College Football: The Top-10 Returning Quarterbacks for the 2024 Season
Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick came out with his top 10 list for returning college football quarterbacks entering the 2024 season.
Many things can be discussed based on the list and since we are officially in the off-season we may as well dive in.
Top Dawg
Carson Beck set to return to the Georgia Bulldog after some buzz whether or not he would return. After nearly eclipsing 4,000 yards and having 24 touchdowns Kirby Smart had to be excited to have his top star back. Carson and the Bulldog lost two stars in projected 1st round draft pick Brock Bowers, and Ladd McConkey whose draft stock is rising. Defense will always be premier at Georgia, but this offense is set to be one of the best in the country.
Old Face, New Place
A few of these names we may recognize, but have a new place to call home. Dillon Gabriel leaves Oklahoma and heads to the great Northwest. Gabriel is set to replace Bo Nix in the Oregon Duck offense. Oregon is set to lose a few key pieces as well in top receiver Troy Franklin and stud running back Bucky Irving.
“Yeah, I think a lot went into the decision, and it happened really fast,” Gabriel explained. “You know I had full intentions on going to the NFL after this year, and sat down and had meetings, and kind of got all my homework and wasn’t the draft grade that I thought it would be, and then also not getting into the Reese’s Senior Bowl, something that I feel like kind of gives you a clear path of trying to get drafted.” Via On3
One would think with the ability that Gabriel has already shown he should step in seamlessly. Bo Nix was one of the surprises of the college football world the last two years. Dillon Gabriel should be able to elevate the play of those around him just as Bo did.
Too Low?
As social platforms take hold of this list some are wondering about a few names being a little too low. Drew Allar is the first name that comes to mind.
Penn State’s Drew Allar was one of the “safer” passers in the country last year. He finished the season with 25 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. He needs to improve his overall efficiency climbing from the 59.9% he ended with. Max Chadwick has already commented on why he was so low.
Essentially, Penn St needs to have more around Allard to help him out. “Allar’s placement on this list will no doubt be a controversial one, as many were disappointed by the sophomore’s numbers this season. What the box score won’t tell you though is how hamstrung he was by his supporting cast. Penn State’s receivers had the fifth-highest drop rate in the Power Five this past season (10.8%). Allar was also under pressure within 2.5 seconds on 21.3% of his drop backs this year.”
Another name climbing the charts after an impressive season and bowl game is Noah Fifita. Fifita held over a 72% completion percentage throughout the season. “The redshirt freshman posted a 73.3 PFF passing grade under pressure this past season, fifth among all FBS quarterbacks.” He capped off the season with an impressive win versus Oklahoma throwing for 354 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Both Allar and Fifita are heading into their 3rd year within their program. Although different measurables, their stake in their program’s success is the same. We shall see if both or either of these quarterbacks can take their teams into the first year of a 12 team playoff.
Names You May Not Know
Garrett Greene is regarded as one of the names that we don’t know that we should. Greene came on strong late with 3 wins and throwing for over 600 yards and 4 touchdowns in those games. He was also named the Duke’s Mayo Bowl MVP in their last game of the season versus North Carolina Tar Heels.
Greene has been noted for making plays with his feet and unleashing his arm strength on occasion. “The junior led the FBS this past season with a 10.2% big-time throw rate.” Exciting times ahead for the Mountaineers.
Brady Cook finishes the list, and this may be the first time that some of you even see this name. Although
Mizzou is in the SEC. they may not get the most amount of recognition in that conference. Brady crushed it this past season, throwing for over 3,300 yards (600 more than the previous season) and 21 touchdowns. Cook has 2 of his best offensive weapons returning, as well as his Offensive Coordinator. Let’s see if Mizzou and Brady Cook’s name can become more popular with another stellar season.
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