The quarterback position is often the most crucial part of a football team, whether it be college or professional. A good quarterback can propel their team to the next level and get them into a good spot come playoff time. However, on the flip side, a quarterback who fails to live up to their potential could hold their team down from a playoff appearance.
Looking ahead to the 2025 college football season, these are five rushing quarterbacks nobody is talking about or acknowledging who should be for the upcoming season. These five quarterbacks could give other teams a run for their money, flying under the radar.
Underrated Dual-Threat QBs Who Could Shock College Football in 2025
These five rushing quarterbacks aren’t getting much national attention … yet. For one reason or another, they have flown under the radar, but that could all change very soon. Here’s why they could break out in a big way during the 2025 season.
5) Parker Navarro, Ohio
With 1,046 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing, Parker Navarro was a key reason the Ohio State Bobcats won 11 games for the first time in program history in 2024. The Tempe, Arizona native put up 4.55 EPA rushing per game and had 49 rushing first downs and returns as a grad student in 2025.
The former UCF Knights transfer will need to be at his running best again in the fall, as he threw a conference-high 11 interceptions last year, meaning that Brian Smith will be leaning on his QB’s legs as the Bobcats attempt to win back-to-back MAC Championships.
4) Colton Joseph, Old Dominion
Despite another lackluster 2024 season, which saw the Old Dominion Monarchs finish with a 5-7 record, quarterback Colton Joseph was a bright spark during his eight games as a starter. An enticing rushing threat, the former three-star recruit had 647 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging a rushing touchdown every 10.36 rushing attempts.
Meanwhile, Joseph also impressed through the air, having two games with 300+ yard passing, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt.
3) Hunter Watson, Sam Houston
Hunter Watson was the focal point of the Sam Houston Bearkats’ rushing attack in 2024, leading the team with 647 yards and nine touchdowns.
His 39 first downs, alongside his 48.6% third-down rushing percentage, showcase the 6’3”, 210-pound quarterback’s ability to bail his team out, proven by his 1.44 EPA rushing per game.
2) Bryson Barnes, Utah State
After playing three seasons with the Utah Utes, Bryson Barnes transferred instate to the Utah State Aggies in 2024 and continued to show his ability under center, especially when using his legs. He now holds the single-season rushing record in Logan after rushing for 193 yards and one touchdown against the San Diego State Aztecs in November 2024.
Having only started three games in 2024, Barnes is now the starter for the Aggies and is expected to build on his rushing numbers, including 3.15 EPA rushing per game and a total of 530 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
KEEP READING: Ranking College Football’s Top 25 Rushing Quarterbacks: Utah’s Devon Dampier and Navy’s Blake Horvath Top the List
1) Brendon Lewis, Memphis
Brendon Lewis transfers from the Nevada Wolfpack to the Memphis Tigers for the 2025 season as one of the most productive rushers from under center last year.
The former three-star recruit from Texas had 775 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 157 attempts, including a career high 151 rushing yards against Oregon State, where he led the team in passing, rushing, and receiving yards.
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