CFB 2015: QBs to Watch

Ohio State
JT Barrett and Cardale Jones are competing for the starting job. Braxton Miller withdrew his name from the competition to move to H-Back, as an offensive weapon. Whoever starts at QB for the Buckeyes will be an instant Heisman favorite IF they start every game. JT Barrett likely would have been a finalist in 2014 if he didn't get injured in the season finale. Cardale Jones went 3-0 winning the B1G championship, Sugar Bowl, and National Championship.

Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
PSU OL should be much improved in 2015 and in year 2 of James Franklin system, Hackenberg should show his potential as 2016 first round pick in NFL draft.

Jared Goff, California
Goff spent a couple of years on bad Cal teams but this year's team should get to bowl eligiblity and Goff will be on NFL radar all year. 3,973 yards with 35 touchdowns and seven interceptions as a sophomore.The only thing working against him on NFL radars is if he can manage an pro-style offense as opposed to the gimmicky air raid that Sonny Dykes runs at Cal.

Gunner Kiel, Cincinnati
Kiel is only beginning his second year as a starter, though it feels like he's been around so much longer. Cincinnati's top 6 WRs return and top 4 RBs return to a team that should compete for Access Bowl. Kiel set UC TD record (31) in 2014 and should top that in 2015. If Cincy wins 10+ games, expect the Junior QB to go pro following this season.

Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Watson showed so much potential as a freshman but dealt with injuries all year, starting only 5 games. If healthy, he could put up Heisman-esque numbers.

Anu Solomon, Arizona
Year 2 as starter in Rich Rod system should help him improve. If mechanics and accuracy improve, Solomon will be on one best QBs in country and Arizona will get close to 10 wins again. 4,000 yds and  30 tds in 2014 and can only get better. Especially with  the return of RB Nick Wilson  and WR Cayleb Jones amongst a deep receiving corps.

Brad Kaaya, Miami
Miami lost their top three weapons from 2014 (Duke Johnson, Philip Dorsett, Clive Walford). Coach Al Golden's job is no doubt on the line in 2015 and Kaaya's play in 2015 may control his fate.

Kyle Allen, Texas A&M
Allen was the number one recruit in 2014 started second half of the year after Kenny Hill was benched, and later suspended. A&M has some really good WRs (Malcolm Kennedy, Speedy Noil among them) and Allen got some great experience that should translate to an improved A&M record in 2015.

Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee
Dobbs 11 TD and ran for 8 more in 5 starts, going 4-1 for the Vols to end 2014 on a high note.

Joshua Johnson, Auburn
See Nick Marshall and Gus Malzahn for why you should believe the hype in Josh Johnson.

Josh Rosen, UCLA
True freshman is expected to replace Brett Hundley and has all the tools to succeed right away. He also has Jordan Payton, which helps.

Greg Ward, Houston
New head coach Tom Herrman is an offensive guru (previously OSU OC) and should maximize Ward's potential. For examples, see what he did last year with a couple of inexperienced Ohio St QBs?

Jacoby Brissett, North Carolina St
Had 23 TDs and 5 INTs in 2014 and should really improve with more experienced weapons. Brissett was one of the better QBs statistically but was hardly ever mentioned amongst the "best". Expect Brissett to become a household name and a hot DFS commodity in 2015.

Maty Mauk, Missouri
All Mauk has done is help lead Missouri to consecutive SEC title games. Only a junior, Mauk has 36 TD and 15 INT for his two year career.

Brandon Daughty, Western Kentucky
Had a great 2014 campaign that was overshadowed by being in the same conference as Marshall and QB Rakeem Cato. But WKU enters 2015 as the CUSA favorites and Daughty will try to improve on his 49 TD passes from a year ago.
 
Luke Falk, Washington State
Falk flashed some potential replacing Connor Halliday at the end of the 2014. Falk will lead a high octane, pass happy offense coached by Mike Leach. His numbers have a chance to be video game-esque if he can stay healthy.

Patrick Towles, Kentucky
Towles was a big part of how Kentucky started 2014 5-1. He has a similar body build to former SEC QB Tim Tebow and is the same kind of dual-threat.

Jacob Coker, Alabama
The projected starter for 2014 lost to Blake Sims in a training camp battle. The former FSU QB will be without WR Amari Cooper but has TE OJ Howard and Heisman candidate RB Derrick Henry at his disposal. Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin should maximize Coker's talents, just like he did Sims a year ago

Nate Sudfeld, Indiana
Missed 6 due to injuries in 2014 and the Hoosier offense suffered mightily, despite the presence of 2,000 yard RB Tevin Coleman. With Coleman gone (along with WR Shane Wynn) the keys to the offense, and perhaps coach Kevin Wilson's future, lies in the arm of Sudfeld. 

Brandon Allen, Arkansas
Run-dominant, defensive-minded team but Allen is one of the SEC's top returning QBs.