Top 10 College Football Quarterbacks Headed into the 2023 Season

The Best of the Best

This very intriguing class could potentially develop a few starting quarterbacks at the NFL level. I also believe the 2023 Hheisman winner will come out of this class. The PAC 12 will be loaded with college quarterbacks, but will it finally return to the CFP?

10) J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

McCarthy experienced some growing pains late in the season, yet also displayed impressive playmaking ability as Michigan relied heavily on its passing game to replace star running back Blake Corum following a knee injury. McCarthy scored four touchdowns (three passes and one rush) during Michigan’s road upset of No. 2 Ohio State before contributing three more scores against Purdue in the Big Ten championship game. McCarthy must continue to balance accuracy with creativity/explosiveness to limit major mistakes like throwing two pick-sixes against TCU during the CFP semifinal loss last season.

JJ McCarthy || 2022 Highlights ||

9) Jalon Daniels, Kansas

Daniels led Kansas to an impressive start after years of struggle, throwing for 2,014 yards while completing 66% of his passes for 18 touchdowns (while also running for 419 yards and seven touchdowns). Unfortunately, in a “College GameDay” matchup against TCU, he suffered shoulder damage which sidelined him until later games like Texas and Kansas State, where his teams fell. Once back on the field for the Liberty Bowl, however, he set multiple records, including 544 passing yards with five touchdowns and another score from running against Arkansas! He finished with 544 passing yards and a 66% pass completion rate while also running for 419 yards and seven scores from 18 total of 1544 passing yards while running 419 yards and seven scored more.

Jalon Daniels || Kansas Jayhawks Quarterback || 2022 Junior Highlights

8) Jayden Daniels, LSU

Daniels decided to transfer from Iowa State and join LSU before last season, where he quickly won the starting job and produced impressive statistics under Brian Kelly, tossing 2,913 yards for 17 touchdowns with only three interceptions along way, as well as running for 885 yards and 11 more scores while leading them to victory in SEC West play. As LSU’s leading running back last fall, he led in every category on the ground. With 180 carries for 1,946 yards and 18 touchdowns, he showed his promise in two consecutive games by leading LSU to a 45-20 win against Ole Miss while completing 21 of 28 passes for 248 yards with two touchdowns while also rushing for 121 yards and three scores – an impressive performance indeed! The Next week against Alabama, he completed 22 of 32 passes for 182 yards and two TDs while also running 95 yards – scoring on an overtime 25-yard score and passing Mason Taylor the winning two-point conversion pass – in an incredible 32-31 comeback victory. Kelly recently stated that he enlisted Daniels back for one final season after he could have tested the NFL draft, setting up an intensive year-round training plan and helping his player from California secure an elite QB trainer on the West Coast. Daniels stated his hope was leading LSU to another championship during this stint of 41 career starts.

Jayden Daniels || LSU Tigers Quarterback || 2022 Junior Highlights

7) Sam Hartman, Notre Dame

Hartman has played in major games, such as the 2021 ACC championship game and earned MVP honors at both the Gator and Gasparilla bowls. Additionally, he has had to battle various challenges outside of football, such as anxiety and blood clot surgery before the 2022 season began. At Notre Dame, he will face more significant pressure to produce. But Hartman has proven he can handle anything college-level-related; if his production can increase substantially this fall, it could propel Notre Dame closer towards reaching the College Football Playoff.

Sam Hartman 2022 Regular Season Highlights | Wake Forest QB

6) Bo Nix, Oregon

Will Stein will take over as Nix’s coordinator after Kenny Dillingham took his coaching career to Arizona State. It remains to be seen what effect this change will have on Nix; however, Stein co-coordinated an outstanding offense at UTSA, which ranked No. 9 nationally, with quarterback Frank Harris ranking second overall in total offense.

Bo Nix || Oregon Ducks Quarterback || 2022 Senior Highlights

5) Cam Rising, Utah

Rising has largely accomplished everything he set out to do in college football – aside from one key accomplishment: finishing a Rose Bowl. Unfortunately, both were interrupted due to injury; after taking part in Utah’s 2022 Senior Day ceremony, it appeared his college career might end there. Yet perhaps due to his most recent leg injury casting doubt on his pro prospects, Rising decided the best decision would be staying one more year in Salt Lake City, persuading teammates such as tight end Brant Kuithe and receiver Devaughn Vele to stay put too – giving Utah another shot at victory despite rival QB play from ambitious opponents and ambitious competitors he will give Utah another shot at winning its third straight title!

Cameron Rising || Utah Utes Quarterback || 2022 Junior Highlights

4) Jordan Travis, Florida State

Travis joined three Heisman Trophy winners (Charlie Ward in 1993, Chris Weinke in 2000 and Winston in 2013) in amassing at least 3,000 total yards and 30 total touchdowns last season at Florida State – Charlie Ward (1993), Chris Weinke (2000) and Winston (2013) as the only players to accomplish such a feat. Going into 2023, expectations are for even bigger things; Florida State expects its offensive line to improve and has nearly every significant contributor returning both at receiver and running back positions; when Travis first arrived – Florida State was below average along the offensive line and receiver; now these areas are considered strengths; so should Travis make this season particularly successful at Tallahassee!

Jordan Travis 🔥 Most Elite QB in College Football ᴴᴰ

3) Michael Pennix Jr. Washington

Penix seemed to have lost momentum before getting healthy and moving to Washington to reunite with head coach Kalen DeBoer – his 2019 offensive coordinator at Indiana. Reunited, it was as though they’d never parted. Starting for the first time for Washington he threw for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns, earning an 81.1 Total QBR ranking (13th). Penix displayed his strong, accurate arm and quick decision-making abilities as the Huskies made significant strides from going 7-9 over two seasons to an 11-2 finish-year campaign which included seven straight victories!

College Football’s Passing Leader 🔥 Michael Penix Jr 2022 Highlights

2) Drake Maye, North Carolina

He certainly will be in the conversation headed into the 2024 draft. But first, he has another season to polish his credentials and help the Tar Heels try to win an ACC title. This season comes with its fair share of questions. Longo left for Wisconsin, and new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey takes over. Maye was consulted on the new coordinator hire for obvious reasons, but there is no question there will be a bit of a learning curve in the new scheme. Maye also must break in a new group of receivers, with Josh Downs and Antoine Green off to the NFL. Despite those questions, Maye has proved himself to be an elite thrower and a student of the game, with an elite skill set that will once again put him in a position to turn heads and make plays

North Carolina QB Drake Maye 2022 Highlights ᴴᴰ

1) Caleb Williams, USC

Last year’s stats are difficult to match: Williams amassed 4,537 yards while throwing for 42 touchdown passes to five interceptions with an 87.6 quarterback rating; additionally, he ran 382 yards and ten touchdowns on his own to contribute an average of 3.7 per game if he repeats as Heisman winner; this would likely put USC near the top of polls — something dependent on their improved defense more so than Williams himself.

Caleb Williams 🔥 USC Highlights ᴴᴰ