ESPN predicts 2025 starting quarterback for every ACC team

While the ACC wasn’t necessarily the best conference in the country this season, it was loaded with quarterback talent. Evidently, fans shouldn’t expect 2025 to be any different.

On Tuesday, ESPN predicted the starting quarterback for every ACC team in the 2025 campaign. Moreover, the outlet revealed who will be the QB1’s competition for the coveted starting spot behind center.

With familiar favorites and fresh faces alike highlighting ESPN’s list, let’s dive into the predictions.

Boston College

Projected starter: Grayson James
Competition: Dylan Lonergan, Jacobe Robinson, Shaker Reisig

Grayson James returns as Boston College’s most experienced quarterback option, with four collegiate seasons under his belt. James started the final four games of the 2024 season after replacing Thomas Castellanos, who transferred to Florida State after the season.

California

Projected starter: Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele
Competition: CJ Harris, EJ Caminong

ESPN expects California to give freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele from Day 1. In fairness, Sagapolutele’s ceiling is high. He was a four-star prospect and the No. 7 QB in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Clemson

Projected starter: Cade Klubnik
Competition: Christopher Vizzina

There isn’t a question who will be starting for Clemson in the 2025 campaign. Cade Klubnik had a standout 2024 season, racking up 3,639 passing yards and 36 touchdowns while only throwing six interceptions. Next season, Klubnik will look to lead Clemson to its second-straight ACC title and, with luck, compete for the national title.

Duke

Projected starter: Darian Mensah
Competition: Henry Belin IV

After Maalik Murphy entered the transfer portal following the season, Duke was left without a clear QB1. Tulane transfer Darian Mensah fills that hole. Mensah was excellent for Tulane this past season, tallying 2,723 passing yards and 22 TDs compared to just six interceptions.

Florida State

Projected starter: Thomas Castellanos
Competition: Brock Glenn

After a tumultuous season behind center, Florida State is starting from scratch by bringing in Boston College transfer Thomas Castellanos. The dual-threat QB showed flashes of greatness at BC but struggled in new head coach Bill O’Brien‘s system. ESPN expects Castellanos to fit much better within FSU offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s game plans.

Georgia Tech

Projected starter: Haynes King
Competition: Aaron Philo

Haynes King is the face of Georgia Tech football and that isn’t changing next season. Throwing for over 2,000 yards and rushing for more than 500, King led the Yellow Jackets to standout wins over FSU, Miami and NC State this season.

Louisville

Projected starter: Miller Moss
Competition: None

Miller Moss is in the driver’s seat at Louisville in 2025 and the road is clear. After two Louisville quarterbacks entered the transfer portal this offseason, Moss is Louisville’s man. The former USC starter should feel confident. Few coaches have found more success with veteran QBs in the transfer portal than Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm.

Miami

Projected starter: Carson Beck
Competition: Emory Williams

Carson Beck sent shockwaves through the college football landscape last week when he committed to Miami via the NCAA Transfer Portal. Beck had an up-and-down season at Georgia but will be a spectacular replacement to Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward, who is entering the 2025 NFL Draft.

North Carolina

Projected starter: Jacolby Criswell
Competition: Max Johnson, Bryce Baker, Ryan Browne

North Carolina is entering a new era under head coach Bill Belichick. While that’s exciting, it also brings some uncertainty. For now, Jacolby Criswell seems to be the favorite to start next season. He started 10 games for the Tar Heels this season, recording 2,459 passing yards and 18 total TDs while committing 10 turnovers.

NC State

Projected starter: CJ Bailey
Competition: Lex Thomas

CJ Bailey took the reins in NC State’s offense last season Grayson McCall suffered a season-ending concussion. While it wasn’t always perfect, Bailey showed real promise, finishing the year with 2,413 passing yards, 279 rushing yards and 22 total TDs.

Pittsburgh

Projected starter: Eli Holstein
Competition: Julian Dugger

Eli Holstein transferred in to Pittsburgh from Alabama ahead of this past season. He lived up to his billing, completing 62% of his passes for 2,228 yards and 17 TDs. Although Holstein led the Panthers to a 7-0 start, the team lost their final six games of the season. Holstein and Co. will look to bounce back as they head into 2025.

SMU

Projected starter: Kevin Jennings
Competition: Tyler Van Dyke, Keldric Luster

After splitting snaps early in the season with Preston Stone, Kevin Jennings became SMU’s sole starting quarterback. The Mustangs never looked back, racing all the way to the program’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff. With Jennings back next season, SMU will look to stun the nation once again.

Stanford

Projected starter: Elijah Brown
Competition: Bear Bachmeier
In three appearances last season, Brown completed 58.3% of his passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns while throwing three interceptions. Now, Brown will be thrust into the spotlight with a program’s future on his shoulders. The Stanford faithful can only hope the redshirt freshman is ready.

Syracuse

Projected starter: Rickie Collins
Competition: Jakhari Williams
Rickie Collins transferred to Syracuse from LSU on Dec. 20. Collins only played 32 snaps in his two seasons with the Tigers. Now, the former-four star prospect will have a chance to prove himself in a budding Syracuse program. Collins has three years of eligibility remaining.

Virginia

Projected starter: Chandler Morris
Competition: Daniel Kaelin
The Cavaliers hit the portal hard this offseason, bringing in both North Texas‘ Chandler Morris and Nebraska‘s Daniel Kaelin. Right now, it seems like Kaelin will be stuck playing second fiddle again, as Morris boasts the advantage in experience and success. In his lone season at North Texas, Morris erupted for 3,774 passing yards and 31 touchdowns (sixth most nationally).

Virginia Tech

Projected starter: Kyron Drones
Competition: William Watson III
Kyron Drones and Virginia Tech are running it back next season. Whether or not that’s a good thing, only time will tell. Drones had a down season for the Hokies, recording just 10 passing scores compared to six picks. Nonetheless, Drones will look to redeem himself in 2025 and return the Hokies to winning territory.

Wake Forest

Projected starter: Robby Ashford
Competition: Jeremy Hecklinski, Tyler Mizzell, Steele Pizzella
Robby Ashford seems the most likely option to be Wake Forest’s starting quarterback in head coach Jake Dickert‘s first season at the helm of the program. With 10 starts at Auburn last season, Ashford has an experience advantage over the others in the QB room.