Ranking the Best Quarterbacks in College Football 2025
The quarterback is often considered the most important position in all of sports, and in college football, the signal-caller defines a team’s identity, performance, and playoff potential. As we head into the 2025 season, a new crop of elite talent has emerged while some veterans return to prove their dominance. From dual-threat dynamism to pinpoint pocket passers, this list captures the most electrifying and effective QBs in the game today.
Here is the definitive Ranking of the Best Quarterbacks in College Football 2025, based on performance, leadership, arm talent, football IQ, and overall team impact.
What Makes a Great College Quarterback?
Before diving into the rankings, it’s important to define what constitutes elite quarterback play at the collegiate level. Factors include:
- Production: Stats matter—yards, touchdowns, completion percentage, and efficiency.
- Leadership: Great QBs elevate teammates and win in tough environments.
- Athleticism: Mobility, escapability, and rushing ability are more valuable than ever.
- Football IQ: Ability to read defenses, make smart decisions, and adapt.
- Clutch Factor: Do they deliver when it matters most?
These characteristics, along with the level of competition and team success, shaped this list of the best college quarterbacks in 2025.
#1 Shedeur Sanders – Colorado Buffaloes
Shedeur Sanders enters the 2025 season with a massive spotlight, and he’s earned every bit of it. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has proven he’s more than just a legacy name. His incredible arm strength, vision, and poise under pressure make him a top Heisman contender.
2024 Stats:
- 4,236 passing yards
- 38 touchdowns
- 6 interceptions
Sanders combines NFL-ready tools with leadership, carrying the Colorado Buffaloes to national relevance. He thrives in high-pressure games and has drastically improved his deep-ball accuracy. He is the prototype of the modern college football quarterback.
#2 Carson Beck – Georgia Bulldogs
Carson Beck is the true conductor of Georgia’s offensive machine. After sitting behind Stetson Bennett, he emerged in 2024 as a top-tier passer, showing elite command of Todd Monken’s scheme.
2024 Stats:
- 3,980 passing yards
- 33 touchdowns
- 5 interceptions
Beck’s anticipation, quick release, and decision-making make him a deadly efficient passer. With a loaded supporting cast, Beck is poised to lead the Bulldogs to another deep playoff run. He is calm, accurate, and dangerous.
#3 Jalen Milroe – Alabama Crimson Tide
Jalen Milroe’s evolution from athlete to complete quarterback has been one of college football’s most compelling stories. Once known primarily for his rushing ability, Milroe has matured into a legitimate passing threat.
2024 Stats:
- 3,210 passing yards
- 24 passing TDs
- 800 rushing yards
- 11 rushing TDs
Milroe’s explosive dual-threat capability makes him nearly impossible to game plan against. With the offense now fully tailored to his strengths, he is a nightmare for SEC defenses and is one of the most exciting quarterbacks in 2025.
#4 Quinn Ewers – Texas Longhorns
Quinn Ewers is a gunslinger with elite arm talent. After overcoming early inconsistency, Ewers finally put together a polished season in 2024, leading Texas to a New Year’s Six bowl win.
2024 Stats:
- 3,850 passing yards
- 32 touchdowns
- 9 interceptions
Ewers’ mechanics and footwork have improved under Steve Sarkisian’s tutelage. His ability to make every throw on the field, especially off-platform, makes him a projected top NFL Draft pick and a top-five QB in college football.
#5 Drew Allar – Penn State Nittany Lions
Drew Allar was one of the most hyped QB recruits in recent memory, and he’s beginning to live up to that potential. Standing at 6’5” with a cannon for an arm, Allar offers an elite blend of size, smarts, and arm talent.
2024 Stats:
- 3,300 passing yards
- 30 touchdowns
- 4 interceptions
Penn State’s offense opens up with Allar at the helm. His downfield accuracy and ball security set him apart, and he’s expected to carry the Nittany Lions into Big Ten title contention.
#6 Riley Leonard – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
After transferring from Duke, Riley Leonard instantly upgraded the Notre Dame offense. A dual-threat with toughness and leadership, Leonard plays with poise and heart.
2024 Stats:
- 3,100 passing yards
- 25 touchdowns
- 700 rushing yards
Leonard brings grit to South Bend. His football IQ and ability to extend plays with his legs make him a dangerous player in Marcus Freeman’s balanced offense. Expect a big 2025 from the Irish leader.
#7 Dillon Gabriel – Oregon Ducks
Gabriel transferred to Oregon from Oklahoma and quickly took control of the high-octane Ducks offense. With years of experience and elite vision, Gabriel is a veteran presence capable of engineering 40+ point performances regularly.
2024 Stats:
- 3,700 passing yards
- 34 touchdowns
- 6 interceptions
He excels in tempo offenses and uses the full field. Gabriel’s experience, consistency, and deep-ball accuracy make him a top-10 college QB.
#8 Cade Klubnik – Clemson Tigers
Once considered a raw prospect, Cade Klubnik has matured into a refined passer with command of Clemson’s complex offense. While he had ups and downs in 2024, the ceiling remains sky-high.
2024 Stats:
- 3,000 passing yards
- 27 touchdowns
- 12 interceptions
Klubnik is extremely athletic, capable of making big plays off-schedule, and has vastly improved his pocket presence. If he takes the next step, he could vault into the top five by midseason.
#9 Will Howard – Ohio State Buckeyes
Will Howard transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State and brings size, savvy, and big-game experience. He’s not as flashy as some others but delivers consistent, mistake-free football.
2024 Stats:
- 3,200 passing yards
- 29 touchdowns
- 5 interceptions
Howard is surrounded by elite talent and has a quick release. He thrives in Ryan Day’s system, where precision and timing matter most.
#10 Jaxson Dart – Ole Miss Rebels
Jaxson Dart enters his senior season with one goal: lead Lane Kiffin’s explosive offense to SEC success. A dual-threat QB with big-play ability, Dart can make throws on the run or take off for 40-yard gains.
2024 Stats:
- 3,450 passing yards
- 26 touchdowns
- 650 rushing yards
Dart’s aggressive style makes him dangerous but also sometimes reckless. With another offseason of development, he’s poised for his best season yet.
Rising Stars to Watch in 2025
While the top 10 features established stars, these quarterbacks are on the verge of breaking out:
Nico Iamaleava – Tennessee Volunteers
The former five-star is now the full-time starter. His elite arm strength and athleticism make him a future top-tier quarterback.
Malachi Nelson – USC Trojans
Lincoln Riley’s QB development system is proven, and Nelson is the next star in line after Caleb Williams and Miller Moss.
Dante Moore – UCLA Bruins
Transferred to Oregon, Moore’s natural talent and composure are undeniable. The Ducks could be dangerous if he claims the job early.
Conner Weigman – Texas A&M Aggies
If healthy, Weigman is a top NFL prospect with fantastic vision and touch. Expect a breakout if the offense clicks.
Most Clutch Quarterbacks in College Football
Sometimes, it’s not just about stats but delivering when it counts:
- Shedeur Sanders: 4 game-winning drives in 2024
- Carson Beck: Multiple comeback wins vs ranked SEC teams
- Jalen Milroe: Known for fourth-quarter heroics
Clutch quarterbacks elevate their teams when the pressure mounts. These QBs have shown time and again they can deliver under the spotlight.
Best Dual-Threat QBs in 2025
Today’s college football landscape favors quarterbacks who can do it all. These are the top dual-threats in the game:
- Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
- Riley Leonard (Notre Dame)
- Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee)
- Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)
These QBs aren’t just runners—they’re dynamic offensive weapons who can change a game on a single play.
Heisman Contenders from the QB List
The Heisman Trophy has almost become a quarterback award. Based on talent, performance, and team success, these QBs are front-runners:
- Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
- Carson Beck (Georgia)
- Drew Allar (Penn State)
- Quinn Ewers (Texas)
- Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
They each have the stats and team support to make a serious run in 2025.
A Golden Era of College Quarterbacks
The 2025 college football season boasts one of the most talented and diverse quarterback groups in years. Whether you prefer polished pocket passers, exciting dual-threats, or gritty veteran leaders, this year has it all. From Heisman hopefuls like Shedeur Sanders and Carson Beck to rising stars like Nico Iamaleava, the quarterback landscape is set to thrill fans and reshape playoff races.
As the season unfolds, expect these quarterbacks to lead their programs to glory, rewrite record books, and etch their names into college football history. The quarterback is king—and in 2025, we’re witnessing a royal court of the most talented passers in the nation.
