The 2025 college football season has been a wild ride, especially for quarterbacks. Joel Klatt, who’s built a reputation as a sharp college football analyst, just dropped his updated top 10 quarterback rankings. The list reflects all the unexpected turns and breakout performances we’ve seen so far.
Arch Manning and Cade Klubnik were supposed to be the headline acts, but, honestly, they haven’t lived up to the buzz. Instead, we’ve got some new faces leading the Heisman conversation. Here’s a look at Klatt’s latest rankings and what stands out about each pick.
John Mateer: The New No. 1
John Mateer, Oklahoma’s quarterback, has jumped to the top of Klatt’s list. He’s had a few turnovers, sure, but he’s been the spark for his team, lifting everyone around him.
With 944 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 368 total yards per game, Mateer’s numbers are hard to ignore. He’s looking like a real Heisman threat.
Key Performances
Against Michigan, Mateer put on a show under real pressure. His leadership popped off the screen as he dragged his team to a win.
If Klatt had to cast a Heisman vote today, he says it’d go to Mateer. That’s a big endorsement this early in the season.
Carson Beck: Miami’s New Star
Carson Beck has been a shock to the system for Miami. Coming off elbow surgery, he’s led the Hurricanes to a hot start and put them right in the ACC mix.
He’s hitting nearly 80% of his passes, already has 812 yards, and 7 touchdowns. That’s not bad for a guy coming off an injury.
Impact on Miami
Beck’s arrival has totally flipped Miami’s offense, which just couldn’t get going last year—even with Cam Ward at QB. Now, with a tougher defense backing him up, Miami suddenly looks dangerous.
Dante Moore: Oregon’s Sensation
Dante Moore wasted no time making an impression at Oregon. He’s connecting on 78% of his throws, piling up 657 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Klatt thinks Moore could end up a Heisman finalist. His accuracy and decision-making are ahead of the curve for a young player.
Offensive Efficiency
Oregon’s offense has been on a tear with Moore at the helm—17 touchdowns in 22 drives when he’s out there. That’s wild efficiency.
Some folks are already comparing his poise to Bo Nix in his prime. That’s saying something.
Brock Vandagriff: Georgia’s Comeback Kid
Brock Vandagriff lit it up against Tennessee, rallying Georgia from a 21-7 hole. He’s shown he can handle the heat when it matters.
With 721 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, his numbers tell part of the story, but his clutch factor stands out even more.
Crucial Moments
Vandagriff’s fourth-down throw against Tennessee was a gutsy play. That kind of nerve under pressure is rare.
He’s earned his spot on Klatt’s list for moments like that alone.
Haynes King: The Warrior
Haynes King has been a gritty, tough-as-nails leader. His stats might not jump off the page, but he’s come up big when it counts—like in the win over Clemson.
He leads all FBS quarterbacks with 129.5 rushing yards per game. That’s just relentless.
Big-Stage Performances
King ran the ball 25 times against Clemson. That’s not something you see from most quarterbacks.
He’s got a way of rallying his team when things get tough. You can’t teach that kind of fight.
Rocco Becht: The Clutch Performer
Rocco Becht keeps coming through in tight spots. He’s thrown for 860 yards and 7 touchdowns already.
His game against Iowa stood out, but it’s his late-game composure that really catches your eye.
Leadership and Confidence
Becht’s teammates clearly trust him. In the fourth quarter, when the pressure’s on, he just finds a way.
Joey Aguilar: Tennessee’s Explosive Fit
Joey Aguilar seems to have found his groove in Tennessee’s offense. He’s racked up 906 passing yards and 9 touchdowns, and the Vols are rolling.
Klatt even says Tennessee won the trade—Aguilar’s been that good.
Offensive Synergy
Aguilar has a real connection with his receivers. The offense feels dynamic with him running the show.
Tennessee fans have to be thrilled with how things are going.
Maiava Te’o: The Underrated Star
Maiava Te’o isn’t getting a ton of attention, but he’s quietly putting up big numbers. He’s thrown for 989 yards, 6 touchdowns, and leads FBS with 14.1 yards per attempt.
Sure, the competition hasn’t been the toughest, but you can’t argue with his production so far.
Statistical Dominance
Te’o just keeps delivering, even if the spotlight isn’t on him yet. His efficiency and calm presence make him a name to keep an eye on as things heat up.
Conclusion
The 2025 college football season has been wild so far. Unexpected contenders have popped up in the Heisman race, and honestly, it’s been tough to predict who’ll shine next.
Joel Klatt’s latest quarterback rankings capture that unpredictability. New faces are making noise, and some of the usual favorites have slipped.
John Mateer’s leadership at Oklahoma stands out. Then there’s Carson Beck, who’s given Miami’s offense a whole new vibe.
If you want to dig deeper, check out the full article on Joel Klatt’s updated top 10 quarterbacks.
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