QB Battle Updates & Predictions: Power 4
As camps are raging on, we wanted to get you up to speed on the most impactful position on the field. The quarterback updates for the 'Power Four' are here.
As camps roll on, we are at the point where the all-important quarterback position often gets some clarity. We are here to sort through the mess and make it easy for you to understand where things stand for the signal-caller spot at each school. We will bucket these into one of three categories:
No Doubters — there was never a question these dudes will lead the squad under/behind center in 2025.
Battles Won — news has come out declaring a winner in the competition. We’ll let you know if we think it will stick.
Open Competition — there is an open competition for the role. We’ll provide a prediction for who we think comes out on top.
Today, we’ll hit the ‘Power Four’ conferences + Notre Dame, Oregon State and Washington State. We’ll finish up tomorrow with the rest, getting you caught up on all 136 quarterback rooms at this point in the pre-season. Enjoy.
NO DOUBTERS ::::::
Texas A&M ::: Marcel Reed’s [13.4] — Backup: Jacob Zeno [13.0] — 3rd String: Miles O'Neill [12.0]
Arkansas ::: Taylen Green [16.6] — Backup: KJ Jackson [11.2] — 3rd String: Trever Jackson [10.5]
Arizona State ::: Sam Leavitt [17.6] Starter — Backup: Jeff Sims [12.1] — 3rd String: Christian Hunt [6.5]
Baylor ::: Sawyer Robertson [15.7] — Walker White [10.7] Backup — Nate Bennett [9.02] 3rd String
Cincinnati ::: Brendan Sorsby [15.1] took a quick glance in the portal this offseason, but returned to the Bearcats and will lead the offense again in ‘25. — Brady Lichtenberg [8.70] Backup — Samaj Jones [10.2] 3rd String
Clemson ::: Cade Klubnik [17.1] Starter — Christopher Vizzina [12.2] Backup — Trent Pearman [6.07] 3rd String
Duke ::: Darian Mensah [15.1] reportedly received a $2 Million pay day to come to Duke. The Tulane transfer is a no doubt starter here on day one. Henry Belin IV [10.9] will backup and Michael Appel Jr. [9.97] is third string.
Florida ::: DJ Lagway [13.3] has some current injury concerns but the latest is that they expect him to be a full go for their opener. Journeyman backup Harrison Bailey [13.6] will remain just that here. Aidan Warner [8.49] is third.
Florida State ::: Tommy Castellanos [13.5] is a Boston College castoff after leaving the program mid-year in 2024, once Bill O’Brien benched him. He found a nice little landing spot in Tallahassee with a new offensive coordinator named Gus Malzahn. Brock Glenn [11.3] will back up, and we see Kevin Sperry [10.8] as the third string.
Georgia Tech ::: Haynes King [16.4] Starter — Aaron Philo [17.2] Backup — Graham Knowles [9.49] 3rd String
Iowa State ::: Rocco Becht [15.2] Starter — Connor Moberly [10.4] Backup — Alex Manske [10.5] 3rd String
Illinois ::: Luke Altmyer [15.0] Starter — Ethan Hampton [13.4] Backup — Carson Boyd [9.45] 3rd String
Indiana ::: Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza [15.2] was brought in to replace Kurtis Rourke to lead the Hoosiers. Grant Wilson [10.4] is an experienced backup. Fernando’s brother, Alberto Mendoza [8.7] sits third string.
Kansas State ::: Avery Johnson [16.0] Starter — Jacob Knuth [9.02] Backup — Blake Barnett [9.85] 3rd String
Kansas ::: Jalon Daniels [15.1] Starter — Cole Ballard [8.7] Backup — David McComb [9.8] 3rd String
Louisville ::: Miller Moss [15.5] makes his way from USC to take over for the Brohm offense in Louisville. Deuce Adams [11.9] is expected to be the primary backup, with Brady Allen [11.5] coming in third string. Note: This hasn’t been officially announced out of the Cardinals camp, but it is fully expected.
LSU ::: Garrett Nussmeier [16.6] Starter — Michael Van Buren Jr. [13.4] Backup — Colin Hurley [10.5] 3rd String
Michigan State ::: Aidan Chiles [14.7] Starter — Alessio Milivojevic [8.95] Backup — Leo Hannan [9.45] 3rd String
Minnesota ::: Drake Lindsey [11.5] Starter — Emmett Morehead [10.5] Backup — Dylan Wittke [8.91] 3rd String
Ole Miss ::: Austin Simmons [14.3] Starter — Maealiuaki Smith [10.9] Backup — AJ Maddox [10.4] 3rd String
Mississippi State ::: Blake Shapen [15.1] Starter — Luke Kromenhoek [12.6] Backup — Kamario Taylor [11.5] 3rd String
Miami (FL) ::: Carson Beck [16.4] Starter — Emory Williams [14.0] Backup — Luke Nickel [10.8] 3rd String
North Carolina State ::: CJ Bailey [14.6] Starter — Lex Thomas [9.93] Backup — Will Wilson [9.45] 3rd String
Nebraska ::: Dylan Raiola [13.9] Starter — Jalyn Gramstad [7.3] Backup — TJ Lateef [10.8] 3rd String
Northwestern ::: Preston Stone [14.6] Starter — Gavin Frakes [10.5] Backup — Ryan Boe [7.66] 3rd String
Oregon State ::: Maalik Murphy [14.6] Starter — Gabarri Johnson [11.6] Backup — Kallen Gutridge [8.24] 3rd String
Oklahoma ::: John Mateer [16.2] Starter — Michael Hawkins Jr. [12.3] Backup — Whitt Newbauer [11.7] 3rd String
Pittsburgh ::: Eli Holstein [12.7] Starter — Cole Gonzales [11.1] Backup — Mason Heintschel [9.1] 3rd String
Penn State ::: Drew Allar [16.5] Starter — Ethan Grunkemeyer [12.3] Backup — Jaxon Smolik [9.60] 3rd String
Rutgers ::: Athan Kaliakmanis [15.4] Starter — AJ Surace [10.0] Backup — Sean Ashenfelder [8.75] 3rd String
SMU ::: Kevin Jennings [16.9] returns as the Mustangs’ starter, but it must be noted they have a talented (when healthy) backup in former Miami (FL)/Wiscontin signal-caller, Tyler Van Dyke [15.3]. If anything happens to Jennings, they shouldn’t miss a beat. Depth is crucial when making runs towards the CFP.
South Carolina ::: LaNorris Sellers [15.3] Starter — Air Noland [13.4] Backup — Cutter Woods [9.45] 3rd String
TCU ::: Josh Hoover [16.5] Full-Time — Ken Seals [11.6] Backup —Adam Schobel [10.5] 3rd String (no furry jokes allowed)
Texas ::: Arch Manning [17.3] Starter — Matthew Caldwell [12.3] Backup — Trey Owens [10.9] 3rd String
Texas Tech ::: Behren Morton [15.3] Starter — Will Hammond [12.4] Backup — Mitch Griffis [11.3] 3rd String
UCLA ::: Nico Iamaleava [15.6] Starter — Pierce Clarkson [10.9] Backup — Madden Iamaleava [10.8] 3rd String
Georgia ::: Gunner Stockton [13.2] Starter — Ryan Puglisi [12.1] Backup — Colter Ginn [8.4] 3rd String
Kentucky ::: Zach Calzada [12.0] Starter — Cutter Boley [10.4] Backup — Beau Allen [11.9] 3rd String
USC ::: Jayden Maiava [14.9] took over mid-season for Miller Moss and impressed. With more experience in the Lincoln Riley offense, he is poised to take a big step forward. That is assuming the offensive line and the weapons around him are up to snuff, which remains a bit of a question mark. Husan Longstreet [13.3] and Sam Huard [12.6] are backing up.
Utah ::: The prized portal pickup is Devon Dampier [16.9] out of New Mexico, who comes along with his offensive coordinator, Jason Beck. Isaac Wilson [10.1] will backup and Brendan Zurbrugg [9.4] sits in third string.
Virginia ::: Chandler Morris [15.2] Starter — Daniel Kaelin [9.92] Backup — Bjorn Jurgensen [9.45] 3rd String
Vanderbilt ::: Diego Pavia [16.8] Starter — Blaze Berlowitz [10.1] Backup — Drew Dickey [9.1] 3rd String
Virginia Tech ::: Kyron Drones [15.6] Full-Time — William "Pop" Watson III [12.6] Backup — Garret Rangel [9.9] 3rd String
Washington ::: Demond Williams Jr. [16.6] Starter — Kai Horton [10.2] Backup — Dash Beierly [9.8] 3rd String
Washington State ::: Zevi Eckhaus [13.9] Starter — Jaxon Potter [9.54] Backup — Jake Tiryakioglu [5.25] 3rd String
Wisconsin ::: Maryland transfer Billy Edwards Jr. [15.2] is primed to lead the Badgers new-look offense in 2025. Former San Diego State QB Danny O'Neil [13.7] will backup, with Hunter Simmons [11.6] in emergency.
BATTLES WON ::::::
Alabama ::: Ty Simpson [14.7] was the front-runner heading into spring camp and was officially announced on Monday (8/11) as the starter for the Crimson Tide. He beat out Austin Mack [11.7] and Keelon Russell [13.7]. The battle now becomes who wins the backup job, just in case Simpson is injured or loses the job. The thought is that Mack would get a shot, while Russell, the true freshman, spends time learning from those two.
Auburn ::: Jackson Arnold [12.7] struggled mightily at Oklahoma last year, but many believe that was driven by a lack of protection and a MASH unit at receiver. He was, after all, one of the highest-rated recruits back in 2023 class. Now, he has plenty of weapons and one of the best Tigers’ offensive lines in front of him. No more excuses. He technically had to beat out Ashton Daniels [14.4] and hold off charging true freshman Deuce Knight [13.0]. Daniels may see some time in wildcat formations throughout the season and Knight is the future.
Boston College ::: Dylan Lonergan [13.0] came in from Alabama and jumped incumbent Grayson James [14.2] to win this job, announced just this week. Bill O’Brien knows quarterback play and must like what he sees in Lonergan, the former 4-star recruit in the class of 2023. James will serve as backup after having taken over Florida State starter Thomas Castellanos’ job in-season a year ago. Shaker Reisig [9.1] is a distant third-stringer.
Stanford ::: Ben Gulbranson [15.3] has been announced as the starter for the 2025 season for the Cardinal. He comes in from Oregon State and the player-level data provides a bright outlook. However, the supporting cast that surrounds him, brings clouds. Expect this to be rocky, but he is the right choice. Highly-touted UCF transfer Dylan Rizk [14.0] and returning Elijah Brown will compete for the backup spot and position themselves to take over in 2026 as Gulbranson has just one season of eligibility remaining.
OPEN COMPETITION ::::::
BYU ::: This is one to watch. After Jake Retzlaff’s fall from grace here in Provo and his subsequent move to join Tulane, this is an open job. MaCae Hillstead [12.7] was believed to be the front-runner until we heard from Mitch Harper that Bear Bachmeier [10.1] was the primary quarterback running with the first team. He was seen hitting TE Carsen Ryan on a long touchdown connection. This one remains neck-and-neck, and it still seems a bit far-fetched for a true freshman to come in and be given the reins, especially over somebody like Hillstead, who has game experience, playing well in a stint for Utah State back in 2023. That said, we’ve seen crazier storylines emerge. Treyson Bourguet [10.5] is no longer considered a candidate and will serve in a third-string role.
Prediction: Hillstead wins the job and gets the first crack, but we will see Bachmeier in meaningful situations this season.
California ::: Ohio State transfer Devin Brown [13.1] is attempting to win this job. After having been beaten out twice for that coveted Buckeyes gig, he heads to Berkeley to try to cash in on that high recruiting ranking back in the class of ‘22. What he has in pedigree, he lacks in game experience. This was thought to be a foregone conclusion when he signed, but word is that true freshman (originally an Oregon commit and early enrollee) Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele [11.9] is hanging in the race. It may just be lip service to keep him happy, but that’s what we are hearing. EJ Caminong [8.5] is not in the running for the starting job at this point and will serve as third stringer.
Prediction: Brown gets his shot as the starter, but is eventually taken over in-season as the Bears struggle offensively. Sagapolutele gains valuable experience, as he is the future.
Colorado ::: This is one of the more hyped competitions in the land. The replacement for Shedeur Sanders will be either the experienced Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter [15.6] or super frosh Julian “Juju” Lewis [12.9]. The competition rages on in camp and don’t expect to get an answer well before the opener. In fact, we may not know who is starting until they take the field against Georgia Tech in week one.
Prediction: We believe that Coach Prime will want to see what they have in game action with Salter, but he will have a short leash. It’s clear that Lewis is the future and he likely came to Colorado under the impression he would play early. We will see him at some point in 2025.
Syracuse ::: Steve Angeli [15.4] came over from Notre Dame with the full intent to take over for Kyle McCord, who led this offense to one of the best outputs in the land in 2024. Big shoes to fill. All signs point towards Angeli winning that job, but it can’t be ignored that Rickie Collins [11.5] was named the starter before Fran Brown and company landed Angeli in the portal. They still have a couple of scrimmages to work things out.
Prediction: It’s all Angeli. They are likely paying him a lot to be there and he’ll get his shot. He won’t have the same weapons (far from it) that McCord had a year ago and it may be a struggle at times. Collins is a capable backup and should see time at some point.
Houston ::: Conner Weigman [12.5] is in from Texas A&M and returns home to his hometown to lead the Cougars. That’s the plan, at least. That said, returning dynamic athlete Zeon Chriss [12.4] may have something to say about that. Nothing definitive has come out of coach Willie Fritz’ camp thus far.
Prediction: Weigman eventually wins this. If the injury bug rears its ugly head (again), Chriss is more than capable to handle the job.
Iowa ::: When Mark Gronowski [13.2] signed on with Iowa, it was not a sure thing that he would be taking over. It became more evident when veteran Brendan Sullivan bolted for Tulane. Hank Brown also came in this offseason and had seen time in the SEC for Auburn as injuries piled up on The Plains. It did not go well, but he retains a highly touted recruiting status. The hype surrounding Gronowski in Iowa City has been well-documented, and while Brown has not been officially ruled out…
Prediction: Gronowski will win the job and bring a new dimension to the Iowa offense for second-year OC Tim Lester. He will hold the job and perform well, outside of struggles against the Big Ten’s best.
Maryland — Justyn Martin [12.6] is in from UCLA, and he is battling with freshman, exciting prospect Malik Washington [11.9]. No winner has been announced; however, Martin has the lead, and an injury to Washington in camp is furthering that narrative.
Prediction: Martin wins the job, if not fully by default, but Washington eventually takes over around mid-season after Mike Locksley is let go.
Michigan ::: Like the one in Boulder, this is on the top of mind for many who follow this great sport. Super-recruit Bryce Underwood [13.9] would like to start right away. Head coach Sherrone Moore would have no problem with that, as long as the true freshman is ready for that. Mikey Keene [14.1] has experience, both at UCF and Fresno State and has performed well. He is the primary contender for Underwood. Journeyman backup Jake Garcia [12.6] has fallen out of the race and will ride the pine at his fourth school, unless called upon in an emergency.
Prediction: Underwood gets this job from day one and never lets it go. He will make his share of youthful mistakes, but this program is hitching its wagon to him and will let him learn on the job.
Missouri ::: Beau Pribula [14.5] was released from his backup duties at Penn State after Drew Allar announced he would return for 2025. He immediately started fielding offers and landed at Mizzou, where he’s expected to take over for the graduating Brady Cook. While he has not been named yet, the Tigers didn’t bring him here (and pay a hefty sum) for him to sit on the bench. That said, Coach Drink is not afraid to veer off course if long-time backup and baseball pro prospect Sam Horn [12.1] proves to be a better leader for this transitioning offense.
Prediction: This one goes to Pribula. OC Kirby Moore loves having a mobile quarterback (see: Cook), and the former Nittany Lion fits that bill. Horn will remain the backup and could see his shot if Pribula’s playing style leads to an injury (like Cook’s did).
Notre Dame ::: It was fully expected that we would finally see a homegrown quarterback under center in South Bend as CJ Carr [12.9] matures into the role in 2025. It forced Steve Angeli to move to Syracuse for his chance to get on the field. That said, recently, the news out of Irish camp is that Carr has struggled to take a hold of the job, and backup Kenny Minchey [11.7] is really giving him a run for his money (literally).
Prediction: They string this out, but head coach Marcus Freeman and OC Mike Denbrock award the job to Carr. He is more of a ‘game manager’ early on as he gets his feet under him and feels more comfortable in the offense.
Oklahoma State ::: TCU transfer Hauss Hejny [11.1] is the leader in the clubhouse for this battle, but he has not won the job over challenger Zane Flores [10.0] quite yet.
Prediction: Hejny wins the job, but does he want to? The Cowboys are lacking weapons in the offense, which will lead to struggles. We will see Flores at some point when things go off the rails. Ultimately, Hejny gets the experience he needs.
Oregon ::: Another highly-anticipated battle involves Dante Moore [11.6] and Austin Novosad [12.3], who appear to be involved in a hotly-contested battle to succeed Dillon Gabriel. It’s an appealing job, and one that Moore has been groomed for, sitting behind Gabriel after transferring in from UCLA. However, word from camp is that Moore hasn’t done anything to separate himself and Novosad is right there.
Prediction: We are going to go with an upset here. It seems unlikely, but Moore did not impress as a true freshman in Chip Kelly’s offense. His lack of taking the bull by the horns here is worrisome and Novosad is talented. Even if Moore does get the job when camp breaks, we’re not sure he holds it.
Ohio State ::: The strong belief here is that it is Julian Sayin’s [14.1] job to lose. Though, Lincoln Kienholz [11.8] has remained a name mentioned by the coaching staff as hanging in there (again). It may just be a motivation tactic that is often used by this Buckeyes’ staff to limit complacency, but we don’t think there is an actual path to Kienholz winning this job.
Prediction: It’s all Sayin. He is ready for this and will not let it go.
Purdue ::: The battle rages on in West Lafayette for the “right” to lead the Boilermakers rebuilt offense. Ryan Browne [13.1] returns after getting time as a true freshman (under rough circumstances) and a quick look in the portal for other opportunities. He is in the lead over the atheltic Arkansas transfer Malachi Singleton [14.1], who has ties to head coach Barry Odom from their time together in Fayetteville.
Prediction: Browne is going to win this job, but Singleton will find his way into some wildcat packages to get the ball in his hands.
Tennessee ::: Joey Aguilar [14.2] is expected to win his job, but Jake Merklinger [12.4] is not out of the running. Freshman George MacIntyre [11.9] has fallen out of the race for this coveted job running the Josh Heupel offense, albeit against a tough SEC schedule.
Prediction: This is all Aguilar. They need experience and maturity to run this offense and that makes it a clear choice.
UCF ::: This is an actual three-way battle to lead Scott Frost’s offense in Orlando. Veteran lefty Cam Fancher [12.2] is in via Marshall/FAU and is a leading candidate. The talented and athletic Tayven Jackson [14.3] is looking to finally retain his health and show what he can do over an extended period on the field. He flashed it at times for Indiana in '23-'24, and he has matured since then. Finally, Miami (FL) transfer Jacurri Brown [12.9] is very much in the running (literally) as he has shown his abilities as recently as last year, getting thrown into the fold.
Prediction: This one is tough, and while we think all three will see the field in 2025 — we believe the most experienced player will get the first crack at it — and that’s Fancher.
Wake Forest ::: Robby Ashford [14.4] is the expected starter for Jimmy Rogers as he begins his tenure at Wake. That said, he has not been officially named. Deshawn Purdie [10.0] is believed to still be in the running and it may go deep into camp.
Prediction: The talented and experienced Ashford will get the job and have some big games with his dual-threat capabilities. He will also struggle against the better defenses on the slate.
West Virginia ::: Nicco Marichol [12.5] is expected to win this job, but former Texas A&M quarterback Jaylen Henderson [11.9] is said to be still in the hunt. Each has some game experience with Marichol starting 19 career games and Henderson getting a run with A&M back in 2023, before injury ended that campaign. The victor will have the opportunity to run the fast and fun Rich Rod offense in Morgantown.Max Brown [8.3] is a distant third and isn’t believe to be in the competition.
Prediction: Marichol wins this job and holds it all season with some big performances.
That’s what we have for now! We’ll come out with our ‘Group of Five’ version of the quarterback updates here shortly…thanks for following along. Please help spread the word…