The days until the 2025 college football season are rapidly dwindling. Yet, some teams aren’t quite as prepared for the upcoming campaign as others. In fact, a substantial chunk of the 136 FBS teams have yet to resolve their quarterback situation. Which of the starting college football quarterback battles deserves your attention?
We’ve identified the best, using our QB+ metric to add further depth to the analysis and to understand who might win these starting college football quarterback battles before the action gets underway.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Ty Simpson vs. Austin Mack vs. Keelon Russell
“The competition always continues.”
If you were under any illusion that the Alabama Crimson Tide QB competition was already resolved, think again. Head coach Kalen DeBoer is keeping his cards close to his chest, ensuring that the battle to replace Jalen Milroe under center in Tuscaloosa will continue when the program returns to the practice field in earnest this summer.
Ty Simpson is the presumed frontrunner for the Crimson Tide starting role. Having played substantially against the USF Bulls following Milroe’s benching in 2023, he’s the only player involved in this QB battle with legitimate experience. That performance earned him a 72.3 (C-) grade as the then-10th-ranked Crimson Tide grounded out an ugly win.
During his three years with the program, Simpson has completed 58% of his 50 pass attempts for 381 yards and zero touchdowns. Austin Mack, who DeBoer bought with him from the Washington Huskies, is the only quarterback to have thrown a touchdown pass for the program after a brief appearance against the Mercer Bears during the 2024 campaign.
Keelon Russell is the ultimate wild card. During the Nick Saban era, freshmen at all positions rarely had a chance to see the field. However, the former five-star quarterback may actually be the most talented of the trio competing to replace Milroe this offseason.
Russell took some reps with the first team during spring practice and has an easy throwing motion that generates eye-popping velocity.
Predicted winner: Ty Simpson
Boston College Eagles: Grayson James vs. Dylan Lonergan
While the Boston College Eagles’ situation looked a little messy from the outside last season, there were many in and around the program who felt that former FIU Panthers quarterback Grayson James actually put the team in a better situation to succeed than the man who began the year as the program’s starter, Thomas Castellanos.
There were certainly some flashes of brilliance from the fourth-year passer last fall. James earned an 80.2 (B-) grade after leading the Eagles to a 41-21 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels and ended the season with just his third 300+ passing yard outing of his career despite a defeat to the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Pinstripe Bowl.
James’ return for a fifth season signaled his intention of being Boston College’s starter for the 2025 campaign. However, Dylan Lonergan reunited with head coach Bill O’Brien after becoming the odd man out in Alabama’s QB room. O’Brien recruited Lonergan when he was in Tuscaloosa, and their familiarity is just one element in his favor ahead of his first season on Chestnut Hill.
Some saw Lonergan as Alabama’s long-term future. Although he only attempted eight passes for the Crimson Tide in two seasons, beat reporters raved about his ability and character. An extremely productive high school passer, he boasts a big arm, has proven to be accurate, and showcases the patience you’d expect from a more experienced passer. That talent could prove pivotal in this battle.
Predicted winner: Dylan Lonergan
Charlotte 49ers: Conner Harrell vs. Grayson Loftis vs. Zach Wilcke
New Charlotte 49ers head coach Tim Albin has one of the more complex starting college football quarterback battles on his hands ahead of the 2025 season. The program lost DeShawn Purdie, arguably one of the more exciting Group of Five playmakers last fall, to the transfer portal, and several incoming transfers are fighting it out to replace him.
Conner Harrell arrives in Charlotte after two seasons. While he’s appeared in 11 games, the third-year passer has made just 70 pass attempts, completing 61.4 % for 560 yards and four touchdowns (three interceptions) while at North Carolina. He’s battled some injuries and inconsistency, but Harrell is an exciting athlete with verified 21+ mph speed.
Watch: @UNCFootball QB Conner Harrell (@connerharrell2) hit a max speed 21.1 mph on this 61-yard touchdown. #ReelSpeed #UNCommon
🎥: @theACCDN
🔗 https://t.co/orrD059ykP pic.twitter.com/3IYgXiRzdD
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) November 7, 2023
Harrell’s primary competition for the starting job comes from former Duke Blue Devil Grayson Loftis, who didn’t complete a single pass attempt last fall after seeing significant action in the ACC during the 2023 season. Loftis earned a 73.1 CSN QB+ grade for his only campaign with substantial action.
Meanwhile, the third man in the battle, Zach Wilcke, drew a 67.0 grade for his 2022 season with the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.
Harrell hasn’t played enough games in either season with North Carolina to qualify for a season grade, but he had a career-high 77.7 grade against Charlotte last season. Purdie finished the 2024 campaign with a 70.6 (C-) grade as the 121st-ranked passer by our metric, as his lows far outweighed his highs. As a result, Harrell may bring a more even keel for the 49ers this fall.
Predicted winner: Conner Harrell
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: MJ Morris vs. Emmett Brown
One of the offseason’s most divisive QB battles belongs to one of the sport’s most colorful teams. If you conducted a straw poll as to who will take the starting snaps when the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers kick off the 2025 college football season against the Virginia Cavaliers on Aug. 30, it would likely be a 50:50 split between MJ Morris and Emmett Brown.
Morris, a fourth-year player on his third team, joins the Coastal Carolina quarterback room having spent the 2024 season with the Maryland Terrapins. The former NC State recruit has thrown for 1,717 yards with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his career. He hasn’t played enough in any of his three years to earn a season grade, but averaged 72.3 across two games last fall.
While Morris has alluring qualities, Brown has the tools to lead a high-caliber passing game for the Chanticleers. The former San Jose State Spartans signal-caller has an impressive arm, averaging 11.6 air yards per attempt in nine games last fall while putting the ball in a bucket outside the hashes downfield on multiple occasions.
Replicating his 7.4% touchdown-to-attempt ratio with a full workload could have eye-popping implications for Brown’s national perception.
Brown put enough snaps on his résumé last fall to earn a season grade, ranking 101st nationally with a 72.5 (C-) marker, according to the CSN QB+ metric. While that might not meet the standard set during Grayson McCall’s days on the “Teal Turf,” it signifies that Brown’s better placed to lead the Chanticleers’ offense than his competitor in one of the most intriguing CFB quarterback battles.
Predicted Winner: Emmett Brown
Colorado Buffaloes: Kaidon Salter vs. Julian ‘JuJu’ Lewis
Replacing Shedeur Sanders for Coach Prime’s Colorado Buffaloes is no mean feat. The son of Deion Sanders left significant shoes to fill after leading the Big 12 in most of the critical passing metrics in 2024.
The program employed a two-pronged attack when looking to fill the void left. They mined the transfer portal for the best available passer while luring one of the highest-rated quarterback recruits. Now the two do battle, but which one will win?
Julian “JuJu” Lewis is the true freshman competing to make a name for himself, and there is no doubt about his confidence. The talented youngster didn’t come to Colorado to warm the pine, and he hasn’t been shy about stating his goal of being the Week 1 starter.
Why would he be? He’s an advanced technician with a quick release and good decision-making who tore up high school defenses for fun.
However, as Kaidon Salter knows, that doesn’t always transition easily to the college game. The former Tennessee Volunteers recruit had to overcome some demons early in his career before emerging as one of the more talented players at the Group of Five level with the Liberty Flames. The dangerous dual-threat led the program to a CUSA title and the Fiesta Bowl in 2023.
If that version of Salter hits the field for the Buffaloes, Colorado can wait for Lewis. In 2023, he was the seventh-ranked quarterback in college football, according to CSN QB+. His 86.0 overall grade featured the 23rd-ranked game since our metric began in 2019 (93.6 grade against New Mexico State).
That said, Salter’s career grades feature wild fluctuations, with last season proving disappointing for the Flames. A repeat of those performances could open the door for Lewis to get a foothold in. But for now, Salter should be considered the frontrunner for the gig.
Predicted winner: Kaidon Salter
Michigan Wolverines: Mikey Keene vs. Davis Warren vs. Bryce Underwood
Although he led the team to a national championship, J.J. McCarthy never really achieved the adulation often reserved for quarterbacks in that situation. It was the offensive line and running back room that received the offensive plaudits.
However, last season’s debacle (the worst passing game in the Big Ten) showcased how good Michigan had it with McCarthy leading the offense in 2023. So, how does the situation resolve itself in 2025?
The Wolverines (reportedly) paid significant NIL bucks to land one of the top quarterback recruits in the nation, and he appears to have the inside track to the starting job.
Bryce Underwood is a true freshman who already has the size, arm talent, football intelligence, and athleticism that should make him a successful college football quarterback. However, he’s only a true freshman, and with Sherrone Moore failing to name a starter following spring ball, it would appear the competition is still wide open.
If experience under center counts for anything, then Fresno State Bulldogs transfer Mikey Keene could be the man to lead Michigan’s offense this fall. He’s led the Mountain West in completion percentage the last two seasons and tallied 65 career touchdown passes and over 8,000 passing yards.
Yet, Keene isn’t even the highest-graded quarterback on Michigan’s roster. An ACL injury picked up in the bowl win over Alabama could impact his outlook, but Davis Warren registered a CSN QB+ grade of 73.3 for the 2024 campaign compared to Keene’s 72.9.
This competition could be the most difficult to accurately project as the college football season nears.
Predicted winner: Bryce Underwood
Ohio State Buckeyes: Julian Sayin vs. Lincoln Kienholz
What started spring practice as a three-horse race for the Ohio State Buckeyes QB job has been narrowed to a two-man shootout, with true freshman sensation Tavien St. Clair not likely to play any part in the 2025 campaign. It’s long been thought that Julian Sayin was the heir apparent to the reigning national champion offense, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Head coach Ryan Day praised Sayin and third-year quarterback Lincoln Kienholz and refused to name a winner following spring practice. That would suggest that the competition is fiercer than many outsiders predicted, reminiscent of the 2023 campaign when Devin Brown and Kyle McCord took the decision right down to the wire as the replacement for C.J. Stroud.
Both highly regarded high school recruits saw the field during their first year at Ohio State. While Kienholz completed 10 of 22 passes for 111 yards in 2023, he didn’t attempt a pass last fall. Sayin, meanwhile, played in four games with 12 passes after transferring from Alabama, registering a low completion percentage (41.7%) and passing yards (84) but scoring against Western Michigan.
Even though Day won’t be drawn into naming the starter, it would be a huge surprise to see anyone other than Sayin lead the Buckeyes this fall. While he’s a work in progress, his footwork and ability to effortlessly distribute the ball should ensure he takes over from Will Howard as Ohio State’s starter.
Predicted winner: Julian Sayin
Texas State Bobcats: Brad Jackson vs. Nate Yarnell vs. Holden Geriner
This should be a fun one. Since G.J. Kinne took over as the Texas State Bobcats’ head coach, the program has recorded a 3,000+ yard passer and been one of the most exciting offensive teams in the Group of Five.
Jordan McCloud led the Sun Belt in multiple metrics last fall, and now numerous quarterbacks are vying to replace him. Which one has the inside track to the starting job?
One highly anticipated player has already dropped out of the race. Gevani McCoy arrived from Oregon State in January, went through spring practice with the Bobcats, but ultimately re-entered the portal and landed with the Temple Owls.
That leaves three. Two of those arrived from the portal this offseason, with former Pitt Panthers quarterback Nate Yarnell bringing some Power Four experience to the table. He threw for 1,056 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, but was the third-ranked QB by CSN. Holden Geriner transferred in from Auburn with minimal experience despite being one of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 recruiting class.
While the offseason conversation has been dominated by transfers, it’s a returning quarterback who offers the upside to run Texas State’s offense in 2025. Brad Jackson got a shot at starting last fall when McCloud was injured, and guided the Bobcats past a strong Louisiana-Monroe side. His 75.7 CSN QB+ grade against the Warhawks topped anyone in the Texas State quarterback room.
Predicted winner: Brad Jackson
UCF Knights: Tayven Jackson vs. Cam Fancher vs. Jacurri Brown
The UCF Knights are making a concerted effort to return the good times to the program. McKenzie Milton is charged with developing the QB room seven years after his career in Orlando concluded, while head coach Scott Frost is back at the program he helped guide to an undefeated season with Milton as his leading man. It’s a romantic notion, but it relies on a quarterback stepping up.
After Dylan Rizk transferred to Stanford, Jacurri Brown is the only contender who played any time for UCF last fall. The former Miami Hurricanes QB is yet to prove himself as a passer, but his ability to conjure up yardage on the ground makes him an appealing option to run an offense. That said, he registered 69.2 (D+) and 62.8 (D-) graded games for the Knights in 2024.
If Frost and Milton value experience in their starter, Cam Fancher could be the man to lead the Knights this fall. The former Marshall and Florida Atlantic quarterback has played in 34 games with 5,294 yards and 27 touchdowns. Last year was far from his greatest, but he logged a CSN QB+ grade of 81.0 against North Texas after throwing for 351 yards and three scores.
Former Tennessee and Indiana quarterback Tayven Jackson is the other newcomer with a shot at the starting job. He put together a 70.2 graded campaign in six games for the Hoosiers in 2023 while receiving a 74.6 grade for his performance in leading the team past the Washington Huskies last fall. He has impressed with his deep ball through spring practice, and should win this offseason competition.
Predicted winner: Tayven Jackson
UNLV Rebels: Alex Orji vs. Anthony Colandrea
Barry Odom made the UNLV Rebels a juggernaut in the Mountain West, and now Dan Mullen is tasked with keeping that machine rolling. The new UNLV head coach added two transfer portal quarterbacks after losing 2024 starter Hajj-Malik Williams, and those two former Power Four playmakers should make for one of the most exciting battles we’ll see heading into summer camp.
There’s a complete contrast of styles between the two combatants. Former Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea is a gunslinger who loves nothing more than launching a deep ball downfield. When it works, it’s sensational, resulting in over 4,000 passing yards and 26 touchdowns in two seasons. He’s also an adept scrambler, but calling Colandrea a dual-threat would be a stretch.
Which is where Orji might have the advantage in Las Vegas. The former Michigan QB is a weapon with the ball in his hands on the move. A unique athlete at 6’3″, 240 pounds, he forces you to make business decisions in the ground game. While he’s attempted less than 50 passes in his college career, Orji’s high school tape demonstrates some serious passing ability.
I’ve been a big fan of Colandrea since he stepped on the field as a freshman at Virginia. However, it feels like this quarterback competition only ends one way. The Rebels will run the rock, especially after losing their star receiving talent. Orji — whose 72.7 CSN QB+ grade outstrips Colandrea’s 68.8 from 2024 — gives them the best shot to enact that plan to a high level.
Predicted winner: Anthony Orji
Other 2025 Starting College Football Quarterback Battles
- Tulane Green Wave: Kadin Semonza vs. Donovan Leary
- Appalachian State Mountaineers: AJ Swann vs. JJ Kohl
- Bowling Green Falcons: Drew Pyne vs. Lucian Anderson III
- California Golden Bears: Devin Brown vs. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele
- Eastern Michigan Eagles: Noah Kim vs. Cameron Edge
- Georgia Bulldogs: Gunner Stockton vs. Ryan Puglisi
- Houston Cougars: Conner Weigman vs. Zeon Chriss
- Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Cade Cunningham vs. Gavin Wimsatt
- James Madison Dukes: Camden Coleman vs. Matthew Sluka vs. Alonza Barnett III
- Kennesaw State Owls: Dexter Williams II vs. Amari Odom
- Liberty Flames: Ethan Vasko vs. Ryan Burger vs. Michael Merdinger
- Marshall Thundering Herd: Zion Turner vs. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson
- UMass Minutemen: Grant Jordan vs. AJ Hairston vs. Brandon Rose
- New Mexico State Aggies: Logan Fife vs. Parker Awad
- North Carolina Tar Heels: Gio Lopez vs. Bryce Baker
- North Texas Mean Green: Drew Mestemaker vs. Reese Poffenbarger
- Oklahoma State Cowboys: Hauss Hejny vs. Zane Flores
- Oregon Ducks: Dante Moore vs. Austin Novosad
- Purdue Boilermakers: Ryan Browne vs. Malachi Singleton vs. Evans Chuba vs. Bennett Meredith
- San Diego State Aztecs: Jayden Denegal vs. Bert Emanuel Jr.
- South Alabama Jaguars: Zach Pyron vs. Bishop Davenport
- UTEP Miners: Skyler Locklear vs. Malachi Nelson
- Wisconsin Badgers: Billy Edwards Jr. vs. Danny O’Neil
About College Football Network’s QB+ Metric
CSN’s QB+ assigns a letter grade to a quarterback’s performance. We arrive at the grade by considering a quarterback’s passing and rushing performance. Certain more stable factors, like clean pocket performance and designed rushing success, are weighted more than less stable ones, like pressure performance and scrambling.
We also add a “clutch” component that gives extra weight to how quarterbacks perform in high-leverage situations. To qualify for the season leaderboard, a QB must average at least 15 plays per game (dropbacks or designed runs) while playing in at least half his team’s games that season. To qualify for the single-game leaderboard, a QB must have participated in at least 15 plays that game.
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