As the 2024 college football season looms on the horizon, all eyes are on the sizzling quarterback market in the transfer portal. A fresh crop of electric dual-threats, seasoned veterans, and hungry young guns are poised to reshape the landscape and ignite a new era of high-octane offense. In this deep dive, we rank the top 25 quarterbacks in the portal and analyze the seismic impact they could have on their future squads.
The New No. 1: John Mateer
Leading the pack is John Mateer, the Washington State wunderkind who terrorized the Pac-12 with his dazzling dual-threat artistry. Mateer amassed 3,139 yards through the air and a staggering 1,032 on the ground, accounting for 44 total touchdowns. Fearless and explosive, he forced a jaw-dropping 58 missed tackles—the most among FBS quarterbacks. With numerous Power Five suitors vying for his services, Mateer has a chance to be the most transformative player in this portal cycle.
Cream of the Crop: Mensah, Mendoza, and Morris
Nipping at Mateer’s heels are three quarterbacks with immense upside. Darian Mensah, the unheralded Tulane gem, dazzled in his first season as a starter, ranking fourth among Group of Five QBs in Total QBR. Fernando Mendoza, the Cal signal-caller who weathered a staggering 41 sacks, still managed to flash NFL-caliber arm talent. And Miller Moss, the USC transfer seeking a fresh start after an up-and-down campaign, could be a revelation in the right system.
“Moss is mature, seasoned, and has shown flashes of being extremely productive. He’s an ideal spread passer.”
– ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill on Miller Moss
Young Guns on the Rise
This transfer class also boasts a bevy of young quarterbacks oozing with potential. Jackson Arnold, the former five-star recruit, is seeking a fresh start after a turbulent season at Oklahoma. Michael Van Buren Jr., the electric Mississippi State freshman, could be a day-one starter for numerous QB-needy squads. And Conner Weigman, the Texas A&M transfer with prototypical size and a live arm, is a prime candidate for a breakout year.
Veteran Difference Makers
Rounding out the top 25 are a handful of seasoned vets poised to make an instant impact. Kaidon Salter, the Liberty star fresh off a historic 13-0 run, has tallied 77 total touchdowns in his illustrious career. Billy Edwards Jr., the Maryland stalwart, has the big-game chops to excel in any Power Five conference. And Chandler Morris, the North Texas transfer, is coming off a banner year that saw him rank fourth nationally in total offense.
Under-the-Radar Gems
Savvy coaches will also be scouring for hidden gems further down the list. Deshawn Purdie, the electric Charlotte freshman with offers from Florida and Georgia, could be the steal of the cycle. Devon Dampier, the dual-threat dynamo who piled up 3,934 total yards for New Mexico, is another high-upside target. And Kadin Semonza, the MAC Freshman of the Year out of Ball State, has the accuracy and moxie to thrive in the right situation.
| Ranking | Quarterback | Transferring From |
| 1 | John Mateer | Washington State |
| 2 | Darian Mensah | Tulane |
| 3 | Fernando Mendoza | Cal |
| 4 | Miller Moss | USC |
| 5 | Jackson Arnold | Oklahoma |
As the quarterback carousel spins, the college football world watches with bated breath. Will Mateer live up to the hype? Can a young gun like Arnold or Van Buren seize the reins at a blueblood program? Might a seasoned vet like Salter or Edwards lift a new squad to unprecedented heights? One thing is certain: The 2024 transfer portal quarterbacks are poised to electrify the sport and captivate fans from coast to coast. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.
