As we all know, the quarterback is by far the most valuable position on the field. It is incredibly hard to win at any level without high quality play at the position. This is not a prediction about how they’ll rank as NFL Prospects, but rather how their seasons will go this year. Here is our top 5 QBs heading into the 2024 Season.
5. Shedeur Sanders – Colorado
The highly publicized quarterback from Colorado burst onto the college football scene last year throwing for 3,230 yards along with 27 Touchdowns and 3 interceptions to pair. In 2024, Sanders is yet again surrounded by an electric wide receiver duo of Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. Additionally the Buffs added Vanderbilt Transfer Will Sheppard this offseason who is projected start. Sanders will have no shortage of targets in 2024, but there are still major questions that stand between him and a successful season.
How much time will Sanders have in the pocket? Colorado got putrid play out of their offensive line in 2023, and questions still remain as to how the group will perform in the upcoming season. Colorado landed 5-Star Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton, but will the true freshmen be able to make an impact? Although a promising prospect, history does not bode well for true freshmen in the trenches. Deion Sanders was also able to pull in multiple transfers from the portal in hopes of bolstering this group for the upcoming season. If those additions can just be average lineman in the scope of the Big 12, Colorado will have one of the most exciting offenses in the country once again in 2024.
4. Will Howard – Ohio State
Some love him, some hate him. I can see both sides. However, we’ve seen older Covid year quarterbacks, such as Bo Nix and Michael Penix, elevate their play due to their experience and a better change of scenery, and I expect that to be the case for Will Howard. Howard’s mobility will lend itself well to a Chip Kelly offense where there is no shortage of quality weapons. The buckeyes return Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate, along with adding arguably the best freshman in the country, Jeremiah Smith.
Howard has a lot more to work with at Ohio State than he ever had at Kansas State. I think we see a really fun season from Howard and the Buckeyes
3. Carson Beck – Georgia
A highly talented QB on one of the most talented teams in the country, of course he was going to make this list. Last year beck lit up the stat sheet with 3,941 in combination with a 72.4% completion percentage. Although he lost his top receiving target in Brock Bowers to the NFL, the bulldogs continue to reload at the position with the likes of Oscar Delp and transfer Ben Yurosek. At wide receiver, Rara Thomas, Dominic Lovett, and Miami transfer Colbie Young give Beck a plethora of options going into this season.
Georgia returns offensive coordinator Mike Bobo going for the upcoming season, and I see no reason for any regression in Beck’s performance.
2. Nico Imalavea – Tennessee
I know, I know, the unproven guy at 2, this list is trash, I get it. Although not proven in-game, Imalavea arguably has the best arm in the country. Combine that with Josh Heupol’s ability to elevate the play at the position and a solid group of weapons, I predict Nico to have a breakout season this upcoming year and find himself in New York this upcoming December.
Tennessee has a veteran receiving core of Bru Mccoy, Squirrel White, and Chris Brazzell II. They also brought in shifty Utah Transfer Mikey Mathews, who I think will be a contributor this upcoming year. It pains me to say this as a Florida Alumni but I’m looking forward to watching this offense this year as I think they’ll be incredibly fun.
1. Dillon Gabriel – Oregon
Gabriel takes the number 1 spot on our list for the best college quarterback going into the season. Gabriel has found success at both of his previous stops at Oklahoma and Central Florida. Gabriel now finds himself in Eugene, Oregon, under head coach Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein.
This staff previously turned around the career trajectory of Bo Nix, developing him into a first round pick in the 2024 NFL draft. They’ve proven their ability to scheme to a quarterback’s strengths and develop the position. Gabriel has a chance to continue the high level of play heading into 2024. Oregon has one of the best wide receiver tandems in the country in Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, who will receive the bulk of the targets. Additionally, they return Tight End Terrance Ferguson giving Gabriel an additional threat on the field.
This team will go as far as Gabriel can take them. If he lives up to expectations, I could see a deep playoff run on the horizon for the Ducks, who hope to win their first national championship.
Honorable Mentions
- Riley Leonard
- Connor Weigman
- Avery Johnson
- Graham Mertz
- Quinn Ewers
- Noah Fifita