We rank every Power Five college football starter entering the 2024 season, with Georgia's Carson Beck kicking things off.
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Some notables:
Smith finally had a chance to start in Houston after playing a part-time role at Texas Tech for two seasons. He performed reasonably well and has the physical tools that generally make NFL scouts salivate. He may have the strongest arm in college football. If he can find more consistency when throwing downfield, he could move up draft boards in the spring.
34. ALAN BOWMAN, OKLAHOMA STATE
Bowman is entering his seventh year in college football and is fresh off an appearance in the Big 12 title game. He operates best as a complementary piece who is efficient when he gets rid of the ball quickly. Only five passers last season totaled more big-time throws at or outside the numbers than Bowman’s 19. Ollie Gordon II is the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense, but Bowman’s abilities as a game manager will be essential to the team's success.
56. TYLER SHOUGH, LOUISVILLE CARDINALS
Former Oregon and Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough is currently the biggest question mark on a very good Louisville roster. His career has been marred by injuries, as he has never made 200 pass attempts in a single season. He’s shown flashes of potential for a long time when he is on the field, but his health and ball security could loom over the Cardinals’ chances of ACC contention.
60. BEHREN MORTON, TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS
Morton played in Tyler Shough’s stead in each of the past two seasons. Though he saw substantial reps, he struggled with ball security. He has so far made 14 big-time throws and 24 turnover-worthy plays in his career. There are moments when he looks good, but it’s almost random week-to-week which version of Morton shows up. He earned either a 70.0-plus or sub-50.0 PFF passing grade in every game he appeared in last season.