5 quarterbacks from 2025 recruiting class with the highest chances of starting as freshmen ft. Bryce Underwood & Julian Lewis

Usually, the likelihood of starting as a true freshman in college football is rare, especially at the quarterback position. But it has been done before.

Here's a closer look at the top five quarterbacks from the class of 2025 who have a chance of starting under center as a freshman next season.

Top 5 Class of 2025 quarterbacks with the chance of starting in college football as a freshman next season

#1. Bryce Underwood – Michigan

Bryce Underwood was one of the most highly touted recruits in the 2025 class, being rated as a five-star prospect with over 40 offers and ranked as the No. 1 player and quarterback in the country per 247sports. Underwood is a dual-threat quarterback who can throw the ball accurately. With the recent transfer portal entry of Michigan quarterback Alex Orji, the competition to be the Wolverines' starting quarterback is open.

#2. Keelon Russell – Alabama

Keelon Russell excelled at Duncanville High School in Texas. As a five-star prospect, he was ranked as the No. 2 player and quarterback in the country, and the No. 1 player in Texas by multiple recruiting sites.

With Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe declaring for the 2025 NFL draft, the starting quarterback spot is available. Keelon Russell is an accurate quarterback with good pocket presence and fair well with Alabama's receiving core.

#3. Husan Longstreet – USC

247sports rates Husan Longstreet as a five-star prospect, the No. 4 quarterback, the No. 2 player in California, and the No. 28 player in the country. Longstreet is the only quarterback signee in their 2025 class. USC, which went 7-6 in the 2024 season, saw quarterback Riley Moss enter the transfer portal after having 2,555 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

With a starting quarterback vacancy, Husan Longstreet has a chance to start right away. Longstreet is an athletic player who can extend plays with his running ability and is skilled at throwing intermediate to deep routes.

#4. Tavien St. Clair – Ohio State

Tavien St. Clair was ranked as the No. 3 quarterback, No. 1 player in Ohio and No. 3 in the country and rated as a five-star prospect by 247sports. St. Clair is a mobile quarterback who can push the ball downfield and make throws from within and outside the pocket. He also early enrolled at Ohio State.

Backup quarterback Devin Brown signed with Cal after the National Championship against Notre Dame. Former Ohio State quarterback Air Noland also transferred as he signed with South Carolina. With the absence of depth at quarterback, Tavien St. Clair has a chance to start next season.

#5. Julian Lewis – Colorado

247sports rated Julian Lewis as a four-star prospect and ranked him as the No. 9 quarterback, No. 14 player in Georgia and No. 115 overall. He was originally committed to USC but flipped to Colorado. Lewis is an athletic player who scrambles and extends plays well.

He can throw accurately from within and outside the pocket. With Buffaloes quarterback Sheduer Sanders declaring for the 2025 NFL draft, the quarterback competition is open at Colorado.

Which Class of 2025 quarterback are you most excited to see in college football action next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.