As always, several quarterback competitions are coming up in the 2025 college football season, but the guys who enter the spring as QB1 won’t necessarily finish with the same designation by the start of next year. These are the biggest quarterback battles in college football for 2025, listed in alphabetical order of the college.
Alabama
Ty Simpson is the only remaining QB from Alabama’s 2022-2024 recruiting classes, and with Jalen Milroe entering the NFL draft, he has a clear shot at starting in 2025. After a 9-4 finish in 2024, coach Kalen DeBoer faces pressure, and Simpson, Alabama’s most experienced QB, should earn the QB1 role. Five-star 2025 recruit Keelon Russell has a bright future at Alabama.
Colorado
Kaidon Salter transfers to Colorado for his final season. He will replace Shedeur Sanders, and be the bridge for the future of their quarterback position. Salter racked up 6,438 yards and 66 touchdowns in two seasons at Liberty, in 29 games under coach Jamey Chadwell. With 1,676 rushing yards since 2023, he ranks second among FBS quarterbacks and is a dynamic dual-threat weapon for the Buffaloes. Coach Deion Sanders made a splash in November by flipping 5-star USC commit Julian Lewis, ranked No. 2 in ESPN 2025, reclassified and won’t turn 18 until September.
Michigan
Michigan added Mikey Keene, a former Fresno State starter and UCF transfer, as a short-term QB before Bryce Underwood takes over. Keene threw for 5,868 yards and 42 TDs, earning All-Mountain West honors. A 67.8% career passer, he fits Michigan’s offense under new coordinator Chip Lindsey. Keene’s starting role depends on his performance and Underwood’s development, but his experience gives him an edge.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s quarterback situation is unpredictable under Bill Belichick’s regime. Jacolby Criswell, who started 10 games this season, threw for 2,459 yards, 18 TDs, and 10 turnovers. Unless a portal addition emerges, Criswell is the likely QB1 for spring. Sixth-year senior Max Johnson is recovering from a broken leg, while ESPN 300 signee Bryce Baker has potential, but it remains to be seen if Belichick will start a freshman day one.
Notre Dame
CJ Carr impressed in April’s spring game and is regarded as Notre Dame’s most talented QB. The grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr was ESPN’s No. 2 pocket passer in 2024. Backup Steve Angeli has been effective but Carr is seen as having a higher ceiling. The key question is whether Carr’s throwing elbow injury, which surfaced in September, is fully healed.
End of Rant
This list is a snapshot of the many quarterback situations at some of college football’s blue blood programs. There are a lot of talented guys in these rooms, and each program is at a different stage in development.
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