By Dorrington Myers
The 2024 college football season will go down as one for the ages. We witnessed records shattered, the dawn of a new 12-team playoff format, and the crowning of a new champion. While line play remains the foundation of football success, quarterback production is the engine that drives it all. That’s where I come in—to provide a detailed review of the past season and a glimpse of what’s ahead.
Criteria for Selection:
This list is reserved for quarterbacks who:
1. Were the full-time starters for their teams during the season (no splitting time).
2. Played in conference matchups.
3. Attempted a minimum of 250 passes.
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Let me be perfectly clear: this list is not about name recognition, team affiliation, or family ties. It’s about production, plain and simple—evaluated through statistics and game film. Personal opinions about specific prospects are irrelevant here. Opinions are subjective, but numbers don’t lie.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
SEC
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
2024 Stats: 64% completion rate, 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 3 rushing touchdowns, QBR 80.0
Remarks:
There’s a lot to like about Nussmeier. He possesses a very strong and accurate arm. While his footwork is decent, there’s room for improvement, and refining it could significantly enhance his performance. He excels in anticipated throws, showing a solid understanding of timing and progression. Nussmeier thrives on establishing rhythm—once he gets into a groove, he becomes exceptionally difficult to stop. He will be one of the first guys in contention for the Heisman Trophy next season.
© Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
ACC
Cade Klubnik, Clemson
2024 Stats: 63.4% completion rate, 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 7 rushing touchdowns
Remarks:
Without a doubt, Klubnik is one of the best playmakers at the quarterback position. The first thing that stands out is his ability to be clutch in pressure situations—you can always count on him to give maximum effort. He’s an athletic quarterback with the ability to spin it, and he can make every throw across the board. Interestingly, Klubnik does his best work outside the pocket, which highlights his skill set as a dual-threat quarterback. With that said, he’s also highly capable of operating effectively within the pocket. Klubnik will undoubtedly be in contention for the Heisman Trophy next season.
© Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
Big Ten
Drew Allar, Penn State
2024 Stats: 262/394 (67%), 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 6 rushing touchdowns
Remarks:
To me, Allar is pro-ready. Will returning hurt his draft stock? I don’t think so—if anything, it will help him further develop his situational awareness. He’s highly productive when in his zone, showcasing a complete skill set with short, intermediate, and deep passes. His pocket evasion is notable, and his mobility complements it well. Allar is known for taking care of the ball and maintaining high completion percentages. He’s definitely one of my favorites heading into next season.
© Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Big 12
Josh Hoover, TCU
2024 Stats: 66.5% completion rate, 3,949 yards, 27 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 4 rushing touchdowns
Remarks:
Hoover throws with excellent anticipation, both on and off-platform, and has a knack for manipulating tight windows with pinpoint accuracy. He adjusts well to pocket pressure, consistently showcasing his poise under duress. His ability to throw with touch is truly remarkable, setting him apart as a polished passer. On top of it all, Hoover’s toughness and resilience make him a standout competitor.
© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Final Thoughts
Each quarterback on this list has the potential to succeed at the next level. The talent pool continues to improve each year, and the upcoming draft class promises to be one of the most exciting to scout and analyze. These quarterbacks have showcased their abilities through production, resilience, and playmaking, proving that the future of the position is in good hands.
Now it’s your turn—who would you pick as the top quarterback in each conference? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going!
