Athlon Sports

Big Ten Quarterback Rankings for 2024

By Steven Lassan,

4 hours ago

The new 18-team Big Ten is filled with uncertainty at the quarterback position for the 2024 college football season. Oregon's Dillon Gabriel is the unquestioned No. 1 signal-caller, and Penn State's Drew Allar checks in at No. 2 after a solid debut in '23. However, two of the league's top teams - Ohio State and Michigan - opened fall practice without an official starter.

Additionally, 14 of the league's 18 teams could start a transfer in '24, while a true freshman - Nebraska's Dylan Raiola - could quickly emerge as one of the Big Ten's top quarterbacks. With so much uncertainty surrounding the signal-callers, this conference might be the toughest of the power leagues to rank.

Ranking the quarterbacks by conference or nationally is no easy task. To help compile the rankings, there was some projection involved for 2024. This was not a ranking of quarterbacks only based on accomplishments so far or pro potential. All factors — pure talent, supporting cast, having a clear hold on the No. 1 position, previous production, '24 projection, and scheme changes (just to name a few) — were considered and projected to rank the quarterbacks in the Big Ten for 2024.

Big Ten 2024 Quarterback Rankings

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0of5Ow_0uswi1sf00 — Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel
© Ben Lonergan&solThe Register-Guard &sol USA TODAY NETWORK

1. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

Bo Nix is off to the NFL, but Oregon's high-powered offense won't miss a beat with Gabriel at the controls. The 2024 season marks Gabriel's sixth at the collegiate level and the third different stop in his career. The Hawaii native threw for 8,037 yards and 70 touchdowns at UCF from 2019-21 before transferring to Oklahoma in '22. The step up in competition didn't faze Gabriel, as he posted two prolific seasons in Norman (6,828 yards and 55 passing scores). Entering the '24 campaign, Gabriel has recorded 14,865 passing yards and 125 touchdowns and connected on 63.1 percent of his passes.

2. Drew Allar, Penn State

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Pco7A_0uswi1sf00 — Penn State quarterback Drew Allar
© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Allar turned in a solid first season as the starter for the Nittany Lions, but the team needs more production in top matchups to reach its goals in '24. In 13 starts last year, Allar threw for 2,631 yards and 25 touchdowns to just two picks. He also added 206 yards and four scores on the ground. Allar's best passing performance came in the opener versus West Virginia (21 of 29 for 325 yards), but he also closed out the regular season with a solid performance in Detroit against Michigan State (17 of 26 for 292 yards). However, a deeper look at the numbers shows the Ohio native has room to grow. In Big Ten matchups, Allar averaged only six yards per attempt, and his performances against Ohio State and Michigan (28 of 65 for 261 yards) leaves plenty of room for improvement. New play-caller Andy Kotelnicki should help the talented junior take a major step forward in his second year as the team's starter.

3. Will Howard, Ohio State

There are few quarterback competitions up for grabs as all 134 teams open fall practice, but Ohio State is easily the biggest unsettled remaining battle in August. Although no starter was named as of early August, all signs point to Howard getting the nod over Devin Brown and freshmen Air Noland, Lincoln Kienholz, and Julian Sayin. The Pennsylvania native arrives in Columbus after five years at Kansas State and inherits a strong supporting cast that includes one of the nation's top receiving corps and a standout one-two punch at running back with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. During his stint with the Wildcats, Howard threw for 5,786 yards and 48 scores and added 921 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground. Considering the supporting cast and defense in place, Howard doesn't need to be an elite playmaker for Ohio State to go deep into the CFB Playoff.

4. Miller Moss, USC

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4JErci_0uswi1sf00 — USC quarterback Miller Moss
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Although Caleb Williams is a huge loss for USC's offense, coach Lincoln Riley's track record of quarterback development should provide plenty of confidence in Moss emerging as the next star signal-caller in Los Angeles. After receiving snaps as a reserve over the last three years, Moss finally got his first chance at extended action with a start in the Holiday Bowl against Louisville. The California native showcased his development under Riley by torching the Cardinals for 372 yards and six passing scores on 23 completions. As a first-time starter in '24, Moss still has plenty to prove. However, he's been solid in limited action throughout his career and now inherits full control of one of the nation's top offenses.

5. Will Rogers, Washington

Having a proven quarterback like Rogers is crucial for the hopes of Washington to quickly reload under new coach Jedd Fisch. The Huskies return only two starters for '24 (both on defense), so Rogers' experience and talent will help smooth the transition period on offense. In 43 games at Mississippi State directing the team's Air Raid offense, Rogers threw for 12,315 yards and 94 touchdowns. The Mississippi native posted back-to-back seasons of 30-plus touchdowns (2021-22) but had an up-and-down '23 under a different coaching staff. Rogers averaged only 6.6 yards per attempt in four seasons in Starkville but thrived at hitting the short throws (153 of 10-plus yards in '22). With so many new pieces, it may take time for Washington's offense under Fisch to find its footing.

6. Aidan Chiles, Michigan State

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3i52AP_0uswi1sf00 — Quarterback Aidan Chiles
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

After one season at Oregon State, Chiles hit the transfer portal to follow coach Jonathan Smith to East Lansing. The California native saw action in nine games as the backup to DJ Uiagalelei in Corvallis last year and impressed in limited time. Chiles completed 24 of 35 throws for 309 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 79 yards and three scores on the ground. The former four-star prospect (2023 class) is a rising star and a key cog in Smith's rebuild for Michigan State. With a revamped line and transition all around the offense, Chiles may take time to settle to his new surroundings. But as the season progresses, look for the sophomore to emerge as one of the Big Ten's top signal-callers.

7. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska

Raiola's commitment to coach Matt Rhule for the 2024 recruiting class was not only huge win for the overall direction of the program, but the true freshman's arrival addressed the team's biggest question mark. The Cornhuskers struggled to get consistent quarterback play last year and averaged only 18 points a contest. Raiola - a five-star prospect - impressed throughout the spring and so far in the fall to handle the offensive controls for '24. The ceiling for Raiola is extremely high. He may take a few lumps as a true freshman, but Raiola should be the nation's top newcomer at quarterback and will help Nebraska's offense show marked improvement this fall.

8. Tyler Van Dyke, Wisconsin

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4O9oQZ_0uswi1sf00 — Tyler Van Dyke

A change of scenery and a fresh start should help Van Dyke get his career back on track. The Connecticut native transferred to Wisconsin after 32 appearances at Miami. Van Dyke had a stellar season in 2021, throwing for 2,931 yards and 25 touchdowns to only six picks. Although he appeared to be on his way to a spot among the best quarterbacks in the ACC, injuries and a new coaching staff seemed to slow TVD's progression. Over nine games in '22, Van Dyke passed for 1,835 yards and 10 touchdowns and followed up that season with 2,703 yards and 19 scores in '23. Overall, Van Dyke passed for 7,469 yards and 54 touchdowns and completed nearly 64 percent (63.7) of his throws. Can coordinator Phil Longo's "Dairy Raid" attack help Van Dyke find his form once again?

9. Alex Orji, Michigan

Orji is one of the Big Ten's biggest wild card players for the 2024 season. The Texas native played sparingly behind J.J. McCarthy over the last two years, with the bulk of his playing time coming in '23 as as a change of pace option. Orji recorded 15 rushing attempts for 86 yards and a score last season, with his only attempted pass in a Michigan uniform coming in '22 (one). At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Orji's ability to run the ball and provide another physical dimension to the ground game isn't in question. But has he improved enough as a passer to hold onto the full-time job ahead of Jack Tuttle and Davis Warren for new coach Sherrone Moore?

10. Hudson Card, Purdue

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3AbxFO_0uswi1sf00 — Purdue quarterback Hudson Card
© Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Card was one of a few bright spots for a Purdue team that finished 4-8 in coach Ryan Walters' debut last fall. The Texas transfer played in 11 contests and threw for 2,387 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also added 203 yards and five scores on the ground. Card was able to stretch the field successfully with eight completions of 40-plus yards and ranked second among Big Ten quarterbacks with 33.2 pass attempts a contest. The Austin native struggled in games against ranked opponents (97.3 quarterback rating) but closed out the '23 season on a high note with strong performances against Minnesota and Indiana.

11. Max Brosmer, Minnesota

Brosmer is one of the Big Ten's top wild card players for 2024. Minnesota's passing game struggled last season, finishing 11th in production (143.4 yards a game) and completing just 51.9 percent in Big Ten play. Coach PJ Fleck hit the portal to boost this area, as Brosmer arrives in Minneapolis after a standout career at New Hampshire. The Georgia native earned second-team All-America honors by the Associated Press after throwing for 3,464 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Wildcats in '23. In 36 games at the FCS level, Brosmer passed for 8,713 yards and 70 scores and also chipped in 10 rushing touchdowns. The jump from New Hampshire to the Big Ten is a significant leap for any transfer. How quickly can Brosmer adapt to the higher level of competition?

12. Kurtis Rourke, Indiana

Expect Indiana's offense to show significant improvement under new coach Curt Cignetti. In addition to a handful of solid portal additions, Cignetti helped to oversee a James Madison attack that averaged 34.1 points a contest in '23. Rourke ranked among the top Group of 5 signal-callers in '22, throwing for 3,257 yards and 25 touchdowns and rushing for 245 yards and four scores at Ohio. However, a season-ending knee injury in late November ended his year prematurely and also seemed to linger into '23. Rourke played in 11 contests last season for the Bobcats and was off pace to his '22 totals, ending the year with 2,207 passing yards and 11 touchdowns with another 219 on the ground. With another offseason to get back to full strength, Rourke's overall play should rebound in '24.

13. Cade McNamara, Iowa

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2DNJRW_0uswi1sf00 — Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara
© Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

With J.J. McCarthy entrenched as Michigan's No. 1 quarterback last season, McNamara transferred to Iowa for a chance to start and build a resume for the NFL. However, the Nevada native was limited to five games due to a season-ending injury suffered against Michigan State on Sept. 20. In McNamara's five appearances, he threw for 505 yards and four touchdowns for a struggling Hawkeyes' attack. McNamara's recovery was a source of uncertainty at times this offseason, but the senior is on track to return to full strength by the opener. And in case there is a setback, Iowa can turn to Northwestern transfer Brendan Sullivan under center. New coordinator Tim Lester should help the Hawkeyes improve overall offensively this fall.

14. Ethan Garbers, UCLA

Intrigue surrounds UCLA's offense with former NFL assistant Eric Bieniemy calling plays under new coach DeShaun Foster. Garbers played in 11 contests (with six starts) last season and showed promise with 1,136 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air. The California native also added 127 yards on the ground over 35 carries. The Bruins have a few holes to plug along the offensive line, but Bieniemy has a standout running back (TJ Harden) and talent to work with at receiver to help Garbers' development.

15. MJ Morris, Maryland

The battle to replace Taulia Tagovailoa is expected to go deep into fall practice. Although Tagovailoa leaves big shoes to fill, coach Mike Locksley has a couple of intriguing candidates vying for the job. Billy Edwards Jr. - a transfer from Wake Forest - has played in 15 games over the last two seasons. In limited snaps, he accounted for 227 yards and eight scores on the ground and passed for 436 yards and four touchdowns over 38 completions. The Virginia native earned MVP honors for the Music City Bowl after rushing for 50 yards and a touchdown and passing for 126 yards and a score in his first start for Maryland. Cameron Edge (100 passing yards) is also in the mix, but the frontrunner could be Morris after transferring in from NC State. The Georgia native ranked as a top 25 quarterback prospect in the '22 class and started six games for the Wolfpack over the last two years. In nine overall appearances, Morris threw for 1,367 yards and 14 touchdowns to six picks and added 103 yards and a score on the ground.

16. Luke Altmyer, Illinois

The Fighting Illini need more from Altmyer in his second season in Champaign. After transferring to Illinois from Ole Miss last offseason, the Mississippi native started nine games for coach Bret Bielema and threw for 1,883 yards and 13 touchdowns. Altmyer's completion rate (64.8) was solid, but his interceptions (10) were high for just 270 attempts. His ability to make plays on the ground (282 yards) was on display in limited carries (94), but the offense never topped more than 30 points in each of Altmyer's nine starts. Can the junior improve with another offseason to learn under play-caller Barry Lunney Jr.?

17. Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers

Improving the passing game is a priority for Rutgers after the offense averaged only 143.4 yards through the air and tossed just seven touchdown passes in Big Ten play last year. Kaliakmanis arrives after three seasons at Minnesota and beat out last season's starter Gavin Wimsatt in spring practice for the top spot on the depth chart. In 12 starts for the Golden Gophers in '23, Kaliakmanis threw for 1,838 yards and 14 touchdowns and added 94 yards and two scores on the ground. The Illinois native had only one performance of more than 205 yards (292 against Purdue) and completed 52.1 percent of his throws in Big Ten play.

18. Mike Wright, Northwestern

New coordinator Zach Lujan is a promising hire for coach David Braun in his first full season in charge, but Northwestern's offense will be a work in progress this fall. Ben Bryant finished his eligibility, and Brendan Sullivan transferred to Iowa, leaving Ryan Hilinski and Jack Lausch (seven combined pass attempts in '23) to battle former Mississippi State and Vanderbilt signal-caller Mike Wright for the starting nod. In 38 combined games with the Bulldogs and Commodores, Wright has flashed potential on the ground (1,229 yards and 10 scores) and passed for 2,520 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Georgia native needs to be more consistent as a passer (55.5 career completion rate) and control the mistakes (14 picks in 418 attempts) to help Lujan's offense take off this fall.

Steven Lassan is the senior college football writer and editor for AthlonSports.com. Follow him on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook .