EA Sports College Football 26 is set to make waves soon, and as anticipation builds, the spotlight falls on the ratings for the elite quarterbacks in college football. With a significant number of last year’s standout quarterbacks moving on to the NFL ranks, there’s a refreshing shift in talent at the college level. So, who are the frontrunners among the signal-callers this season?
While Arch Manning has garnered considerable fanfare as a potential top-tier quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, he surprisingly didn’t break into the top five of the ratings. Instead, the SEC produced two of its own formidable contenders who have landed in a tie for the highest rating.
Both Sam Leavitt from Arizona State and LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina received an overall rating of 91, showcasing their skills and potential to light up the gridiron. However, the top honors belong to a trio of quarterbacks from power conferences: Cade Klubnik from Clemson, Garrett Nussmeier of LSU, and Drew Allar representing Penn State—all bringing versatility and prowess to their respective teams.
Reflecting on their impressive 2024 seasons sheds light on why these quarterbacks have earned such high acclaim. Klubnik demonstrated remarkable precision, completing 63.4 percent of his passes, amassing a career-high of 3,639 passing yards while throwing a staggering 36 touchdowns to just six interceptions over his 14-game campaign. His leadership guided the Tigers to an ACC title and a long-awaited return to the College Football Playoff.
On the other hand, Nussmeier, in his inaugural year as a starter, didn’t hold back either. Leading the SEC in both completions and attempts, he completed an impressive 64.2 percent of his throws for over 4,000 yards, tossing 29 touchdowns along the way. It’s clear that he’s emerged as a commanding presence under center.
Then there’s Allar, who took Penn State to new heights. Not only did he help push the Nittany Lions to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, but he also led the team to the national semifinals, narrowly falling to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. His season ended with 3,327 passing yards and 24 touchdowns against a mere eight interceptions, along with five games in which he threw three touchdowns or more.
However, it’s essential to remember that these ratings aren’t necessarily a forecast of how these players will fare in the 2025 season. Fans may hold EA Sports accountable, especially if the youthfulness and excitement surrounding these quarterbacks don’t translate to success on the field.
As we gear up for another thrilling college football season, the question lingers: Which quarterback will rise above the rest and claim the title of the top QB in 2025? The stage is set for a captivating battle, as underdogs and expected stars alike vie for supremacy in a sport that always keeps fans guessing.
