Ranking CFB's Top 10 Quarterbacks for 2025
- Liam Donnan
- May 13
- 9 min read
Updated: May 16
Ranking quarterbacks is a difficult exercise, and it often comes down to what style of quarterback you prefer... Garrett Nussmeier could be the highest ranked quarterback on this list, just as easily as DJ Lagway or Lanorris Sellers could be.
For me, I prefer a quarterback who can first push the ball downfield while being able to operate whichever offense they are running at a good efficiency. This is where ranking and evaluating quarterbacks in college football as a vacuum is different than it is in the NFL. The variance of offense in college football is massive, and your number one QB could be dependent on which system you prefer.
The two quarterbacks who were nominated for the Heisman, (Cam Ward, Miami & Dillon Gabriel, Oregon) were both selected in the NFL draft, alongside six of the ten leading passers in college football from 2024.
This list is based on a combination of what we have already seen from these players, and what I think they can be this year... And maybe a little bit of Jon Gruden's "he's got me feeling real nicey" or "that boy nice" thrown in for good measure.
1) Lanorris Sellers - South Carolina
Saying that Lanorris Sellers is college football's answer to Josh Allen, or the closest thing we have seen to Cam Newton since his historic Heisman season in 2010, are not ridiculous statements. Standing at a daunting 6’3, 240 pounds, Sellers is every bit the physical freak that we saw with Cam Newton and Josh Allen.
Sellers' stats from his debut season in 2024 don't necessarily jump off the page, but they do not tell the full story. No stat can show the value of a seemingly impossible touchdown run with just over one minute left to win in rivalry week, or a 75 yard touchdown run against a fully healthy LSU defense. There are improvements needed as a downfield passer to hit this ceiling, but he has the tools to do so. Further development as a passer, combined with the potential of WR Nyck Harbor, makes Sellers everything you look for in a Heisman candidate. His natural ability playing under Shane Beamer’s ultra-aggressive coaching is must watch television.
2) Cade Klubnik - Clemson
Cade Klubnik made a fool of myself and seemingly all college football fans with his performance in 2024. Klubnik looked to be Clemson's second straight five-star quarterback bust, with some serious ups and downs through his first season starting in 2023. A healthy reminder to not write off highly rated redshirt-freshmen in their first year starting.
Throwing to a receiving core made up of two freshmen and a sophomore, Klubnik made it work, and then some. He showed a much improved ability to use his legs, both in designed runs and creating behind the line of scrimmage. As a team, Clemson is more experienced, and for Klubnik, another year in Garrett Riley's offense, and another year for his young receivers to develop. The junior quarterback is poised for a trip to New York if Clemson's season goes the way it should.
3) DJ Lagway - Florida
Lagway took over for Graham Mertz following Mertz tearing his ACL against Tennessee, and never looked back. This selection is based on a fairly limited sample size from Lagway, and what I think he can be. With a young, but loaded receiver room and all the tools he needs to be successful, Lagway is deserving of all the pre-season hype he is receiving.
DJ Lagway essentially saved his head coaches job, rattling off four straight wins to end the Gator's season, over #21 LSU, #9 Ole MIss, FSU, and a bowl game victory over Tulane.
Lagway absolutely looked like a true freshman at times, and his stat line on the season reflected it. He had an ugly 12-9 TD-INT ratio, and completed about 60% of his passes. As mentioned, his inclusion here is based on what we have seen based on his tools, and the overall improvement we can expect from Florida as a team.
It should be noted that Lagway was sidelined from essentially all throwing activities through spring practice due to a shoulder injury, but is expected to be back for fall camp in a full capacity -- from what we know.
4) John Mateer - Oklahoma
The Washington State transfer had absolutely ridiculous stats in the 2024 season, regardless of the level of competition he faced. 3139 passing yards, 826 rush yards, and 44 total touchdowns are Heisman level numbers. Unfortunately for the Cougars, they lost their star quarterback to the transfer portal for a second straight season. If Cam Ward's performance for Miami was any indication, Mateer will also be a star.
Joining Mateer at Oklahoma is his offensive coordinator from Washington State, Ben Arbuckle. That continuity boosts Mateer's potential even further, if the tape from 2024 wasn't enough.
5) Garrett Nussmeier - Louisiana State
Nussmeier certainly had NFL potential after the 2024 season, but opted to return to Baton Rouge to improve his stock and try to achieve the ultimate goal. Nussmeier admirably waited in the wings behind Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, and impressed in his first season as a starter in 2024. He is the least mobile of the list so far, but can create behind the line of scrimmage well enough.
LSU as a team should be excellent this season, and Nussmeier will have an embarassment of riches at his disposal, even after LSU saw departures from tight end Mason Taylor, and receiver Kyren Lacy. The Tigers cleaned up well in the portal, bringing in star receivers Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (Kentucky). The pair are very different receivers, which can only help Nussmeier.
6) Arch Manning - Texas
If I have learned one thing from seeing others rank Arch Manning this offseason, it is that no ranking is good enough for the public. I have seen him as high as number one, and not even in the top ten for others. While I'm generally against putting a ton of stock into quarterbacks who have a limited sample size, especially when it comes (primarily) against weak competition, Manning is the exception.
No, the last name is not carrying the weight here. Many have revised their history to think that Manning has never had any talent, and only got here on the back of his last name. It couldn't be further from the truth. Take the last name off the jersey, I'm still taking the 6'4", mobile, big armed quarterback with a great offensive coach who has surrounded him with weapons. He has all the tools to succeed on a great team.
7) Sam Leavitt - Arizona State
The one time Michigan State transfer immediately secured the QB1 job for Kenny Dillingham's Sun Devils, en route to a Big 12 title and an impressive showing against Texas in the second round of the playoff. Leavitt posted an 88.9 PFF grade, good for 12th in the nation, and still looked impressive when star receiver Jordyn Tyson was sidelined for the final two games of ASU's season.
Leavitt has excellent tools, including good athleticism, which shows up constantly watching ASU, as Leavitt seamlessly evades pressure while still looking to deliver. It will be interesting to see how Leavitt and the Sun Devils adjust to life after running back Cam Skattebo left for the NFL. He will likely see lighter boxes and more attention on himself and the pass catchers.
8) Drew Allar - Penn State
The Penn State signal caller is going into his third year starting, and his final year of eligibility. While the final impression of Drew Allar may be negative in the collective concious, considering Allar played a poor game in Penn State's semi-final loss to Notre Dame. There are some notes needed to that, and what we know of Allar to this point.
In that semi-final loss to ND, a wide receiver did not catch a pass for Penn State. Not one. Arguably the worst aspect of the otherwise great Nittany Lion teams under James Franklin have been their options at receiver. They finally went out and fixed it this offseason, in an aggressive style.
PSU acquired Syracuse standout receiver Trebor Peña, and 1000 yard, 10 TD Troy Trojans receiver Devonte Ross. Allar flashed a deeper bag than what many thought in the Big Ten championship against Oregon, demonstrating impressive creativity against a dominant Oregon pass rush.
9) Haynes King - Georgia Tech
Haynes King is a crafty and powerful rusher, and has improved as a passer since arriving at Georgia Tech via Texas A&M. He improved his 62% completion percentage to an ACC leading 73%, while bringing his 2023 ACC worst 16 interceptions into 2. Going into his sixth year of college ball, further upward trajectory is to be expected.
Georgia Tech far exceeded expectations in 2024, and if they do again in 2025, Haynes King will be one of, if not the biggest part of it. His best receiver, one of the best in the nation, Jordan Singleton, left GT to go to Auburn. Ball up top for the Yellow Jackets receiver room.
10) Carson Beck - Miami
Carson Beck transferred to Miami from Georgia, foregoing the NFL draft for a hefty NIL sum. He was a great quarterback for the Bulldogs in 2023. The following season, he lost elite pass catchers Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey, bringing out the diamond tester on his ability to be a "truck" rather than a "trailer." He failed that test. Beck, who was once expected to be the top selection in the 2025 draft failed to meet expectations, and has a lot to prove with the Hurricanes this season. My decision to put him in the top ten is knowing this year is absolutely a "prove it" season. While I do have my doubts on him actually proving it, I'll respect what he did in 2023... for now.
He will have a rock solid offensive line in front of him, and LSU transfer receiver CJ Daniels to throw to. Do not expect the Miami offense to maintain the ridiculous scoring numbers they had a season ago, Carson Beck is not Cam Ward, however, he can be a very solid quarterback and show that 2024 was an outlier in his college career.
Similar to Lagway, Beck will be coming back from injury, but the severity is worse for Beck. He tore his UCL against Texas in the SEC championship in December, and is expected back to start the season.
Honorable Mentions
Sawyer Robertson - Baylor
If I were to put together a first team all-underrated, Sawyer Robertson might be QB1. The Baylor quarterback flew under the radar in the craziness of the Big 12, and the other solid quarterback play we saw from Shedeur Sanders, Sam Leavitt, Josh Hoover, Behren Morton, and others.
An impressive 3071 passing yards, 230 rushing yards, and 32 total touchdowns led Baylor to 8-5 record, and nearly an appearance in the conference title game. Robertson is a junior, and could make waves early in Baylor's tough non-conference schedule, which includes SMU and Baylor.
Nico Iamaleava - UCLA
Maybe the most well known story of the college offseason, Nico left Tennessee in a contract dispute that broke the sports internet. Admittedly, Nico likely would have cracked the top ten if he was still with the Vols. However, the supporting cast relative to competition was considered for many of the picks. In leaving Tennessee, Nico not only lost a lot of money in his NIL deal, but also lost the quality of support around him.
Dante Moore - Oregon
After a dissapointing true freshman season at UCLA in 2023, his head coach leaving, and a needed change of scenery, Moore transferred to Oregon to sit behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024. In two seasons, Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein has sent both of his quarterbacks (Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel) to New York as Heisman nominees, and Moore may have the highest ceiling of them all. A rocket arm, a great supporting cast, and a year to wait in the wings has Moore in the top 10 in pre-season Heisman odds, and poised for a breakout season.
Demond Williams - Washington
In a limited sample size, Williams flashed some brilliance for the Huskies. He is ultra-mobile, creative, and has a more than capable arm. The performance of the offensive line will set the floor for the Huskies in 2025, a unit that was among the worst in the Big Ten a season ago. The ceiling will be determined by the quarterback. His potential is ridiculous, and he is set to impress for the Dawgs.
Darian Mensah - Duke
Mensah reportedly got a big, big bag of NIL money from Duke to leave the Tulane Green Wave, and he immediately became one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC, and should be among the best in the nation. He put up an impressive 22-6 TD-INT ratio, and steps into a Duke offense with a ton of experience. The Blue Devils will have two transfer receivers step in, and Mensah will be working with talented running back Jaquez Moore behind him.
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