10 QBs that turned out to be busts after Week 13 college football ft. DJ Uiagalelei
College football quarterback evaluation is an inexact science. While players like Kurtis Rourke slide under the radar, highly touted signees and transfers often fail.
Here's a rundown of highly regarded shot callers whose seasons ranged from disappointing to downright disastrous. The word "bust" is probably thrown around too much, but here are 10 college quarterbacks who might fit the bill this year.
10 QBs who have turned out to be busts in 2024
#10. Carson Beck, Georgia
Beck hasn't been awful in 2024, but he took a major step back from the player he was a year ago. Beck went from 9.5 yards per pass attempt last year to 8.0 this year. He went from 24 touchdowns and six interceptions a year ago to 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this year. Beck slid a good bit in production this fall.
#9. Graham Mertz, Florida
Mertz wasn't terrible either and part of his unproductive season was the result of multiple injuries. But the facts remain that UF was 2-3 with Mertz as the starter and is probably going to end up 5-2 with freshman DJ Lagway. It's not so much that Mertz was bad as that this big-armed Lagway gave UF the home-run ability that made them a decent team in 2024.
#8. Noah Fifita, Arizona
Put Fifita in the Carson Beck column. A year ago, he had 8.6 yards per pass to 7.1 now. He threw 25 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2023, but in 2024, he has thrown 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Arizona has had an awful season and the regression of Fifita from 2023 form was a big part of the issue.
#7. Donovan Smith, Houston
Smith threw for 2,801 yards and 22 touchdowns last year. This year, he has thrown four touchdowns to six interceptions and hasn't been able to hold down the starting job. He's another mysterious declining QB.
#6. Jalon Daniels, Kansas
Daniels was a great backup a year ago. He passed for 9.4 yards per throw with five touchdowns and one interception. Taking over as a starter though, hasn't gone as well. He dipped to 7.8 yards per pass with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Kansas is trying to rally late but has had a tough year.
#5. Conner Weigman, Texas A&M
Another great backup who couldn't grab the starting job. Weigman threw 16 touchdowns to two interceptions as a reserve in the last two years at A&M. Given the job in 2024, he got himself benched with a three-touchdown, five-interception performance.
#4. Brock Vandagriff, Kentucky
A talented backup who transferred from Georgia, Vandagriff has had a dismal year as a starter at Kentucky. He's averaging just 7.3 yards per pass and his 10 touchdowns to eight interceptions haven't impressed. Freshman Cutter Boley will replace Vandgriff for UK's season finale.
#3. Alex Orji, Michigan
A junior, Orji was regarded as a great athlete who Michigan could coach up as a passer. Instead, he struggled mightily as QB1 and eventually gave way to walk-on Grant Warren. His 3.4 yards per pass is astonishing.
#2. Grayson McCall, NC State
After a stellar career at Coastal Carolina, McCall was expected to star for the Wolfpack. Injuries forced him into retirement instead, but when he did play, McCall wasn't sharp, gaining just 6.5 yards per pass attempt with three touchdowns to two interceptions.
#1. DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State
Once a scapegoat at Clemson, Uiagalelei had improved there and played a good season at Oregon State. But at Florida State, his ACC world again came crashing down. Yes, FSU has been awful throughout all phases. But Uiagalelei threw for 6.8 yards per pass with four touchdowns and six interceptions before being mercifully benched.
Which QBs do you think have been the biggest busts of 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.