College football's most urgent QB battles in 2024 spring ball

The most impactful QB competitions across college football this spring as we look ahead to a historic 2024 season with an expanded playoff and realignment

James Parks | Mar 18, 2024

College football's most urgent QB battles in 2024 spring ball /

Across the country, spring practice is starting to kick off, leading into critical scrimmages in preparation of what will be a historic 2024 college football season, one defined by massive conference realignment and an expanded playoff system.

That makes it all the more important for college football's national title contenders to make the right decisions at the most important position earlier rather than later. And looking across the nation this spring, there are several crucial quarterback competitions that are yet to be decided before this fall's kickoff.

Arkansas

New offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino has some work to do reviving the Razorbacks' attack and chief among his concerns is finding the right quarterback. Jacolby Criswell, a transfer from UNC, and Taylen Green, a transfer from Boise State, will compete with freshman Malachi Singleton here.

Our pick: Taylen Green

Auburn

Payton Thorne, Auburn's starter last season, returns as the presumptive favorite, but his performance left much to be desired, throwing 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Walker White is a true freshman and former top 50 prospect who is in the mix alongside Holden Gernier and Hank Brown.

Our pick: Payton Thorne

North Carolina

The departure of Drake Maye leaves a huge decision for Mack Brown, but the transfer of Max Johnson should make things a lot easier for him. The former LSU and Texas A&M starter boasts almost 5,900 career passing yards and 47 touchdowns. But watch Conner Harrell, who started in the bowl game.

Our pick: Max Johnson

Nebraska

Heinrich Haarberg started eight games for the Cornhuskers a year ago, but the bombshell recruitment of five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola should upset the depth chart pretty definitively when fall comes around. Raiola has to prove he's able to handle the offense out of the gate.

Our pick: Dylan Raiola

South Carolina

On the surface, it would seem LaNorris Sellers should regain the QB1 role, coming in as a redshirt freshman who boasts a promising arm and credible mobility, albeit in a very limited showing. Robby Ashford will make the battle more interesting, as the dual-threat former Auburn starter comes over.

Our pick: Robby Ashford

Florida

Graham Mertz hit over 2,900 yards passing with 20 touchdowns and only three interceptions after his transfer from Wisconsin to the Gators a year ago. That should give him a major leg-up, but Florida is also keen on developing five-star QB recruit D.J. Lagway as soon as possible with pressure on Billy Napier.

Our pick: Graham Mertz

USC

USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss looks downfield to attempt a pass during a college football game. — USA Today Images

Lincoln Riley doesn't tend to struggle developing quarterbacks wherever he's coached, but the departure of Caleb Williams will test his experience. Miller Moss left a very good first impression in the Holiday Bowl win, throwing 6 touchdowns with 372 yards passing. But the Trojans will also take a close look at UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava this spring.

Our pick: Miller Moss

Michigan

J.J. McCarthy is out, along with a ton of other key Michigan talent from the national title run, leaving Sherrone Moore with transfer Jack Tuttle in a competition with freshman recruit Jadyn Davis and sophomores Jayden Denegal and Alex Orji, the latter of whom looks like a solid dual threat option after scoring three times on 21 carries.

Our pick: Alex Orji

Oregon

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel on a run during a college football game. — USA Today Images

You might not think there's much of a competition at Oregon given the arrival of veteran transfer Dillon Gabriel and his nearly 15,000 career passing yards, but the presence of 5-star transfer Dante Moore is notable. He has a real chance to make a good impression this spring.

Our pick: Dillon Gabriel

Ohio State

After the Buckeyes lost Kyle McCord to Syracuse, they went out and acquired Will Howard from Kansas State. He gives OSU the most experience by far, but two incoming five-stars can sweeten the pot this spring: recruit Air Noland and Alabama transfer Julian Sayin. Howard, a productive passer and scorer, is the likely favorite, but the more interesting dynamic is who wins out between Sayin and Noland for 2025.

Our pick: Will Howard

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Published Mar 18, 2024

JAMES PARKS

James Parks is the founder and publisher of College Football HQ. He previously covered football for 247Sports and CBS Interactive. College Football HQ joined the Sports Illustrated Fannation Network in 2022.