NCAAF 2023-24 Rising Quarterbacks – The 2023-24 College football season is witnessing another wave of conference realignment, with 14 out of 133 FBS schools preparing to switch conferences. Notably, UCF, Houston, BYU, and Cincinnati are headed to the Big 12, while Charlotte, FAU, North Texas, Rice, UAB, and UTSA are making their way to the American. Jacksonville State, Liberty, New Mexico State, and Sam Houston are also joining Conference USA. With these changes, over 10% of FBS programs will undergo a conference shift. With recent and upcoming transitions in the SEC, Big Ten, and Sun Belt, nearly one-fifth of all FBS schools will have experienced conference realignment between 2022 and 2024.
UCF’s Move to the Big 12
Among the schools making a significant move is UCF, transitioning from the American to the prestigious Big 12 conference. UCF’s head coach, Gus Malzahn, brings a wealth of coaching experience to this new challenge. Having climbed the ranks from coaching high school football to winning a national title as Auburn’s offensive coordinator, Malzahn’s leadership will be crucial as UCF navigates the transition.
NCAAF 2023-24 Rising Quarterbacks – Facing Familiar Foes
UCF’s inaugural season in the Big 12 will kick off against Kent State, a team they previously competed against during their time in the Mid-American Conference. The matchup adds an intriguing twist as UCF reflects on its journey from the MAC to its current position in one of college football’s Power 5 conferences.
Success Amidst Change
While conference realignment promises financial gains for schools, achieving on-field success in new leagues has proven challenging. Over the past 12 years, 12 schools have undergone Power 5 conference changes or moved to a Power 5 league. Only three of these schools have won their conference championship game since joining their new conferences. Utah emerged twice in the Pac-12, while Pitt claimed the title once. Notably, TCU became a co-champion in the Big 12 during a year when the league didn’t have a title game. Additionally, TCU is the only new Power 5 addition in the past 12 years to reach the College Football Playoff.
Mixed Results in New Leagues
Of the combined 127 seasons that these 12 schools have played in their new Power 5 leagues, only 38 seasons they have resulted in a winning record in conference play. Utah is the most successful, boasting eight winning records in 12 seasons in the Pac-12. Conversely, Rutgers and Maryland have struggled to achieve a single winning record in conference play since joining the Big Ten nine seasons ago.
Conference USA’s Newcomers
While the focus often rests on the Power 5 conference additions and their lucrative media rights deals, the realignment also presents opportunities for schools in other conferences. Recent entrants to Conference USA, New Mexico State, and Liberty may be the primary beneficiaries this time. Previously independent, both schools faced challenges in securing bowl berths. However, as Conference USA members, they now enjoy eligibility for one of the conference’s six bowl tie-ins. Similarly, BYU’s move from independence to the Big 12 grants them greater flexibility and stability in their bowl destinations.
Rising Quarterbacks to Watch in College Football 2023
As college football undergoes another wave of conference realignment, schools embark on new journeys to solidify their positions and achieve success in their new leagues. While financial gains and media rights deals attract attention, the path to triumph in recent conferences can be arduous.
Sam Hartman Is Notre Dame’s Game-Changer
Since arriving on campus as their new quarterback, Sam Hartman has made waves among Fighting Irish fans. Following an outstanding track record at Wake Forest, where he made headlines for their unique “slow-mesh” offense, Hartman brings vast experience and talent to Notre Dame as they are now considered contenders for College Football Playoff qualification with him under center.
Drake Maye is UNC’s Multifaceted Star
Drake Maye made quite an impression upon debut in 2022, with many questioning why he wasn’t selected as freshman quarterback over Sam Howell. As reigning Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, Maye boasts exceptional size, power arming capability, pocket presence, and ball-carrying skills – while adding another aspect to his game through ball carrier skills. Even with less-than-stout support around him, he continues putting up impressive numbers while solidifying himself as the top quarterback candidate in 2022!
Caleb Williams is USC’s Unparalleled Talent
Widely considered the premier college quarterback, Caleb Williams has drawn comparisons to NFL star Patrick Mahomes. After winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy under coach Lincoln Riley at USC and making history by becoming the 2022 Heisman winner himself, Williams moved on to USC, where his quarterbacking abilities shine through alongside coach Lincoln Riley as they formed an unrivaled partnership. Williams excels at making throws from various angles that set him apart; should he declares for NFL or college draftee status, he could become an all-time Heisman winner all time; Williams remains the frontrunner for such accolades.
Michael Penix Jr.
Washington’s Resilient Playmaker Michael Penix Jr. is no stranger to challenging moments as injuries dogged his time at Indiana. However, after transferring to Washington, he finally had the opportunity to demonstrate his exceptional throwing talent; during his inaugural year as a starter, he broke all school single-season passing records before earning recognition from The Associated Press as Comeback Player of the Year 2022. Penix’s accuracy and ability to make plays inside and outside the pocket make him key in shaping Washington’s hopes and potentially catalyzing them toward College Football Playoff contender status.
Jordan Travis of FSU’s Remarkable Transformation
NCAAF 2023-24 Rising Quarterbacks – Jordan Travis became one of the most improved college footballers in 2022. Showcasing significant improvements in accuracy, playmaking skills, and decision-making ability, he became a versatile quarterback who could dissect defenses quickly while running through them efficiently – earning himself Heisman Trophy consideration as an unlikely Heisman frontrunner. Leading FSU into their 2023 campaign, Jordan hopes to extend this success even more and double both passing yardage and touchdown production by potentially doubling his impressive 2022 performance.
The NCAAF regular season 2023 will witness the rise of several incredible quarterbacks during 2023 season. Sam Hartman, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr., and Jordan Travis are poised to make significant impacts for their respective team’s thanks to their unique skills that allow them to reach new heights. These captivating figures will undoubtedly intrigue viewers as they battle for conference titles and individual honors in this exhilarating college competition.
Only a few schools have claimed conference championships and maintained winning records in their new domains. However, amidst the changes, opportunities arise for schools in smaller conferences, offering them increased visibility and the potential for postseason success. As the landscape evolves, these schools will strive to make their mark and secure their place in college football’s ever-changing tapestry.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: June 27, 2023
Last updated: June 28, 2023