By Staff
Quarterback rankings stir plenty of debate every year. Scouts, analysts, and fans all pore over 5-star prospects, convinced they’ve found the next franchise signal-caller. But how often do these rankings really hit the mark? To find out, let’s rewind to 2022 and look at the highly touted 5-star quarterback class. Three years later, where are these QBs now? Have they lived up to the hype — or fallen short?
What Are 5-Star Quarterback Rankings?
A 5-star rating is the highest accolade a quarterback can earn as a recruit or draft prospect. It signals elite physical talent, high potential, and expectations to develop into a top-tier starter. Recruiting sites like 247Sports and ESPN give these rankings based on arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, football IQ, and performance in high school or college. For NFL draft prospects, analysts factor in college production, pro readiness, and measurables.
Although these ratings give an idea of potential, they do not guarantee success. Just as playing at a casino does not guarantee a win, it does guarantee a good time. You can try it for yourself with Crusino Casino no deposit bonus and decide if this type of leisure activity is right for you. Meanwhile, the transition to college or professional football comes with challenges that no scouting report can predict.
The 2022 QB Class: Who Were the 5-Star QBs?
The 2022 recruiting class featured a handful of quarterbacks with 5-star ratings who captured the spotlight:
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● Arch Manning (Texas) — The nephew of NFL legends, expected to be a generational talent.
● Caleb Williams (USC) — The reigning Heisman Trophy winner at the time, known for his dual-threat skills.
● Emory Jones (Florida) — A highly rated mobile QB with a strong arm.
● D.J. Uiagalelei (Washington State) — A transfer from Clemson, once a 5-star, looking to reboot his career.
● J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) — A 5-star recruit who took over as starter early and showed promise.
These QBs entered college with sky-high expectations, and for many, projections leaned toward an NFL future.
Where Are They Now? – Current Status and Performance (2025 Update)
Arch Manning (Texas)
Three years after his debut, Arch Manning has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t fully dominated as many expected. Injuries and an adjustment period slowed his breakout. While still considered a potential NFL draft pick, he hasn’t yet reached the superstar level his family name suggested.
Caleb Williams (USC)
Caleb Williams has lived up to the hype, cementing himself as one of college football’s brightest stars. After winning the Heisman Trophy in 2022, he led USC to multiple bowl games and was the first QB taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. Early pro appearances show he’s adapting well.
Emory Jones (Florida)
Jones had an up-and-down college career, transferring schools to find the right fit. His athleticism kept him in the spotlight, but inconsistent passing limited his progression. As of 2025, he’s still working to prove he can be a reliable starter at the next level.
D.J. Uiagalelei (Washington State)
Uiagalelei’s journey has been rocky. After transferring to Washington State, he struggled with turnovers and inconsistent play. Despite his 5-star pedigree, he’s now viewed more as a developmental project than a sure-fire pro prospect.
J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)
McCarthy has steadily improved and is recognized as a strong leader for Michigan. While not an immediate NFL first-round lock, he’s projected as a mid-round pick with potential to grow into a starter. His work ethic and decision-making have impressed coaches.
Case Studies: Success Stories and Misses
● Success: Caleb Williams stands out as the QB who met and arguably exceeded expectations. His mix of talent, work ethic, and team support has translated to college dominance and a promising pro start.
● Struggles: D.J. Uiagalelei illustrates how even a 5-star QB can struggle to find consistency, especially when changing environments.
● Middle Ground: Arch Manning and J.J. McCarthy show that progress isn’t always linear. Both have potential but face ongoing challenges to reach the top.
Do Rankings Predict Success?
The 2022 QB class shows mixed results. While some players like Caleb Williams justified their high rankings, others have yet to fulfill their potential. This isn’t unusual — quarterback development depends on many factors beyond raw talent.
Historically, 5-star rankings have some predictive power, but they are far from foolproof. Many highly ranked QBs don’t pan out, while some lower-rated prospects blossom late.
The Limits of Rankings: Why Some Stars Don’t Shine
Rankings can’t predict injuries, coaching changes, or personal growth — all huge factors in a QB’s success. Sometimes a great arm and athleticism aren’t enough without the right system or mental approach. Also, the pressure on 5-star QBs can be immense, affecting performance.
What Can Coaches, Scouts, and Fans Learn?
Patience is key. Rankings offer useful insight but shouldn’t be the sole basis for expectations. Watching how QBs develop over time, adapt to challenges, and handle pressure tells a more complete story. Fans should temper excitement and enjoy the journey rather than expecting instant stardom.
Conclusion
Looking back at the 2022 5-star QB class, it’s clear rankings get it partly right — but not perfectly. Talent and potential matter, but so do circumstances and growth. Caleb Williams shows the heights a 5-star can reach, while others remind us that potential is just the start of a long road. Rankings matter, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle in predicting quarterback success.
