By Dorrington Myers
My last two articles featured the top five quarterbacks from the ACC and the SEC. Continuing with that series, I now present the top five quarterbacks from the Big Ten Conference. It’s important to note that the last national championship quarterback came from this conference. Will Howard and the Ohio State Buckeyes have set a precedent for others to follow.
Here are my top five quarterbacks from the Big Ten heading into this season.
No. 5: Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
© Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
2024 stats: 2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 67.1 percent completion, 63.8 QBR
Raiola cracks the top 5 because he’s fearless and skilled. As a freshman, mistakes were expected—but so were flashes of brilliance. The talent is undeniable, and he has full support from the staff to develop his overall game. In the first five weeks, he tallied nine touchdowns and just two interceptions—a glimpse of his solid potential. Stay tuned.
No. 4: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
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2024 stats: 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 68.7 percent completion, 63.8 QBR, 2 rushing touchdowns
Mendoza is a reliable offensive presence. When he has the ball, points follow. He consistently delivers game after game. I expect him to give Indiana a “Kurtis Rourke 2.0” type of season—or perhaps even better.
No. 3: Demond Williams Jr., Washington
True Freshman Demond Williams put together a breakout performance in just his 2nd start.
Williams totaled 422 yards and 5 touchdowns.
He should be one of the top quarterbacks in the country next season.
— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) December 31, 2024
2024 stats: 944 yards, 8 touchdowns, 1 interception, 78.1 percent completion, 84.3 QBR, 2 rushing touchdowns
Williams is criminally underrated. He earns the No. 3 spot despite not starting until Will Rogers was relieved. Once inserted, the offense was immediately elevated. He’s fluid in the pocket and boasts some of the cleanest throwing mechanics in the country—tight, compact and without wasted motion. Combine that with mobility and smart decision-making, and you’ve got a quarterback you can win with. Williams is wise beyond his years.
No. 2: Luke Altmyer, Illinois
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2024 stats: 2,717 yards, 22 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 60.8 percent completion, 69.1 QBR, 4 rushing touchdowns
Altmyer is a dynamic leader with pinpoint accuracy and sneaky mobility. He led Illinois to a 10–3 record and a bowl win over South Carolina. Expect even more this year.
No. 1: Drew Allar, Penn State
© Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
2024 stats: 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 66.5 percent completion, 77.5 QBR, 6 rushing touchdowns
Some might not agree with Allar at No. 1, but that’s their opinion. In my book, he’s the best quarterback in the Big Ten—hands down. Despite a costly turnover in the College Football Playoff, Allar is among the nation’s best at protecting the football. The next step? Capitalizing on every opportunity. He’s a future Heisman Trophy finalist and likely a high NFL draft pick.
