Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishThe Big Ten is atop the college football headlines, as five-star transfer recruit and College Football Playoff-starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava finalizes his move from Tennessee to UCLA.The saga surrounding his transfer aside, Iamaleava’s arrival further bolsters the Big Ten’s terrific depth and talent at the position. He joins a growing list of former five-star recruits, including Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, Michigan’s Bryce Underwood, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, Penn State’s Drew Allar and Oregon’s Dante Moore. Those former top prospects, many of whom are still working to fulfill their recruiting billing, will be contended by notable veterans, such as Wisconsin’s Billy Edwards Jr., Illinois’ Luke Altmyer, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Iowa’s Mark Gronowski.The Big Ten enters 2025 with unprecedented talent at the position. It’s reasonable to argue that reality is due to the conference’s new landscape. Since USC, UCLA, Washington and Oregon joined before the 2024 season, it’s become a race for positioning, with non-top-tier programs like Wisconsin, Iowa and UCLA needing significant moves to avoid getting left behind.Much more preview work is to follow after Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA, including an updated conference-wide team power ranking. For now, here is a fresh look at the Big Ten projected starting quarterback landscape, ranked from worst to best:18. Malachi Singleton (Purdue Boilermakers)2024 Stats (at Arkansas): Five games, 21 of 28 passing, 358 yards, 12.8 yards per attempt, one touchdown, zero interceptions, 17 carries, 74 rushing yards, three rushing touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Four-star high school recruit, No. 26 quarterback in 2023 class. Three-star transfer, No. 32 quarterback in 2024-25 portal cycleAnalysis: Singleton is no lock to claim Purdue’s Week 1 starting job, as several players are still battling for the job at this stage of the spring. That group includes Ryan Browne, who transferred back to Purdue from North Carolina earlier this month. Whether it’s Singleton, Browne, or somebody else, it’s hard to see the Boilermakers’ starter finding much success on a team that might struggle to win three games.17. Justyn Martin (Maryland Terrapins)2024 Stats (at UCLA): Three games, 24 of 35 passing, 179 yards, 5.1 yards per attempt, one touchdown, zero interceptionsRecruiting Profile: Four-star high school recruit, No. 20 quarterback in 2022 class. Three-star transfer, No. 19 quarterback in 2024-25 portal cycleAnalysis: Martin transferred to Maryland this offseason after limited action last year at UCLA. He’s reportedly in a position battle with true freshman Malik Washington, who just joined the program as the No. 54 overall player and No. 5 quarterback in the class of 2025. Either player would be a likely downgrade from 2024 starter Billy Edwards Jr., who transferred to Wisconsin in December.16. Drake Lindsey (Minnesota Golden Gophers)2024 Stats: Three games, four of five passing, 50 yards, 10 yards per attempt, one touchdown, zero interceptions, one carry, six rushing yardsRecruiting Profile: Three-star high school recruit, No. 56 quarterback in 2024 classAnalysis: As we wrote during the first edition of these rankings in late January, Lindsey will have a hard time replicating Max Brosmer’s 2024 production of 2,828 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. However, he may need to do so for Minnesota to continue its annual eight-win pace. P.J. Fleck and his staff hope Lindsey becomes the next Tanner Morgan — a multi-year starter with a strong winning quotient.15. Preston Stone (Northwestern Wildcats)2024 Stats (at SMU): Seven games, 30 of 51 passing, 421 yards, 8.3 yards per attempt, five touchdowns, one interception, 11 carries, 24 rushing yardsRecruiting Profile: Four-star high school recruit, No. 15 quarterback in 2021 class. Three-star transfer, No. 39 quarterback in 2024-25 portal cycleAnalysis: Stone had a strong year as SMU’s starter in 2023 (60% completion, 3,197 yards, 28 touchdowns, six interceptions, AAC-best 9.3 yards per attempt, 10.14 adjusted yards per attempt, 15.5 yards per carry) before being benched last season in favor of Kevin Jennings, who ended up leading the Mustangs to the College Football Playoff. Stone will be a significant upgrade over 2024 starters Jack Lausch, Ryan Hilinski and Mike Wright. However, his ceiling may be capped in a limited Northwestern offense.14. Bryce Underwood (Michigan Wolverines)2024 Stats: N/A (true freshman)Recruiting Profile: Five-star high recruit, No. 1 quarterback in 2025 classAnalysis: Few players in this power ranking have more potential than Underwood, who joined Michigan this offseason as the top overall player in the class of 2025. He’s in a position battle with Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, who has four years of college experience. If Underwood wins the job, the rest of the conference should take note. That would mean he’s more game-ready than initially expected.Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire13. Jayden Maiava (USC Trojans)2024 Stats: Seven games, 101 of 169 passing, 1,201 yards, 7.1 yards per attempt, 11 touchdowns, six interceptions, 20 carries, 45 rushing yards, four rushing touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Three-star high school recruit, No. 53 quarterback in 2022 class. Four-star transfer, No. 23 quarterback in 2023-24 portal cycleAnalysis: Maiava played well in relief of Miller Moss down the stretch of the 2024 season. While USC struggled to a final 7-6 record, Maiava went 3-1 during his time under center, falling only to top-ranked Notre Dame. He’ll need to clean up the turnovers in 2025 if USC has any chance at a CFP bid. Also, look out for five-star true freshman Husan Longstreet, who may contend for the starting job as late as fall camp.Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire12. Demond Williams Jr. (Washington Huskies)2024 Stats: 13 games, 82 of 105 passing, 944 yards, 9.0 yards per attempt, eight touchdowns, one interception, 83 carries, 282 rushing yards, two rushing touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Four-star high school recruit, No. 12 quarterback in 2024 class. Four-star transfer, No. 25 quarterback in 2023 portal cycleAnalysis: Williams should be a popular breakout pick entering 2025 after a fantastic showing in relief of starter Will Rogers down the stretch of last season. The sophomore started Washington’s final two games against Oregon and Louisville, respectively, completing 83% of his passes for 575 yards, five touchdowns and one interception, also adding 42 carries, 65 rushing yards and one rushing score. None should be surprised if he vaults into the top five once the season kicks off.Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire11. Athan Kaliakmanis (Rutgers Scarlet Knights)2024 Stats: 13 games, 213 of 395 passing, 2,696 yards, 6,8 yards per attempt, 18 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 92 carries, 251 rushing yards, three rushing touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Four-star high school recruit, No. 31 quarterback in 2021 class. Three-star transfer, No. 74 quarterback in 2023-24 portal cycleAnalysis: Kaliakmanis quietly had a strong 2024 season, leading Rutgers to its second straight bowl appearance. He should keep a middle-of-the-pack ranking throughout the 2025 campaign. While the veteran presents a high floor, his top-end ceiling is quite limited.10. Mark Gronowski (Iowa Hawkeyes)2024 Stats (at South Dakota State): 15 games, 206 of 338 passing, 2,721 yards, 23 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 98 carries, 380 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Unranked high school recruit in 2020 class. Three-star transfer, No. 26 quarterback in 2024-25 portal cycleAnalysis: Gronowski may answer the recurring question of, ‘What if Iowa finds a quarterback?’ The Hawkeyes took a step forward on offense in 2024 under new OC Tim Lester. Gronowski figures to help that unit reach its next level, which is necessary for the team to maintain its nine-win pace.Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire9. Billy Edwards Jr. (Wisconsin Badgers)2024 Stats (at Maryland): 11 games, 273 of 420 passing, 2,881 yards, 6.9 yards per attempt, 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 81 carries, 148 rushing yards, five rushing touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Three-star high school recruit, No. 103 quarterback in 2023 class. Three-star transfer, No. 28 quarterback in 2024-25 portal cycleAnalysis: Edwards shouldn’t have much trouble delivering Wisconsin’s best quarterback season since 2019. He brings an ideal combination of size, arm strength and athleticism, ability that was on display at Maryland in 2024, playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the Power Four. One story to watch: Wisconsin starting left tackle Kevin Heywood is out for the year with an ACL tear. The team needs a strong reinforcement, or Edwards may be put under all-too-familiar pressure.8. Aidan Chiles (Michigan State Spartans)2024 Stats: 12 games, 192 of 323 passing, 2,415 yards, 7.5 yards per attempt, 13 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 97 carries, 225 rushing yards, three rushing touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Four-star high school recruit, No. 7 quarterback in 2023 class. Four-star transfer, No. 2 quarterback in 2023 portal cycleAnalysis: From our late-January QB rankings:Chiles remains a captivating combination of head-scratching turnovers and jaw-dropping plays. He defines a low-floor, high-ceiling player. Spartans fans hope his second year as the starter sees many of the mistakes eliminated. He’ll need a breakthrough season for the program to return to relevance.Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire7. Julian Sayin (Ohio State Buckeyes)2024 Stats: Four games, five of 12 passing, 84 yards, 7.0 yards per attempt, one touchdown, zero interceptions, two carries, 24 rushing yardsRecruiting Profile: Five-star high school recruit, No. 1 quarterback in 2024 class. Five-star transfer, No. 1 quarterback in 2023-24 portal cycleAnalysis: Most agree that Sayin should excel in his first year starting. The former five-star high school recruit held the same ranking when he transferred from Alabama to Ohio State last offseason after Nick Saban’s retirement. Still, he’ll remain a step below the conference’s top five signal-callers until that top-end potential is translated to on-field production. I’d expect to see Sayin up around the No. 3 slot by the time conference play begins.Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire6. Dante Moore (Oregon Ducks)2024 Stats: Five games, seven of eight passing, 49 yards, 6.1 yards per attempt, zero touchdowns, zero interceptionsRecruiting Profile: Five-star high school recruit, No. 3 quarterback in 2023 class. Four-star transfer, No. 3 quarterback in 2023-24 portal cycleAnalysis: From our late-January QB rankings, comparing Moore and Sayin:Moore’s path differs from Sayin’s. He started several games as a true freshman at UCLA in 2023 before being benched and transferring to Oregon. He sat and watched as Dillon Gabriel led the 2024 Ducks to a 13-0 regular season and Big Ten title. Moore is similar to Sayin in that he’s a five-star recruit who will play in one of the most quarterback-friendly offenses in the sport. The odds are that he’ll keep the Ducks at or near their current pace of winning.Moore gets a minor edge due to his starting experience. In all likelihood, both he and Sayin will quickly become two of the conference’s best.Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire5. Fernando Mendoza (Indiana Hoosiers)2024 Stats (at Cal): 11 games, 265 of 386 passing, 3,004 yards, 7.8 yards per attempt, 16 touchdowns, six interceptions, 87 carries, 105 rushing yards, two rushing touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Two-star high school recruit, No. 140 quarterback in 2022 class. Four-star transfer, No. 4 quarterback in 2024-25 portal cycleAnalysis: A transfer quarterback from Cal wouldn’t typically register this high on a season power ranking. Mendoza is different, fresh off a 3000-yard season. Indiana also deserves the benefit of the doubt with transfer quarterbacks after its addition of Kurtis Rourke last offseason. Signs point toward Mendoza helping the Hoosiers build off their breakthrough 2024 campaign.4. Nico Iamaleava (UCLA Bruins)2024 Stats (at Tennessee): 13 games, 213 of 334 passing, 2,616 yards, 7.8 yards per attempt, 19 touchdowns, five interceptions, 109 carries, 358 yards, three touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Five-star high school recruit, No. 2 quarterback in 2023 class. Five-star transfer, No. 1 quarterback in 2024-25 portal cycleAnalysis: The Iamaleava saga appears to have finally reached a conclusion, with him transferring to UCLA. His arrival prompted Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar to reenter the portal, with Tennessee, Iamaleava’s former program, a potential landing spot. Iamaleava’s transfer and NIL saga aside, he’s a projected top-end talent for a reason, with the chance to emerge as one of the best players in the conference.One note: the former Tennessee Volunteer threw just nine of his 19 touchdown passes in 2024 against SEC opponents, with four coming against Vanderbilt. He still has yet to fully translate his potential into on-field production against top defenses.Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire3. Dylan Raiola (Nebraska Cornhuskers)2024 Stats: 13 games, 275 of 410 passing, 2,819 yards, 6.9 yards per attempt, 13 touchdowns, 11 interceptionsRecruiting Profile: Five-star high school recruit, No. 3 quarterback in 2024 classAnalysis: Raiola had his share of growing pains as a true freshman in 2024. Still, the former five-star recruit flashed his five-star ability, beginning the season with nine touchdowns and two interceptions in the first five weeks. This placement is a minor projection. With more experience and a stronger supporting cast, a breakout sophomore campaign could follow.Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire2. Luke Altmyer (Illinois Fighting Illini)2024 Stats: 13 games, 211 of 347 passing, 2,717 yards, 7.8 yards per attempt, 22 touchdowns, six interceptions, 99 carries, 217 rushing yards, four rushing touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Four-star high school recruit, No. 21 quarterback in 2021 class. Four-star transfer, No. 10 quarterback in 2023-24 portal cycle.Analysis: Altmyer had a career year in 2024, leading Illinois to a 10-3 finish and bowl win over South Carolina. The senior likely won’t headline draft boards or NFL projections. But compared to several moderate unknowns in Sayin, Moore and Iamaleava, he’s nearly guaranteed to have another strong season. Illinois could very well be this year’s Indiana.1. Drew Allar (Penn State Nittany Lions)2024 Stats: 16 games, 262 of 394 passing, 3,327 yards, 8.4 yards per attempt, 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 96 carries, 302 rushing yards, six rushing touchdownsRecruiting Profile: Five-star high school recruit, No. 4 quarterback in 2022 classAnalysis: Allar returns to Penn State for a final season as the Big Ten’s clear No. 1 quarterback. His season-ending interception against Notre Dame in the CFP semifinals may cause many to forget his stellar season-long numbers, production that led the Nittany Lions to their best season since 2016. Allar should be the early favorite to be the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions WireContact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
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