Ranking the NCAAF Freshman Quarterbacks

There’s been no shortage of excellent quarterback play in the 2021 college football season. Players like Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ole Miss’ Matt Corral have become household names and have headlined the Heisman race all season long.

But some NCAAF freshman quarterbacks have burst on the scene as well. A couple of them are even strong Heisman candidates, while some have been putting up solid numbers but flying under the radar. So here are some of this year’s top freshman QBs to keep in mind for your Week 13 college football betting.

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State Buckeyes

If you follow college football, this one won’t be a surprise to you. C.J. Stroud has been a force of nature all season long and has led the Buckeyes to a 9-1 record and College Football Playoff hopefuls. In addition, Stroud and the Buckeyes have been putting up jaw-dropping numbers this year, averaging a ridiculous 559.8 yards per game and 47.2 points per game, both first in the nation.

The 6’3 QB from Rancho Cucamonga, CA, has racked up the personal accolades, throwing for 346.8 yards per game to go with 36 TDs and just five interceptions. Stroud was named the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week after last week’s performance when he went 32 for 35 for 432 yards and six TDs. This week, Stroud and the Buckeyes head to Michigan for “The Game,” where they are -8.5 favorites on the road.

Caleb Williams, Oklahoma Sooners

Caleb Williams supplanted starter Spencer Rattler midway through the season, rallying the Sooners to a win against rival Texas. Rattler was one of the top Heisman candidates before the season began. Replacing a player of that pedigree is never easy, but Williams seemed up to the challenge. In his first official start, he completed 18 of 23 passes for 295 yards and four touchdowns.

Williams had his best game against Texas Tech, going 23-30 of 402 yards and six touchdowns. Unfortunately, Williams was benched the following week against Baylor after throwing two interceptions. He also struggled the following week against Iowa State, going 8-18 for 87 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Williams can get it done with his legs, running for 372 yards and six rushing TDs to go with his 1,418 yards and 15 TDs through the air. He’s struggled for the past few weeks, but he’s shown the potential to be a very good quarterback at the collegiate level. This week Williams and the Sooners head to Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater to take on the Cowboys in the latest (and perhaps last) Bedlam Series rivalry game.

Seth Henigan, Memphis Tigers

This one could surprise you, as Seth Henigan doesn’t have the same kind of name recognition as the other two on the list but has put up outstanding numbers nonetheless. Henigan became the first true freshman in Memphis Tigers history to start a season opener and led the Tigers to a 42-17 victory over Nicholls State.

The Tigers are 5-6, good for 7th in the AAC, but it looks like they have found their future quarterback and have lots to look forward to. Henigan has 2,986 passing yards with 22 TDs and eight interceptions. This week Memphis hosts Tulane as -6 favorites.

Could one of the NCAAF freshman quarterbacks win the Heisman?

After last week’s electric performance against Michigan State, C.J. Stroud has certainly made a case for one of the NCAAF freshman quarterbacks to be this year’s top Heisman candidate. He’s now the favorite at -200 after jumping Bryce Young this week. Can he hold on and win the prestigious award?

Week 13 should provide some more clarity, so be sure to keep up to date on BetMGM’s football lines and check back daily for all of your online sports betting action. Then, sign up for an account today to place your bets on this weekend’s NCAAF action.