Being successful in college football recruiting is a nearly impossible feat. Five-star recruits can go on to become busts, and three-star recruits can rise into becoming future first-round picks in the NFL Draft.
It's a highly unpredictable market to know which kids will actually become huge names in the sport. Given that, there may never be a recruiting class like the 2023 class. It was once coined way before Signing Day as the most prolific quarterback recruiting class ever. Names like Arch Manning, Nico Iamaleava, Jackson Arnold, and Malachi Nelson headlined a crop of quarterbacks that were supposed to transform the sport.
Fast forward to 2025. All of the quarterbacks in the class are now in their third year in college football. One would anticipate that most of the class would be leading the Heisman discussion, and there'd be an intense debate on who should be the first overall pick.
Instead, the best quarterbacks midway through the 2025 season are not the guys who were rated at the top of the class. Our Ryan Roberts dove deep into the biggest hits and misses from the class this week. Let's look at three examples he included in his article that intruigingly illustrate the volatility of the class.
"The career for Moore didn't get off to a great start after signing with the UCLA Bruins. The 6-3, 210-pound pocket passer had his fair share of struggles as a freshman under Chip Kelly, but had the chance to learn behind Dillon Gabriel last season in Eugene. Now an outstanding starter for the Ducks, Moore has thrown for 1,210 yards and 14 touchdowns, including nearly a 75 percent completion rate and just one interception. Moore has put himself firmly into the conversation as the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft." -- Ryan Roberts
Moore has become my favorite story in college football so far this season. In a world where recruits want immediate results and recognition, he chose a route of patience. His decision to learn from Dillon Gabriel is arguably a driving force behind his hot start to the 2025 season.
He now leads the Heisman conversation and should easily be labelled as the one true success story in this class. Rated as one of the best QB prospects in 2023, he's showing why many believed he could go on to be a star.
Moore has flashed a perfect blend of playmaking ability, accuracy, and consistent decision-making. It feels insane to say that after Oregon had two quarterbacks at the Heisman podium in back-to-back years, that Moore is the best one yet. If Oregon wins a national championship, Moore will absolutely be a driving force.
"The offseason hype for Manning was on an all-time level, and the 6-4, 220-pound passer hasn't lived up to the expectations so far. Perhaps it's a little harsh to list Manning as a miss, but until he proves the hype, he has not lived up to those unreal expectations. Manning has time, but he hasn't shown much progress this season." -- Roberts
We can't discuss this class without mentioning Manning. Before he was a full-time starter, Manning was projected as a college football savior. Even as a recruit, many believed he'd be one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the sport and one of the most polished NFL Draft prospects we've laid eyes on.
Sadly, none of that has come to fruition. Manning looks timid and confused as he gets sold out by his struggling offensive line in his first year as the Longhorns' starter. I'm in the camp that Manning still has a shot to recover from this poor start, considering how his uncles, Eli and Peyton, played to start their careers. However, he has a long way to go before he even comes close to the hype that surrounded him.
"Considered a three-star coming out by some, the 6-3, 242-pound dual threat signal caller has become a star for the Gamecocks. While dealing with an injury this season, Sellers has still been tremendous when he's been on the field. Whether it is as a passer or runner, Sellers has elite physical traits to work with." -- Roberts
Of some of the out-of-nowhere success stories, Sellers is the most entertaining. Last season, he captivated the nation by propelling an average South Carolina roster into becoming a College Football Playoff contender. While his 2025 season hasn't been an enormous leap forward, he still drops highlights that have every fan in awe.
Sellers is potentially one of the most athletic quarterback prospects we'll see in an NFL Draft cycle. He's comically strong, which enables him to shrug off defenders like they're toddlers hopping on his back. His arm is a rocket, which allows him to rip passes into insanely tight windows. His mobility and speed make him a massive threat as a scrambler or designed runner.
He is a perfect example of overthinking by coaches and recruiting websites. With a class loaded with guys who rose because they were deemed natural passers right now, more people should have been betting on the potential of Sellers.
Overall, this recruiting class will be defined by the many misses. But as Roberts points out in his article, many positive stories need more recognition.
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