7) Drew Lock, Missouri
Critics will correctly point to the fact that Lock did a lot of damage against sub-par opposition in 2017, but 44 touchdown passes speak for themselves, as does the 3,964 yard tally. He can do great things in Missouri’s high-powered offense. If he dominates games against quality opposition as well as he has against inferior teams, who knows what kind of crazy numbers he could put up.
6) Jarrett Stidham, Auburn
The Baylor transfer didn’t disappoint in his first year at Auburn, returning the Tigers to national prominence with a 3,000-yard season. Now a junior, a year of SEC experience should do wonders for him, and he has the arm to make the big plays and carve up defenses. He looks to be in for a big season with potentially even bigger numbers for an Auburn team that should focus even more on winning games around him.
5) Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
We’re going to bet that Tagovailoa beats Jalen Hurts for the starting job in Tuscaloosa, and we’re also betting that he’s going to take that job and run with it. We have little to go off of statistically for the sophomore, but we know that Nick Saban made a bold change at halftime and was rewarded with a dramatic comeback win in a national title game. Tagovailoa has the skills and the demeanor to be a star. With the supporting cast around him, expect a big season.
4) Khalil Tate, Arizona
We know what Tate is capable of when he’s on. He showed it all when he got the chance to play against Colorado last season and promptly went 12-of-13, rushed for 327 yards, and racked up five total touchdowns. While he struggled down the stretch, there’s no doubt that Tate has elite talent, particularly as a rusher. New coach Kevin Sumlin will be tasked of getting the most out of him. When he’s on, he might be the most exciting player in college football.
3) McKenzie Milton, UCF
Milton is the reason UCF won’t fade away after their memorable unbeaten season. He’s a perfect fit for the offense, which saw him toss 37 touchdown passes and surpass the 4,000-yard mark. He can run a little bit, too, and had eight touchdowns on the ground, bringing his total to a cool 45. New coach Josh Heupel probably won’t change a ton about the UCF offense, which will allow Milton to post more gaudy numbers.
2) Trace McSorley, Penn State
Much will be put on McSorley’s shoulders after Saquon Barkley went pro, and he looks ready for it. A good athlete with high football IQ, he has the numbers to back it up; he eclipsed 3,500 yards and threw 28 touchdowns for the Nittany Lions in 2017. He’s a prolific passer with added mobility, and his talent should allow him to put up even bigger numbers as he becomes the focal point of the Penn State offense.
1) Will Grier, West Virginia
In his first year at West Virginia, Grier put up 3,490 yards and threw for 34 touchdowns. Those numbers should only rise in 2018 as the former Florida quarterback establishes himself as a Heisman candidate. Dana Holgorsen’s offense is a high-powered one, and Grier will have full control over it, which should lead to some huge games. He has the skills and poise to put up truly huge numbers in 2018, and he’ll have the chance to establish himself as the nation’s best quarterback in 2018.
