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Farrell’s Top First-Year Starters in 2023

Mike Farrell ranks Hudson Card, Carson Beck, Joe Milton, and the other best first-year starters in 2023

Mike Farrell| June 26, 2023 (Updated: July 9, 2025)
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Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) passes the ball during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes
Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) passes the ball during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes

Ready for the football season? We all are. And these schools will have new starters under center next year. Here’s how the rank.


1. Joe Milton, Tennessee

— While Milton is overhyped a bit based on a cannon arm and a small sample size, he’s set up to succeed in Josh Heupel’s offense where getting the ball out quickly and smart matchups lead to big numbers.

Dec 30, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) throws a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the 2022 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium.

2. Hudson Card, Purdue

— People think I’m crazy for liking Card over Hartman. And while he won’t have as much talent around him, he’s a great fit for what Graham Harrell wants to do.

Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) throws the ball during spring football practice, Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Mollenkopf Athletic Center in West Lafayette, Ind.

3. Sam Hartman, Notre Dame

— Hartman should step in easily at Notre Dame and improve the offense with his accuracy and experience.

Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman (10) warms up during the Notre Dame Blue-Gold Spring Football game on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend.

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4. Kyle McCord, Ohio State

— Any Ohio State QB has to be listed when they take over the job and McCord has the arm talent and now the experience learning behind CJ Stroud to be great.

Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord (6) looks for a play during the first quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning.

5. Drew Allar, Penn State

— Allar has the size and big arm to get fans excited and his ceiling is as high as anyone on this list. The rave reviews out of PSU have him higher on other lists.

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) prepares to throw the ball during the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 15, 2023,

6. Devin Leary, Kentucky

— He’s had some injury issues but when he’s healthy he’s an elite QB and Liam Coen will get the most out of him.

Kentucky s Devin Leary throws the ball during open practice for the fans on Saturday.April 1, 2023

7. Tanner Mordecai, Wisconsin

— He’s a great fit for Phil Longo and his new offense in the Luke Fickell era, but I think his numbers will be tempered a bit as the personnel adjustment occurs.

Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) is shown during practice Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis.

8. DJ Uiagalelei, Oregon State

— He has size, an elite arm, and talent and perhaps he just needs a different scheme and fit.

Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) passes the ball during the spring showcase at Reser Stadium, Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore.

9. Carson Beck, Georgia

— Many are higher on him and while he’s solid he won’t have to do as much as some others on here. That offense is about ball control dominance and will be run-heavy.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws the ball during the UGA G-Day spring football game at Sanford Stadium in Athens on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

10. Cade McNamara, Iowa

— He was okay at Michigan and the offense is anemic and uninventive but I think he can at least take them a step further.

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara (12) throws the ball during a spring NCAA football practice, Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the University of Iowa Indoor Practice Facility in Iowa City, Iowa.
Category: College FootballTag: Cade McNamara, Carson Beck, Devin Leary, DJ Uiagalelei, Drew Allar, Evan Pryor, Joe Milton, Khalil Taylor, Kyle McCord, Mike Farrell
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