2022 College Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings, Profiles and Projections

I am dedicating my college fantasy football quarterback profiles to my father, who passed away last week at 83-years young. Throughout my life, he always supported my love of football and obsession with fantasy sports. Without his love and inspiration, I would not be writing this column.

It is my ninth year researching and writing CFF profiles, and Dad read all of my previous work every summer. I always looked forward to his comments and suggestions in regard to my analysis and rankings…Thanks, Dad for being an amazing father.

CFF QB Tiers

I have placed the quarterback profiles in tiers—Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude—to provide flexibility for CFF managers based on their league’s scoring format, roster construction, and starting lineup requirements. I have also provided fantasy projections for all the players.

You can always sneak a peek at my CFF QB projections. And once you get done here please take a look at my full 2022 CFF Player Rankings.

Summa Cum Laude

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

In 2021, I ranked C.J. Stroud in the Magna Cum Laude tier of CFF quarterbacks. In 2022, he earns a Summa Cum Laude ranking after blitzing the Big Ten as a first-year starter. He did not disappoint the Ohio State faithful or CFF owners. The Buckeyes’ field general passed for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns, setting school records for completion percentage (71.9%) and passing yards per game (369.6) while averaging over 28 fantasy points per game.

The redshirt sophomore learned from the experience. He is building on the lessons in preparation for 2022. “Of course, you get more reps behind you, you see it better. I think that’s definitely something I’m doing better, just feeling the game more. I think I’ve always had a good mindset of coverages and seeing blitzes and things of that sort, but you’re getting better and better,” Stroud stated in May (buckeyescoop.com) and poised to be even better.

Last year, Ohio State finished first in total offense, averaging 561.2 yards and 45.7 points per game. The Buckeyes are loaded with playmakers on offense with RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR Marvin Harrison, Jr., and WR Emeka Egbuka and return a talented quintet among the offensive line. Give me the quarterback in command of all these amazing teammates and game-breakers.

At 6’3” and 218-pounds, Stroud earned 4-stars from 247Sports coming out of high school and beat out Kyle McCord and Quinn Ewers for the starting job last year. The Buckeyes’ passer is a natural leader who places the ball into tight windows with incredible accuracy. He has a high football IQ and easily deciphers the defense to find the open target. Stroud is certainly a top-five selection in CFF drafts this summer.

Bryce Young, Alabama

Alabama has become a bedrock of college fantasy football production at quarterback. When I started playing CFF 14 seasons ago, the Crimson Tide dominated opponents on the ground and their field generals were afterthoughts in CFF.

In 2016, coach Nick Saban switched the script and began recruiting elite athletes at receiver and quarterback. Jalen Hurts kicked off the paradigm change in Tuscaloosa when he passed for 2,780 yards, rushed for 954 yards, and totaled 36 touchdowns. Hurts eventually transferred to Oklahoma after losing the starting gig to Tua Tagovailoa in 2018.

I have acquired Alabama signal-callers in the draft or off the waiver wire ever since. Over the past four seasons, the starting quarterback—Mac Jones, Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young—have averaged over 4,400 passing yards and 44.5 aerial strikes. Last year, Young exceeded the average with 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns while winning the Heisman and setting numerous school records.

At 6’0” and 194-pounds, Young was a 5-star recruit before coming to Alabama and earned Offensive MVP in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The sophomore is a rhythm passer who excels with a quick release and stupendous arm strength. A pocket quarterback, Young looks effortless throwing the ball to all three levels of the field and dissecting the defense. Not a scrambler, he easily evades pass rushers and reloads to throw outside of play structure with good technique. The floor is so high with Alabama quarterbacks that I am always seeking to acquire Saban’s starters.

Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

I am old enough to remember coach Josh Heupel leading Oklahoma to the 2000 BCS National Championship and being named consensus All-American and Walter Camp Award winner. In 2016-17, he coordinated the Missouri offense and took over the UCF program in 2018. While in Orlando, Heupel guided the Knights to three consecutive top-ten finishes in points per game (42.2, 43.4 and 43.2 points) and total offense (568.1, 540.5 and 522.7 yards).

In his first season at Tennessee, Heupel propelled the Volunteers’ offense among the top ten, averaging 474.9 yards and 39.2 points per game. Hendon Hooker benefited from Heupel’s scheme. He transferred from Virginia Tech—where he was unimpressive—to Tennessee and became a weekly star in CFF last year. He posted an incredible 31-3 TD:INT Ratio and rushed for 619 yards and five touchdowns, finishing as the twelfth most productive CFF signal caller.

A dual-threat playmaker, the 24-year-old has accumulated over 1,600 career yards on the ground and crossed the finish line 20 times. “Hooker knows he’s going to make plays when you don’t call runs. When he’s dropping back, he’s going to go make plays with his feet all over the field. He has a good understanding of some of the hits he took last year (and) of how he can prevent that,” Tennessee quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle proclaimed in the offseason (knoxnews.com). CFF diehards are pleased that Hooker wants to limit the number of hits he absorbs; nevertheless, they yearn for another 125 carries in 2022.

There is Heisman buzz surrounding Hooker (+6000 on DraftKings), and Tennessee fans are dreaming of an SEC East title despite playing in the same division as National Champion Georgia. The Volunteers open the season with a tasty schedule (Ball State, Pittsburgh and Akron), and Heupel will want to lighten up the scoreboard before the SEC crusade commences, which is great news for Hooker. I selected Hooker with the first pick in the second round of the Summa Cum Laude Mock Draft, and will look to replicate the decision throughout the CFF draft season.

Caleb Williams, USC

Not only did USC reel in former Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley over the winter, but the Trojans also netted the top transfer portal grade by 247Sports after signing QB Caleb Williams and WR Jordan Addison. The trio is expected to lead USC back among the elite programs in the nation since the halcyon days of Pete Carrol, Matt Leinart, and Reggie Bush.

Last year, Williams wrestled the job away from the ineffective Spencer Rattler at Oklahoma and immediately impressed onlookers. Against Texas, the Sooners fell behind 28-7 at the end of the first quarter, and Williams came off the bench. He immediately scrambled for a remarkable 66-yard touchdown, which kicked off the comeback victory of the year. When the afternoon ended, Williams passed for 212 yards, rushed for 88 and totalled three touchdowns in the 55-48 victory.

At the end of his freshman campaign, the 5-star recruit completed 64.5% of his passes for 1,912 yard and 21 touchdowns with only four interceptions. A dual-threat playmaker, Williams added 442 yards and six scores on the ground. There is no denying the sophomores’ leadership and skills. “He’s a talented player. I felt that from when I got to see him in high school. Felt like he had all the tools to really be a good player. And I think most importantly, he’s a confident young man. He works really hard at his craft,” Riley proclaimed in the offseason (on3.com).

Riley has tutored Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield and Jalen Hurts at Oklahoma and all were prodigious CFF signal callers. Williams is the next man up for Riley, and there is little reason not to forecast more fireworks from the arm and legs of the newest Trojan.

Twitterverse on Fire!

Among the following pocket passers, who will produce the most college fantasy football points in 2022?

• Tyler Van Dyke, Miami: 27%
• Devin Leary. NCSU: 30%
• Aidan O’Connell, Purdue: 19%
• Jarret Doege, WKU: 24%

“Jarrett Doege looks to be the guy for WKU’s system this year. Regardless of how we’ve felt about him in the past, that sheer volume puts him above everyone else in this poll.”

@CFF_Jared

“Devin Leary for me. With a little consistency, he will help win some titles this year.”

@aceholesrule

“It’s Devin Leary for me: 35 touchdowns and only five interceptions last season! With 17 starters returning on the team and a top five defense that allowed under 20 points per game, Leary is my Kenny Pickett candidate in 2023. You don’t hear about him now, but you will at the end of year.”

@NinoBrown_T2T

“Aidan O’Connell all day long. He showed out really well last season, and I believe he will be even better.”

@DFS_CFBGuru

“I’ll trust the system they are running over at Western Kentucky.”

@Lepp_O

“I think Devin Leary has the best wide receiver talent around him, which pushes him to the lead for me.”

@cusumano_sal

“It is Jarret Doege for me…another experienced WKU quarterback.”

@Captain_Commish

Quinn Ewers, Texas

Expectations are sky-high in Austin, Texas despite coach Steve Sarkisian posting a 5-7 record in his first season. Obviously, the excitement centers around freshman sensation Quinn Ewers, who was a 5-star recruit and No. 1 overall player in the nation by 247Sports in 2021. After playing at Ohio State for one semester last fall, Ewers transferred and enrolled at Texas in January.

In high school, Ewers completed 73 touchdowns against only eight interceptions on 643 passes. He also rushed for 701 yards and 12 touchdowns. The newest Longhorn comprehends the pressure to succeed immediately. “There’s a different type of confidence in the air right now. It’s refreshing, and it’s exciting. It’s Coach Sarkisian’s second year, and everyone’s aware of the expectations. And we all know it won’t happen overnight. But we’re ready to rise to the occasion,” Ewers wrote in the playerstribune.com.

Texas fans saw a glimpse of the offense with Ewers calling signals in the spring game. The redshirt freshman attempted 19 passes, completed 11 (57.8%) for 161 yards and two touchdowns, and an interception. Afterward, reports were mixed on Ewers’ performance.

The Longhorns’ offense is loaded at the skill positions with RB Bijan Robinson, WR Xavier Worthy, WR Isaiah Neyor, and WR Jordan Whittington. In order to beef up the O-line, Texas signed six players along the front five. The program expects improved performance to unlock Sark’s pro-style scheme.

After spring practices, Sarkisian did not name a starter between Ewers and Hudson Card and claimed that a training camp battle will commence. Do not believe a word of Sark’s “coach speak.” Ewers will open the season behind center, and CFF managers can look forward to a huge season from the Longhorns’ passer.

Magna Cum Laude

Malik Cunningham, Louisville

There are two iconic quarterbacks who played at Louisville: Johnny Unitas (1951-54) and Lamar Jackson (2015-17). Unitas is considered by many to be the greatest NFL signal-caller of the 20th Century, and Jackson captured the Heisman Trophy in 2016. While Malik Cunningham is not in the same stratosphere as either, CFF diehards are sure happy that he returned for a fifth season.

Often the key to winning a CFF championship is acquiring a first-class, Konami-code quarterback, and Cunningham led all passers in rushing last year with 1,031 yards–no other field general surpassed the 900-yard mark. In four seasons, the senior has recorded 2,619 rushing yards and 38 career touchdowns, and last year, he crossed the finish line 20 times.

Can he repeat those rushing touchdowns in 2022? Keenan Reynolds eclipsed the 20-TD barrier in three consecutive campaigns (2013-15) but he played in Navy’s vaunted triple-option attack. Cunningham seems very unlikely to replicate last year’s touchdown production.

However, there is room for improvement in the passing game. At 6’1” and 200-pounds, the redshirt senior has not thrown for over 3,000 yards in a season during his tenure and completed only 61 aerial strikes over the past three years.

“I think the next progression for him (Cunningham) is to have calmer feet. I think we all know how well he can run and he makes things happen with his legs. He can throw the ball and that will make us a better offense…I said ‘look, when you’re going to step up in the pocket or going to take off running, you have to find somebody.’ He did a much better job of just finding somewhere to throw the football…,” coach Scott Satterfield stated in a radio interview (247Sports.com).

The Cardinals return an experienced offensive line with four starters coming back and have promising weapons at the skill positions. Cunningham may not replicate his gaudy rushing statistics. Nevertheless, he can replace some of the fantasy points rushing with a slight uptick in passing efficiency and production in the passing game.

Sam Hartman, Wake Forest

Editor’s Note: Coach Dave Clawson and Wake Forest announced on Aug. 10 that QB Sam Hartman is out indefinitely in 2022.

Looking at the CFF passing leaders in 2021, it still astounds me that Sam Hartman finished third in fantasy points with nearly 400, which trailed only Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham.

In 2021, Hartman guided the Demon Deacons to an 8-5 record and the ACC Atlantic Division title. He earned Second Team All-ACC after setting a school-record with 39 touchdown passes for 4,228 yards. He also rushed for an additional 11 scores, which boosted his fantasy points. The redshirt junior led the ACC in deep shots with 33 completions over 30-plus yards.

The fifth-year quarterback has overcome more off, than on, the field. Hartman endured the loss of his brother, who committed suicide, in high school and he has suffered from anxiety in college. A former teammate, John Wolford suggested therapy, and Hartman has learned how to cope with life and football much better.

On the gridiron in 2022, Hartman can improve his draft stock with another spectacular season. Critics point to his inability to win the so-called “big game” and coming up short when it matters most. Hartman clearly has the mental fortitude to rewrite the scouts’ narrative. At 6’1” and 208-pounds, he has a strong arm and drives the football beyond the hash marks. The Wake Forest passer forces the defense to defend the entire field and places the ball into tight windows.

Hartman is in a near idyllic position to produce fantasy points: coach Dave Clawson’s offense is a top ten unit and the defense does not stop many opponents. The scoreboard operator will be busy when Wake Forest and Hartman take the field every week.

Will Rogers, Mississippi State

Over the past 14 campaigns, coach Mike Leach perennially produces prodigious CFF quarterbacks. From Texas Tech to Washington State and now Mississippi State, CFF owners have counted on Air Raid passers—Graham Harrell, Connor Halliday, Luke Faulk, and Gardner Minshew—to dominate opponents and score fantasy points.

In 2020, would Leach’s system continue to soar against SEC opponents at Mississippi State? During the Pandemic, freshman Will Rogers stepped into the spotlight, starting six games after learning the playbook mostly virtually. He also became the youngest signal-caller to take over the offense for Leach. Rogers played well completing 69.1% of his passes for 1,976 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Heading into training camp last summer, Rogers was not even assured the starting gig for Leach. He won the job and broke many single-season passing marks for the Bulldogs. He passed for 4,739 yards and 36 touchdowns while connecting on 73.9% of throws. From a fantasy perspective, the only negative on Rogers is the inability to score points rushing the football.

The third-year starter looks even better in 2022. “I think he’s more consistent. I think he can kind of aggressively check more of the package on his own. The other thing is—he’s been good at this but even better now perhaps—he brings energy to the offensive unit,” Leach affirmed during spring practices.

At 6’2” and 210-pounds, Rogers received a 3-star grade and ranked as a top 25 pro-style quarterback by 247Sports as a recruit. He has far exceeded forecasts since arriving in Starkville, MS, and all signs foreshadow another spectacular campaign in 2022.

Brennan Armstrong, Virginia

Last summer, Brennan Armstrong appeared in the Magna Cum Laude tier of quarterback rankings. In September, I jumped on the ACC early as one of the most defensively challenged conferences in the nation and implored CFF players to target as many ACC players as possible on the waiver wire. I watched more ACC games last fall than in any other season in my life.

Armstrong smashed opponents throughout 2021 and finished the campaign as the No. 7 ranked CFF quarterback, scoring 363 fantasy points and averaging 33 points in 11 games. He passed for 4,449 yards and 32 touchdowns. The Cavaliers’ quarterback also added 256 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

Against North Carolina, Armstrong established single-game school records for passing yards (554) and total offense (538). The sophomore also set new season marks for passing yards, total offense (4,700), passing touchdowns, and completions (326). For his performance, he was named Second-Team All-ACC by Phil Steele, PFF, and the Associated Press (AP) and ranked in the ACC Quarterback of the Week four times.

Despite his dominance, there is trepidation among some CFF diehards in regard to Armstrong’s fantasy potential this season. Bronco Mendenhall resigned and the Cavaliers hired Tony Elliot, the former Clemson co-offensive coordinator, as head coach. Will Virginia be as explosive as in previous seasons under new leadership?

Elliot knows that he has a talented player calling signals and is pushing Armstrong to be a better leader. “He’s the field general and when you see the troops need a shot of energy, you provide it. You have to get it, because obviously he’s got a ton of confidence in his ability. He can make every throw and we know what type of player he is. Now, he has a chance to use all aspects of leadership and that’s an area where I’m going to challenge him,” new coach Tony Elliot stated (dailyprogress.com).

Looking at early CFF ADP, Armstrong is one of the better bargains at the quarterback position. In the Summa Cum Laude Mock Draft, Armstrong was plucked off the board in the 7th round as the 14th quarterback. Grab him as often as possible this summer if he continues to fall in drafts.

Cum Laude

Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma

For the past seven seasons under former coach Lincoln Riley, it has been easy to project Oklahoma quarterbacks as CFF VIPs…not any more. Riley now coaches in the City of Angels, and Brent Venables, former Clemson defensive coordinator, takes over the program. Venables has made many key changes in Norman, Oklahoma.

For CFF players, the most important addition is the hiring of Jeff Lebby as offensive coordinator. Lebby coached at UCF and Mississippi over the past three campaigns, guiding the offenses to top four rankings in total offense and top 20 finish in points.

Lebby reunited with transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who played for the coach at UCF. As a freshman in 2019, Gabriel passed for 29 touchdowns and 3,653 yards under Lebby’s instruction. As a sophomore, the former UCF signal-caller tossed 32 aerial strikes and 3,570 yards. Last year, he played in only three games. Gabriel has compiled an impressive 70:14 TD:INT Ratio, while averaging 8.8 yards per attempt during his career.

Gabriel loves playing at Oklahoma, and Sooner teammates and the coaching staff have embraced their new quarterback. In the Red and White spring game, he connected on 19 of 28 passes for 250 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception. “He’s like a stealth bomber, man…He didn’t let any circumstances affect him. I loved his command. Such a selfless guy. The game’s easy for him in so many ways. Good decision-maker. Quick decision-maker. Plays with great anticipation,” Venables stated in April (stormininnorman.com).

Despite changes in the program, I have no concerns about the ability of the offense to produce points under Lebby. The schedule is enticing, and Gabriel is surrounded by big-play talent all over the field.

Tanner Mordecai, SMU

I have watched new coach Rhett Lashlee’s scheme since 2017 when he was the offensive coordinator at UConn. After guiding the Huskies’ offense, he moved to Dallas, TX for two seasons. He landed in Miami before taking over the Mustangs’ program after Sonny Dykes left town for TCU last year.

Lashlee inherits a team loaded on offense and commands the most explosive unit in the AAC behind upperclassman Tanner Mordecai, who transferred from Oklahoma after losing the starting assignment to Spencer Rattler. In his first start as a Mustang last year, Mordecai broke the program record with seven touchdown passes in a 56-9 victory over Abilene Christian.

When the campaign concluded, Mordecai passed for a program-record 39 touchdowns and in school history, the third-most passing yards with 3,628. He was named Second-Team All-AAC as well as the Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award semifinalist.

“You’ve got to have a leader and a winner. I think we have a really good situation here when you’ve got someone like Tanner who came in, had a fantastic year statistically, won games, you’ve got that experience coming back,” Lashlee said on the first day of spring practice (on3.com).

SMU also has highly-routed and 4-star recruit Preston Stone, a second-year quarterback, on the roster. Mordecai and Stone are in a competition for the starting assignment, which worries some CFF managers and might be suppressing his ADP. I fully expect Mordecai to be named the starter and produce a ton of fantasy points once again.

Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina

At the conclusion of the 2021 crusade, Chanticleers’ fans waited with bated breath to learn if Grayson McCall, who led the team to a 22-3 mark over the previous two seasons, would return. On December 21, the Coastal Carolina dual-threat quarterback tweeted his decision to the college football universe.

“I am coming back to play another year of college football and it will be in Conway, South Carolina. When I say I piss teal, I mean it. One last ride baby! Let’s do it! Chants Forever.” McCall posted.

McCall, 6’3” and 210-pounds, has earned the Sun Belt Player of the Year for the past two campaigns and established the single-season FBS passer efficiency mark (207.6) in 2021. His performance was off the charts last year: He completed 73% of his passes for 2,873 yards, averaging 11.9 yards per attempt. He also logged an impressive 27:3 TD:INT Ratio.

From a CFF perspective, he adds much-needed rushing numbers. Over the last two seasons, he has accumulated 870 rushing yards and 11 scores while averaging 4.2 ypc.

NFL Draft chatter is slowly building for the junior and some members of the DEVY community have identified McCall as an under-the-radar prospect heading into the upcoming crusade. There will be time to break down McCall’s NFL potential. For now, I am going to enjoy the Chanticleers’ dynamic playmaker one more season in CFF leagues.

Cameron Ward, Washington State

Bailey Zappe guided many CFF managers to league titles last year after moving up in competition from Houston Baptiste (FCS) to Western Kentucky (FBS). Searching for another difference maker in 2022? Look no further than Cameron Ward from Incarnate Word.

Ward’s resume is second to none: Named Second Team All-American (FCS), Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and Walter Payton Award Finalist last year. In 13 games, he passed for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns, while leading the Cardinals to a 10-3 record.

In the spring game, Ward flashed his upside fantasy potential with 246 passing yards and four touchdowns on 21 completions in 30 attempts. “It’s tough for a guy that’s never played in this environment, in this stadium before with this capacity and atmosphere, and I think he (Ward) handled it well. He rallied the troops when we needed it. He wasn’t trying to be Superman and do things out of the ordinary. It’s only going to rise from here and he’s only gonna get better. Fans should expect a lot from him,” teammate and slot receiver Lincoln Victor trumpeted (spokesman.com).

Ward, 6’2” and 223-pounds, was rated as the No. 3 QB in the transfer portal behind Williams and Ewers and joined Eric Morris, former Incarnate Word coach, to play for the Cougars. Morris employs a variation of the “Air Raid” scheme, and Ward will approach 600 pass attempts, which is CFF Gold.

Garrett Shrader, Syracuse

In 2018, Garrett Shrader, a 4-star recruit, was a top-rated dual-threat quarterback in the nation after amassing 75 total touchdowns, accumulating 2,205 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns. He also played basketball in high school and committed to Mississippi State.

In 2019, Shrader appeared in 10 games with four starts and was one of three FBS freshmen to log over 1,000 passing and 500 rushing yards. He also totaled 14 touchdowns. In 2020, he converted to wide receiver and only played in four games. In the spring of 2021, he transferred to Syracuse to continue to play quarterback.

After three games, the junior ascended to the top of the depth chart for the Orange, starting the final nine games of the season. At 6’4” and 228-pounds, he logged one of the most productive rushing seasons by a quarterback in program history, finishing with the second-most rushing TDs (14) and yards (781) at Syracuse.

As a passer, he completed 123-of-234 passes (52.6%) for 1,444 yards and nine touchdowns with just four interceptions. His 2,225 yards of total offense was the fourth most by a sophomore in school history.

Coach Dino Babers retooled the offense over the winter, hiring Robert Anae as the offensive coordinator and Jason Beck as the quarterback coach. Last year, the duo guided the Virginia offense to a top-three rating, and Babers expects both coaches to push Shrader to higher standards and more productivity in the passing game, which is tremendous news for CFF managers.

Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland

Examining CFF quarterback rankings among CFF experts, I am clearly the most excited in regard to Taulia Tagovailoa and the Terrapins’ offense this year. In 2021, Maryland finished 13th in team passing with 304.6 yards per game. The big boys up front return four veteran starters, who will anchor the offense.

Before Taulia arrived at Maryland in 2020, the program employed 24 starting quarterbacks since 2012, continually searching for a starter to lead the team. Enter the former Alabama recruit. In 2019, 247Sports gave Taulia a 4-star rating, and he committed to play in Tuscaloosa, AL. He lost the quarterback competition to Mac Jones and decided to transfer.

In the past two seasons, Tagovailoa, 5’11” and 200-pounds, has started 17 games and posted a 27-12 TD:INT Ratio. Last year, he registered a record-breaking crusade, establishing school single-season marks in passing yards (3,860), completions (328), completion percentage (69.2%), passing touchdowns (26), and 300-yard passing games (7).

Coach Mike Locksley has finally solidified the most important position on offense with Tagovailoa. At receiver, junior Rakim Jarret, Dontay Demas, if healthy, and Florida transfer Jacob Copeland are one of the top trios in the Big Ten. The dual-threat quarterback is poised to excel. “He could easily have a year like his brother (Tua in 2018) had when he was at Alabama,” Big Ten Network analyst Matt Millen proclaimed last December (baltimojresun.com). I am in complete agreement with Millen and am drafting the Terrapins’ signal-caller as often as possible this summer.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA

I have lauded the Bruins and coach Chip Kelly over the past three seasons. Unfortunately, the team has mostly disappointed, compiling a 18-24 record under the former Oregon coach.

Thankfully in 2021, the Bruins illustrated signs of improvement. UCLA won eight of 12 games, and the offense rated as the highest-scoring unit (36.5 points) in the Pac-12. From a CFF perspective, the Bruins produced a quartet of starters: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Zach Charbonnet, Kyle Philips and Greg Dulcich all performed admirably.

Quarterback DTR ended the season as the conference leader in passing efficiency (153.94), passing yards per attempt (8.51), points responsible for (182), total offense (274.36), total offense TDs (30). After four seasons calling plays, he has moved into the top-5 at UCLA in career passing yards (7,541), total offense (8,722), completions (594), aerial strikes (61), and quarterback rushing yards (1,181).

CFF diehards are always seeking signal callers who score fantasy points with their legs and the Bruins’ quarterback likely rushes for nearly 600 yards. Thompson-Robinson has a very high floor and enticing ceiling as a No. 2 quarterback on a CFF roster.

Anthony Richardson, Florida

The hype machine has started for Gators’ quarterback Anthony Richardson. ESPN’s Todd McShay published his way-to-early 2023 mock draft, and Richardson was the third quarterback off the board to the Carolina Panthers.

“Richardson is a huge projection—the 6’4” and 236-pound passer played in just eight games and started once last year—and has some turnover issues. But he’s extremely talented and poised for a breakout season in his first as a full-time starter,” McShay wrote (ESPN.com).

As a DEVY prospect, I am a little below consensus in the Twitter community and have my concerns in regard to his ability to maneuver in the pocket, keep eyes open downfield and throw with anticipation. Nevertheless, Richardson is an intriguing CFF quarterback in 2022.

The sophomore earned a 4-star rating by 247Sports as a recruit in 2020. Richardson was featured on Netflix’s “QB1: Beyond The Lights” and was a 2019 Elite 11 finalist. He concluded his four-year varsity career with 4,633 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, along with 1,633 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns.

New coach Billy Napier, formerly at Louisiana, has brought a new staff, attitude and culture to Gainsville over the winter. Will the culture changes and a new starter at quarterback produce more fantasy points? Astute CFF managers think so, and Richardson is a tempting dual-threat playmaker.

Phil Jurkovec, Boston College

Coming out of high school in 2018, Phil Jurkovec was the No. 66 overall player, No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the nation and No. 2 player from Pennsylvania by 247Sports. He enrolled at Notre Dame and saw limited action as a redshirt freshman in 2019. Afterward, he transferred to Boston College.

In his first season on campus in Chestnut Hill, Jurkovec started all 10 games for the Eagles and passed for 2,558 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also scrambled for 150 yards and three touchdowns. Last year, the 6’5” and 214-pounder opened the season hot before suffering a fracture in his throwing hand. Without Jurkovec, the Eagles lost four consecutive games in October. He returned to the field late in the season but did not play as well as the year before.

Seeking an offensive upgrade, Boston College hired John McNulty as the new offensive coordinator. While at Rutgers in the same role, he implemented a more diverse attack that included both college and pro schemes. The offense will likely include run-pass options and progression reads. Both should take advantage of Jurkovec’s skill set: good decision-maker, surprising mobility and a big arm.

“Coach McNulty has got a great history with quarterbacks. I sit in that room pretty often…Phil is competitive and coach McNulty is competitive and I think it is going to be a process. I think you are going to see more growth as we go deeper into spring ball,” stated coach Jeff Hafley (bostonherald.com).

When two competitive people unite on the gridiron with the same goals, production and fantasy points will follow. I like Jurkovec as an under-the-radar quarterback, who offers a nice ceiling with his dual-threat ability.

Frank Harris, UTSA

Last summer, I touted Frank Harris on the ITL CFF Podcast and featured him in the All-American CFF Sleepers column. He exceeded my most optimistic expectations. He concluded the crusade as the thirteenth-ranked CFF signal-caller, scoring 325.3 fantasy points and averaging 23.2 points per game.

The Roadrunners’ quarterback was a semifinalist for both the Davey O’Brien Award and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award. He was named Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Offensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-C-USA. He established UTSA single-season records for passing yards (3,177), completions (398), touchdowns (27), attempts (263), completion percentage (.661), passing efficiency (152.5), total offense (3,743) and total touchdowns (34).

A 6’0” and 200-pounds, the redshirt senior is also a prolific runner. In each of the past two seasons, he has exceeded 525 rushing yards. He also scored 16 times on the ground.

Taking advantage of an extra season of eligibility after COVID, Harris returns to lead the pre-season favorites to win C-USA once again after winning 12 games in 2021. The O-line returns four starters and the unit’s three top pass catchers—Zakhari Franklin, Joshua Cephus and De’Corian Clark—come back. Harris is likely to finish among the top fifteen CFF QBs for the second consecutive season.

Twitterverse on Fire!

Identify your primary target among dual-threat quarterbacks in 2022 College Fantasy Football drafts after the top ones are off the board?

• Cameron Rising, Utah: 26%
• Spencer Sanders, Oklahoma State: 7%
• Adrian Martinez, Kansas State: 21%
• Will Levis, Kentucky: 46%

“I love me some Will Levis. He is a great bargain.”

@aceholesrule

“I didn’t realize Levis had that many rushing touchdowns last year.”

@CavenderCorey

“With a 66% completion rate, 2,826 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, I am a big Will Levis guy. Hopefully, the loss of Wan’Dale doesn’t hurt him too much. Top 5 for me!!!”

@NinoBrown_T2T

Aidan O’Connell, Purdue

One of my favorite bowl games last year had zero impact on the CFP, just pure enjoyment of college football and a little advance scouting. The Music City Bowl matched Purdue against Tennessee, and the Boilermakers won a classic, 48-45, in OT.

Quarterbacks Aidan O’Connell and Hendon Hooker each left a memorable impression: O’Connell passed for 534 yards and five touchdowns with three interceptions. I noted that both quarterbacks are going to be interesting CFF signal-callers in 2022.

Last year, O’Connell opened the season on the bench behind Jack Plummer and assumed the starting job against Minnesota. For the season, the 6’3” and 210-pounder passed for 3,712 yards and 28 touchdowns while posting a 158.5 QB rating. The “Super Senior” returns for a sixth campaign on campus in 2022.

Purdue finished the season 9-4, and coach Jeff Brohm has posted a 28-29 record in five years. Since taking over the coaching duties, Brohm has guided the Boilermakers to a top-two passing offense in the Big Ten for four consecutive seasons. With a high football IQ and strong arm, O’Connell possesses the skills and ability to excel in Brohm’s high-powered passing game.

Jake Haener, Fresno State

College fantasy footballers and Bulldogs fanatics are happy that Jake Haener returned for another season. He utilized the additional year of eligibility by the NCAA during COVID to come back on campus.

Before returning, Haener nearly traumatized the Fresno faithful when he entered the transfer portal in December for a short period of time. “First and foremost…to everybody who’s in my corner and has been in my corner for the last two and a half years at Fresno State, I want to sincerely apologize for the actions that I took and the actions that I thought were best for me and my future,” Haener stated in a school video (Sportingnews.com).

In 2021, Heaner was named Second Team All-Mountain West and Davey O’Brien Award semifinalist after passing for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns. He ranked No. 8 in the FBS in passing yards per game (315.1), No. 9 in passing yards (4,096), and in completions per game (25.31).

The senior signal-caller became the first Bulldogs’ quarterback to surpass the 4,000-yard barrier since Derek Carr in 2013. And he concluded the campaign as the No. 18 CFF quarterback, averaging 22.7 fantasy points per game.

Coach Jeff Telford returns for a second stint on campus after leading Fresno State for three seasons and compiling a 26-14 mark. Haener’s favorite two targets return—Jalen Cropper and Josh Kelly—and senior Jordan Mims provides a playmaker in the backfield. Haener is in a great situation to succeed again.

Jaxson Dart, Mississippi

In CFF leagues, I will always bet on systems, and coach Lane Kiffin’s high-flying scheme is one of the top in the nation. Last year, Mississippi ranked sixth in total offense (492.5 ypg.) while averaging 33.7 ppg. In 2020, the Rebels finished as the third-best unit in total offense (555.5 ypg.) and scored 39.2 ppg.

In 2021, Kiffin guided the Rebels to their first 10-win crusade in school history and earned a Sugar Bowl invite. After losing 11 starters from last season’s team, can Kiffin reload and keep the chains moving and put points on the board? The transfer portal provided Kiffin the opportunity to rebuild the roster immediately. On offense, Mississippi welcomed both QB Jaxson Dart (USC) and RB Zach Evans (TCU) into the locker room.

Dart was the 2020 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year, Max Preps National Player of the Year, and Sports Illustrated All-American first team as well as earning 4-stars by 247Sports. In January 2021, he enrolled early at USC and played in six games for the Trojans last year. He passed for 1,353 yards and nine touchdowns with five interceptions. He also scrambled for 43 yards and two touchdowns.

In the spring, Dart battled sophomore Luke Altmyer for the starting position. Neither one left the practice sessions with a clear advantage over the other. “The truth is, Lane Kiffin is unsold on his quarterback competition coming out of spring practice and insiders have said the same—right now, Jaxson Dart is not where many expected him to be as the head-and-shoulders best option over Luke Altmyer for the Rebels. He performed poorly in the Ole Miss spring game, a result of trying to do too much,” Brad Crawford wrote (Trojanswire.usatoday.com).

Obviously, the quarterback competition in Oxford, MS will garner close examination when training camp opens in the summer. Of course, I would be more excited if Dart left as the clear-cut starter after the spring. Yet, I do believe that the former Trojan is the better talent and will win the job over Altmyer. He is an idyllic third quarterback when building a CFF roster in 2022.

Clayton Tune, Houston

I am an unabashed AAC fan and have often stated that the conference is defensively challenged, which is stupendous for fantasy points. With UConn long gone and Houston, UCF, and Cincinnati leaving next year, I will enjoy one last campaign of CFF goodness. The Cougars are a preseason favorite to win the conference and have one of the most explosive passing games in the league.

After leading the Cougars to 12 victories in 2021, Clayton Tune is primed for a huge season under coach Dana Holgorson. At the conclusion of the campaign, Tune was named Second Team All-AAC by PFF after passing for 3,546 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also added 154 rushing yards and two scores. The Senior finished the year as the No. 28 CFF quarterback, scoring 269.2 fantasy points.

Tune has started 30 games during his tenure at Houston and can become the third passer (Case Keenan and Kevin Kolb) in program history to surpass 10,000 passing yards this year. At 6’3” and 215-pounds, Tune wants to increase his draft stock, and CFF managers are looking forward to another impressive crusade.

Devin Leary, North Carolina State

If you asked the casual CFF player, he or she might be hard-pressed to name North Carolina State fantasy-worthy quarterbacks since the turn of the century. Without much fanfare, Philip Rivers, Russell Wilson, Mike Glennon and Ryan Finley all recorded at least one 3,500 passing-yard season and tossed over 25 touchdowns in a single campaign, which warranted fantasy recognition.

Devin Leary became the fifth notable CFF quarterback in Raleigh, NC last year. He blipped on the CFF radar following the victory over Clemson. The Wolfpack passer was named the Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week. In the upset, he threw four touchdowns–two in overtime–and completed 73.7% of his passes for 238 yards. He also played 96 snaps.

For the season, the redshirt junior passed for 3,433 yards and logged a 35-5 TD:INT Ratio. The 35 aerial strikes established a new single-season school record. Leary earned the Wolfpack’s Governor’s Award for Most Valuable Player, the Ken McNeill Award for comeback from an injury, and the Torry Holt Award for Offensive MVP. He finished as the No. 25 ranked CFF quarterback, producing over 271 fantasy points and averaging 22.6 ppg.

Of course, Konami-code quarterbacks are the most coveted asset in CFF leagues. Nonetheless, shrewd CFF managers do not overlook elite passers in drafts. If you wait to acquire a second quarterback on your roster, Leary is a prime target to pair with a top-five passer in 2022.

2022 College Football Quarterback Projections