Athlon Sports

ACC Quarterback Rankings for 2024

By Steven Lassan,

4 hours ago

Ranking the ACC quarterbacks for the 2024 college football season is no easy assignment. The conference has 13 transfers projected to start among the 17 teams, with several newcomers expected to start at some of the conference's predicted top teams like Florida State, Louisville, Miami, NC State, and Virginia Tech.

Miami quarterback Cameron Ward takes the No. 1 spot in Athlon's '24 ACC quarterback rankings, but a handful of other quarterbacks - Florida State's DJ Uiagalelei, Georgia Tech's Haynes King, NC State's Grayson McCall, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, Virginia Tech's Kyron Drones, and SMU's Preston Stone aren't far from earning the No. 1 spot during the season.

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 ACC for 2024.

ACC 2024 Quarterback Rankings

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Wk1qT_0uoCqMUH00 — Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei
Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

1. Cameron Ward, Miami

High expectations surround Ward as one of the top transfer quarterbacks for the '24 season. Additionally, his arrival in Coral Gables is a big reason why Miami can contend (and win) the ACC title this fall. Ward started his career at Incarnate Ward in 2020 and showcased his raw talent with 6,908 passing yards and 71 touchdowns over 19 games. After those two years at the FCS level, Ward made the jump to FBS and transferred to Washington State. Over 25 games with the Cougars, the Texas native flashed his arm (6,968 yards and 48 touchdowns) and chipped in 13 more rushing scores. Ward also completed passes at a solid 65.5 clip in Pullman and only tossed 16 picks over 982 attempts. With one of the ACC's top offensive lines and receiving corps at his disposal, everything is in alignment for Ward to have a career season and improve his stock for the '25 NFL Draft.

2. DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State

Uiagalelei is back in the ACC after one season at Oregon State and is a key pickup for a Florida State team looking to replace standout Jordan Travis under center. In his only year with the Beavers, Uiagalelei posted a solid campaign (2,638 passing yards and 21 touchdowns and 219 rushing yards). Prior to the '23 season at Oregon State, Uiagalelei played in 36 contests at Clemson and threw for 5,681 yards and 36 touchdowns. Also, he ran for 913 yards and 15 more scores in that stint with the Tigers. Florida State coach Mike Norvell should get the most out of Uiagalelei's talent and help the senior close out his career with a run at All-ACC honors.

3. Haynes King, Georgia Tech

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=154Wtv_0uoCqMUH00 — Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King
© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

King was one of the most improved quarterbacks in college football last season. After an uneven three years of playing time at Texas A&M, he emerged as one of the ACC top signal-callers behind coordinator Buster Faulkner. In 13 starts last year, King threw for 2,842 yards and 27 touchdowns and added another 737 yards and 10 scores on the ground. The Texas native finished second among ACC quarterbacks in total offense (275.3 yards) and completions of 40-plus yards (14) and finished first in connections of 50-plus (seven). Cutting down on the interceptions (16) is a must for King in '24.

4. Grayson McCall, NC State

McCall ranked among the top Group of 5 quarterbacks during his time at Coastal Carolina and is one of the impact transfer signal-callers in college football for the '24 season. With McCall at the controls, along with a couple of key transfers arriving to solidify the skill spots, the Wolfpack could have the most improved offense in the ACC. During 42 appearances at Coastal Carolina, McCall showcased his all-around playmaking ability with just over 10,000 passing yards (10,005) and 88 scores. Although the rushing attempts and yardage decreased from a strong freshman total in 2020 (569 yards and seven scores), McCall still ran for over 1,000 yards in his time with the Chanticleers. Additionally, the North Carolina native took good care of the ball (just 14 picks over 1,016 attempts) and completed nearly 70 percent (69.9) of his passes.

5. Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech

The emergence of Drones over the second half of the season was a big reason why Virginia Tech won five out of its last seven games and enters '24 as a sleeper contender for the ACC crown. After starting his career at Baylor in '21, Drones transferred to Blacksburg prior to the '23 campaign. The Texas native entered the lineup after an injury to Grant Wells and never relinquished the job. Over 13 appearances, Drones passed for 2,085 yards and 17 scores and ran for 818 yards and five touchdowns. Drones has room to grow in efficiency (58.2 percent) but thrived at limiting mistakes (just three picks over 285 attempts) and tied for second in ACC signal-callers with six completions of 50-plus yards in '23.

6. Preston Stone, SMU

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Z7O2k_0uoCqMUH00 — SMU quarterback Preston Stone
Jerome Miron&solUSA TODAY Sports

Stone's development under coach Rhett Lashlee is a big reason why SMU should have a smooth transition to the ACC after winning 11 games and the American Athletic Conference title last season. The Dallas native thrived in his first year as SMU's No. 1 quarterback, throwing for 3,197 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushing for 198 yards and four scores on the ground. Stone missed the final two games of '23 after suffering a season-ending injury against Navy on Nov. 25 but is on track to return to full strength this fall. His 9.3 yards per attempt ranked 10th nationally among FBS signal-callers, while his 16 completions of 40-plus yards ranked first among AAC quarterbacks. The uptick in competition in the ACC will be an added challenge, but Stone has the talent, scheme, and supporting cast to push for all-conference honors.

7. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2TpoBH_0uoCqMUH00 — Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik
© Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Getting more production and better overall play from Klubnik is crucial for Clemson to return to the top of the ACC in '24. The Texas native was up-and-down in his first full year as the Tigers' starter, connecting on nearly 64 percent (63.9) of his throws for 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns. Klubnik also added 180 yards and four scores on the ground. Although the top-level numbers aren't bad, a deeper look shows Klubnik has plenty of room to improve. His 6.3 yards per attempt rated as the lowest mark among qualified signal-callers in the ACC, while a 126.4 mark in quarterback rating placed No. 10 in the conference. Will the second year of coordinator Garrett Riley's offense and a couple of key freshmen pickups at receiver in TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco help Klubnik reach his potential in '24?

8. Tyler Shough, Louisville

Louisville coach Jeff Brohm is one of the best in college football at getting every bit of talent and production out of a scheme or the personnel on offense. Although Shough has battled injuries throughout his career, there's a strong chance Brohm's offense helps the senior end his collegiate playing time on a high level. From 2018-20, Shough played in 15 games at Oregon, throwing for 1,703 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushing for 282 yards and two scores. The Arizona native transferred to Texas Tech prior to the '21 campaign but was limited to 15 games over the last three years due to injury. Although Shough's playing time was limited, his on-field snaps showed promise (2,922 passing yards and 20 touchdowns and 432 rushing yards). If Shough can stay healthy, there's potential for a massive '24 season directing Brohm's high-powered attack.

9. Kyle McCord, Syracuse

Landing McCord as a transfer from Ohio State was a big-time get for new coach Fran Brown. Although McCord was up-and-down at times with the Buckeyes, he still threw for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns and led all Big Ten signal-callers with an average of 9.1 yards an attempt last season. Additionally, the New Jersey native tied for first among conference quarterbacks with 21 completions of 30-plus yards and also connected on six passes of 50-plus yards. Syracuse's supporting cast isn't as strong as the one McCord worked with in Columbus, but he should be the program's best quarterback since Eric Dungey (2015-18).

10. Thomas Castellanos, Boston College

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1af0L5_0uoCqMUH00 — Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos
© Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

New coach Bill O'Brien should help Castellanos' development after a promising 2023 season. The UCF transfer took over as the team's No. 1 quarterback in the second game last year and ended with a dynamic stat line. Castellanos showcased his mobility with 1,113 yards and 13 scores on the ground and connected on 57.3 percent of his passes for 2,248 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Georgia native needs to cut down on the mistakes (14 picks) and could bump the accuracy (57.3) and yards per attempt (6.8) up a notch. Castellanos finished fourth in the ACC in total offense a contest (258.5 yards) last season, but under O'Brien's tutelage, he should become a more well-rounded quarterback in '24.

11. Max Johnson, North Carolina

The Tar Heels open fall practice with three quarterbacks - Johnson, Jacolby Criswell, and Conner Harrell - vying to start the '24 opener. Criswell's return to Chapel Hill after a year at Arkansas is an intriguing storyline, and Harrell played well in limited snaps last year, but the job is likely Johnson's to lose. The son of former NFL standout Brad Johnson, Max has passed for 5,852 yards and 47 touchdowns during 30 combined appearances at Texas A&M and LSU. Johnson's efficiency (60.5 career completion rate) and limited mistakes (12 career picks) should be a good fit in coordinator Chip Lindsey's offense this fall.

12. Chandler Rogers, California

The Golden Bears have a good problem on their hands with two proven quarterbacks vying for the starting job for new coordinator Mike Bloesch. Rogers gets the nod in this ranking, but Fernando Mendoza is squarely in the mix to start after a promising freshman campaign (1,708 yards and 14 passing scores) in nine games last year. This battle is likely to extend deep into the fall. Rogers arrives in Berkeley after spending the '23 season at North Texas, throwing for 3,382 yards and 29 touchdowns and rushing for 180 yards and four scores in 12 contests. Including a previous stop at ULM, Rogers has passed for 7,096 career yards and 53 touchdowns. Rogers brings an intriguing skill set to California, but he will need to have a strong fall to pass Mendoza on the depth chart.

13. Maalik Murphy, Duke

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0prSbk_0uoCqMUH00 — Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Murphy is limited on overall experience (just seven career appearances), but the Texas transfer brings intriguing upside and talent to Duke. The California native started two contests for the Longhorns last season, throwing for 170 yards and two scores in a win over BYU and 248 yards in an overtime victory against Kansas State. Murphy finished '23 with 477 yards and three passing scores and connected on 56.3 percent of his throws. With a new coach (Manny Diaz) and offensive scheme, Duke's passing game will be a work in progress this fall. However, Murphy's upside and raw physical talent (6-foot-5 and 238 pounds) could ease Diaz's transition in a very challenging '24 slate for Duke.

14. Tony Muskett, Virginia

Muskett is listed here, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see sophomore Anthony Colandrea win the job in fall practice. Regardless of which player starts or plays the most snaps, coach Tony Elliott should feel confident he has two capable signal-callers in '24. Muskett started his career at Monmouth in 2020 and played in 23 games over the next three years. During that time, the Virginia native threw for 5,687 yards and 51 touchdowns to 16 picks and added five more scores on the ground. Muskett opened '23 as the Cavaliers' No. 1 quarterback but suffered an injury against Tennessee in the opener and was limited to six games. During that on-field stint, Muskett threw for 1,031 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 66 yards. Colandrea showcased promising potential as a true freshman last season, throwing for 1,958 yards and 13 scores and adding 225 yards on the ground.

15. Hank Bachmeier, Wake Forest

Wake Forest is the third FBS stop in Bachmeier's career after previous stints at Boise State and Louisiana Tech. The California native threw for 6,605 yards and 41 scores over 29 games with the Broncos, including a memorable 407-yard effort against Florida State in the 2019 opener. Bachmeier posted a solid '21 season, as he started 12 games for Boise State and threw for 3,079 yards and 20 touchdowns. Injuries limited Bachmeier to nine games at Louisiana Tech last season, as he threw for 2,058 yards and 10 touchdowns to five picks in that span. The Demon Deacons averaged only 20.3 points a contest and ranked near the bottom of the ACC in passing last year, so Bachmeier's arrival is all about adding a capable veteran to quickly jumpstart this attack. The development of true freshman Jeremy Hecklinski is worth monitoring early in the '24 season.

16. Ashton Daniels, Stanford

Stanford's offense should take a significant step forward in coach Troy Taylor's second season in charge. In addition to the players having a better grasp on the scheme, the Cardinal have two quarterbacks capable of elevating this attack in '24. Daniels played in 10 games as a true freshman in '22 and moved into the No. 1 spot last year with 10 starts. The Georgia native threw for 2,247 yards and 11 touchdowns and added 289 yards and three scores on the ground. Daniels' best performance came in a 46-43 win over Colorado, as he torched the Buffaloes for 396 passing yards and four scores. Although Daniels has an edge in experience and production, true freshman Elijah Brown (the No. 11 quarterback recruit in the '24 class) is waiting in the wings.

17. Nate Yarnell, Pitt

Pitt's offense desperately needed an offseason reboot after finishing last in the ACC in scoring (20.2 points a game) and averaging just 5.3 yards a snap last year. Coach Pat Narduzzi accomplished that reset by hiring Kade Bell from Western Carolina to implement a quick tempo/spread attack, with Yarnell handling the No. 1 snaps under center after a solid spring. The Texas native played in two games (with one start) as a redshirt freshman in 2022 and saw extended time last season. Yarnell played in four contests and made two starts, throwing for 595 yards and four touchdowns to one pick over 62 attempts. Although he has showed promise in limited snaps over the last two years, but a new offense adds an element of uncertainty for the '24 campaign. Alabama transfer Eli Holstein could push Yarnell if he struggles this fall.

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