Which QBs Will Lead the 2024-25 NCAAF Season?
The 2024-25 NCAA football season has started, which means football fever has started around America. Not only are football fans gearing up to watch their NFL teams take to the gridiron, but they’re also penciling in important college football games to their calendars.
Some are even hedging their bets early on. The preseason and early season are a prime time for bettors to start exploring college odds and lines in the hopes of finding high-value offers. With so many teams in the NCAA and so many possible outcomes, it’s a punter’s dream.
Some bettors focus on their home team, while others might play the field to follow the most talented football squads as they battle toward a bowl appearance. Whether following their heart or the data, one topic that many bettors zero in on is a team’s quarterback.
Compared to other sports, quarterbacks disproportionately affect the outcome of the game. A lacking quarterback often signs disaster for even the most competitive squads—which means most NFL teams are on the hunt for a legacy QB.
As the NCAA football season gets underway, which quarterbacks should fans keep an eye on? Here are five of the top names heading into the 2024-25 season.
Carson Beck, Georgia State
When it comes to promising talent, almost all sports publications agree that Carson Beck is leading the NCAA’s quarterback talent. In only his first year with Georgia, Beck passed for 3,941 yards. Along the way, he’s managed to throw fewer than 12 turnovers, which is part of the reason he’s leading the No. 1 pick for this year’s NCAA football season. He’s also a solid favorite for the Heisman Trophy award later this year.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Shedeur Sanders hasn’t had an easy go with Colorado. His team’s offense has left him out to dry—but that didn’t stop Sanders from throwing 3,230 yards with a total of 27 touchdowns—three interceptions. Those are strong figures for a quarterback with lackluster support. This year, it’s expected that Sanders will have even more support, begging the question of what he’s really capable of.
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon State
Dillon Gabriel is one of the most seasoned quarterbacks in the NCAA with a whopping four tours under his belt. This season will be his fifth and final season in the NCAA—and fans are excited to see whether he can improve on last year’s 3,660 total throwing yards and pass completion rate of 70%. To help him along, he’ll have the same star offense that took Bo Nix to new heights. However, he’ll now be competing in the Big Ten, which could be a troubling step up for Gabriel.
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
One of Jaxson Dart’s greatest secrets to success is his ability to throw and rush. Last year, he contributed to at least 30 touchdowns on his team, throwing for 23 and rushing for the rest. His focus helped push Ole Miss into the top rankings in terms of total offense, scoring offense, and first downs per game. Dart also seems hellbent on answering any outstanding questions that remain after his first two seasons in the NCAA—which were letdowns in almost every regard. Hungrier than ever before, Dart should be a top competitor this time around.
Quinn Ewers, Texas
Quinn Ewers finished ninth last year amongst all quarterbacks in the Power 5 in terms of total passing yards and touchdown passes. Those are solid signs that Ewers is on the road to sharpening his elite quarterback skills. His performance in the postseason is also worth noting. However, this season, Ewers is stepping onto the field with a slashed and significantly different roster. Will he be able to guide the Longhorns to another strong season?