Everyone knows how important the quarterback position is. Not only is it the most important position in football, but arguably the most important in all of sports. When it comes to understanding the hierarchy of college football heading into the 2025 season, the talent under center will go a long way to figuring it all out.

With roster losses this offseason, there are going to be several prominent programs that will be breaking in new quarterbacks this fall. There are some key position battles on the horizon, and a lot of talented options who are ready to fight for a starting spot. Here are some of the key competitions to watch.

Notre Dame: CJ Carr, Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey

With Riley Leonard off to the NFL, Notre Dame will be holding a competition between three talented quarterbacks who have started a grand total of one game in their careers so far. Angeli has the inside track when it comes to experience, but many believe that Carr or Minchey will eventually win out based on talent. Does head coach Marcus Freeman opt for the floor or the ceiling? It’ll be fascinating to watch.

Alabama: Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, Keelon Russell

This may be the most wide open competition of the group, and who knows how it will play out. Simpson has been with the program the longest, but has never made much of a push for playing time. Mack possesses the bigger frame and arm strength, and also came with head coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington. Russell is the most talented player of the group, but he is just a true freshman. This one could go either way, and it wouldn’t be overly shocking.

Ohio State: Julian Sayin, Tavien St. Clair, Lincoln Kienholz

It appears that many have kind of just penciled in Sayin as the starter, but having someone like St. Clair coming in can make things interesting. Both are talented, but funny enough, St. Clair actually has the physical profile that appears more ready to play early. Sayin will have the inside track, but nothing will be promised early. He will have to hold off an extremely talented true freshman.

Michigan: Mikey Keene, Bryce Underwood, Davis Warren

The ideal scenario appears to be for Keene to start a portion of the 2025 season, but eventually make way for Underwood, who is one of the highest rated high school quarterback recruits ever. It’s possible that plan plays out, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Underwood make his mark early. He might just be too good not to play. His combination of athleticism, arm talent, and frame is an impressive baseline to work with.

Colorado: Kaidon Salter, Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis

Most expect Salter to be the unquestioned starter heading into the 2025 season to replace Shedeur Sanders, but you can’t count out Lewis. Salter has thrown for 5,889 and scored 77 total touchdowns his last three seasons for Liberty. That experience should go a long way, but Lewis is one of the more highly decorated quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, and has enrolled early. He won’t go down without a fight. 

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