USC Faces Seven Top QBs in College Football

Last season, the USC Trojans struggled in the secondary, particularly at the cornerback position. The defensive line was able to mask some of these issues because they were consistently getting to the quarterback at a high rate, even with just a four-man rush. However, things changed significantly after the second half of the season. The cornerback play improved as the season progressed, but the defense wasn’t able to affect the quarterback in the same way. For the Trojans, it’s crucial that these two aspects are connected next season, especially as they face several high-profile quarterbacks on their schedule.

Dante Moore – Oregon

Dante Moore is a calm and collected quarterback who has already proven himself as one of the top prospects in college football. A projected top two pick in the draft, Moore chose to return to school for another season. He’s a quick processor in the pocket, and with a full season of experience as a starter, he’s shown his ability to make precise throws with great ball placement. Moore can be methodical down the field and then hit a big play over the top. As a former five-star recruit, he has a lot of arm talent.

Moore isn’t necessarily a dynamic runner, but he can create second reaction throwing opportunities. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he’s likely the best quarterback the Trojans will face in the fall.

Julian Sayin – Ohio State

Julian Sayin is the quarterback most likely to challenge Moore’s dominance. A former five-star recruit, Sayin is known for being surgical with his throws. He completed 78.9 percent of his passes last season, setting a new NCAA record for the highest single-season completion percentage. Sayin excels in the quick game with anticipation and touch. While he doesn’t have the strongest arm, he can throw a nice deep ball. Playing at Ohio State, he often throws to star receivers like Jeremiah Smith.

Sayin enters next season with something to prove after a rough finish in games against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game and Miami in the College Football Playoff Semifinals.

Demond Williams – Washington

After some transfer portal controversy, Demond Williams returns to Washington for another season. The electrifying dual-threat quarterback is an unbelievable talent, known for his elusiveness as a runner and his ability to create big plays at any moment. Williams has a live arm and can operate effectively in the pocket. Last season, he completed 69.5 percent of his throws, which is impressive given the level of athlete he is at the position. He accounted for over 3,600 yards of offense and 31 total touchdowns.

Josh Hoover – Indiana

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza is heading to the NFL, and in comes TCU transfer Josh Hoover. The Trojans would have seen Hoover in the Alamo Bowl, but he entered the portal beforehand. Instead, they’ll see him in Bloomington in mid-November. A three-year starter for the Horned Frogs, Hoover has played a ton of football. The rising senior has thrown for nearly 10,000 yards and 71 touchdowns.

Hoover is a decisive thrower who processes information quickly. He plays in rhythm, delivering the ball on time and on target. Having played in an RPO system at TCU, his transition to Indiana should be seamless.

Malik Washington – Maryland

Malik Washington started all 12 games during his true freshman season. At 6-foot-5 and 231 pounds, Washington can get it done through the air and with his legs. He is one of only two Big Ten true freshmen since 1996 with over 2,500 passing yards and 300 rushing yards. Washington needs to become a more accurate passer, but last season was a great step in the right direction.

Rocco Becht – Penn State

Rocco Becht, a three-year starter, won 26 games at Iowa State under Matt Campbell. The former Cyclones coach took the job at Penn State this offseason, and his quarterback decided to join him. Becht has played a lot of football at the collegiate level, throwing for nearly 10,000 yards. He’s also a threat to use his legs. Becht and Campbell will carry the RPO system to Happy Valley. After a down season in 2025, Becht looks to bounce back in a new environment.

Nico Iamaleava – UCLA

Nico Iamaleava had an inconsistent first season at UCLA. But the former five-star recruit is now entering his third season as a starter at the collegiate level. He’s flashed the arm talent that made him a coveted recruit in the 2023 cycle. Last season, he was more effective using his legs, especially in the Bruins’ upset win over Penn State.

Iamaleava will have a more competent coach in his second season in Westwood with Bob Chesney coming over from James Madison. If there was any year it comes together for the Southern California native, it would be in 2026.

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