Best Quarterbacks in College Football (Davey O’Brien Award Watch List 2025)
Published on: September 1, 2024
Updated on: August 30, 2025
Category: Advice & Tips

The following post features the best quarterbacks in college football (Davey O’Brien Award Watch List 2025).
Some college football teams have an NFL-level QB capable of singlehandedly carrying a team to victory. These are the QBs you need to know about when betting on college football.
Read: Best Kickers in College Football
Related: Best Tight Ends in College Football
The Davey O’Brien Award Watch List features the top quarterbacks in the nation heading into the 2025 college football season.
So, who are the best QBs in 2025? Here’s what you need to know.
Overview
Miami’s Cam Ward won the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award after throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 TDs, while also adding 204 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. He was selected over two other finalists: Dillon Gabriel of Oregon and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado.
How the Award Works
Throughout the season, the Davey O’Brien Award Committee evaluates the performance of quarterbacks on the preseason watchlist. At mid-season, the committee narrows the list down to 10 semifinalists. From these semifinalists, the top three finalists are selected. The winner is chosen from these three finalists by a panel of college football coaches, media members, and former Davey O’Brien Award recipients.
Click here for the official Davey O’Brien Award Watch List.
Davey O’Brien Award Watch List (2025)
In alphabetical order by last name, here is the 2025 Davey O’Brien Award Watch List:
Davey O’Brien Award Winners (2000 – Present)
Here are the winners from years past – notice lots of NFL names on this list.
Year |
Player |
Team |
|---|---|---|
2024 |
Cam Ward |
Miami Hurricanes |
2023 |
Jayden Daniels |
LSU Tigers |
2022 |
Max Duggan |
TCU Horned Frogs |
2021 |
Bryce Young |
Alabama Crimson Tide |
2020 |
Mac Jones |
Alabama Crimson Tide |
2019 |
Joe Burrow |
LSU Tigers |
2018 |
Kyler Murray |
Oklahoma Sooners |
2017 |
Baker Mayfield |
Oklahoma Sooners |
2016 |
Deshaun Watson |
Clemson Tigers |
2015 |
Deshaun Watson |
Clemson Tigers |
2014 |
Marcus Mariota |
Oregon Ducks |
2013 |
Jameis Winston |
Florida State Seminoles |
2012 |
Johnny Manziel |
Texas A&M Aggies |
2011 |
Robert Griffin III |
Baylor Bears |
2010 |
Cam Newton |
Auburn Tigers |
2009 |
Colt McCoy |
Texas Longhorns |
2008 |
Sam Bradford |
Oklahoma Sooners |
2007 |
Tim Tebow |
Florida Gators |
2006 |
Troy Smith |
Ohio State Buckeyes |
2005 |
Vince Young |
Texas Longhorns |
2004 |
Jason White |
Oklahoma Sooners |
2003 |
Jason White |
Oklahoma Sooners |
2002 |
Brad Banks |
Iowa Hawkeyes |
2001 |
Eric Crouch |
Nebraska Cornhuskers |
2000 |
Chris Weinke |
Florida State Seminoles |