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Arch Manning continues to attract early attention as one of the college football prospects to watch ahead of the 2025 season.
His football pedigree and physical and mental abilities make the 21-year-old Texas Longhorns player a great option. After Quinn Ewers declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, Manning brought more dynamic attacks to the team with his agility and speed. During the 2024 season, he played 10 games, two as a starter, and threw for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and only two interceptions.
However, five other quarterbacks could steal the spotlight.
Garrett Nussmeier
Coming from the LSU Tigers and son of former NFL player and coach Doug Nussmeier, the 23-year-old has put up some impressive numbers.
His 6'2" frame and 201 pounds allow him to move with confidence, and he racked up 4,052 ing yards, 12 interceptions, and 29 touchdown es last year. However, he will need to work on his athleticism and minimize the 15 turnovers he accumulated last season, which he could achieve as LSU has strengthened its receiving corps.
John Mateer
His previous season with 3,139 ing yards backs him up as one of the candidates to steal the spotlight.
A talented, athletic, and effective er, he was the only player to average at least 250 ing yards and 50 rushing yards. Excluding sacks, Mateer would have sured 1,000 rushing yards.
After entering the transfer portal on December 18, 2024, Mateer announced that he would play for the Oklahoma Sooners. Now he will have to prove what he is made of, and he will have the opportunity to do so when they host Michigan in Week 2.
Drew Allar
The 21-year-old from the Penn State Nittany Lions could shine after a promising 2024. He has proven that he can run, that he is astute in his decision-making and very skilled, but he will need to increase the effort of his wide receivers, as they did not make a single reception in a CFP game last season.
With 3,327 ing yards and 24 touchdown es, he could quickly stand out this season.
Sam Leavitt
At just 20 years old, the Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback had a breakout season in 2024. His strong performance made him one of the key players on the team, and he has a big advantage: this year, he will continue to throw es to his teammate Jordyn Tyson, who racked up 1,101 receiving yards last season.
In addition, Leavitt's legs are another plus: he ran for 60 yards in the CFP game against Texas alone, where they were defeated.
Under Kenny Dillingham's leadership for the past three years, Sam could be the team's hope to become Big 12 champions and steal the spotlight.
Cade Klubnik
The Clemson Tigers youngster is undoubtedly one of the strongest contenders to overshadow Manning's success.
His best season as a starter was last year, and he seems to be getting better and better. Klubnik threw for just over 3,600 yards, with 36 touchdowns and six interceptions. In addition, he completed 63% of his es, setting a new career-high er rating.
Athletic, effective, and talented, Cade also has good receivers ing him, so Klubnik has everything to gain this year and could even win the Heisman. Will he succeed?