By Dorrington Myers
Spring football is here, and quarterback competitions are heating up. While every position is evaluated during this time, no decision carries more weight than selecting the starting quarterback. The choice sets the tone for the season and determines how far an offense can go.
This power ranking is open for debate, but as an expert, I see it from an analytical perspective. That said, all opinions are welcome. Here are my rankings heading into the spring.
The QBs
1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers
Klubnik had a rough start to the season but finished strong, displaying resilience when it mattered most.
2024 Stats: 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 7 rushing touchdowns
Last Performance: Dec. 21 vs. Texas (College Football Playoff – First Round), 38-24 loss
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• 336 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
2. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers
Nussmeier possesses one of the strongest arms in the country. With the right weapons, LSU’s offense will be in great hands.
2024 Stats: 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 3 rushing touchdowns
Last Performance: Dec. 31 vs. Baylor (Kinders Texas Bowl), 44-31 win
• 313 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
3. Drew Allar, Penn State Nittany Lions
Allar had some inconsistent outings, but one thing remained constant—he takes care of the ball. This season, he needs to elevate his play to raise his draft stock.
2024 Stats: 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 6 rushing touchdowns
Last Performance: Jan. 9 vs. Notre Dame (College Football Playoff – Semifinals), 27-24 loss
• 135 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
3. Kevin Jennings, SMU Mustangs
Jennings is one of my favorite quarterbacks to watch. He’s a dynamic playmaker on and off the field. This season, he needs to focus on ball security to take his game to the next level.
2024 Stats: 3,245 yards, 23 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 5 rushing touchdowns
Last Performance: Dec. 21 vs. Penn State (College Football Playoff – First Round), 38-10 loss
• 195 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions
5. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor Bears
Robertson doesn’t get the attention his play deserves. He’s a quarterback who can make an offense function at a high level, regardless of the supporting cast.
2024 Stats: 3,071 yards, 28 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 4 rushing touchdowns
Last Performance: Dec. 31 vs. LSU (Kinders Texas Bowl), 44-31 loss
• 445 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
6. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks
There’s no doubt about Sellers’ talent. With a full year under his belt, he’s poised to set a new standard for South Carolina football.
2024 Stats: 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 7 rushing touchdowns
Last Performance: Dec. 31 vs. Illinois (Citrus Bowl), 21-17 loss
• 260 yards, 1 touchdown
7. Carson Beck, Miami Hurricanes
Beck needs a breakout year to solidify his spot in the NFL Draft conversation. Last season didn’t go as planned, but his resilience and ability are undeniable.
2024 Stats: 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 1 rushing touchdown
Last Performance: Dec. 7 vs. Texas (SEC Championship Game), 22-19 win
• 56 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
8. Rocco Becht, Iowa State Cyclones
Tough as nails, gritty and a natural leader—Becht embodies everything you want in a quarterback. His dual-threat ability is a major asset to Iowa State’s offense.
2024 Stats: 3,505 yards, 25 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 8 rushing touchdowns
Last Performance: Dec. 28 vs. Miami (Pop-Tarts Bowl), 42-41 win
• 270 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 1 rushing touchdown
9. DJ Lagway, Florida Gators
Lagway proved to be clutch after stepping in for an injured Graham Mertz. When Florida needed to win three straight games to secure bowl eligibility, he delivered.
2024 Stats: 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, 9 interceptions
Last Performance: Dec. 20 vs. Tulane (Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl), 33-8 win
• 305 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
10. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State Sun Devils
Leavitt is a talented quarterback who was somewhat overshadowed last season by Cam Skattebo. This year, he’ll have the opportunity to shine on his own.
2024 Stats: 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 5 rushing touchdowns
Last Performance: Jan. 1 vs. Texas (College Football Quarterfinals), 39-31 loss
• 222 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
Let the Discussion Begin
This group features quarterbacks with diverse skill sets—some are elite passers, while others bring a strong dual-threat ability. Klubnik and Nussmeier lead the way in production, while players like Sellers and Becht bring an extra dimension with their legs. Meanwhile, quarterbacks such as Allar and Beck have something to prove as they aim to solidify their draft stock.
As spring ball unfolds, these rankings are subject to change, and the competition will only intensify. Who do you think should be ranked higher or lower? Let’s discuss.
QB of the Year Predictions by Conference
ACC: Klubnik
Klubnik finished last season strong, showing resilience and growth. With another year in the system and improved weapons around him, he’s set to lead Clemson back to the top of the ACC.
SEC: Nussmeier
Nussmeier has one of the strongest arms in college football and now gets the chance to dominate once again. If LSU’s offense clicks under him, he’ll be a major problem for opposing defenses.
Big Ten: Allar
Allar’s ability to take care of the ball makes him a reliable leader, but this season, he needs to take the next step. If he can elevate his play and push Penn State back into playoff contention, he’ll be the Big Ten’s best QB.
Big 12: Robertson
Robertson doesn’t get enough credit for how much he means to Baylor’s offense. If he can build on his strong 2024 season, he’ll emerge as the top quarterback in the Big 12.
