Top College Quarterbacks in 2021

November 11, 2021 by Staff

Despite how the subject of college football is approached, each discussion finds its way to the quarterback. The great defense has a great impact, star playmakers and great offensive lines are also important. However, if the quarterback is inconsistent and mediocre, it weakens the strengths, and winning the games can be challenging. Quarterbacks are the most crucial players on the field. When looking for the best NCAAF picks one always has to consider the status of the QB before making their final decision. An injury or a QB missing a game will most definitely affect the odds a team has going into a game  Here are the top college quarterbacks in 2021.

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

Kenny Pickett's breakout season has been confirmed through five games. He has set the career-high with 15 passing touchdowns in four games and four more in week five at Georgia Tech.

This season, Kenny Pickett is the shining star in the field, with impeccably placed passes to every level. Pickett is standing tall and dominating the pressure as his offensive line keeps him clean. He has 121/168 (72%) for 1,731 yards, one interception, and 19 touchdowns.
Pickett is not just among the top quarterbacks, but he's among the best country-wide. Pittsburgh is primed for a deep ACC run this year due to this fifth-year senior.

Bryce Young, Alabama

It is now official that Alabama has its next great quarterback. Bryce Young, despite his young age, plays a remarkable brand of football. Young has thrown several touchdowns in each of the five starts and has completed 62.9% of his passes.

Young has had an impressive play as a starter in the first five games with yet another great win over Ole Miss in week 5. Now he has completed 72.9% (108/148) of his throws, averaging 9.2 yards in each attempt. Due to his team projection and consistency each week, Bryce remains among the top quarterbacks.

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

Even though Stroud did not have a great start in 2021, his last two performances should set off the alarms. In his starting debut, Stroud had 294 passing yards and four scores at Minnesota and threw 484 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to Oregon. He had a shoulder injury that limited him against Tulsa.
Luckily, in last week's wins over Maryland and Rutgers, Stroud was able to amass 736 yards and ten scores. Stroud now ranks second nationwide with 10.8 yards per attempt. Now he's begun to match the lofty preseason expectations for 5-1 Ohio State.

Malik Willis, Liberty

A former 3-star athlete has become a great quarterback at Liberty. Last year, Willis gathered 2260 passing and 944 rushing yards, tossed 20 touchdowns, and ran 14 more.

This year Malik Willis, propelled Liberty to 5-1 with impeccable play. He has had 13 scores, seven touchdowns, 498 yards running, and thrown for 1327 yards.  Willis is ranked 11 in yards per pass (9.7) and is the leading FBS quarterback in rushing.

Carson Strong, Nevada

Carson may not hold a statistical line like some of his top college quarterbacks. However, he has had several amazing throws this year. Although tall and a strong football thrower, Carson has demonstrated the ability to add a touch to his passes.

With just eight touchdowns, Strong has had two interceptions and completes 67.9% of his throws. Under pressure, he's terrific and much better when testing defenders deep.

Jake Haener, Fresno State

Jake Haener has been a team player for the Bulldogs this season. He is leading the nation with 2,230 passing yards with only six games under his belt. This year, Haener has had his fair share of moments, like throws against UNLV and Oregon and game-winning drives.

He has great anticipation, and his command of the offers is exemplary. Similar to Zach Wilson, Haener had raised his receiving weapon to nationally known names. As long as Haener addresses his mistakes in the present moment, the sky continues to be his limit.

Tanner Mordecai, SMU

Mordecai is the biggest riser in College Quarterbacks' Power Rankings. This season, Tanner has been a great revelation. He is the top in touchdown passes (24) nationwide. In addition, he has outdone his earlier seasons total for passing yards in a single game with 395 yards against Louisiana Tech.
Well, one of the great reasons why Mordecai is on the rise is his capability to elevate players around him. Although the SMU offense is quarterback-friendly, Tanner has taken and run with it.

Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

Desmond Ridder is thriving in his quarterback role. He followed his breakout in 2020, where he gathered 2,888 yards and 31 touchdowns. In 2021 he had a steady opening where he steered third Cincinnati to 5-0, making it possible for Bearcats to depend on their running game and defense, offering a handful of key plays. Ridder is ranked 18th nationally at 9.0 yards per pass attempt with 1408 yards and 15 scores.

The role of a quarterback is critical in achieving the championship dream. With these top college quarterbacks, your team stands a better chance of winning the championships.