Faculty coaches will speak loads about their quarterback conditions over the following few months, however their actions imply much more. We’re right here to sift by means of the coachspeak to look at what applications have really instructed us about their quarterbacks this offseason by means of their work (or lack thereof) within the switch portal.
Let’s get began.
ACC
Boston Faculty: Invoice O’Brien seemingly has his most well-liked quarterbacks now. O’Brien benched Thomas Castellanos late final season in favor of Grayson James, who would be the favourite to begin this 12 months. He additionally introduced in Alabama switch Dylan Lonergan, whom he recruited when he was the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator.
Cal: The Golden Bears addressed the current after they signed Ohio State switch Devin Brown and the long run when blue-chip freshman Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele transferred to Cal shortly after signing with Oregon. That was a robust response after two-year starter Fernando Mendoza transferred to Indiana.
Clemson: Nothing to see right here. Cade Klubnik ought to lead one of many nation’s greatest passing video games in 2025.
Duke: Maalik Murphy was ok to guide Duke to 9 wins final season, however the teaching employees clearly appreciated Tulane switch Darian Mensah higher. The California native was one of many prime Group of 5 quarterbacks as a redshirt freshman in 2024.
Florida State: The Seminoles aren’t afraid to take dangers with switch quarterbacks. Castellanos was benched at Boston Faculty final season, however Florida State desperately wants the partnership with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to work — particularly after the failed DJ Uiagalelei experiment. There’s some historical past right here: Malzahn signed Castellanos whereas at UCF as a part of the Class of 2022.
Georgia Tech: Haynes King is without doubt one of the hardest QBs within the nation, however two issues will likely be key this 12 months: his well being and addressing losses at offensive line and receiver.
Louisville: Miller Moss will likely be Jeff Brohm’s third switch beginning quarterback in three seasons as Louisville’s coach. The Cardinals are clearly not prepared to go away the switch market but.
Let’s do it #TheVille pic.twitter.com/7iwAPqoJMz
— Miller Moss (@millermoss7) December 15, 2024
Miami: Neither are the Hurricanes. There was constructive buzz about Emory Williams previously, however when push got here to shove this offseason, Miami went all out for Georgia switch Carson Beck. He’s an apparent improve however comes with some threat. Assuming he’s wholesome — he underwent elbow surgical procedure in late December — he must play cleaner than he did final season.
NC State: CJ Bailey is the clear starter. The Wolfpack want extra from him and the offense. Can Kurt Roper, who was an uninspiring selection at coordinator, repair the issue?
North Carolina: It looks as if Invoice Belichick has saved this job extensive open. Max Johnson is the one returner from 2024 and is coming off a major leg harm. 4-star signee Bryce Baker and Purdue switch Ryan Browne will likely be firmly within the combine.
Pittsburgh: Eli Holstein is the man. Accidents torpedoed what was shaping as much as be a really productive season, so preserving the quarterback wholesome will likely be crucial for the Panthers.
SMU: Kevin Jennings is the clear-cut starter even after a disastrous efficiency in a first-round Faculty Soccer Playoff loss to Penn State. If for some motive Jennings have been to regress, the addition of Wisconsin switch Tyler Van Dyke is an effective insurance coverage coverage.
Stanford: Time to seize the keys, Elijah Brown. The Cardinal misplaced the one different quarterbacks who threw passes final season (Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson) and didn’t signal a switch.
Syracuse: Barring a spring switch addition, the Orange are inserting a guess on inexperience with a contest between LSU switch Rickie Collins and redshirt freshman Jakhari Williams. They’ve a mixed seven profession go makes an attempt.
Virginia: The Cavaliers are banking on North Texas switch Chandler Morris offering a lift for an offense that’s struggled mightily throughout Tony Elliott’s three seasons as head coach.
Virginia Tech: Kyron Drones is the clear starter though he and the Hokies regressed in 2024. Can new offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery get Drones again to his 2023 stage of play?
Wake Forest: New head coach Jake Dickert is placing his religion in South Carolina switch Robby Ashford, who will likely be enjoying for his third program in as a few years however is the one QB on the roster with actual expertise.
Large 12
Arizona: With a brand new offensive coordinator (Seth Doege) and a few shrewd switch additions on the ability positions, the directive is clear: get Noah Fifita again to his 2023 kind after a disappointing 2024 season.
Arizona State: Cam Skattebo was the center and soul of Arizona State’s offense in 2024. Sam Leavitt should drive the bus this season.
BYU: Jake Retzlaff led BYU to 11 wins final season and is entrenched because the starter for a workforce with Large 12 title hopes.
Baylor: Including Auburn switch Walker White — the No. 8 QB within the Class of 2024 — gives intriguing depth for Sawyer Robertson, who loved a breakout 2024 season and was particularly efficient within the second half of the 12 months.
Cincinnati: Brendan Sorsby posted respectable numbers final season, however the Bearcats didn’t make sufficient large performs within the passing recreation. The employees tried so as to add extra dynamic playmakers to the supporting solid by means of the portal.
Colorado: The Buffaloes wanted a bridge quarterback to transition from Shedeur Sanders to blue-chip 2025 signee Julian Lewis. Liberty switch Kaidon Salter is a extremely gifted participant who ought to successfully fill that position.
Houston: Conner Weigman hasn’t performed to the five-star rating he had as a recruit and was benched at Texas A&M final season, however coach Willie Fritz should imagine he can unlock a few of that potential.
I’m coming house.Time to go to Work H-City‼️#gocoogs @UHCougarFB pic.twitter.com/028DYM3XJ5
— Conner Weigman (@ConnerWeigman) December 12, 2024
Iowa State: Nothing a lot to say right here both as a result of Rocco Becht is again after he took yet one more step ahead in 2024 and led the Cyclones to 11 wins (the primary double-digit win season in program historical past) and the Large 12 Championship Recreation.
Kansas: Jalon Daniels’ well being is all the time an essential issue since he’s missed a superb chunk of time over time. He’s restricted this spring after present process knee surgical procedure. However he began all 12 video games in 2024 and his play declined, so new offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski has to get Daniels again on monitor.
Kansas State: Avery Johnson is an intriguing expertise, however he’s nonetheless growing as an all-around quarterback. His main receiver returns, and the Wildcats added three switch receivers. We’ll see if Johnson can elevate his play with the additions and one other 12 months within the offense.
Oklahoma State: The Cowboys quarterbacks struggled final 12 months. They introduced again three gamers from that group, but when the employees actually believed in any of them as a starter, it most likely wouldn’t have introduced in switch Hauss Hejny. The previous four-star recruit looks as if the front-runner based mostly on the truth that he got here from TCU with new offensive coordinator Doug Meacham.
TCU: Josh Hoover is ready because the starter after passing for 3,949 yards and 27 touchdowns throughout a powerful 2024 season. Conserving Ken Seals as a veteran backup who has began a number of video games all through his profession was additionally a constructive.
Texas Tech: Starter Behren Morton returns, and the Crimson Raiders went all-in throughout the December switch cycle. So the stress is on Morton, coach Joey McGuire and the remainder of this system to ship a convention championship.
UCF: Scott Frost seems able to tie his hopes to Indiana switch Tayven Jackson, who performed effectively in spot obligation for the Hoosiers final season. FAU switch Cam Fancher will likely be within the combine too.
Utah: The Utes needed to maneuver previous the fixed uncertainty with Cam Rising’s availability and now have an thrilling new quarterback/coordinator mixture from New Mexico with switch Devon Dampier and play caller Jason Beck.
West Virginia: Nicco Marchiol has began just a few video games for the Mountaineers the previous two seasons however has by no means acquired the full-time beginning nod. He’ll have a chance to earn it this offseason however should maintain off Texas A&M switch Jaylen Henderson and Charlotte switch Max Brown.
Large Ten
Illinois: There’s little question that Luke Altmyer is the chief of this offense. The one-time Ole Miss Insurgent has began the previous two seasons and led Illinois to a 10-3 report in 2024. Expectations are excessive for the Illini in 2025, which is why it was smart to herald Northern Illinois switch Ethan Hampton because the backup.
Indiana: The Hoosiers’ use of the switch portal was so profitable with quarterback Kurtis Rourke final 12 months that they went to the effectively once more with Cal switch Fernando Mendoza, who was one of many higher sign callers obtainable within the winter window.
Iowa: The Hawkeyes have been caught in a miserable cycle of substandard quarterback play for 5 – 6 years. They’re hoping South Dakota State switch Mark Gronowski, the winner of the Walter Payton Award as the highest FCS offensive participant in 2023, is the reply in 2025.
Maryland: Mike Locksley appears to be nice rolling with inexperienced choices as a result of UCLA switch Justyn Martin, who has began only one recreation in his profession, and blue-chip freshman Malik Washington are the highest two candidates for the job.
Michigan State: Aidan Chiles performed like a first-time starter in 2024. The teaching employees introduced in a number of transfers at receiver and offensive line to enhance Chiles’ supporting solid whereas hoping he’ll progress in 12 months 3 below coach Jonathan Smith.
Michigan: The Wolverines labored arduous to forestall one other quarterback disaster just like the one they endured in 2024. 5-star freshman Bryce Underwood acquired a large NIL deal, and the employees introduced in Fresno State switch Mikey Keene to supply a veteran presence till Underwood is prepared.
Minnesota: The Golden Gophers are in a tricky spot as a result of they’ll be selecting from both a redshirt freshman, Drake Lindsey, or a uncooked passer, Georgia Tech switch Zach Pyron. We’ll see if Lindsey’s season within the system provides him a bonus.
Nebraska: There’s an urgency to make life simpler for former five-star recruit Dylan Raiola. Dana Holgorsen was named OC. The Cornhuskers introduced in a few extremely touted offensive line transfers and beefed up their receiver corps as effectively..
Northwestern: Preston Stone was benched final 12 months at SMU however continues to be probably the most completed quarterback the Wildcats have had in latest reminiscence. That’s a superb begin in an try to revitalize an anemic offense.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes didn’t usher in a switch, so Julian Sayin’s path towards a beginning position appears clear until incoming five-star freshman Tavien St. Clair acclimates rapidly and wins the job.
Oregon: Dan Lanning didn’t usher in an skilled switch quarterback like he beforehand did with Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel. Meaning the Geese imagine Dante Moore, the favourite to win the job, and Austin Novosad can preserve this offense buzzing.
Penn State: Drew Allar is again for his senior season and will likely be working with a retooled group of go catchers. Allar has to enhance, however time will inform if the additions at receiver will help the third-year beginning quarterback elevate his recreation.
Purdue: New coach Barry Odom introduced in three transfers. Malachi Singleton (from Arkansas) has the very best ceiling, making him the favourite for the job.
Rutgers: Athan Kaliakmanis is firmly entrenched because the starter after passing for two,696 yards and 18 touchdowns. Rutgers didn’t pursue a switch, so there’s no actual menace to push him for the beginning position both.
UCLA: Deshaun Foster fired Eric Bieniemy and picked Tino Sunseri to be his offensive coordinator. The Bruins have been lucky to land productive App State switch Joey Aguilar after they misplaced their prime backup (Justyn Martin) and their blue-chip quarterback commit (Madden Iamaleava) within the span of some weeks.
USC: Lincoln Riley sat out the switch market this winter, so all indicators level to him being comfy with a gaggle that features Jayden Maiava, who was inconsistent in his 4 begins final 12 months, and five-star freshman Husan Longstreet.
Washington: The longer term has lastly arrived in Seattle with Demond Williams Jr. in line to take over because the starter. The previous four-star prospect signed with Arizona and adopted coach Jedd Fisch to Washington.
Wisconsin: The entire scholarship quarterbacks with ties to former offensive coordinator Phil Longo are gone. It feels as if Maryland switch Billy Edwards Jr. is in place to begin, however San Diego State switch Danny O’Neil, a one-time Colorado commit, gives youth and expertise after enjoying an honest quantity for the Aztecs final 12 months.
SEC
Alabama: Ty Simpson, who served as Jalen Milroe’s backup, seems to be the favourite for the position. The Crimson Tide didn’t usher in a switch quarterback, however true freshman Keelon Russell possesses a really excessive ceiling and it wouldn’t be a shock if he’s heard from sooner or later this 12 months.
Arkansas: Taylen Inexperienced will begin after passing for 3,154 yards and speeding for 602 final 12 months. The event of two freshmen, Madden Iamaleava and Grayson Wilson, will likely be value monitoring for the long run.
Auburn: The Tigers have a robust group of ability gamers however didn’t imagine final 12 months’s quarterback group was ok. Three quarterbacks transferred out and three new QBs arrived, headlined by former Oklahoma Sooner Jackson Arnold and five-star freshman Deuce Knight. Arnold is the favourite to earn the beginning.
Florida: It started final season, however the transition to DJ Lagway because the face of this system is absolutely underway now.
Georgia: The Bulldogs are in on Gunner Stockton, however to what extent? The teaching employees made a push for Fernando Mendoza earlier than he determined to switch to Indiana.
Kentucky: The Wildcats have positioned their confidence in Zach Calzada, who made stops at Texas A&M and Arkansas earlier than settling in because the starter for 2 seasons at FCS Incarnate Phrase. They want him to carry out effectively after the offense struggled final season below Brock Vandagriff.
LSU: Garrett Nussmeier is the clear starter in 2024. However after dropping Bryce Underwood’s dedication to Michigan, LSU was left scrambling to handle its future on the place. The Tigers signed Mississippi State switch Michael Van Buren, who could possibly be a superb resolution to the issue.
Mississippi State: Blake Shapen might be the chief within the clubhouse based mostly on the actual fact he opened 2024 because the starter earlier than struggling a season-ending shoulder harm. However the Bulldogs explored each avenue to land a quarterback and signed gifted Florida State switch Luke Kromenhoek and in addition usher in four-star freshman KaMario Taylor.
Missouri: Beau Pribula was extra of a gadget participant in Penn State’s offense, however the Tigers noticed sufficient in these snaps to imagine in him as their starter.
Oklahoma: Brent Venables went all in on Washington State switch John Mateer (and Cougars offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle). After two dropping seasons in three years because the Sooners coach, Venables desperately wants Mateer to succeed. It will not be fairly for Venables if he doesn’t.
Ole Miss: The Rebels have been reportedly tied to a number of switch quarterbacks, however it will be a shock if Austin Simmons, who sat behind Jaxson Dart the previous two years, doesn’t win the job.
South Carolina: LaNorris Sellers must be one of the crucial dynamic QBs within the league, and the arrival of Ohio State switch Air Noland units the Gamecocks up effectively for all times after Sellers.
Tennessee: Nico Iamaleava was nice in 2024 however didn’t change into the star many anticipated. Nonetheless, he’s the unquestioned starter for the Vols.
Texas A&M: After getting into final season because the backup, Marcel Reed owns this job now. The Aggies’ fundamental focus this offseason was including receivers to bolster the passing recreation.
Texas: It’s Arch Manning’s time now. Nothing else must be mentioned.
Vanderbilt: The Diego Pavia Present was surprisingly renewed for a second season in Nashville. Clark Lea and the Commodores teaching employees will attempt to maximize it each method potential.
And at last
Notre Dame: After beginning transfers in every of the previous two seasons, Notre Dame has a QB competitors between homegrown choices: Steve Angeli, final season’s backup, and CJ Carr, a former top-100 prospect.
(Picture of Jackson Arnold: William Purnell / Imagn Photographs)
