With Deshaun Watson, Chad Kelly, Mitchell Trubisky, and Patrick Mahomes graduated to the NFL, it’s time to take a look at the top returning signal callers for the 2017 college football season.
10. Trace McSorley, Penn State
McSorley was a nice surprise for Nittany Lions fans. After Christian Hackenberg left the fans disappointed, McSorley took the helm and led Penn State to their first Big Ten Championship since 2008. McSorley can throw the deep ball and move around well. He accounted for four touchdowns in each of his last three games. With an improved O-line and a Heisman candidate running back in Saquon Barkley, McSorley should put up huge numbers this season.
9. Luke Falk, Washington State
It’s hard not to include a guy who has thrown for 9,034 yards in two seasons. Falk benefits from Mike Leach’s Air Raid system, but he is a pro-style quarterback. Falk has a quick release, can sling the ball, and can move around a bit, too. If Leach can find some guys to replace Gabe Marks and River Cracraft then Falk may be able to eclipse the 5,000-yard mark this season.
8. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
Rudolph is in for a huge season. He has a cannon attached to his shoulder and his prime receiving target back in James Washington. In three seasons, Rudolph has a 62.3 completion percentage and 8,714 passing yards for 55 touchdowns with 9.1 yards per attempt. Rudolph should go into the 2018 draft as the strongest arm available and may have the Cowboys in the College Football Playoff picture after a thriller in Stillwater.
7. Jake Browning, Washington
2016 went about as well for Browning as most thought it would, if not better. Browning tossed 43 touchdowns last season with 3,430 yards in the air. He may have lost burner John Ross, but he keeps a dynamic duo in the backfield between Myles Gaskin and Lavon Coleman, as well as another speedy receiver in Dante Pettis. Browning sustained a shoulder injury in the College Football Playoff game, but if all heals well, the Huskies should be back in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
6. J.T. Barrett, Ohio State
Barrett has a complex narrative. From the backup, to starter, to injured, to backup, and back to the starter. Barrett is a touchdown machine and has shown that by setting the career and single-season marks in passing touchdowns. He is electric with his legs and is on track to set the all-time passing record for the Buckeyes. With the NFL on the horizon, Barrett is going to try to earn as much money as he can. He could be higher on this list at the end of the year if he can find his 2014 arm.
5. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
Mayfield has shown that he can put up the stats of the best, and his stats say that he only gets better and better as time goes on. However, it will be difficult this season as Oklahoma has lost a lot of firepower, and perhaps the largest hindrance is Bob Stoops’ unexpected retirement. Lincoln Riley will rely heavily on Baker Mayfield this season, and that could spell Heisman contention for him should he rise to the occasion.
4. Sam Darnold, USC
One of the biggest turnarounds last season was when Sam Darnold stepped onto the field for the Trojans. A team that started 1-3 finished with nine straight wins due to a change at the quarterback position. Darnold was the most talked about quarterback at a draft he was not eligible for and with his arm, his best days are ahead of him. Look for Darnold to declare for the draft at the end of this season.
3. Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State
Nick Fitzgerald was an absolute nightmare at the close of the season in 2016. Fitzgerald consistently puts up 20+ fantasy games and has the ability to go for 50+ with his skill set. Whether he throws the ball or runs it in, Fitzgerald will find the end zone and with an increased importance this season, he may top his 37 total touchdowns from last season. Mississippi State has shown that they will put their best player to work and Fitzgerald is that guy this season.
2. Quinton Flowers, South Florida
Flowers has it all: He can run, he can throw, and he can throw on the run, which makes him the most entertaining Group of Five quarterback to watch. Flowers completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 2,812 yards and 24 touchdowns with seven interceptions, while running for 1,530 yards and 18 touchdowns. With Charlie Strong taking over as the coach, many are saying this USF team could be playing on New Years this season behind Flowers.
1. Lamar Jackson, Louisville
Just like Jake Browning, a year ago Lamar Jackson was on everyone’s radar for a breakout season. A Heisman Trophy later and Jackson is an elite fantasy signal caller. Jackson had issues in the home stretch last season and needs to develop more as a passer, but there is no doubt what he can do with his legs. Jackson’s athleticism is unquestioned, and if he can improve his accuracy, he can become more dominant.