have lacked under center for years.
The big unknown is whether Kirk Ferentz and his staff will loosen the reins offensively and allow Gronowski to showcase his dual-threat ability. If they do, he has the skill set to elevate an otherwise limited passing attack.
The concern, however, is timing: offseason shoulder surgery will sideline him for spring practice, raising questions about how quickly he can settle in once the season approaches.

29. Mark Gronowski, Iowa Hawkeyes (Big Ten)

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Playing quarterback at Oregon almost guarantees production, and recent history proves it. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/bo-nix/60112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bo Nix</a> thrived in the system, and when <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/dillon-gabriel/86169">Dillon Gabriel</a> arrived, the Ducks’ offense somehow found another gear. Much of that success traces back to offensive coordinator Will Stein, whose schemes consistently maximize the talent around him, aided by a deep and explosive supporting cast.
Now, it’s <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dante-moore/29407">Dante Moore</a>’s opportunity to step into that role. After transferring from UCLA ahead of the 2024 season, Moore spent a year developing in Eugene before taking over the starting job. The former five-star recruit still carries questions about whether he can fully tap into his potential, but Oregon’s faith in him was clear—Stein and the staff passed on adding another quarterback through the portal.
The stage is set, and all eyes will be on whether Moore can carry on the Ducks’ tradition of high-powered quarterback play.

28. Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks (Big Ten)

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Texas A&amp;M kicked off 2024 with plenty of intrigue as Mike Elko took the reins in his first year at the helm in College Station. The plan was for <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/conner-weigman/45593">Conner Weigman</a> to deliver on the promise he showed as a top recruit, but injuries and uneven play derailed that vision. That opened the door for true freshman <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/marcel-reed/45716">Marcel Reed</a>, who logged action in 11 games and eventually seized the starting job.
Reed showcased flashes of big-time ability, though his performances came with the ups and downs expected of a young quarterback. His athleticism gives the Aggies a dynamic element under center, and the coaching staff believes his long-term upside is significant.
Looking ahead to 2025, Texas A&amp;M is projected to lean on a strong ground game, but its ceiling in the SEC will largely hinge on whether Reed can develop into a steady, reliable passing threat to complement it.

27. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M Aggies (SEC)

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Ole Miss pushed its chips to the center of the table in 2024, pouring resources into defensive upgrades via the transfer portal with hopes of making a legitimate run at the SEC crown. Instead, the year ended in disappointment, with the Rebels falling short of the College Football Playoff. With <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jaxson-dart/86077">Jaxson Dart</a> moving on to the NFL, the focus now shifts to Lane Kiffin’s handpicked successor under center.
That job belongs to <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/austin-simmons/48379">Austin Simmons</a>, a young signal-caller who already earned Kiffin’s confidence as a freshman. Simmons flashed potential last season, connecting on 19 of 32 passes for two touchdowns, and his progress was enough for the “Portal King” to bypass adding another quarterback this offseason. Still only 19, Simmons enters his third year in the system, giving him both familiarity with the playbook and plenty of developmental upside.
Coaches rave about his athletic ability and projectable ceiling, making him one of the more intriguing breakout candidates in Oxford heading into 2025.

26. Austin Simmons, Ole Miss Rebels (SEC)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/brendan-sorsby/25169">Brendan Sorsby</a> made the move from Indiana and took over as Cincinnati’s starter in his sophomore season, putting together a respectable stat line with a 64% completion rate, 18 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
On paper, it was solid progress for the young quarterback. The bigger issue was the team around him. The Bearcats stumbled down the stretch, dropping their final five games and failing to reach a bowl, with ugly home losses to West Virginia and TCU highlighting the slide.
The question now is whether Sorsby can translate his efficiency into wins and become a difference-maker in 2025.

25. Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati Bearcats (Big 12)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dylan-raiola/37686">Dylan Raiola</a> stepped into Lincoln carrying the weight of sky-high expectations. A five-star prospect and former Georgia commit, the Husker legacy was viewed as the face of Matt Rhule’s rebuild and was handed the starting job from day one.
His freshman season didn’t set the world on fire, but it did mark progress for a program desperate to turn the corner—Nebraska reached and won a bowl game for the first time in years. Raiola finished with 2,819 passing yards, a 67% completion rate, and 13 touchdowns.
Ball security remains his biggest hurdle, but an upgraded receiver room could fuel a breakout.

24. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska Cornhuskers (Big Ten)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/noah-fifita/38528">Noah Fifita</a>’s sophomore campaign didn’t live up to the hype. After bursting onto the scene as a freshman under Jedd Fisch in Tucson, he came back in a new system with a new head coach—and the transition showed. To his credit, he still produced nearly 3,000 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, all while working behind one of the worst offensive lines in the Pac-12.
The real concern is accuracy. Fifita completed just 60.5% of his throws, a clear step back from his debut season. The challenge gets larger as he enters this season without his top target, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/tetairoa-mcmillan/86069">Tetairoa McMillan</a>, a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

23. Noah Fifita, Arizona Wildcats (Big 12)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/taylen-green/27390">Taylen Green</a> is the guy in Fayetteville, winning the quarterback battle over <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/malachi-singleton/27445">Malachi Singleton</a> (now with Purdue) in Bobby Petrino’s offense.
The talent is undeniable, but so is the inconsistency. Green piled up 3,154 passing yards and 15 touchdowns last season, yet nine turnovers and stretches of sub-55% accuracy highlighted his growing pains. Where the buzz really comes from is his legs—his long stride makes him a nightmare in the open field and a true dual-threat weapon.
The ceiling is high enough for top-ten quarterback talk, but Arkansas’ heavy transfer portal losses raise the question of whether the supporting cast can elevate him.

22. Taylen Green, Arkansas Razorbacks (SEC)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/julian-sayin/38120">Julian Sayin</a> steps in as the next man up at quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/will-howard/38101">Will Howard</a> came to Columbus for one year, delivered a national championship, and walked off having cemented his legacy. With his eligibility done, Ohio State made it clear they trust the future to Sayin—passing on the transfer portal and even letting former five-star <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/air-noland/38091">Air Noland</a> head to South Carolina without resistance.
Sayin brings a live arm and drew nothing but praise throughout practices last season. Now he gets the keys to the offense, surrounded by elite talent highlighted by superstar wideout <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jeremiah-smith/38164">Jeremiah Smith</a>.

21. Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes (Big Ten)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/eli-holstein/40158">Eli Holstein</a>’s path hasn’t been a straight climb. A highly touted high school recruit, he landed at Alabama only for the staff to reportedly sour early on his long-term fit. A transfer to Pitt came with little fanfare — until he stunned everyone by winning the starting job and leading the Panthers to a 7-0 start. Injuries and tougher competition derailed the finish, but as a redshirt freshman, Holstein flashed plenty.
He’s got the size, accuracy, and physical running ability to keep defenses honest, and if he stays healthy, Pitt’s offense has a legitimate building block for 2025.

20. Eli Holstein, Pitt Panthers (ACC)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/demond-williams/63965">Demond Williams Jr.</a> brings all the raw tools, and 2025 is Washington’s chance to turn that upside into results. The freshman spent most of last season backing up <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/will-rogers/32612">Will Rogers</a>, but every time he saw the field, he injected life into the offense. Williams has the athleticism to stress defenses with his legs and the arm talent to grow into an efficient passer.
Now it’s on Jedd Fisch to hand him the keys and let him run the show. If Williams makes the leap, the Huskies have the ceiling to push into the top half of the Big Ten race.

19. Demond Williams Jr., Washington Huskies (Big Ten)

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Vanderbilt got its offseason win early when <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/diego-pavia/34431">Diego Pavia</a> was granted another year of eligibility, locking in one of the SEC’s most dangerous quarterbacks for 2025. Pavia was outstanding last season, piling up over 3,200 total yards and 28 touchdowns while running Clark Lea’s offense with surgical efficiency and guiding the Commodores to a bowl win.
Replicating 2024’s success won’t be easy in a deeper, nastier SEC slate. Still, with Pavia back under center, Vanderbilt has a proven playmaker who can extend drives, finish in the red zone, and make life miserable for opposing defenses every Saturday.

18. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores (SEC)

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Iowa State looked primed to make a real Big 12 title push in 2024, but it hinged on second-year QB <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/rocco-becht/45201">Rocco Becht</a> taking that next step. The sophomore put up strong counting stats — 3,504 yards and 25 touchdowns — but the efficiency wasn’t there, completing just 59.4% of his throws. That number has to climb a few points if the Cyclones want to close the gap, and it won’t get easier with both of his top receivers gone.
Becht has the arm talent to elevate this offense, but his accuracy and chemistry with a new group of targets will decide Iowa State’s ceiling.

17. Rocco Becht, Iowa State Cyclones (Big 12)

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Kansas State’s 2024 campaign didn’t go to script, but <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/avery-johnson/18504">Avery Johnson</a>’s upside remains through the roof. The dynamic QB has the tools to push the Wildcats into playoff contention if he can stay healthy and take the next step in 2025. Accuracy and consistency will be the focus, but the bigger key might be scheme — Kansas State has to lean into his legs and design ways to get him outside the tackles.
When Johnson gets in space, he can break games open, and if the Wildcats unlock that part of his game, they’re instantly a dangerous team in the Big 12 race.

16. Avery Johnson, Kansas State Wildcats (Big 12)

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Texas Tech’s 8-5 finish in 2024, capped by a bowl loss to Arkansas, fell short of expectations — but don’t pin that on <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/behren-morton/20911">Behren Morton</a>. The senior QB stayed healthy, started 12 games, and threw for 3,335 yards with 27 touchdowns on 466 attempts. The problem was a run game that never clicked, forcing Morton to carry the offense despite offering nothing on the ground (-22 rushing yards).
With the Red Raiders loading up in the transfer portal and aiming for a Big 12 title push, a small bump in accuracy and completion percentage could turn Morton’s steady production into championship-caliber numbers.

15. Behren Morton, Texas Tech Red Raiders (Big 12)

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The raw stats won’t blow you away, but <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/haynes-king/30011">Haynes King</a>’s value to Georgia Tech goes way beyond the box score. Leadership, toughness, and command of the huddle — he checks every intangible you want in a QB1. Injuries kept him from fully opening it up in 2024, capping him at just over 2,600 yards and 25 touchdowns while the Yellow Jackets mixed quarterbacks and tweaked the offense.
A healthy King changes the equation. With him back in charge and a schedule that breaks favorably, Georgia Tech has the makeup to be one of the ACC’s sneaky sleepers in 2025.

14. Haynes King, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (ACC)

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Only 10 quarterbacks topped 3,600 passing yards last season, and just three of them are back for 2025 — Clemson’s <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cade-klubnik/37193">Cade Klubnik</a>, LSU’s <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/garrett-nussmeier/51357">Garrett Nussmeier</a>, and TCU’s <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/josh-hoover/38995">Josh Hoover</a>. Hoover led that group with precision, hitting 66.5% of his throws for 3,949 yards and 27 touchdowns. The Horned Frogs still dropped four games, including three where Hoover lit it up for 330+ yards, a sign that his arm kept them in shootouts.
He’s no threat on the ground (-19 rushing yards), but in terms of pure volume and downfield production, Hoover profiles as one of the most dangerous passers in college football next season.

13. Josh Hoover, TCU Horned Frogs (Big 12)

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It turned heads when freshman <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/darian-mensah/30844">Darian Mensah</a> won Tulane’s starting QB job over veterans <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kai-horton/63457">Kai Horton</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ty-thompson/30865">Ty Thompson</a> — and to his credit, he delivered solid numbers. Mensah completed 66% of his throws for 2,723 yards, posted a 22-to-6 TD/INT line, and managed the offense in a run-heavy scheme without forcing mistakes.
That said, the move to Duke under Manny Diaz comes with some question marks. Against top-tier competition, the cracks showed — shaky in a 34-19 loss to Oklahoma, ineffective in the AAC title game vs. Army, and absent in the bowl game. Stepping into a tougher league, the learning curve is real.

12. Darian Mensah, Duke Blue Devils (ACC)

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With <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/shedeur-sanders/86346">Shedeur Sanders</a> off to the NFL, the Big 12 quarterback crown is up for grabs — and we’re backing Baylor’s <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/sawyer-robertson/35762">Sawyer Robertson</a> to take it. The junior carved up defenses in 2024, throwing for 3,071 yards and outdueling transfer Dequan Finn for the job. He pushed the ball downfield at over eight yards per attempt, stacked 28 touchdowns against just eight picks, and added 230 yards and four more scores on the ground.
Robertson’s surge coincided with Baylor ripping off six straight wins to close the regular season — a heater that not only saved Dave Aranda’s job, but put Robertson in position to own this league in 2025.

11. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor Bears (Big 12)

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The 2025 quarterback transfer class may not have been loaded with headline names, but it did feature a few under-the-radar pickups—and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/fernando-mendoza/49656">Fernando Mendoza</a> might be one of the best of the bunch. The former Cal signal-caller quietly put together an efficient season, throwing for over 3,000 yards and completing 68.7% of his passes, all while operating behind one of the worst offensive lines in the Power Five.
Now at Indiana, Mendoza joins forces with Curt Cignetti in a quarterback-friendly system that helped <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/kurtis-rourke/86395">Kurtis Rourke</a> garner Heisman buzz. He’ll also have a stronger supporting cast than he did in Berkeley.
<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/cfb-top-10-indiana-hoosiers-returning-for-another-college-football-playoff-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Indiana Hoosiers Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run</a>

10. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Hoosiers (Big Ten)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/nico-iamaleava/38678">Nico Iamaleava</a> didn’t quite live up to the sky-high expectations in 2024, as Tennessee reached the College Football Playoff more on the strength of its defense and run game than its quarterback play. Iamaleava wrapped the year with 2,616 passing yards and 19 touchdowns—decent numbers, but not the star-level output many expected. 
Now, Iamaleava gets a fresh start at UCLA, where he’ll look to unlock his full potential and raise the Bruins’ ceiling in his first year leading the program out West.

9. Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Bruins (Big Ten)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/carson-beck/22644">Carson Beck</a> made headlines this offseason as reportedly the highest-priced quarterback in the transfer portal, with a rumored $4 million deal to take the reins at Miami. The former Georgia starter had an up-and-down 2024 campaign, finishing with close to 3,500 passing yards and 28 touchdowns—but also tossing 12 interceptions and completing under 65% of his throws at 7.8 yards per attempt.
Now in Coral Gables, the Hurricanes are betting big on Beck to deliver a <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/cameron-ward/86061">Cam Ward</a>-style impact as they push for a long-awaited College Football Playoff appearance.

8. Carson Beck, Miami Hurricanes (ACC)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/john-mateer/20580">John Mateer</a> turned heads in 2024 with a breakout season at Washington State, putting up over 3,100 passing yards and 29 touchdowns through the air while also leading the Cougars in rushing with 826 yards and 15 scores. That’s 44 total touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards of offense—eye-popping production no matter the league.
Now, he’s in Oklahoma alongside his offensive coordinator, looking to inject life into the Sooners' attack. The big question: can Mateer carry that momentum into the grind of SEC play after dominating in the final chapter of the Pac-12?

7. John Mateer, Oklahoma Sooners (SEC)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/lanorris-sellers/33348">LaNorris Sellers</a> is just beginning to tap into his potential—and what we’ve seen so far should have SEC defenses on high alert. As a redshirt freshman, he posted modest passing numbers with 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns, but his 65.6% completion rate was quietly impressive for a first-year starter. Where Sellers really stings opponents is on the ground. Elusive and powerful in space, he piled up 674 rushing yards and seven scores, flashing game-breaking ability multiple times in 2024.
With South Carolina reloading via the transfer portal, the Gamecocks will enter 2025 ranked and dangerous.
<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/ranking-the-top-5-college-football-safeties-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Safeties for 2025</a>

6. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)

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Is this as good as it gets for <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/drew-allar/49426">Drew Allar</a>, or is the Penn State quarterback still scratching the surface? That’s the question heading into 2025 after the Nittany Lions reached the College Football Playoff semifinal—but came up short against every top-tier opponent they faced, falling to Ohio State, Oregon, and Notre Dame.
Allar enters Year 2 under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki with experience and poise, but the wide receiver room remains a work in progress. He’s a solid college starter, but to elevate Penn State, he’ll need to find that next gear.
<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/cfb-top-10-penn-state-nittany-lions-returning-for-another-college-football-playoff-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Penn State Nittany Lions Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run</a>
&nbsp;

5. Drew Allar, Penn State Nittany Lions (Big Ten)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/arch-manning/41118">Arch Manning</a> spent most of the 2024 season waiting in the wings as Texas rode with veteran <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/quinn-ewers/41130">Quinn Ewers</a> under center. While Steve Sarkisian stuck with experience, Ewers battled injuries throughout the year, and there were moments when Manning’s athleticism—particularly his ability to make plays with his legs—might’ve given the Longhorns a spark.
Now, 2025 is Manning’s time. With elite physical tools and the full confidence of the locker room, he enters a pivotal offseason ahead of a massive Week 1 road test at Ohio State. All eyes will be on No. 16 in Austin.
<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-wrs-for-the-2025-college-football-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Wide Receivers for 2025</a>

4. Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns (SEC)

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Florida’s <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dj-lagway/44049">DJ Lagway</a> didn’t light up the stat sheet in 2024, thanks to a season spent splitting snaps with veteran <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/graham-mertz/44092">Graham Mertz</a>, but the upside is undeniable. Despite limited action, Lagway’s raw talent and sky-high ceiling were enough for Florida brass to stay the course with Billy Napier heading into 2025.
The Gators are banking on Lagway to take the reins, elevate his decision-making, and unlock his full potential. With elite arm talent and dynamic mobility, he’s a true dual-threat weapon—and one of two SEC quarterbacks on this list with Playoff-caliber tools.
<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-offensive-linemen-in-college-football-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Offensive Linemen for 2025</a>

3. DJ Lagway, Florida Gators (SEC)

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cade-klubnik/37193">Cade Klubnik</a> emerged as one of the most improved quarterbacks in college football over the course of the 2024 season. While things got off to a rocky start in the opener against Georgia, the Clemson signal-caller found his rhythm as the year progressed, thriving in Garrett Riley’s second year calling plays.
Klubnik finished with 36 passing touchdowns to just six picks, added nearly 500 yards on the ground, and found the end zone seven more times with his legs. Heading into 2025, he’s more seasoned and surrounded by a rising cast of offensive playmakers.
Week 1 vs. Garrett Nussmeier and LSU? Must-watch.
<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-running-backs-for-the-2025-college-football-season-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Running Backs for 2025</a>

2. Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers (ACC)

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Speaking of <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/garrett-nussmeier/51357">Garrett Nussmeier</a>, he tops Klubnik to top our list. The Tigers pivot finally got his shot under center for LSU after patiently waiting behind the scenes—and while the 2024 season wasn’t quite what many had envisioned, the redshirt junior still delivered a strong showing. Behind an underperforming offensive line and a less dynamic receiver group compared to LSU’s 2023 arsenal, Nussmeier managed to put up 4,052 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and a completion rate north of 64%.
With a revamped roster acquired through the transfer portal, the Tigers are targeting a serious playoff run in 2025.
<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/20-breakout-cfb-stars-to-know-for-the-2025-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breakout College Football Stars to Know for the 2025 Season</a>

1. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers (SEC)

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We are ranking the top Power Four quarterbacks to watch in 2025, including big names, breakout stars, and transfers ready to make waves in new programs.

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