2025-06-19 06:00:00
Top Quarterbacks in the West: Who Made the Cut?
The competition is fierce as college football prepares for the 2025 season. Identifying the top quarterbacks in the West is no easy task.
- Sam Leavitt, Arizona state, leads the pack after an remarkable redshirt freshman season.
- Nico Iamaleava of UCLA is poised to shine after a move from Tennessee.
- Several other quarterbacks, like jake Retzlaff (BYU) and Demond Williams Jr. (Washington), are also expected to make significant impacts.
Who are the top college quarterbacks in the West heading into the 2025 season? The talent pool is deep, and the competition is sure to be intense, as several signal-callers are vying for recognition.
1.Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
in his redshirt freshman campaign, Leavitt was elite for the Sun Devils as they won the Big 12. He posted a 4-1 last season against ranked opponents, throwing 24 TDs and just six interceptions, with the lone loss coming to Texas in the overtime thriller in the playoffs.
With a talented receiving corps returning, Leavitt’s ability to make plays with his legs makes him a formidable opponent.
2. Nico Iamaleava, UCLA
Iamaleava’s journey to the Bruins took a winding route. After transferring from Tennessee, where he threw for 2,616 yards and 19 TDs, he now needs to prove his mettle with the Bruins.
The signal caller will need to put all of his potential into production, and I think he will make that happen.
3.Jake Retzlaff, BYU
Retzlaff had his off-field issues this off season, and we will wait to see how all of that plays out. On the field he can spin it and has a slew of weapons returning at his disposal.
If Retzlaff is on the field with his head in the right space and the talent that surrounds him, BYU could be a Playoff threat.
4. Demond Williams Jr., Washington
Williams has the potential for greatness. He backed up Will rogers before emerging as a starter against Oregon.He provided a spark whenever he got on the field.
Williams is a good athlete who can beat you with the run, but his accuracy should be what jumps out at you this season.
5. Dante Moore, Oregon
Moore did not see much action with the Ducks last season, so he essentially has not played since suiting up for UCLA as a freshman in 2023. During that season he showed signs of brilliance but also played like the freshman he was with nine interceptions in nine games.
The talent is certainly there, and the last two transfers the Ducks brought in under Will Stein worked out pretty well.
6. Noah Fifita, Arizona
Will we see the return of the 2023 version of Fifita in 2025? Two seasons ago he put up stellar numbers. This season we should see better play than last year when the Wildcats offense, and entire team as a whole, was a bit underwhelming. He will not have Tetairoa McMillan on the outside, but the sum of the WR parts might be more efficient than the group from last season.
The line was terrible in 2024, and it had an impact on the QB’s accuracy as he dipped to completing just 60.5% of his throws. that number should be much better this year.
7. Devon Dampier, utah
There may not be a more dynamic dual threat QB in the nation than Dampier. At New Mexico,Dampier completed just 57.9% of his passes. That will need to get better.His ability to run the ball could fit in perfectly as the Utes need to get more physical, especially running the ball.
His passing numbers should improve, and the 12 interceptions should drop (they need to) but when games were on the line last season at UNM, Dampier made plays.
8.Maddux Madsen, Boise State
With the season that Ashton Jeanty put up in 2024, it is forgivable for people to overlook Madsen at QB. But the truth is the signal caller had a very good year for the Broncos. He threw just six interceptions while connecting on 23 TDs and over 3,000 yards through the air as he led Boise State to a playoff appearance.
With Jeanty gone, more of the production will fall to Madsen this season. The offense may need more out of him, but there is no reason to doubt he will produce what is needed.
9. Jayden Maiava, USC
Maiava seemed to stabilize the offense in the final four games when USC turned the offense over to him. USC went 3-1 during that stretch, and while his numbers were not eye-popping, the results were good.
For all of their struggles in 2024, the Trojans still led the Big Ten in passing. Maiava should be productive this fall.
10. Maalik Murphy, Oregon State
This is the third stop for the much-heralded QB after starting his career at Texas before heading to Duke. In his one season in durham, he threw for 2,933 yards with 26 TDs and 12 interceptions. The Beavers will need him to cut down on the interception total, but they should get good numbers from Murphy.
A bit overlooked in the most recent transfer period, he may have a chip on his shoulder as he looks to erase any doubts about his ability in 2025.
11. Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Colorado State
Expectations were high entering the 2024 season for Fowler-Nicolosi and the Rams, and it’s not a stretch to say things did not go quite as planned. He threw for 2,796 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. That was a dip from his freshmen season in which he threw for 3,460 with 22 TDs but 16 interceptions.
A deeper look at the numbers shows the completion percentage was similar. But injuries also limited the Rams pass catchers last season. Look for a bounce back season for the QB in 2025.
12. E.J. Warner, Fresno State
Warner comes to Fresno via a pair of Owl teams in Rice and Temple.With rice last season, his 246.4 yards passing per game were the 30th most in the nation as he threw for 17 TDs. He also had 13 interceptions, and that number needs to improve for the Bulldogs this season. The son of former NFL star Kurt Warner has been a starter as his freshmen season, wherever he has been.
Warner’s experience will bode well for a Fresno team looking to fill a lot of holes.
Other Notables
• Walker Eget, San Jose State
• jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Cal
• Micah Alejado, hawai’i
• Kaidon Salter, Colorado
• Anthony Colandrea, UNLV
• Bryson Barnes, Utah State
13.Brendan Lewis, Nevada
After a rocky start to his career at Colorado, lewis landed at Nevada and showed flashes of potential. He’s a dual-threat QB, which can be fun to watch, and he makes plays with his arm, but his accuracy and ability to read defenses need to continue to improve for the Wolf Pack to compete. He will need to make more plays with his arm than his legs.
With another year of experiance under his belt and the right offensive scheme, Lewis could be a dark horse candidate in the Mountain west.
14. Hank Bachmeier,Stanford
Bachmeier has played considerable football. Before landing at Stanford, he spent time at Boise State and last season at Louisiana Tech. He brings experience to the Cardinal, and his familiarity with different offensive systems should help. He has a strong arm, and he understands how to get through a defense.
While not possessing elite athleticism, his experience, and ability to read a defense positions him well to be a steadying influence for the Cardinal offense.
15. Jack Plummer, Cal
Plummer has bounced around the collage football landscape, starting at Purdue before transferring to Cal. Known for his accuracy and decision-making, Plummer will be an asset for the Golden Bears this season. He throws a good deep ball and is a high-percentage passer.
Plummer may not be flashy, but his consistency and veteran presence will provide stability to the Cal offense.
Fresh Faces to Watch
Beyond the established names, the West boasts a crop of intriguing young quarterbacks poised to make their mark. These players may not be household names yet, but their talent and potential make them ones to keep an eye on as the season unfolds.
Included in this group of players are:
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Cal: He did not make the cut in the top 15, but watch for Sagapolutele.
- Micah Alejado, Hawaii: Another player who could make some noise in 2025.
- Dillon Gabriel, oregon: Gabriel showed brilliance at Oklahoma, and now he is ready to take the Ducks offense to new heights.
Key Factors That Will Tip the Scales
Several factors will influence the performance of these quarterbacks and will shape their teams’ success in the upcoming season. Those factors are:
- Offensive Line Development: The protection provided by the offensive line is crucial. Quarterbacks need time to make reads and deliver accurate throws.
- Receiving Corps Production: A strong receiving corps provides reliable targets and helps quarterbacks build confidence.
- Coaching Staff: Offensive play-calling and quarterback development programs are critical.
Conclusion: What to Expect
The 2025 season promises intense quarterback battles across the west. From established stars to rising talents, the quarterback position will be a major storyline. The teams built for success will have quarterbacks who can execute, show advancement, and lead teams to the playoffs.
