It’s possible the quarterback class in the 2024 NFL Draft will go down in history after six quarterbacks were selected in the first round. We’ve already seen the impact those quarterbacks have had on projections for the upcoming season. Those quarterbacks have influenced the odds at NFL sportsbooks for what teams are most likely to make the playoffs and have a chance to win the Super Bowl.
However, even after six teams used a first-round pick on a quarterback this year, there are bound to be several teams in the market for a quarterback by the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around. The question is who will end up being the standout quarterbacks in next year’s class. There are some early favorites to be the top quarterback in the 2025 class, as well as plenty of quarterbacks on the radar. Let’s take an early look at 10 college quarterbacks who are worth watching closely with an eye toward the 2025 NFL Draft.
Carson Beck, Georgia: Despite failing to deliver a third straight national championship for Georgia, Beck surely put himself on the NFL’s radar last season. After all, he did go 13-1 in his first season as a starter, showcasing excellent accuracy and football IQ. Of course, if he leads Georgia back to the College Football Playoff, it’ll help his NFL stock. But Beck also has to prove to NFL teams that the Bulldogs are winning because of him and not just winning with him.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: There will be a lot of eyes on Sanders this year – for a variety of reasons. But even if his father wasn’t the best cornerback in NFL history, pro teams would be watching Sanders. He had some brilliant games at Colorado last year while also limiting himself to just three interceptions. However, NFL teams will want to see him continue to make strides this year while also helping his team do better than 4-7, which was Sanders’ record as a starter last year.
Quinn Ewers, Texas: Ewers took huge steps forward in 2023 and is positioned to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football this year. The challenge is working with an inexperienced group of playmakers around him. He will have to carry the Texas offense in 2024 rather than allowing his backs and receivers to do most of the heavy lifting. But he surely has the talent to accomplish big things with the Longhorns this year.
Drew Allar, Penn State: With Allar, Penn State boasts one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country. While his numbers aren’t overly impressive, Allar limits his mistakes and didn’t get much help from his supporting cast, so his modest stats can be overlooked a little. In any event, there is a huge opportunity for Allar this season. The Nittany Lions are in a great position to win the Big Ten and compete for a national title. If Allar can elevate his team and help Penn State reach those heights, the NFL will take notice.
Connor Weigman, Texas A&M: Before getting hurt last year, Weigman flashed his high upside and elite arm talent. This is just his third year in college, so he has plenty of time to refine his skills and put everything together. However, he’s also a quarterback who could potentially have a breakout season and lead Texas A&M to great things, which would expedite his path to the NFL.
Graham Mertz, Florida: Mertz is entering his sixth year in college but still has a lot to prove. He was just 5-5 as a starter during his first year at Florida in 2023. That being said, it was his best season statistically, as Mertz did grow up quite a bit. The key for him in 2024 is to start proving that he can make winning plays and be a difference-maker. That will be his ticket to being a high NFL draft pick next year.
Jalon Daniels, Kansas: Over the last four years, Daniels is just 9-12 as a starter. But that poor record isn’t entirely his fault since he’s spent his entire career at Kansas. Injuries have also limited him throughout his college career. Obviously, staying healthy is a top priority for Daniels. If he can do that, Daniels has the talent to lead the Jayhawks to big things and possibly become a Heisman contender. If that happens, NFL teams will give him a serious look.
Jalen Milroe, Alabama: Milroe grew up a lot last season, ultimately taking Alabama to the College Football Playoff. His arm strength and ability to throw the deep ball are unquestioned. Milroe also has the athleticism to make plays with his legs. But he needs to speed up the way he processes information and improve his consistency if he expects to be taken seriously as an NFL prospect in 2025.
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon: Gabriel has already played 50 games in his college career, although he’s getting a sixth year of eligibility and will be spending it at Oregon after playing at Oklahoma the last two years. He’s proven to be one of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football and grades highly. However, Gabriel is short and doesn’t have elite arm strength, so he still has a lot to prove to NFL teams.
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame: For the second straight year, Notre Dame has plucked a veteran quarterback from an ACC school. This year, they got Leonard to transfer from Duke. He’s one of the best running quarterbacks in the nation but also NFL-caliber arm strength. If he can lead the Fighting Irish to wins in big games, Leonard will warrant consideration from NFL teams as an early-round draft selection.
