USA Today releases Top 25 QB rankings ahead of 2025 college football season

USA Today released its Top 25 QB rankings ahead of the 2025 college football season and there are a lot of familiar names across the list. But, there’s also room for plenty of debate.

These quarterbacks could make or break their team’s College Football Playoff hopes when it’s all said and done. Plus, there are plenty of names on this list that could certainly rise up throughout the course of the season.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 25 QBs in college football. We’ll head to the ACC for this year’s top signal caller.

1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Klubnik took a step forward last season and finally had that breakout season Clemson fans were waiting for. As we get closer to the season, Klubnik tops most QB rankings and he does so here.

He’ll be the biggest key for the Tigers’ pursuit for another ACC title and a national championship. Following last season, it seems like Clemson is back in pursuit of college football’s biggest prize due to their quarterback at the controls.

2. Drew Allar, Penn State

Allar had NFL-ready stuff even last season, but opted to return to Penn State. The Nittany Lions’ QB has a loaded team around him that could win a national title.

Allar upped his completion percentage and seems to be more dialed in year to year. It helps that his physical stature looks like the best among college quarterbacks this year and should be a first round pick at this point.

3. Arch Manning, Texas

Manning is the most unproven, one would think, within the top 10 QB rankings. What is interesting, we’ve seen some peak Manning and how good he could be.

Now the full-time starter, all eyes will be on the Texas quarterback. He can sling it, he can run and he can lead. Now, will he put it all together to help the Longhorns’ national title pursuit?

4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Nussmeier is one of these quarterbacks that’s a popular pick for Heisman this season. The LSU QB stepped in quite nicely for Jayen Daniels last season.

Now, if the Tigers are to get to the College Football Playoff, it’ll be on the back of Nussmeier. Already established, “Nuss” certainly belongs high up on the list.

5. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State

Leavitt broke out on a bigger stage last season as a QB. Arizona State was picked to finish last in the Big 12, but ended up winning the conference and made the College Football Playoff.

It helped that Leavitt, in his first year as the starter, threw for almost 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns compared to just six picks. He’ll take on more as a junior in 2025, but he looks like the real deal.

6. John Mateer, Oklahoma

Mateer was the Washington State QB and lit the world on fire last season. Now, he’ll have a chance to do so in the SEC with the Sooners.

Oklahoma has a lot of pressure to have a good season and Mateer could help the process. The dual threat quarterback could prove to be one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the conference and nationwide.

7. DJ Lagway, Florida

Lagway is a case of a lot of potential that could absolutely pop. He showed flashes as a freshman QB for the Gators last season.

As long as he stays healthy, Florida should be solid. But there’s still some questions in regards to his next step in development and if the Gators can put it all together.

8. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Sellers is another case of a QB who is very exciting and could win a game by himself. But, will that wear the QB thin?

South Carolina could be in the wins range of eight to 10 this season due to Sellers’ dual threat capabilities. As of now, USA Today has him in the top 10.

9. Carson Beck, Miami

Beck steps in for No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward at QB. Of course, Beck had an established career at Georgia, but struggles and injuries put a damper on his final season with the Bulldogs.

Still, he can throw for a lot of yards and has a lot of game experience that Miami certainly needed going into 2025. As long as he cuts down on the interceptions, the Hurricanes should get plenty of production from the most important position.

10. Kevin Jennings, SMU

Jennings was a stud last year, helping SMU to the ACC title game and the College Football Playoff. Going into Year 4 at SMU, the Mustangs’ QB proved he could sling it.

He had a solid completion percentage, but like Beck, needs to cut down on the turnovers. He had 11 interceptions last season but should be solid enough to keep SMU in the playoff running again.

USA Today’s Top 25 QB rankings

11. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
12. Josh Hoover, TCU
13. Luke Altmyer, Illinois
14. Haynes King, Georgia Tech
15. Rocco Becht, Iowa State
16. Nico Iamaleava, UCLA
17. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
18. Darian Mensah, Duke
19. Dante Moore, Oregon
20. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
21. Blake Horvath, Navy
22. Avery Johnson, Kansas State
23. Miller Moss, Louisville
24. Julian Sayin, Ohio State
25. Behren Morton, Texas Tech