It’s nearly impossible to be a successful college football team without elite quarterback play, and when the 2022 season ends, the best Group of 5 teams will almost certainly have top-tier quarterbacks leading their teams.
A great quarterback means potential for a great season, which means college football betting odds and experts acknowledge your existence before the season. Here’s a closer look at 10 of the best quarterbacks at the G5 level entering 2022. Unsurprisingly, many of these teams are expected to contend for their conference titles.
10. Daniel Richardson – Central Michigan
Richardson broke onto the scene last season, throwing for 2,633 yards and 24 touchdowns. He only threw six interceptions, limiting mistakes. Richardson averaged 8.3 yards per pass attempt, making him an ideal complement to standout running back Lew Nichols III.
9. Brett Gabbert – Miami (OH)
The younger brother of NFL quarterback Blaine Gabbert, Brett is among the best quarterbacks in the MAC. The Redhawks should be in contention to win the conference thanks to Gabbert’s play, as the quarterback does an exceptional job avoiding mistakes. He’s tossed 41 touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions in his collegiate career.
8. Logan Bonner – Utah State
A quality quarterback at Arkansas State, Bonner’s numbers took a jump after transferring to Utah State. He threw for 3,628 yards and 36 touchdowns a season ago, throwing 12 interceptions in the process. Assuming he’s fully healthy after suffering a knee injury in last year’s bowl game, Bonner is expected to have a strong season in 2022.
7. Hank Bachmeier – Boise State
It’s easy to respect Bachmeier’s toughness, as Boise’s State quarterback played through a meniscus injury last season and still stood tall in the pocket. Despite taking a beating, Bachmeier threw for just over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. A fully healthy Bachmeier figures to make the Broncos a force in the Mountain West.
6. Chase Brice – App State
A second change of scenery served Brice well, as the former Clemson backup who then struggled at Duke thrived as Appalachian State’s starter. Brice threw for 3,337 yards and 27 touchdowns a season ago, giving the Mountaineers a consistent presence under center.
5. Frank Harris – UTSA
Throw for over 3,000 yards? Check. Complete over 65% of your passes? Check. Contribute 500 rushing yards? Check. Harris was a stud last season, proving to be an efficient passer (27 touchdowns and six interceptions) and a dynamic rushing threat (566 yards and six touchdowns).
4. Tanner Mordecai – SMU
The Oklahoma transfer balled out as SMU’s starter in 2021, throwing for 39 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions. His 39 touchdowns set a school record, and his 3,628 passing yards led the AAC. He’ll have to adjust to a new coaching staff with Sonny Dykes leaving for TCU, but new head coach Rhett Lashlee is known for leading prolific offenses.
3. Jake Haener – Fresno State
If you like prolific passing attacks, take time to watch Fresno State play this season. Haener threw for 4,096 yards a season ago, and there’s little reason to believe he won’t put up gaudy stats against this fall. Keep a close eye on Haener in September, as he faces Oregon State and USC in consecutive weeks.
2. Clayton Tune – Houston
After a couple of average seasons, Tune’s production blossomed in 2021. He threw for 30 touchdowns and 3,544 yards last season, completing 68.3% of his passes. He’s a good fit in Dana Holgorsen’s offense, and when his decision-making matches his impressive physical tools, he’s as good as it gets at the Group of 5 level.
1. Grayson McCall – Coastal Carolina
Coastal Carolina has become a nationally relevant program in recent years, and McCall deserves plenty of credit for that rise. How does 54 career touchdown passes to just six interceptions sound? Add in 870 career rushing yards, and McCall gives Coastal Carolina one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country.
Bennett Conlin is a college football contributor for HERO Sports, and he works full-time covering sports betting industry news and legislation for Sports Handle and US Bets.
