PFF names top ten returning college football quarterbacks in 2022
Heading into the 2022 season, PFF ranked the top 10 returning quarterbacks in college football. Plenty of big names will be running it back, with the ACC having four on the list.
PFF names top 10 returning quarterbacks
No. 10 – Tyler Van Dyke, Miami – The redshirt freshman was a bright spot this past season for Miami after replacing D’Eriq King. Head coach Mario Cristobal has yet to announce an offensive coordinator but whoever gets the job, will have a young quarterback to work with in the ACC.
No. 9 – Kedon Slovis, Pittsburgh – Moving on from Kenny Pickett was going to be hard for Pitt, no matter who the replacement was. Landing Kedon Slovis from USC will limit the damage, especially with Bilentikof winner Jordan Addison returning.
No. 8 – Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma – Soon after Caleb Williams decided to enter the transfer portal, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby decided to snag Dillon Gabriel from the transfer portal. The quarterback is already comfortable with Lebby’s offense due to the two spending time together at UCF. Playing quarterback for the Sooners comes with high expectations. Gabriel has the chance to live up to them in Norman.
No. 7 – Brennan Armstrong, Virginia – Everyone needs a good lefty quarterback in their life and Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong is that man. He will be working with new head coach Tony Elliot after leading the ACC in passing yards (4,444) and fourth in touchdowns (31).
No. 6 – Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina – Arguably the best Group of Five quarterback over the last two seasons, Coastal Carolina will retain Grayson McCall. Just as big of a threat with his feet, McCall has rushed for 859 yards and 11 touchdowns over the past two years and still excelling with 5,361 passing yards.
No. 5 – Sam Hartman, Wake Forest – Another name in the ACC to look out for, Sam Hartman led an explosive Wake Forest offense during the 2021 season. He will return for a fifth season of college, looking to improve his NFL draft stock at the very least. For the Demon Decons, a conference championship win will be the goal after losing to Pitt this year.
No. 4 – CJ Stroud, Ohio State – After being sent to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, CJ Stroud returns to Ohio State for his second season as the starter. Stroud should be able to pick up where he left off, with plenty of offensive weapons still on the Buckeyes’ roster. He will have something to prove from a team perspective as well, as Ohio State did not even appear in the Big Ten championship. Far and away the best quarterback in the conference will run it back with head coach Ryan Day.
No 3 – Spencer Rattler, South Carolina – Another offseason, another set of high expectations for Spencer Rattler. This time, he will be wearing South Carolina colors instead of Oklahoma crimson and cream. Rattler will be reunited with Shane Beamer, looking to compete in the SEC East. Plenty of other big-name offensive transfers have been brought in as well, with tight end Austin Stogner being the most prominent. Heisman Trophy may not be attached to Rattler’s name but a big bounce-back season is needed.
No. 2 – Caleb Williams, TBA – Bursting onto the scene during the Red River Showdown against Texas for Oklahoma, it’s more likely than not that Williams will play next season elsewhere. USC has seemed like the overwhelming favorite for some time but the decision has continued to be prolonged. Williams and his talent are undeniable and whoever lands the quarterback will instantly become a contender.
No. 1- Bryce Young, Alabama – Of course, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner had to take the top spot in PFF’s list. Young will be coming back for what should be his final season in Tuscaloosa with revenge on his mind after losing the national championship to Georgia. If he can match his 2021 numbers of 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns, Young will have a great chance at going No. 1 in the 2023 NFL draft.