Predicting Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Contested 2025 Quarterback Battles

By Dorrington Myers

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This upcoming spring may feature one of the most loaded talent pools for quarterback battles across college football, as multiple teams face major decisions. Who will get the keys to the offense? In this article, I will provide my expert analysis and opinion on a few situations, break down what each player brings to the table talent-wise, and project who will be the starter for the 2025 season.

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Ohio State Buckeyes

The defending national champions enter the 2025 season with their sights set on another title run. However, changes in the coaching staff bring an element of transition. Chip Kelly has moved on to the NFL, and Brian Hartline is likely to step up as the new offensive coordinator. Despite this shift, Ohio State’s offensive identity remains strong, with an elite receiving corps featuring Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss. The job of the next starting quarterback is clear: distribute the ball to these playmakers and let them dominate.

Quarterback Contenders

Julian Sayin (Redshirt Freshman, Former 5-Star Recruit)

• Strengths: Precision passing and elite decision-making.

• Biggest Concern: Can he extend plays off-script and consistently push the ball downfield?

Lincoln Kienholz (Redshirt Sophomore, Former 4-Star Recruit)

• Strengths: High-level athleticism and the ability to extend plays outside the pocket.

• Biggest Concern: Can he develop into a consistent, high-level passer?

Tavien St. Clair (True Freshman, 5-Star Recruit, 2025 Class)

• Strengths: A natural passer with impressive dual-threat ability.

• Biggest Concern: Can he quickly adjust to the complexities of college defenses?

Predicted starter- Lincoln Kienholz

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Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines enter the 2025 season with a crucial decision at quarterback. Head coach Sherrone Moore has emphasized that the starting job is open and must be earned. With key playmakers like RB Jordan Marshall, TE Marlin Klein, TE Hogan Hansen, and WR Semaj Morgan returning, Michigan’s offense has the potential to be dangerous—if the right quarterback takes the reins.

Quarterback Contenders

Bryce Underwood (True Freshman, 5-Star Recruit)

• Strengths: Elite arm talent and the ability to make off-platform throws.

• Biggest Concern: Can he adapt to the speed and complexity of college defenses quick enough?

Davis Warren (Redshirt Senior, Program Insider)

• Strengths: Deep knowledge of Michigan’s offensive system and smart decision-making.

• Biggest Concern: Can he compete athletically with the rest of the group and recover from a torn ACL in time?

Mikey Keene (Redshirt Senior, Former Fresno State Starter)

• Strengths: Accuracy and leadership, bringing starting experience to the competition.

• Biggest Concern: Can his physical tools be maximized at the Big Ten level?

Predicted starter- Bryce Underwood

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Alabama Crimson Tide

With Jalen Milroe declaring for the NFL Draft and Kalen DeBoer entering his second full season as head coach, the future in Tuscaloosa remains bright. However, the Crimson Tide must find their next starting quarterback and the competition is wide open.

Quarterback Contenders

Ty Simpson (Redshirt Junior, Former 5-Star)

• Strengths: Knowledge of the system and high football IQ.

• Biggest Concern: Is he ready to lead the offense despite limited game experience?

Austin Mack (Redshirt Sophomore, Former Four-Star)

• Strengths: Impressive stature and arm talent.

• Biggest Concerns: Can he perform well under pressure? Will he develop consistency?

Keelon Russell (Incoming freshman, 5-star recruit)

• Strengths: Elite athleticism and playmaking ability.

• Biggest Concern: Can he adapt to the speed and complexity of the college game?

Predicted starter- Ty Simpson

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Colorado Buffaloes

What Deion Sanders has accomplished at Colorado is nothing short of remarkable, and it will be difficult for anyone to replicate. With Shedeur Sanders, Shilo Sanders, and Travis Hunter all heading to the NFL, the Buffaloes’ will take on a new identity in 2025, and it starts at the quarterback position.

Quarterback Contenders

Kaidon Salter (Redshirt Senior, Former Liberty Starter)

• Strengths: Strong leadership, experience, and dual-threat ability.

• Biggest Concern: Can he quickly develop chemistry with Colorado’s wide receivers after transferring in from Liberty?

Julian Lewis (True Freshman, 5-Star Recruit)

• Strengths: Elite arm talent, sharp decision-making, and a high football IQ.

• Biggest Concern: Can he adjust to the physicality and speed of the college game?

Predicted starter- Kaidon Salter

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Notre Dame Fighting Irish 

Head coach Marcus Freeman has made it clear that he won’t turn to the transfer portal to find his starting quarterback. Instead, he’s committed to developing in-house talent. This decision is significant, as quarterback play was Notre Dame’s Achilles’ heel last season. The Fighting Irish made it to the championship game, but offensive struggles—particularly at quarterback—held them back. With Notre Dame consistently fielding a strong defense, the success of the 2025 season now rests on the offense.

Quarterback Contenders

Steve Angeli (Redshirt Junior, Returning Backup)

• Strengths: Deep knowledge of the playbook and strong leadership skills.

• Biggest Concern: Having spent most of his career as a backup, is he truly ready to lead the offense?

Kenny Minchey (Redshirt Sophomore, Former 4-Star Recruit)

• Strengths: Strong arm talent and impressive athleticism.

• Biggest Concern: With little college experience, will his lack of in-game reps affect his ability to handle pressure?

CJ Carr (Redshirt Freshman, Former 4-Star Recruit)

• Strengths: High football IQ, sharp decision-making, and advanced arm talent.

• Biggest Concern: With limited game action, can he quickly adjust to the speed and complexity of college defenses?

Predicted starter- Steve Angeli