With the college football season rapidly approaching, experts are eagerly predicting the best performers in the upcoming campaign. The 2024 season promises to be exceptional, featuring major changes such as a 12-team College Football Playoff and the addition of new teams to conferences. Among the most anticipated aspects of the season is the quarterback play, and here are the top five quarterbacks to watch, according to FOX Sports experts Michael Cohen and RJ Young.
Georgia's Carson Beck burst onto the scene in 2023 as a first-year starter, leading the SEC and ranking third nationally in passing yards with 3,941. His impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 28 to 6 and his remarkable ability to minimize turnover-worthy plays have made him a Heisman Trophy favorite. Beck's contributions have propelled Georgia to the No. 1 preseason ranking in both polls.
Dillon Gabriel's career stats are remarkable, with the Oregon quarterback leading the nation in career starts (49), wins (33), passing yards (14,865), and passing touchdowns (125). After standout performances for UCF and Oklahoma, Gabriel now joins Oregon's high-powered offense, which should provide him with an ideal environment to continue his impressive production.
Shedeur Sanders' remarkable performance in 2023 under pressure distinguishes him among Power 5 quarterbacks. Despite playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in college football, Sanders' exceptional individual ability allowed him to break a school record by throwing for 3,230 yards. His accuracy and resilience amidst adversity make him a player to watch in 2024.
Quinn Ewers, the former No. 1 overall prospect in the 2021 recruiting cycle, had his best season in 2023, leading the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff. Ewers' impressive passing yards (3,479), high touchdown count (27 total), and All-Big 12 recognition indicate his potential to be one of the most productive signal-callers in the country in 2024.
Jaxson Dart's versatility as a dual threat makes him a dangerous weapon for Ole Miss. In 2023, he accounted for at least 30 touchdowns while committing just five turnovers. His ability to contribute both through the air (3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns) and on the ground (391 rushing yards, eight scores) makes him a force to be reckoned with. Transfer portal reinforcements should keep Ole Miss competitive in 2024.
RJ Young's list also features Quinn Ewers at the top, but his other rankings differ slightly:
Ewers' impressive 2023 season, including a Texas conference title and CFP appearance, highlights his potential.
Beck's completion percentage and touchdown-to-pick ratio are commendable, and his deep pool of supporting quarterbacks adds to his value.
Gabriel's potential to shatter the NCAA passing record at Oregon makes him a thrilling player to watch in 2024.
Dart's consistent high performance and the expectations surrounding Ole Miss make him a quarterback to keep an eye on.
Cam Ward's three consecutive seasons with at least 3,000 passing yards and his status as the top available quarterback in the transfer portal make him a valuable addition to Miami.
