The Top 10 Quarterbacks in College Football for the 2025 Season

By Jason Bolton April 28, 2025 22:04

The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in years, especially at quarterback. With a mix of proven veterans, breakout stars, and blue-chip prospects stepping into the spotlight, the race for the nation’s top signal-caller is wide open. Here’s a look at the ten quarterbacks poised to define the season-ranked by production, potential, and the situations around them.

1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

After a breakout junior year, Cade Klubnik enters 2025 as the consensus top quarterback in college football. He threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, leading Clemson to an ACC title and a College Football Playoff berth. Klubnik’s blend of experience, arm talent, and poise in big moments makes him a Heisman favorite and the engine behind a Tigers team with national title aspirations. “No QB matches Klubnik’s combination of experience, talent, production and situation,” CBS Sports wrote, and few would argue otherwise.

2. Drew Allar, Penn State

Allar remains one of the most polarizing talents in the country. His arm strength and size are NFL-caliber, and he’s shown flashes of brilliance-especially against lesser opponents. Last season, he passed for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, but questions linger about his performance in marquee games. If Allar can deliver in big moments, Penn State could make a serious playoff push.

3. Arch Manning, Texas

The Manning name brings expectations, and Arch is finally set to take the reins in Austin. After sitting behind Quinn Ewers, Manning’s brief appearances last year showed off his accuracy and composure. Texas is loaded with weapons, and Steve Sarkisian’s offense is tailor-made for a quarterback with Manning’s skill set. If he lives up to the hype, the Longhorns could be back in the playoff hunt.

4. Carson Beck, Miami

After transferring from Georgia, Beck is tasked with reviving Miami’s offense. In 2023, he threw for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdowns in the SEC, and now he’ll face ACC defenses that should offer a softer landing. Beck’s experience and quick decision-making make him a perfect fit for the Hurricanes’ up-tempo attack. The only question: Can he stay healthy?

5. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Nussmeier’s arm talent is undeniable-he passed for 3,200 yards and 29 touchdowns last season, often making throws few college QBs can attempt. His pocket presence and ability to extend plays have LSU fans excited. If he can cut down on turnovers, Nussmeier could vault into the Heisman conversation.

6. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor

Robertson didn’t start the 2024 season, but when he took over, Baylor’s offense came alive. He finished with 2,800 yards and 21 touchdowns in just eight starts, energizing a Bears team that now enters 2025 as a dark horse in the Big 12. His dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

7. Luke Altmyer, Illinois

Altmyer quietly led Illinois to nearly 30 points per game last year, throwing for 2,950 yards and 25 touchdowns. He returns with almost his entire supporting cast, and his experience gives the Illini a real shot at contending in the Big Ten. While not flashy, Altmyer’s consistency and leadership are invaluable.

8. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Sellers is one of the country’s highest-upside QBs. He threw for 18 touchdowns and added seven more on the ground, drawing comparisons to Jalen Milroe but with a more polished arm. If he can improve his consistency, Sellers could be the breakout star of the SEC.

9. Devon Dampier, Utah

After a wild season at New Mexico, Dampier transfers to Utah, reuniting with his former offensive coordinator. He accounted for over 3,000 total yards last year, dazzling with big plays and improvisation. Now, with better talent around him, Dampier could become a household name in the Big 12.

10. DJ Lagway, Florida

Lagway’s ceiling is sky-high. The former five-star recruit showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, but injuries limited his impact. If healthy, his dual-threat ability and arm strength could make him the most dynamic quarterback in the SEC-and maybe the country.

Honorable Mentions: Sam Leavitt (Arizona State), Dante Moore (Oregon), Julian Sayin (Ohio State)

The Bottom Line

While the 2025 quarterback class may lack the household names of recent years, it’s loaded with upside and intrigue. From Klubnik’s proven production to Manning’s sky-high potential, this season’s QB battles will shape the playoff race and the Heisman conversation from start to finish.