CFB 2020 QB Rankings

College football, or the manner it's typically played in, is up in the air for 2020. We really don't know how college football will look and what will happen with it for this 2020-2021, but I strongly believe CFB will occur in 2020. On that note, I wanted to take a swing at a topic that is hotly contested and debated amongst college football diehards, Quarterback rankings. So without further ado, I present my predictions for the top 25 FBS QBs of the 2020-2021 season.

HMs: Chris Robison, FAU. Myles Brennan, LSU. Michael Penix Jr, Indiana.

Sean Clifford, Penn State. Spencer Sanders, Oklahoma State

25. Adrian Martinez, Rising Junior at Nebraska

2019 Stats:

149-251 (59.4 comp. %) for 1956 yards

10 TDs/9 INTs

144 carries for 626 yards and 7 TDs

Martinez and Nebraska generated lots of hype prior to the 2019-20 season, with the media labeling Martinez as a Heisman dark horse after a promising Freshman year. The offseason buzz did not translate for the Huskers or Martinez, as they failed to go bowling and Martinez had a miserable season. Heading into 2020, Nebraska seems poised to improve and I'm banking on Martinez to improve on consistency and more routinely show off his pure talent.

24. Bo Nix, Rising Sophomore at Auburn

2019 Stats:

217-377 (57.6 comp. %) for 2542 yards

16 TDs/6 INTs

97 carries for 313 yards and 7 TDs

After an up-and-down Freshman season in which Nix showed some good, such as his incredible arm talent and playmaking ability, but showed a lot of bad too like his poor accuracy. Nix has the traits to be one of the better QBs in the SEC, he just has to take a step forward in his accuracy and ability to show up in big games.

23. Jack Coan, Rising Senior at Wisconsin

2019 Stats:

236-339 (69.6 comp. %) for 2727 yards

18 TDs/5 INTs

Some may question the Wisconsin signal-caller's place on this list, but he does what he's asked to do and does it well. Unlike the previous two guys, Coan is a model of consistency and more of a game manager QB. His numbers aren't gaudy at all, but he limits TOs and showed his ability to take advantage of a loaded-box against Jonathan Taylor in 2019. Coan may have the lowest ceiling on this list, but he also has a very high floor.

22. Chase Garbers, Rising Junior at California

2019 Stats:

131-215 (60.9 comp. %) for 1772 yards

14 TDs/3 INTs

90 carries for 223 yards and 3 TDs

Garbers is another intriguing addition to this list as he failed to play the entirety of the 2019 season. Before getting banged up against Arizona State, Chase threw for 357 yards and 4 TDs in a big win over Ole Miss and then once he returned fully healthy, the Cal QB carved up Illinois to the tune of 272 yards and 4 TDs. 2020 will be a big year for Garbers, can he stay healthy and lead the Cal offense to a breakout season? I think he can definitely play to a top 25 QB in the country.

21, Dillon Gabriel, Rising Sophomore at Central Florida

2019 Stats:

236-398 (59.3 comp. %) for 3653 yards

29 TDs/7 INTs

Gabriel, a true Freshman last season, absolutely torched the American Athletic Conference, throwing for at least 200 yards every game after Week 1. In UCF's three losses however, Gabriel was horrific, throwing all 7 of his INTs in those games. If Dillon can mature and improve on those moments of recklessness, he'll grow to be a superstar.

20. Micale Cunningham, Rising Redshirt Junior at Louisville

2019 Stats:

112-179 (62.6 comp. %) for 2065 yards

22 TDs/5 INTs

122 carries for 482 yards and 6 TDs

In Louisville's resurgent 2019 campaign, Micale Cunningham quietly broke out with both his arms and legs. His dual-threat ability is what leads Micale to success, teams can't account for both his passing and running. In the backend of the season, Cunningham tore off 10 total TDs and 480 yards passing combined back to back at North Carolina State, then versus Syracuse. I love Louisville heading into the 2020 season and expect Cunningham to put the ACC on notice.

19. Charlie Brewer, Rising Senior at Baylor

2019 Stats:

251-389 (64.5 comp. %) for 3161 yards

21 TDs/7 INTs

147 carries for 344 yards and 11 TDs

This offseason, Charlie Brewer decided to remain at Baylor for his Senior season despite HC Matt Rhule's departure. Brewer, at times, looks incredible and is very hard to stop, but also has too many moments where he tries to play hero and turns the ball over. Playing in the Big 12, it's easy to put up big numbers, but if Baylor wants to win the Big 12 and return to a NY6 bowl, they NEED their Senior QB to limit mental lapses and forcing the ball.

18. K.J. Costello, Rising Senior at Mississippi State

2019 Stats:

102-167 (61.1 comp. %) for 1038 yards

6 TDs/3 INTs

Filled with injuries, 2019 was (outside a great performance vs Arizona) a wash for Costello. The two seasons prior to 2019, K.J. threw for 5,000+ yards and 43 TDs. In transitioning to the Mike Leach air raid offense, look for the 6'5" senior to have a high volume of throws. The question for Costello (and Leach) is how successful the air raid can be in the gritty SEC.

17. Spencer Rattler, Rising Redshirt Freshman at Oklahoma

2019 Stats:

7-11 (63.6 comp. %) for 81 yards

1 TD/0 INTs

We didn't see much from Spencer Rattler in 2019, but the former touted prospect from Arizona is poised to continue the tradition of big years for Oklahoma QBs. Rattler showed off the makings of being a star QB at Pinnacle High School and has the benefit of a QB scheme dream with Lincoln Riley and a stable of talented WRs. Rattler can blossom into the upper echelon of college QBs, I just haven't seen enough of him at this level to justify putting him much higher than here.

16. Mac Jones, Rising Redshirt Junior at Alabama

2019 Stats:

97-141 (68.8 comp. %) for 1503 yards

14 TDs/3 INTs

Mac was thrown into the starting role following Tua's season ending injury last year and was more than serviceable. If not for two costly interceptions versus rival Auburn, Jones may have been leading the Tide to a CFP appearance. I don't think Jones will be a superstar, but I don't think Saban will ask too much of it. With receivers like Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle and backs like Najee Harris and Trey Sanders, it's hard not to succeed.

15. Shane Buechele, Rising Redshirt Senior at Southern Methodist

2019 Stats:

307-490 (62.7 comp. %) for 3929 yards

34 TDs/10 INTs

After transferring from Texas, Buechele has lit it up at SMU. Shane has such incredible arm talent and has been able to limit turnovers overall. Expect big numbers from Buechele in 2020, the main thing to watch for is if he can lead SMU to an AAC title.

14. Kellen Mond, Rising Senior at Texas A&M

2019 Stats:

258-419 (61.6 comp. %) for 2897 yards

20 TDs/9 INTs

126 carries for 500 yards and 8 TDs

Kellen Mond has seemed poised for a breakout every season, and while he's played well, he hasn't been spectacular. I understand that A&M plays a gauntlet of a schedule, but Mond hasn't exactly torched the easier part of the schedule. Kellen is undoubtably one of the better dual-threat QBs in the country, but he's yet to show off the kind of x-factor that can lead a team to immense success.

13. Jamie Newman, Rising Senior at Georgia

2019 Stats:

220-361 (60.9 comp. %) for 2868 yards

26 TDs/11 INTs

180 carries for 574 yards and 6 TDs

After transferring from Wake Forrest to Georgia this offseason, Newman has garnered an incredible amount of expectations. I love Jamie's mobility and playmaking for Georgia, but in the few big games he played at Wake, the new Bulldog struggled. If Newman can consistently compete in the grind that is the SEC, he can move up this list quickly.

12. Brady White, Rising Redshirt Senior at Memphis

2019 Stats:

269-420 (64 comp. %) for 4014 yards

33 TDs/11 INTs

Brady White is very similar to Shane Buechele, great arm that has eaten AAC defenses alive. The former Arizona State QB has some great talent around him on the offense, and after reaching the Cotton Bowl in 2019, seems poised to lead the Tigers in making a run for a second straight NY6 bowl. If you wanna watch a dynamic offense in 2020, White and the Memphis Tigers may be for you.

11. Kyle Trask, Redshirt Senior at Florida

2019 Stats:

237-354 (66.9 comp. %) for 2941 yards

25 TDs/7 INTs

Kyle Trask isn't a sexy name in college football, but he looks to me to be the best QB in the SEC. Trask's big game ability showcased against elite defenses in Georgia and LSU really excite me. I think with essentially a full year under his belt, Trask is ready to take center stage and put the country on notice.

10. Ian Book, Rising Redshirt Senior at Notre Dame

2019 Stats:

240-399 (60.2 comp. %) for 3034 yards

34 TDs/6 INTs

The overall numbers say that Book should be rated better than #10, but in total contrast to the previous man on our list, he doesn't show up in big games. In the two biggest games of the year for the Irish, Book went 8-25 for 73 yards at Michigan and threw two costly picks at Georgia. Ian is a very good quarterback, but his track record in big games makes it tough to put him higher than here.

9. D'Eriq King, Rising Redshirt Senior at Miami

2019 Stats:

58-110 (52.7 comp. %) for 663 yards

6 TDs/2 INTs

55 carries for 312 yards and 6 TDs

After a rough start to the season for Houston, D'Eriq King shocked the college football world when he announced he would redshirt and transfer. In 2018, D'Eriq put up video game numbers, throwing for 36 TDs and running for 16 TDs as well. King can 100% move up on this list, this is merely because we didn't really see him in 2019 and ultimately, who's to say Miami doesn't screw him up. I mean, it is the University of Miami...

8. Tanner Morgan, Rising Redshirt Junior at Minnesota

2019 Stats:

210-318 (66 comp. %) for 3253 yards

30 TDs/7 INTs

After leading the 2019 CFB darling Gophers to an incredible season, Tanner Morgan looks to take his team even further. Morgan's season itself went pretty under the radar, but he absolutely balled out for P.J. Fleck. Tanner is definitely not the most athletic or naturally gifted player on this list, but the guy produces and should have another big season.

7. Kedon Slovis, Rising Sophomore at Southern California

2019 Stats:

282-392 (71,9 comp. %) for 3502 yards

30 TDs/9 INTs

Unlike Bo Nix and some other guys I'll mention later, Slovis wasn't expected to lead his team as a true Freshman. With the USC QB room banged up, Kedon shredded the Pac-12. Outside of an early season game at BYU and a matchup with eventual Pac-12 champs Oregon, the young Trojan was near perfect. In the Graham Harrell offense with lots of weapons around him, Kedon Slovis is set up for lots of success in 2020 and beyond.

6. Jayden Daniels, Rising Sophomore at Arizona State

2019 Stats:

205-338 (60.7 comp. %) for 2943 yards

17 TDs/2 INTs

125 carries for 355 yards and 3 TDs

Despite arguably having a worse season than Slovis in 2019, I have Arizona State Sophomore Jayden Daniels one spot ahead. As a true freshman, Daniels did everything HC Herm Edwards asked of him and more. Daniels ability to make plays while also limiting turnovers is unteachable. With Eno Benjamin departing to the NFL, expect Herm to give JD5 the keys to the offense and fully unleash his potential. Daniels and Slovis are both incredible, the clear-cut top 2 QBs in the Pac-12, but Jayden's dual-threat ability and proven late-game heroics push him over the edge for me.

5. Sam Howell, Rising Sophomore at North Carolina

2019 Stats:

259-422 (61.4 comp. %) for 3641 yards

38 TDs/7 INTs

Before the 2019 season, the hype was all about Nebraska, and now in 2020, North Carolina has been a trendy pick to win 10+ games. With phenom Sam Howell at the helm, I totally understand the hype. Despite having an average offense around him, Howell was magnificent, I mean he threw for multiple TDs every single game and took the Tarheels down to the wire with the ACC giant Clemson. If Sam can replicate his Freshman numbers this upcoming season, he'll compete for the top QB in the country honors.

4. Brock Purdy, Rising Junior at Iowa State

2019 Stats:

312-475 (65.7 comp. %) for 3982 yards

27 TDs/9 INTs

93 carries for 249 yards and 8 TDs

Purdy's 2019 stats might not lead you to see him as the #4 QB in the nation, but his potential does. Purdy possesses a desirable combination of accuracy and arm strength that can make any defense look foolish. The Cyclone slinger showed steady improvement from his 2018 to 2019 season, giving lots of reason to believe he can have a national breakout in 2020. With getting the privilege of facing Big 12 defenses for most of the season, I think Brock is bound to put up some jaw-dropping numbers this season.

3. Sam Ehlinger, Rising Senior at Texas

2019 Stats:

296-454 (65.2 comp. %) for 3663 yards

32 TDs/10 INTs

163 carries for 663 yards and 7 TDs

Texas may not be "back," but they sure have a stud QB. The hometown hero Ehlinger is often over hated and criticized simply because he dons the burnt orange. In reality, however, Sammy E is one of the best QBs in the country with both his arm and legs. A rocky (and somewhat unlucky) game for Ehlinger versus TCU overshadowed some incredible performances from the Longhorn QB, such as his 460 total yards and 5 total TDs against the eventual national champion LSU Tigers. I can understand why people hate on Texas, but Sam Ehlinger is the real deal and a top tier college QB.

2. Trevor Lawrence, Rising Junior at Clemson

2019 Stats:

258-407 (65.8 comp. %) for 3665 yards

36 TDs/8 INTs

103 carries for 563 yards and 9 TDs

Slotting in at #2 is the golden boy himself, Trevor Lawrence. Some early season struggles led some to question Lawrence's legitimacy, but as the season progressed, TLaw showed the world just how special of a player he is. If not for early game exits due to blowout victories, Lawrence probably could've challenged Anthony Gordon and Joe Burrow for the most TDs thrown. In the semi-finals against Ohio State, Lawrence battled through adversity to lead Clemson to the title game and gave college football an unforgettable moment in the form of his electric 67-yard TD run. TLaw makes a good case for being number 1 on this list, but I like this other guy just a wee bit more.

1. Justin Fields, Rising Junior at Ohio State

2019 Stats:

238-354 (67.2 comp. %) for 3273 yards

41 TDs/3 INTs

137 carries for 484 yards and 10 TDs

Coming in as the top FBS QB for the 2020 season, we have former Georgia Bulldog, now Ohio State Buckeye Justin Fields. Although Trevor Lawrence outplayed him in their head to head matchup, Fields' weekly carving of Big 10 defenses is enough for me to put him at #1. Both Fields and Lawrence can get it done on the ground, but despite the numbers, I think Fields is the superior runner. Justin simply did not struggle through the regular season or Big 10 Championship, and yes he made mistakes against Clemson, but he also threw for 320 yards against the elite unit. In the end, Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence are an interchangeable 1A and 1B, I just personally prefer the former.

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! Do you agree with my rankings? Where do you think your favorite QB belongs? Who do you think is the top QB in the nation?