Previously, I profiled my Top 12 College Fantasy Football quarterback rankings. This time, we’ll dig into CFF QBs 13-24 (Cum Laude Tier) for CFF diehards to examine before drafting this summer.
2024 CFF Quarterback Rankings: 13-24
Cum Laude
Thomas Castellanos, Boston College
Team Offense (Rank): 381 ypg. (68)
Passing Yards: 183 ypg. (108)
Points Scored: 25 ppg. (80)
2023 FPPG: 28.5
Among all returning FBS quarterbacks, Thomas Castellanos scampered for the most yards, establishing a school record with 1,113, and tied with Garrett Green for most rushing touchdowns with 13 last year. Amazingly, he was not even guaranteed the starting job last summer and was rostered on only 7% of CFF teams in the Week 3 Waiver Wire Gemstones column.
A three-star prospect in Georgia, Castellanos enrolled at UCF in 2022 and transferred north to Boston College in 2023. Last season, he finished as CFF QB13 with 2,248 passing yards and 15 aerial strikes in addition to his rushing numbers for the Eagles.
During the offseason, Boston College hired former Penn State and Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien to take over the program. O’Brien has worked with Tom Brady, DeShaun Watson and Bryce Young, and looks like the coach who can upgrade Castellanos’ passing acumen. Plugging in modest numbers for 2024, the Eagles dual-threat playmaker could easily finish among the Top 12 CFF QBs when the curtain closes on the campaign.
Scouting Notebook: “I’m doing more of the stuff quarterbacks are supposed to do and I’m not running at all. I’m in the pocket going through triple progressions and top-down reads. I’m doing what they are coaching me to do and polishing me up and getting me ready for the next level,” said Castellanos in the spring (bostonherald.com).
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Team Offense (Rank): 364 ypg. (80)
Passing Yards: 295 ypg. (16)
Points Scored: 28 ppg. (58)
2023 FPPG: 27.9
In the 2023 CFF King’s Classic draft in Canton, OH, I selected Shedeur Sanders in the 14th round with pick 165. It was the sixth time acquiring Sanders after touting him among the Top 24 CFF QBs last summer. To say the least, I rode the Buffaloes’ quarterback until the wheels came off the offense over the last five games of the crusade. When the season ended, Sanders finished as CFF QB30 with 3,230 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. Regrettably, he lost 77 yards rushing—college football subtracts yardage on sacks from rushing totals. Fortunately, he did cross the finish line four times on the ground.
How do I assess Sanders’ CFF potential in 2024? First, ignore all of the off-the-field drama in Colorado between former players on Twitter, coach Deion Sanders portaling players in-and-out of the locker room, and the alleged Lil Wayne concert demands by the coach.
It is essential to look at the new offensive scheme and skill position players at Colorado. I am not a fan of offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, and the Buffaloes have an entire new offensive line. The receivers are interesting but the running back crew lacks an impactful game-changer. In seven CFF drafts so far, I have not acquired Sanders once, and not likely, unless he drops and becomes a value that can’t be passed up.
Scouting Notebook: “Sanders will be one of the top quarterback prospects in 2025, but can he be one of the top prospects in 2025? Perhaps. Sanders is clearly a talented passer and a great player, but he has some major things to overcome and work on in 2024. His decision-making times are enough to make you pull your hair out. He constantly wants to play hero ball, which doesn’t work in the NFL,” noted Andrew Harbaugh (vikingswire.usatoday.com).
Avery Johnson, Kansas State
Team Offense (Rank): 445 ypg. (23)
Passing Yards: 241 ypg. (53)
Points Scored: 37 ppg. (10)
2023 FPPG: 15.1
In the Class of 2023, Avery Johnson was the top-ranked player in Kansas, No. 8 QB, and No. 85 player overall in the nation as a high schooler. In the summer of 2022, he competed in the Elite 11 Finals. He also played in both the U.S. Army Bowl and the Under Armour All-America Game. As a senior, he threw for 2,768 yards and 29 touchdowns on 153 completions in addition to rushing for 817 yards and 15 scores.
As a true freshman in Manhattan, KS, Avery backed up Will Howard but still garnered opportunities on the gridiron. He completed 23-of-35 passes for 301 yards and three scores. He added six rushing touchdowns—including tying a school mark with five against Texas Tech—and scampered for 225 yards on 45 carries.
After Howard jettisoned to Ohio State in the portal, Johnson earned his first start against North Carolina State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. He was named the MVP of the contest after accounting for three touchdowns and 249 total yards: 178 passing and 71 rushing. Despite losing offensive coordinator (and former Wildcats’ QB) Collin Klein, Kansas State fans, and CFF diehards, are excited for Johnson to rise to the occasion and lead Kansas State to a possible Big 12 title.
Scouting Notebook: Taking over the Wildcats’ offense, Johnson has welcomed the challenge: “It really hasn’t been too hard, just because I feel like a lot of the guys respect and trust me…It doesn’t just (mean) come out here and just start barking out orders. It started when I first got here, putting my head down and working in the weight room, coming out here during team runs, and then just giving it my all and earning their respect.” (cjonline.com)
Twitterverse on Fire!
Who Ya Got as a fourth signal caller on your CFF roster?
- Cade Klubnik, Clemson: 19%
- Rocco Becht, Iowa State: 35%
- Brayden Schager, Hawaii: 19%
- E.J. Warner, Rice: 27%
Scholar’s Selection: In 2023, Rocco Becht surprised CFF diehards as a true freshman. He was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and established freshman school records for completions (213), yards (3,120) and passing touchdowns (23) in 13 games. I am grabbing the Cyclones’ QB often in CFF drafts.
“E.J. Warner for me! I think he will do big things for the Owls.” @aceholesrule
“Went Cade Klubnik here. He has many weapons this season in that WR room—all hoping for a bounce back season. Another year in Garrett Riley’s offense should help as well. He had good games last season peppered with poor ones. Also, he is the fourth quarterback on a CFF roster and clearly worth drafting.” @_NinoBrown_
“I went with Brayden Schager here due to pure volume. He averaged 21.69 FPPG in six-pt. passing TD leagues. And another year in that system helps. EJ Warner was in the running for me. I think Rice is a dark horse this year. His connection with Rawson MacNeill and Boden Groen should not be overlooked.” @ProbascoLuke
“I’ll gladly take E.J. Warner.” @GUMP7285
Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech
Team Offense (Rank): 392 ypg. (58)
Passing Yards: 202 ypg. (95)
Points Scored: 29 ppg. (54)
2023 FPPG: 22.9
Watching college football for well over 40 years, my all-time Top 20 players include two Hookies: DE Bruce Smith and QB Michael Vick. I am not sure that Kyron Drones will leave an indelible memory such as Smith and Vick; be that as it may, he surely is going to be fun to watch this season and roster on CFF teams.
In high school, Drones was rated as a four-star recruit, the No. 20 player in Texas, No. 125 nationally, and No. 7 dual-threat quarterback. In 2023, the Hookies’ offense finally ignited after benching Grant Wells and replacing him with Drones. Despite starting only 11 games in Blacksburg, VA, the redshirt sophomore ranked as CFF QB33 at the end of the campaign. He is an explosive and dynamic signal caller, who passed for 2,085 yards, darted for 818 yards, and totaled 22 touchdowns. If he reaches his high expectations and fantasy ceiling, Drones will conclude the season among the elite CFF signal callers.
Scouting Notebook: “(Drones) is the real deal. A big, strong guy. (The) NFL comparison has been Jalen Hurts, but a better passer. With him, Virginia Tech can take the next step as a team this year. He’s going to be tough in a dual-threat role, running and passing. I’m really excited to see this kid play this fall,” penned Carter Bahns (247Sports.com).
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Team Offense (Rank): 544 ypg. (1)
Passing Yards: 339 ypg. (3)
Points Scored: 46 ppg. (1)
2023 FPPG: 7.7
While often basing player projections on coaches and their offensive schemes, I cannot forecast Garrett Nussmeier to replicate Jayden Daniels’ stupendous season last year. The Tigers lose two first-round picks at receiver (Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas) from last year’s squad, but return one of the most experienced offensive lines in the nation with four starters back. Nussmeier steps into a system that will highlight his skill set and protect him in the passing game.
At 6’2” and 198 pounds, the redshirt junior has watched and learned for three seasons on the bench at Baton Rouge, LA. He is ready to take over the reins of coach Brian Kelly’s offense and produce fantasy-worthy numbers. CFF owners glimpsed Nussmeier’s potential when he started the ReliaQuest Bowl last New Year’s Day. He led LSU to a 35-31 victory over Wisconsin and threw for 395 yards and three touchdowns. The ceiling is so high in a Kelly offense that Nussmeier is an idyllic No. 2 QB on a CFF roster in 2024.
Scouting Notebook: “I wouldn’t say my mindset has changed, I think I’ve just tried to do my job and do what I’ve always been taught. As far as leadership goes, that’s something that has come naturally. I think the team has done an amazing job of buying in. I’m not sitting here saying we have to win a national championship or we bust. What I’m saying is (that) we have to build a championship culture and the thought of 10 wins isn’t enough,” Nussmeier stated in March (si.com)
Brady Cook, Missouri
Team Offense (Rank): 434 ypg. (28)
Passing Yards: 262 ypg. (37)
Points Scored: 33 ppg. (28)
2023 FPPG: 26.0
Under coach Eli Drinkwitz last year, Missouri posted its best season since 2014. The Tigers won 11 games and defeated Ohio State 14-3 in the Cotton Bowl. While WR Luther Burden and RB Cody Schrader obtained the headlines, QB Brady Cook dramatically improved and made sure the ball got into the hands of his playmakers.
Last summer, Cook was not even the clear starter for the Tigers, and surprised many CFF managers with a tremendous campaign. He finished the season as CFF QB20, throwing for 3,317 yards and 21 touchdowns and sprinting for 319 yards and eight scores. Over the past two seasons, the senior has scampered for 904 yards and 14 touchdowns, which provides a nice fantasy floor.
On the upcoming schedule, five of the eight SEC opponents had losing records last year, and the non-conference games offer little resistance. Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore must find a running back after losing Schrader: The Tigers looked into the portal and grabbed Marcus Carrol, Georgia State and Nate Noel, Appalachian State to carry the load in Columbia, MO. With a strong group of returning receivers led by Burden, Cook will shine again for the Tigers’ faithful and CFF skippers.
Scouting Notebook: “Brady Cook was perhaps the most improved quarterback in the nation last year. After posting a 66.7 passing grade in 2022, he earned an 80.0 mark this past season. He also ranks ninth among P5 signal-callers over the past two years in rushing yards. Cook is one of my top 10 quarterbacks in the nation heading into next year,” noted Max Chadwick (PFF.com).
Cameron Ward, Miami
Team Offense (Rank): 431 ypg. (31)
Passing Yards: 258 ypg. (42)
Points Scored: 32 ppg. (38)
2023 FPPG: 30.1
As a self-proclaimed college football historian, my memories of the Miami quarterbacks in the 1980s will always hold a vaulted spot: Jim Kelly, Vinny Testaverde and Bernie Kosar all wore the orange and green with spectacular results. Some of my fondest recollections ever Saturday are watching the Miami passing game dominate opponents, aiding in the downfall of the Triple Option offense at Nebraska and Oklahoma. The Hurricanes’ aerial attack changed the college game, and their All-American quarterbacks impacted the NFL for well over a decade.
Coach Mario Cristobal is on the hot seat after back-to-back mediocre seasons. In the offseason, he pursued a proven leader and winning quarterback to take over the offense. He plunged into the portal and procured Cameron Ward, the highest-graded passer available. Ward flirted with entering the NFL but remained in college at Coral Gables, FL. A near-perfect match for a coach and quarterback.
For the past two seasons, Ward piloted the wide-open Washington State passing game and produced prolific numbers. He hurled the pigskin for 6,968 yards, posted a 48-16 TD:INT ratio, and scampered for 227 yards and 13 scores on the ground. Last year, Ward finished as CFF QB14 and recorded six games with over 30 fantasy points, including three over 40.
In 2021, Ward completed 384-of-590 passes for 4,648 yards with 47 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his final season at Incarnate Word. He was named FCS Second Team All-America, Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and Finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given to the most outstanding player in FCS. With playmakers RB Damien Martinez and WR Xavier Restrepo at Miami, Ward is the right signal caller to bring Miami back to prominence.
Scouting Notebook: “Ever since I declared (for Miami), I haven’t gotten a lot of sleep. It’s always been in the back of my mind, creeping up there. I feel like it’s a win-win situation. I can go (to the Hurricanes) behind a great head coach, great offensive coordinator in a great offense. I feel like I can improve my (draft) stock even more,” Ward affirmed (cbssports.com).
Preston Stone, SMU
Team Offense (Rank): 454 ypg. (16)
Passing Yards: 278 ypg. (22)
Points Scored: 39 ppg. (8)
2023 FPPG: 28.3
CFF diehards waited two seasons for Preston Stone to take over the offense in Dallas. Thankfully, the wait was worth it. In 12 games, Stone passed for nearly 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns and ran for 198 yards and four scores as a first-time starter. He paced the AAC in passing efficiency and ranked thirteenth in the nation (161.3) and finished first in the AAC and fifth in the country in passing yards per completion (15.5). He also surpassed 300 yards passing four times, finishing the season as CFF QB19.
Regrettably, Stone suffered a season-ending broken left fibula and missed the AAC Championship game. The fourth-year signal caller was a limited participant in spring practices in February and March; nonetheless, he has been cleared for full practice when training camp opens. The Mustangs are joining the ACC in 2024, and coach Rhett Lashlee and Stone are up for the challenge. The CFF faithful can bank on another robust season from Stone and the rest of the SMU offensive playmakers.
Scouting Notebook: “(Stone) is right on schedule, exactly where he needs to be. There’s no reason to force or push that situation, particularly where we’re combining units. There’s no reason to push that faster than we need to,” offensive coordinator Casey Woods said during the spring in response to Stone’s recovery (lonestarlive.com).
Twitterverse on Fire!
Among the Heisman favorites at quarterback listed, who is the best bet before training camp opens?
- Dillon Gabriel +1000: 31%
- Jalen Milroe +1400: 25%
Jaxson Dart +1600: 35%
Carson Beck +800: 9.5%
Scholar’s Selection: All offseason, I have touted Jaxson Dart and Mississippi for the SEC title and a CFP Playoff invitation. I also placed a small bet on the Rebels’ quarterback to capture the Heisman. It is simple to conclude who I selected in the poll above.
“Jalen Milroe for me. This kid is electric. He gets a coach who will play to his deep ball strengths, and the fantasy community turns a blind eye. Milroe will dominate and cruise to the award…narrative will be he did it without Saban instead of his greatness.” @aceholesrule
“Jaxson Dart for me. The quarterback position is wide open in the CFF landscape. Ole Miss is pushing all their chips in for this year. Circle your calendars for Week 11 versus Georgia at home.” @ProbascoLuke
“The Mississippi’ offense is built for him and his strengths. Plus, the Lane Train built the defense up and the Ole Miss offense should be on the field a ton. Dart is going to New York!” @_NinoBrown_
Joey Aguilar, Appalachian State
Team Offense (Rank): 445.6 ypg. (22)
Passing Yards: 273.6 ypg. (27)
Points Scored: 33.3 ppg. (25)
2023 FPPG: 27.9
Joey Aguilar did not open the season as the starter at Appalachian State and was essentially an unknown quarterback in the CFF community. After high school, he played two seasons at Diablo Valley Community College in central California and passed for 2,992 yards, scampered for 629 yards and accounted for 23 scores. A three-star junior college recruit, Aguilar made the decision to move from Oakley, California to Boone, North Carolina to continue his football journey.
The decision clearly benefited both Aguilar and the Mountaineers. Coming off the bench against Gardner-Webb in the first game, Aguilar completed four touchdowns and earned next week’s start against North Carolina. He led Appalachian State to a double-overtime loss against the Tar Heels on the road and remained the signal caller for the rest of the campaign.
The senior finished the season as CFF QB10, setting many single-season records: passing yards (3,757), passing touchdowns (33), total offense (4,002), 200-yard passing games (13), pass completions (293) and pass attempts (460). Aguilar added 245 rushing yards and three scores. He was named Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and captured the Cure Bowl MVP to conclude the season. Aguilar is a considerable option as a second CFF QB on rosters.
Scouting Notebook: “What really set up the (passing record) is coach (Frank) Ponce calling plays and the receivers making plays. All I do is get the ball there and they do the rest. Coming in, I didn’t really think about breaking records. I just came and tried to focus on perfecting my craft. You set goals for what you want to achieve, but breaking those records was pretty awesome,” Aguilar divulged after last season (Appstatemania.com).
Noah Fifita, Arizona
Team Offense (Rank): 448 ypg. (20)
Passing Yards: 308.3 ypg. (8)
Points Scored: 34.6 ppg. (18)
2023 FPPG: 21.8
A redshirt freshman last year, Noah Fifita did not get the starting assignment for the Wildcats until Sept. 30 against Washington, and over the final two months of the year, Fifita was CFF QB14 with 236 fantasy points, averaging 29.4 FPPG. He hurled for 2,446 yards and 23 aerial strikes and in program history, he posted the highest single-season completion percentage (72.4%). Sadly, he contributed zero points in the run game (-33 rushing yards) for CFF managers. Fifita was anointed Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year and Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Finalist.
Since the two were 8th graders, Fifita and WR Tetairoa McMillan have been best friends and teammates. The pair open training camp as possibly the most dynamic pitch-catch duo in the country despite many changes on campus. For the first time in school history, Arizona will compete as a member of the Big 12, and a new coach (Brant Brennan) leads the program after former coach Jedd Fisch immigrated to Washington. If Fifita had rushing upside, he might be ranked among the Top 12 at the position. Nevertheless, the Wildcats’ pitcher is a marvelous second signal callers on CFF teams.
Scouting Notebook: “Multiple sportsbooks list (Noah) Fifita as one of the top 15-to-20 favorites to win college football’s most prestigious award (the Heisman). Draft Kings gave Fifita the 14th-best odds to win the Heisman at +3,000. Caesar’s Sportsbook has Fifita with the ninth-best odds (+1,600),” detailed Justin Spears (tucson.com).
Will Howard, Ohio State
Team Offense (Rank): 407.9 ypg. (47)
Passing Yards: 269.1 ypg. (30)
Points Scored: 30.5 ppg. (44)
2023 FPPG: 28.8
During my CFF tenure, Ohio State quarterbacks J.T. Barrett, Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud all graced my rosters and produced prodigious fantasy seasons. Since the turn of the century, the Buckeyes have won National Championships in 2002 and 2014, and QB Troy Smith captured the Heisman Trophy in 2006. Last year, the Ohio State passing game failed to provide the CFF fireworks that had become the norm in Columbus, OH.
In 2024, coach Ryan Day must beat the Buckeyes’ heated rival Michigan, and he jettisoned last year’s starter Kyle McCord. Day scanned the list of names in the portal and decided upon former Kansas State dual-threat Will Howard to take over the offense.
Last season, Howard was named Second Team All-Big 12, and two years ago, he led the Wildcats to the Big 12 Title. In four seasons at Manhattan, KS, he passed for 5,786 yards and 48 touchdowns and scampered for 921 yards and 19 scores. With the strongest backfield combo (TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins) in the nation and a strong receiver corps, Howard is poised to excel on the ground and in the air for CFF managers.
Scouting Notebook: “Will Howard (has) prototypical size at 6’5” and 240 lbs. He can add a little bit of an element in the run game, the designed run game. Now, Chip Kelly, we all know that’s where he makes his bread and butter playing basketball on grass. Howard is going to take some sacks…If his feet are fine, he is fine. Looking at down-field accuracy, he had the top mid-range accuracy percentage (61%) in our impact study…Fantastic,” Clark Brooks stated in a radio interview (on3.com).
Miller Moss, USC
Team Offense (Rank): 467 ypg. (10)
Passing Yards: 333 ypg. (5)
Points Scored: 41.8 ppg. (3)
2023 FPPG: 16.9
Earlier in the CFF draft season, I might have been far too bullish on Miller Moss. Over the course of the past two months, the USC signal caller dropped down my rankings and fell down draft boards, which is an opportunity to acquire value at the position in 2024. At his current ADP, I will be selecting Moss often as a third quarterback on CFF rosters.
The upside in coach Lincoln Riley offense warrants the speculation. In the past four seasons, Riley’s passing game averaged 3,978 yards and 35 touchdowns with Spencer Rattler and Caleb Williams predominately calling signals. If we project Moss at 85% of the previous production, he throws for 3,381 yards and 30 touchdowns. Based on my conservative projections below, Moss should average around 27 FPPG.
Why is Moss plummeting in drafts? The Trojans are joining the Big 10, and the schedule is brutal. Even with the challenges ahead for USC, I still believe in Riley and the offense to put points on the board. Moss performed poorly in the Trojans’ spring game, and there are concerns in regard to his skills. Again, I will bet that Riley coaches Moss up, and the junior improves during training camp. When other CFF managers run away from a player in a great offensive scheme, I embrace the opportunity.
Scouting Notebook: “Moss has a good arm and accuracy but often locks onto his primary target without progressing through his reads, which was evident in his limited action and led to turnovers against Louisville. This season, Moss needs to improve his ability to use his eyes to move defenders and go through progressions to avoid ball-hawking defenders. His success will depend on his ability to make these adjustments,” Matt Zemek noted (trojanswire.usatoday.com).
2024 Projections
The projections below are based on the following scoring system:
Passing Yards x .04
Rushing Yards x .10
Touchdowns x 6
Average: 12 games
| Player | Passing Yards | P-TDs | Rushing Yards | R-TDs | Points | Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Castellanos | 2,350 | 18 | 900 | 8 | 340 | 28.3 |
| Shedeur Sanders | 3,500 | 30 | 0 | 3 | 338 | 28.2 |
| Avery Johnson | 2,900 | 17 | 700 | 9 | 342 | 28.5 |
| Kyron Drones | 2,800 | 20 | 720 | 6 | 340 | 28.3 |
| Garrett Nussmeier | 3,800 | 30 | 200 | 2 | 364 | 30.3 |
| Brady Cook | 3,000 | 24 | 400 | 5 | 334 | 27.8 |
| Cameron Ward | 3,500 | 24 | 120 | 5 | 326 | 27.2 |
| Preston Stone | 3,100 | 28 | 200 | 4 | 336 | 28.0 |
| Joey Aguilar | 3,400 | 27 | 220 | 2 | 332 | 27.7 |
| Will Howard | 2,800 | 23 | 300 | 5 | 310 | 25.8 |
| Noah Fifita | 3,300 | 28 | 0 | 1 | 306 | 25.5 |
| Miller Moss | 3,400 | 27 | 100 | 1 | 314 | 26.2 |