As the transfer portal takes a grip on Group of Five programs, opportunities to shine open up for new faces. Some of the 14 AAC teams kept hold of their starting quarterback, but who will start for the majority of the teams blooding a new signal-caller in 2025?
Army Black Knights: Dwayne Coleman
Dwayne Coleman is now the likely starting quarterback at West Point and has the inevitable job of replacing the current AAC Offensive Player of the Year. The Army Black Knights are coming off a 12-win season for the first time in their history, and Jeff Monken now turns to Coleman, who started against the Air Force Falcons in 2024 and led them to a convincing 20-3 victory.
Charlotte 49ers: Conner Harrell
The Charlotte 49ers have had a three-way battle for QB1 during spring practice, with three quarterbacks taking equal reps as they jostle for the starting role. In pole position seems to be Conner Harrell. The former North Carolina Tar Heels backup left Chapel Hill expecting to start games, and the dual-threat quarterback possesses the athleticism to advance the offense. Meanwhile, Grayson Loftis and Zach Wilcke are waiting in the wings.
East Carolina Pirates: Katin Houser
Katin Houser returns for his fourth year of college ball in 2025 after transferring from the Michigan State Spartans to the East Carolina Panthers ahead of the 2024 season. He went on to throw for 2,006 yards and 18 touchdowns. However, his 11 interceptions were the fourth highest in the AAC.
Florida Atlantic Owls: Caden Veltkamp
Caden Veltkamp transfers to the Florida Atlanta Owls after leading the CUSA in completion percentage (66.3%), passing yards (3,108), and passing touchdowns (25). While he also threw a conference-high 10 interceptions, the former Western Kentucky Hilltopper and current CUSA Offensive Player of the Year ranked 23rd among all college quarterbacks in passing yards and has offensive-elevating tendencies.
Memphis Tigers: Brendon Lewis
Replacing Seth Henigan, who was the second most productive passer in the AAC in 2024, will not be easy. The Memphis Tigers are currently holding an open competition for the starting quarterback position, with former Colorado and Nevada Wolfpack QB Brendon Lewis as the frontrunner.
As a sixth-year senior, Lewis brings a wealth of experience and is a dual-threat player, which gives him an advantage over competitors Arrington Maiden and A.J. Hill. Given this, Ryan Silverfield may choose to rely on Lewis as the leader early in the season.
Navy Midshipmen: Blake Hovarth
CSN’s 70th returning college football player, Blake Hovarth, has thrived under the triple option and has evolved into one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country.
BLAKE HORVATH BREAKS FREE AND TAKES IT 95 YARDS TO TIE THE GAME ⛽️
THE LONGEST RUN IN NAVY HISTORY pic.twitter.com/U5W6Wjli7F
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 27, 2024
He had the most rushing yards of any quarterback in 2024 (1,254), and his 7.1 yards per carry was the best in the AAC.
North Texas Mean Green: Drew Mestemaker
There is a tight race between Drew Mestemaker, Reese Poffenbarger, and Chris Jimerson Jr. to be named Chandler Morris’ replacement in North Texas. Mestemaker had a great showing in the First Responder Bowl, throwing for 393 yards and two touchdowns as well as rushing for a 70-yard touchdown, and should be considered the front runner.
Rice Owls: Drew Devillier
Drew Devillier appeared in three games in 2024 behind E.J. Warner, completing 20 of his 38 attempts for 137 yards. It was a fleeting outing for the freshman who has the promise to step in following Warner’s departure, after originally committing to playing baseball at TCU.
Temple Owls: Gevani McCoy
Gevani McCoy committed to the Temple Owls in the spring transfer portal as K.C. Keeler looks towards a dual-threat quarterback who can use his legs. A FCS star and Oregon State passer, McCoy had 1,300 passing yards in 10 games in 2024, as well as 328 yards and five touchdowns rushing in 10 games.
Tulane Green Wave: Kadin Semonza
Kadin Semonza led the MAC with 25 passing touchdowns in 2024, becoming the first Ball State passer to do so since Keith Wenning in 2013. He transfers to Tulane after averaging 242 yards per game, and the redshirt sophomore looks to build on the Green Wave’s 9-5 record in Jon Sumrall’s first season.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane: Kirk Francis
Kirk Francis looks to be the starter again for the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes despite a disappointing 2024, which ranked among the lowest among his fellow AAC quarterbacks. The Tulsa passer ranked ninth in the conference in pass completions (149) and only threw nine touchdowns.
UAB Blazers: Jalen Kitna
Jalen Kitna ranked sixth in the AAC with 2,209 passing yards and 17 passing touchdowns after starting the final eight games of the 2024 season. The UAB Blazers quarterback passed for more than 230 yards in seven of his eight games as a starter and showed enough to be granted the starting job ahead of the 2025 season.
USF Bulls: Byrum Brown
Byrum Brown appears to be the starter again for the South Florida Bulls. The USF passer only played in six games in 2024 due to a leg injury.
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However, his 3,292 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, alongside his 809 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in 2023, showcase just how exceptional an athlete Brown is.
UTSA Roadrunners: Owen McCown
Owen McCown ranked third in the AAC with a 63% pass completion percentage in 2024, starting all 13 games, throwing for 3,424 yards and 25 touchdowns. The son of Josh McCown, the left-handed passer, led the UTSA Roadrunners to a 7-6 record, the worst winning percentage under Jeff Traylor.
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