Big Ten Quarterback Tiers: Stacking up a strong QB conference

Big Ten quarterbacks are balling out. Let's tier them.

Julian Sayin is one of a large group of Big Ten quarterbacks off to a strong start in 2025. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State athletics)

COLUMBUS — Is the Big Ten the best quarterback conference in college football this year? Many in my home are asking the question.

Truthfully, it’s too early to crown any conference the best QB conference. However, it seems like a few of the dudes in the SEC who were getting all of the preseason hype aren’t exactly living up to it one month into the season. Meanwhile, a bunch of Big Ten quarterbacks are thriving.

Here’s a snapshot of how things stand heading into the final weekend of September, with everyone having played three or four games:

• Five of the top 10 quarterbacks by Pro Football Focus passing grade are in the Big Ten: 1. Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers. 5. Julian Sayin, Ohio State. 7. Drake Lindsey, Minnesota. 8. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana. 9 Dante Moore, Oregon. Three more: USC’s Jayden Maiava, Washington’s Demond Williams Jr., and Maryland's Malik Washington are in the top 30.