A new arms race
UF’s Richardson, FSU’s Travis among top quarterbacks to watch this season
The transfer market has changed the dynamic at quarterback among some of the top teams in the country. Here are 15 quarterbacks to keep an eye on this upcoming college football season.
Stetson Bennett, Georgia: Bennett has spent much of his college career fighting the perception he wasn’t good enough to lead Georgia, only to guide the Bulldogs to their first national championship since 1980. His decision to return for another season could pay off as Kirby Smart and Co. try to make it back-to-back titles.
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss: After watching Matt Corral put together a record-setting career, Ole Miss turns to USC transfer Jaxson Dart to guide the explosive Rebels offense. Dart showed potential as a true freshman last season with the Trojans and could develop into an elite passer under coach Lane Kiffin.
Quinn Ewers, Texas: The hopes of resurrecting a struggling program rest on the shoulders of Ewers, who last took significant snaps in 2020 while leading Southlake Carroll to a Texas state championship. A dualthreat at quarterback, Ewers has all the tools to be successful for the Longhorns.
Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma: Gabriel reunites with former UCF quarterbacks coach Jeff Lebby after three seasons with the Knights. Under Lebby’s guidance, the left-hander passed for 3,653 yards with 29 touchdowns in 2019. He missed 10 games last season before transferring.
Hendon Hooker, Tennessee: Hooker is coming off a career season under first-year coach Jeff Heupel, one in which he passed for 2,945 yards and 31 touchdowns while guiding Tennessee to its first bowl appearance since 2019. Using his additional year of eligibility should help him thrive in Year 2 with the Volunteers.
Max Johnson, Texas A&M: The junior transfer is the favorite to win the starting nod after a stellar season at LSU, where he finished with 2,815 passing yards with 27 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Johnson’s presence is a massive plus for Texas A&M, which faces a mountain of expectations in 2022.
Bo Nix, Oregon: A three-year starter at Auburn, Nix decided to reboot his career by reuniting with former Tigers offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham at Oregon. The senior transfer brings toughness and a sharp mind that should help the Ducks under first-year coach Dan Lanning.
Anthony Richardson, Florida: Armed with high expectations, Richardson is the favorite to guide the Gators’ offense. The Gainesville native showed promise, displaying a strong arm and explosive mobility while combining for 930 yards of total offense last season while sharing the duties with Emory Jones.
Kedon Slovis, Pittsburgh: Slovis made a move to Pittsburgh after three seasons at USC, where he passed for 7,576 yards with 58 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He joins the Panthers fresh off their best season since 1981, featuring a top 10 passing offense led by quarterback Kenny Pickett.
C.J. Stroud, Ohio State: Stroud, a Heisman Trophy finalist as a freshman after passing for a Big Ten-best 4,435 yards with 44 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, helped Ohio State finish tops in the nation in scoring offense (45.7 points per game) and total offense (561 yards).
Jordan Travis, Florida State: Travis is looking forward to an entire season as the Seminoles’ starting quarterback after injuries derailed his progress the last two seasons. The dualthreat quarterback is coming off his best season, setting career highs in passing (1,539 yards) and total offense (2,069) while leading FSU to a 5-3 record.
D.J. Uiagalelei, Clemson: Few quarterbacks have fallen so fast as Uiagalelei, who went from heir apparent to Trevor Lawrence to fighting for his job in spring camp. A rough sophomore campaign has some wondering how short of a leash coach Dabo Swinney will have if Uiagalelei struggles early on.
Tyler Van Dyke, Miami: Van Dyke, who took over for an injured D’Eriq King, aims to capitalize on a breakout freshman campaign that led to ACC Rookie of the Year honors after throwing for 2,931 yards and 25 touchdowns passes while leading the Hurricanes to six wins in the final nine games.
Caleb Williams, USC: One of the
most sought-after transfers this offseason, Williams followed his former coach Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma to USC. He stepped into the starting role midway through a breakout freshman season, finishing with a freshman record of 1,912 passing yards with 21 touchdowns.
Bryce Young, Alabama: Young hopes to become just the second player to win the Heisman Trophy twice and in back-toback seasons since former Ohio State running back Archie Griffin (1974-75). The junior is coming off a record-setting season in which he passed for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns while leading the Crimson Tide to the national championship game.