Stat predictions for Arch Manning, CJ Carr, Bryce Underwood, Julian Sayin, and other first-year CFB starting quarterbacks
Predicting the stats for first-time starting quarterbacks in CFB
We are just a couple of days until the 2025 college football season officially kicks off. There is excitement all across the country, excitement for what the season could bring, and what their respective programs can accomplish. That is especially true at the quarterback position, where a new set of younger signal callers is set to showcase their talents.
Across some of the top programs in college football, they are set to break in a new quarterback. There are reasons to be optimistic with each new signal caller, but there are also questions about just how good each will be. Here are my stat predictions for each, to help put some context for how high expectations should be.
Arch Manning (Texas)
The expectations for Manning are at an unrealistic level heading into the 2025 college football season. While it will be difficult for the 6-4, 220-pound passer to meet those expectations, I still expect him to put up some great numbers. Manning paired with head coach Steve Sarkisian should be a dynamic duo.
Stat Prediction: 4,100 YDS (67%) – 35 TD – 8 INT – 350 YDS rushing (3.8 YPC) – 7 TD
CJ Carr (Notre Dame)
It was just announced that Carr managed to beat out redshirt sophomore Kenny Minchey for the starting quarterback position. His passing upside should flash early, and the Irish should be able to make some big plays. With Carr having zero career pass attempts heading into the season, you should expect some mistakes, but those big plays will make up for it.
Stat Prediction: 3,450 YDS (64%) – 25 TD – 11 INT – 75 YDS rushing (1.2 YPC) – 1 TD
Bryce Underwood (Michigan)
Underwood hasn’t been announced as the starter for the Wolverines yet, but that feels like where things are trending with Mikey Keene having been banged up most of the off-season. With a less than stellar Michigan wide receiver room, Underwood is going to have to make something out of nothing a decent amount of the time. You will still see flashes of high end upside.
Stat Prediction: 2,900 YDS (59%) – 19 TD – 11 INT – 450 YDS rushing (4.8 YPC) – 6 TD
Julian Sayin (Ohio State)
Like many expected, Sayin was just announced as the starting quarterback for Ohio State heading into the 2025 season. The former five-star signal caller is going to have a lot of help in the passing game, including Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and tight end Max Klare. It won’t be perfect with his limited experience, but Sayin should show a lot of promise this fall.
Stat Prediction: 3,550 YDS (64%) – 26 TD – 9 INT – 350 YDS rushing (3.7 YPC) – 4 TD
DJ Lagway (Florida)
There is no questioning the overall talent that Lagway brings to the table, and we saw it in his opportunities last season. The major talking point is going to center around his overall health, and ability to stay on the field. If he can, he is going to make a lot of plays for the Gators.
Stat Prediction: 2,700 YDS (65%) – 24 TD – 9 INT – 300 YDS rushing (3.1 YPC) – 5 TD
Gunner Stockton (Georgia)
Labeled as a “grinder”, Stockton is not going to most likely put up gaudy passing statistics. It will be better, however, than some believe. Stockton is also a strong athlete, so expect him to have some flashes in the run game. The latter will be important for Georgia to earn back their reputation as a physical running offense.
Stat Prediction: 2,900 YDS (63%) – 23 TD – 9 INT – 400 YDS rushing (3.8 YPC) – 5 TD
Ty Simpson (Alabama)
It has been a wild beginning to Simpson’s career in Tuscaloosa. Once considered a borderline top-50 recruit back in the 2022 class, Simpson has been passed over a couple of times, and had to patiently wait his turn. While he will surely have some production under head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, it does feel like Simpson will aim more for stability than big time play.
Stat Prediction: 3,000 YDS (68%) – 21 TD – 7 INT – 300 YDS rushing (3.7 YPC) – 5 TD
Austin Simmons (Ole Miss)
Replacing a quarterback like Jaxson Dart isn’t going to be easy, but Simmons is carrying some high expectations heading into the 2025 season. At 6-4 and 215 pounds, he has some outrageous physical gifts. It won’t always be perfect, but the 19-year old should be able to make a lot of big plays.
Stat Prediction: 3,850 YDS (61%) – 32 TD – 12 INT – 250 YDS rushing (3.2 YPC) – 4 TD
Bear Bachmeier (BYU)
Bachmeier originally signed with Stanford, but transferred to BYU after head coach Troy Taylor was terminated. The 6-2, 220-pound passer is a talented dual threat signal caller, who should bring some impressive running ability to the table. That should help with the steep freshman transition.
Stat Prediction: 2,700 YDS (61%) – 18 TD – 8 INT – 500 YDS rushing (4.5 YPC) – 6 TD
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