Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Big Ten conference logo is seen before a game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The Big 10 Championship trophy after the Michigan Wolverines won the Big Ten Championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Predicting starting quarterbacks for the 2025 college football season is always a fluid situation with transfers, injuries, and developing talent. However, based on current projections and spring practice buzz, here’s a probable ranking of Big 10 starting QBs. If you’d like to see EasySportz’ ranking of SEC QBs, click here.
Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs the ball in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
#1 Drew Allar (Penn State), with significant starting experience and a strong arm, is often considered one of the top returning QBs in the Big Ten. He’s shown flashes of brilliance and will be expected to lead a potent Penn State offense.
Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws a pass during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Stadium.
#2 Julian Sayin (Ohio State). While a redshirt freshman with limited game experience, Sayin is a highly touted five-star talent who transferred from Alabama. He’s in a prime position with Ohio State’s elite receiving corps and offensive system to have a breakout year.
Fighting Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws out a pass as the Fighting Ducks face off against Mighty Oregon in the Oregon Ducks spring game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
#3 Dante Moore (Oregon), a former five-star recruit, transferred to Oregon after a freshman year at UCLA. He’s now in an explosive Oregon offense under Dan Lanning and has the potential to thrive.
Dec 28, 2024; Bronx, NY, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
#4 Dylan Raiola (Nebraska), another highly-touted freshman, was thrust into the starting role early. While he had typical freshman struggles, his undeniable talent and the support of the coaching staff suggest a significant jump in his second year.
Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
#5 Luke Altmyer (Illinois), who has two years of starting experience at Illinois and is coming off his best campaign. He’s a consistent and accurate passer who can lead a successful offense.
Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In Lincoln Riley’s offense, quarterbacks tend to flourish, and #6Jayden Maiava (USC) has shown flashes of his capabilities. He’ll look to improve his efficiency in 2025.
Team Blue quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) makes a pass against Team Maize during the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
#7 Bryce Underwood (Michigan), the top quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, will compete for the starting job at Michigan. While he’s a true freshman, his immense talent could lead to an early impact.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass during spring football practice on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
#8 Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) was a highly-regarded transfer who landed at Indiana. He has good passing numbers from his previous stop and could excel in Indiana’s offense.
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) stands at the line of scrimmage before a play agianst Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.
While his time at Tennessee had mixed results, #9 Nico Iamaleava (UCLA) is a talented player. His performance in the Big Ten will be a key storyline for UCLA.
Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles throws the ball against Rutgers during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
#10 Aidan Chiles (Michigan State) showed potential in his first year but will look to cut down on mistakes. A second year in Jonathan Smith’s system could lead to improved play.
Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half of the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
#11 Athan Kaliakmanis (Rutgers), had a solid, if not spectacular, first season at Rutgers. He provides stability for the Scarlet Knights.
Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) is shown during spring football practice Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
#12 Billy Edwards Jr. (Wisconsin) transferred to Wisconsin from Maryland and brings Big Ten experience. He’ll be leading a new-look Wisconsin offense.
Apr 26, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski (11) throws during a spring NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress-The Des Moines Register
A high-profile transfer from South Dakota State, #13 Mark Gronowski (Iowa) was a successful FCS quarterback. How his game translates to the Big Ten will be closely watched.
Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. (2) throws the ball during the 91st Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game against Louisville on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas.
#14 Demond Williams Jr. (Washington) showed promise late in the season for Washington and could be a breakout candidate in 2025.
Sep 17, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Justyn Martin (6) warms up before the game against the South Alabama Jaguars at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
#15 Justyn Martin (Maryland) transferred from UCLA and will be in a battle for the starting job at Maryland.
Sep 14, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (3) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
#16 Drake Lindsey (Minnesota) will have big shoes to fill after the departure of Max Brosmer and will need to replicate that production for Minnesota to remain competitive. Purdue is undergoing a significant rebuild, and
Purdue Boilermakers quarterback EJ Colson (2) and Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Malachi Singleton (3) run a drill Tuesday, April 1, 2025, during football practice at Kozuch Football Performance Complex in West Lafayette, Ind.
#17 Malachi Singleton (Purdue) is among those battling for the starting QB spot.
Nov 30, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Preston Stone (2) passes for a touchdown to wide receiver Key’Shawn Smith (not pictured) during the second half against the California Golden Bears at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
#18 Preston Stone (Northwestern) is an experienced transfer who will look to make an impact at Northwestern.
It’s important to remember that these rankings are based on current information and can change drastically before and during the season. Quarterback play is often the biggest determinant of a team’s success in college football.
Ranking the Big 10 Quarterbacks