College football’s next wave of quarterback talent is ready to step into the spotlight. These signal-callers with limited starting experience could become household names by season’s end. On3 breakdowns 2025 top 10 new signal callers.
1. Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns
Manning showed flashes of brilliance in limited action last season, impressing with both his arm talent and surprising mobility. The 6-foot-4 sophomore’s running ability was so impressive that coach Steve Sarkisian designed specific packages for him late in the season. Now with the starting job secured, Manning faces immediate pressure with an opening game at Ohio State, but his pedigree and talent suggest he’s ready for the SEC spotlight.
2. Bryce Underwood, Michigan Wolverines
The five-star freshman wasn’t expected to start immediately, but an injury to transfer Mikey Keene accelerated his timeline. Underwood, who flipped from LSU to Michigan during recruitment, benefits from modest expectations and a strong supporting cast. With elite defense and running game support, Underwood only needs to elevate Michigan’s passing attack from subpar to average for the Wolverines to contend in the Big Ten.
3. Demond Williams Jr., Washington Huskies
Williams impressed in two starts last season, completing 83% of his passes while averaging 11.1 yards per attempt with five touchdowns. The 5-foot-11 sophomore followed coach Jedd Fisch from Arizona to Washington and brings dynamic playmaking ability to the Huskies’ offense as they navigate their first Big Ten season.
4. Gunner Stockton, Georgia Bulldogs
After three seasons waiting behind Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck, Stockton’s time has arrived. He stepped in during the SEC championship against Texas last season when Beck was injured and has the inside track on the starting job. Georgia’s decision not to pursue a transfer portal quarterback signals their confidence in Stockton’s readiness to lead the Bulldogs.
5. C.J. Carr, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr brings a stronger arm than last year’s starter Riley Leonard. While coach Marcus Freeman hasn’t officially named him the starter, Carr is expected to win the job and benefit from protection by one of the nation’s best offensive lines as Notre Dame aims for ACC contention.
6. Austin Simmons, Ole Miss Rebels
Simmons showed poise when thrust into action against Georgia last season, calmly leading the Rebels on a scoring drive. The 6-foot-4 lefty has impressed coach Lane Kiffin enough to earn the starting role and could emerge as one of the best quarterbacks from the 2023 recruiting class after a full season.
7. Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes
The former Alabama signee who reopened his recruitment after Nick Saban’s retirement is the presumed starter for the Buckeyes. Sayin outperformed his competition in Ohio State’s spring game and has the talent to thrive in Ryan Day’s quarterback-friendly system.
8. Jake Merklinger, Tennessee Volunteers
With Nico Iamaleava’s surprise transfer to UCLA, Merklinger finds himself competing for the starting job earlier than expected. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound quarterback from Savannah, Georgia brings the most experience in Tennessee’s offensive system.
9. Beau Pribula, Missouri Tigers
After spending three seasons at Penn State, Pribula transferred to Missouri when Drew Allar decided to return. We’ve seen glimpses of Pribula’s athleticism in running packages and when he replaced an injured Allar against Wisconsin last season. Now he’ll get to showcase his full skill set for the Tigers.
10. Mark Gronowski, Iowa Hawkeyes
The South Dakota State transfer brings winning experience as a two-time FCS national championship MVP. Gronowski could transform the Hawkeyes into legitimate playoff contenders by providing above-average quarterback play to complement Iowa’s traditionally strong defense and special teams.
