The wait is over! College football coaches have made their picks for the most crucial position on the field. From surprising transfers to seasoned veterans, the starting quarterbacks for 2025 are locked in. Find out which signal-callers will lead their teams this season and who secured the coveted top spots. Will these choices lead to glory or despair?
As the highly anticipated 2025 College Football season draws near, the intense QB Battles 2025 have largely concluded, with coaches making critical decisions that will shape their teams’ destinies. These quarterback selections are paramount, dictating offensive strategies and overall team morale, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating year of gridiron action across the nation.
Among the most watched situations was at North Carolina, where new coach Bill Belichick ultimately named transfer Gio Lopez as the starting signal-caller. Lopez, a dynamic talent from South Alabama, beat out veteran Max Johnson, bringing a potent combination of passing accuracy—66% completion for 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns—and significant mobility with 463 rushing yards and seven scores in 2024. This decision signals a new era for the Tar Heels under Belichick’s guidance.
Elsewhere in the Power Four, many programs had already solidified their starting quarterback positions, demonstrating a clear vision heading into the season. Teams like Ohio State, aiming for a national championship repeat, and Tennessee, looking to build on a historic Playoff appearance, are moving forward with established leaders or clearly defined starter choices, avoiding last-minute drama.
The Alabama Crimson Tide also saw a significant development with Ty Simpson earning the starting nod. Simpson’s journey is a testament to patience and development; he chose to remain with the Crimson Tide despite formidable competition, including former Heisman winner Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. His perseverance paid off, especially after a crucial relief performance against Arkansas in 2023, where he sparked a 17-point comeback, showcasing his big-game potential.
A fresh face generating considerable buzz is true freshman Bryce Underwood at Michigan Wolverines. A consensus top recruit in the 2025 class, Underwood has quickly ascended to the starting role, demonstrating the immense trust the coaching staff has placed in his prodigious talent. His early leadership will be pivotal as Michigan aims to defend its recent successes.
Beyond the top-tier headlines, numerous other programs finalized their quarterback depth charts. Zach Calzada, a seventh-year senior with extensive experience from Texas A&M and FCS play, emerged as the starter for Kentucky. Syracuse opted for the talent of transfer Steve Angeli, hoping to build on a breakout 2024 campaign, while Brandon Rose, a transfer to UMass, also secured a starting role, highlighting the diverse pathways quarterbacks take to earn their spot.
These pivotal quarterback decisions will undoubtedly be a defining factor in the 2025 NCAA Football News narrative. As teams prepare for kickoff, the spotlight intensifies on these chosen few, whose performances will not only shape their team’s immediate success but also carve their legacies in the annals of college football history.