The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals are set to feature four quarterbacks who are not only talented but also face a monumental challenge ahead. Each of these signal-callers will be squaring off against some of the toughest defenses in the nation. To put it into perspective, all four defenses rank in the top seven nationally for scoring defense, top eight for total defense, and three of them are in the top 20 for turnovers forced. This means it’s going to be tough sledding for these quarterbacks, regardless of which team they’re up against.
Yet, amidst these challenges, each quarterback has already proven their mettle in the postseason, boasting two playoff wins each this season. They have led their respective offenses to an impressive average of at least 25 points per game. While their styles may differ, and their supporting casts vary in strength, there isn’t much separating these four talented quarterbacks.
Ranking College Football Playoff Quarterbacks
Let’s dive into the rankings of the four remaining quarterbacks in the CFP playoff, based on who a college head coach would want under center this week.
Quinn Ewers, Texas
Overview: Quinn Ewers tops this list, but is he truly the best quarterback on his team? That’s a debate for another day. Ewers showcased brilliance in the clutch during the final minutes and overtime against Arizona State, completing 11 of 14 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Now fully healthy, he can make sideline throws, utilize the tight end effectively, and even run when necessary. His clutch performances are noteworthy, although consistency with accuracy and a tendency to be overly cautious with his throws can be areas for improvement. Still, he has the trust of his team and three CFP games under his belt.
Playoff numbers (3 games): 61 for 97 (63 percent), 892 yards (297.3 ypg), 5 TDs, 2 INTs, 4 sacks, 1 rushing TD.
NFL future: Ewers is likely to enter the NFL Draft, projected to be selected in the first or second round. While Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders may be the top prospects, Ewers fits into a talented group that includes Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart, and Carson Beck.
Will Howard, Ohio State
Overview: Will Howard has put up impressive numbers, ranking third in the nation in passer rating and averaging 9.5 yards per attempt with 32 touchdowns. However, his performance has had its ups and downs. He mismanaged the clock during a crucial moment in the Oregon loss and struggled against Michigan, where his team only managed 10 points and he threw two interceptions. While he isn’t a significant rushing threat, he can evade pressure and has scored seven touchdowns on the ground in the red zone.
Playoff numbers (2 games): 41 for 55 (74.5 percent), 630 yards (315 ypg), 5 TDs, 1 INT, 0 sacks.
NFL future: Howard is surrounded by NFL-caliber receivers and a strong offensive line, raising questions about how much of his success is due to the talent around him. He projects as a Day 3 pick in rounds 4-7, akin to Mac Jones, who thrived at Alabama but has yet to find his footing in the NFL.
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
Overview: Riley Leonard stands out as the best runner among the semifinal quarterbacks, showcasing deceptive speed on scrambles and designed runs. After battling injuries at Duke, he has remained healthy at Notre Dame. His running ability was pivotal against Georgia, contributing to his impressive stats of 751 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. However, his passing hasn’t seen significant improvement, likely due to limited options on the outside and a strategy focused on strong defense and maintaining leads. Leonard has passed for less than 200 yards in nine games, but he still boasts 17 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions.
Playoff numbers (2 games): 38 for 56 (67.9 percent), 291 yards (145.5 ypg), 2 TDs, 1 INT, 3 sacks, 110 rushing yards, 1 rush TD.
NFL future: Leonard is projected as a late-round selection or potential free agent signee, likely to earn a shot in an NFL training camp. While he hasn’t yet proven to be a downfield passing threat, the growing trend in the NFL values quarterbacks with his running skills. His experience, ball security, and athleticism make him a candidate for a QB2 role.
Drew Allar, Penn State
Overview: Drew Allar could emerge as the best pro quarterback of the group. A two-year starter, he has indicated his intention to return to Penn State for the 2025 season. Allar is a traditional pocket passer with fluctuating accuracy, though he has improved his deep ball as a junior. His numbers are solid, but he averages less than 25 attempts per game, thanks to a strong rushing attack and a favorable game script. Critics point to his performance against top-ranked opponents, where he has completed only 54 percent of his passes for an average of 169.7 yards.
Playoff numbers (2 games): 26 for 47 (55.3 percent), 298 yards (149.5 ypg), 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 7 sacks.
NFL future: Scouts are keeping an eye on Allar to see if he changes his mind about entering the 2025 draft. He seems committed to developing further in college, but if he can enhance his completion percentage and continue improving his vertical game, he has the potential to be an NFL starter.
The stage is set for an exhilarating playoff showdown, and these quarterbacks are ready to rise to the occasion. Who will shine the brightest in the face of formidable defenses? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the excitement of college football is at its peak!
