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College football's breakout QBs: Which former five-stars and hidden gems will shine in 2024?

·3 mins

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After five standout quarterbacks were selected in the first round of this spring’s NFL Draft, it may feel like this college football season’s run-up has been a little light on QB star power. But beyond the top tier of quarterbacks, there are several quarterbacks getting their first full season of national spotlight who could become even more entrenched household names by November.

Below, there are some possible breakout passers entering their first season as a Week 1 FBS starter to familiarize yourself with before the season kicks off.

Bowl season standouts:

  • Quarterback for Tennessee, generated a ton of headlines before seeing college action for the NIL deal he agreed to as a recruit. He received his first career start in the Citrus Bowl against a stout Iowa defense, passing for 151 yards and accounting for four total touchdowns.
  • Quarterback for Kansas State, appeared in eight games as a true freshman. He started two games and had a standout performance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, throwing for 178 yards and running for another 71 yards and a score.
  • Quarterback for LSU, stepped in for Jayden Daniels in the 2022 SEC title game and the ReliaQuest Bowl. He led the Tigers to rally from a 14-point second-half deficit, including a game-winning 98-yard drive.
  • Quarterback for USC, had played sparingly until starting the bowl game last year against Louisville, where he threw for 372 yards and six touchdowns.

Blue-chip recruits on the big stage:

  • Quarterback for Nebraska, a five-star prospect in the 2024 class, will be expected to take charge immediately and lift the offense’s ceiling in Matt Rhule’s second season.
  • Quarterback for Kentucky, never really got his shot at Georgia and has a fresh start at Kentucky. The Wildcats will need him to showcase his talent to fill the void left by a broken transfer running back.
  • Quarterback for Oklahoma, got one start as a true freshman and showed promise despite throwing three interceptions. He is known for his accuracy and seems to have a quiet confidence about him.
  • Quarterback for Michigan State, provided a boost to the team after a promising introduction to college football last season as DJ Uiagalelei’s backup. Optimism surrounds his performance in preseason camp.

Wild Cards:

  • Quarterback for Minnesota, led the FCS in passing yards, passing yards per game, and total offense last year. He provides the Gophers with a strong quarterback option.
  • Quarterback for Oklahoma State, a redshirt freshman who brings a strong arm and a high ceiling. There is growing support for him if the current starter struggles.

These quarterbacks have the potential to make a significant impact and emerge as household names in college football this season.