Pro Football Focus ranks Top 10 quarterback units in college football
The quarterback is the engine behind every football team, and it never hurts to have some spare parts. Pro Football Focus just named its top 10 quarterback units in NCAA Football this season.
With five-star prospects like Arch Manning and Dante Moore entering the mix, the college quarterback pool only grows deeper every year. Just last season, Texas experienced first-hand the importance of having a solid backup QB.
When Quinn Ewers went down after taking a painful shot in Week 2 against Alabama, sophomore quarterback Hudson Card started three weeks in a row. Card did more than simply hold down the fort, he boosted the Longhorns to a 2-1 record, allowing them to play in the Alamo Bowl later that season.
Card is just one example of endless similar stories. PFF knows how vital a strong quarterback unit is to a successful team.
“Quarterback is not only the most important position in football, but it’s also arguably the most important in team sports, which is why they wear a different color jersey in practice — their teammates know not to contact them since an injury to your signal-caller can derail an entire season. If an injury does occur, it helps to have some quality options behind the starter,” PFF’s Max Chadwick wrote.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the rankings.
PFF’s top 10 quarterback rooms in the country
USC Trojans
– Expected Starter: Caleb Williams
– Notable Backups: Miller Moss, Malachi Nelson
LSU Tigers
– Expected Starter: Jayden Daniels
– Notable Backups: Garrett Nussmeier, Rickie Collins
Texas Longhorns
– Expected Starter: Quinn Ewers
– Notable Backups: Arch Manning, Maalik Murphy
Ole Miss Rebels
– Expected Starter: Jaxson Dart
– Notable Backups: Spencer Sanders, Walker Howard, Austin Simmons
Oregon Ducks
– Expected Starter: Bo Nix
– Notable Backups: Ty Thompson, Austin Novosad
Washington Huskies
– Expected Starter: Michael Penix Jr.
– Notable Backup: Dylan Morris
Tennessee Volunteers
– Expected Starter: Joe Milton III
– Notable Backup: Nico Iamaleava
Georgia Bulldogs
– Expected Starter: Carson Beck
– Notable Backups: Brock Vandargriff, Gunner Stockton
Oklahoma Sooners
– Expected Starter: Dillon Gabriel
– Notable Backup: Jackson Arnold
North Carolina Tar Heels
– Expected Starter: Drake Maye
– Notable Backups: Tad Hudson, Jefferson Boaz
Analysis
Unsurprisingly, the SEC leads the way with four teams mentioned. However, the Pac-12 doesn’t trail far behind. Especially with Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams leading the way, one could argue the Pac-12 is the most loaded quarterback conference.
Of course, some fans will argue another SEC team should have made the list, specifically the Crimson Tide. Alabama’s quarterback room is so competitive, a starter is not yet clear. With three exceptional options in Jalen Milroe, Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson, the Crimson Tide shouldn’t be quickly overlooked.
When considering the team aspect of the list, perhaps North Carolina’s inclusion was the most surprising. Chadwick was the first to admit Drake Maye’s backup options aren’t ideal.
“Outside of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye is the best returning quarterback in college football. His 45 big-time throws were 10 more than the next-closest FBS quarterback while his 899 rushing yards were second among Power Five signal-callers,” Chadwick wrote. “The options behind Maye are less than inspiring, but the Tar Heels earned a spot on this list for the sole reason of having No. 10 under center.”
Whether or not you agree with PFF’s rankings, one thing is certain: college football is stacked with quarterback talent this season. Fans will enjoy every glorious pass come fall.