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The 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and while it wasn't the deepest class for quarterbacks, the event still caused major ripple effects across college football.
With 14 starters moving on to the professional level, new faces - some familiar, others brand new - are set to step into the spotlight. Programs from Texas to Oregon are handing the keys to a new generation of ers, and the stakes could not be higher.
As top talents like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders embark on their professional journeys, it's time to meet the quarterbacks poised to replace them - and potentially reshape the college football landscape in the process.
New leaders emerge across college football
At Miami, former Georgia standout Carson Beck will aim to reignite his career after an injury-plagued 2024 season.
Beck, once considered a Heisman contender, transferred to the Hurricanes and will now look to follow in the footsteps of Cam Ward, who went first overall to the Tennessee Titans.
Ward's success story after transferring to Miami set the bar, and Beck's high-powered arm gives him a shot at doing the same.
Ole Miss won't be turning to the transfer portal for once, instead leaning on Austin Simmons to succeed Jaxson Dart (now a New York Giant). Simmons' brief 2024 appearances flashed plenty of promise, especially during a gutsy performance against Georgia.
Meanwhile, at Louisville, Miller Moss - formerly of USC - is hoping to jumpstart his career after being benched last year. He'll be tasked with following Tyler Shough, who revitalized his draft stock in 2024.
Alabama faces a true quarterback competition. Ty Simpson is the frontrunner to replace Jalen Milroe, but Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell are pushing hard. Head coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized the need for stability this fall, preferring to name one clear starter by Week 1.
Oregon is banking on a huge leap from Dante Moore, the former five-star recruit who transferred from UCLA after a rocky freshman season. He'll step into the shoes of Dillon Gabriel, who's now with the Cleveland Browns.
At Colorado, Deion Sanders acted quickly after his son, Shedeur, was drafted by Cleveland. The Buffaloes landed Kaidon Salter, the former Liberty star and Conference USA MVP, who brings a dynamic dual-threat element missing from the Buffaloes' offense the past two seasons.
Syracuse added Steve Angeli, the former Notre Dame backup, to battle Rickie Collins for the starting role left open by Kyle McCord. Early signs suggest Angeli could have the edge thanks to his game experience.
Ohio State enters the post-Will Howard era with a fierce competition between Julian Sayin, a former Alabama five-star recruit, and Lincoln Kienholz. Ryan Day said the battle remains "pretty much neck-and-neck."
Over at Notre Dame, it's likely freshman CJ Carr - grandson of coaching legend Lloyd Carr - will be the next man up after Riley Leonard's move to the NFL. Although Carr has no college starts yet, the coaching staff remains high on his potential.
Florida's quarterback of the future, DJ Lagway, already took over in 2024 and showed flashes of brilliance. With Graham Mertz graduating and heading to the Texans, Lagway is fully entrenched as the Gators' starter - provided he stays healthy after offseason shoulder concerns.
At the FCS level, Montana State will look to dual-threat athlete Justin Lamson to replace standout quarterback Tommy Mellott. North Dakota State hands the reins to veteran Cole Payton, known for his powerful rushing abilities.
Indiana hopes former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza can seamlessly replace Kurtis Rourke, while at Texas, all eyes will be on Arch Manning, who inherits the Longhorns' offense now that Quinn Ewers is off to the Miami Dolphins.
Programs and Quarterbacks to Watch in 2025
- Miami: Carson Beck replacing Cam Ward
- Ole Miss: Austin Simmons replacing Jaxson Dart
- Louisville: Miller Moss replacing Tyler Shough
- Alabama: Ty Simpson (likely) replacing Jalen Milroe
- Oregon: Dante Moore replacing Dillon Gabriel
- Colorado: Kaidon Salter replacing Shedeur Sanders
- Syracuse: Steve Angeli replacing Kyle McCord
- Ohio State: Julian Sayin (favored) replacing Will Howard
- Notre Dame: CJ Carr replacing Riley Leonard
- Florida: DJ Lagway replacing Graham Mertz
- Montana State: Justin Lamson replacing Tommy Mellott
- North Dakota State: Cole Payton replacing Cam Miller
- Indiana: Fernando Mendoza replacing Kurtis Rourke
- Texas: Arch Manning replacing Quinn Ewers