The narrative of elite college football is, in many ways, written by its quarterbacks. They are the engines of the offense, the leaders in the huddle, and often the difference-makers in championship contests. As the 2025 season approaches, two perennial powerhouses, the Clemson Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners, find themselves locked in a fascinating, albeit indirect, competition for a spot among the nation’s top five signal-callers. This isn’t just about recruiting future talent; it’s about validating current roster strength and projecting future dominance through the most critical position on the field.
For Clemson, the focus squarely lands on Cade Klubnik. Heading into his third season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback and his third year working with Offensive Coordinator Garrett Riley, Klubnik is poised for what many anticipate to be a breakout year. His 2024 season (as reported by current news), saw a significant leap in performance, throwing for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns against only six interceptions, while also adding 463 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground.1 This statistical surge, which saw him tie Tajh Boyd and Trevor Lawrence for the second-most passing touchdowns in a single season in Clemson history, has put him firmly in the conversation for early 2025 Heisman consideration.
Analysts like Joel Klatt and various sports publications are already placing Klubnik high on their lists of top college football quarterbacks for 2025. Klatt notably ranked him as the best quarterback returning, praising his ability to push the ball downfield and his athleticism.2 His performance against top-tier competition, including a 336-yard, three-touchdown effort against Texas in the College Football Playoff, and a four-touchdown, no-interception outing in the ACC Championship, underscores his capability on the big stage. With the return of key receivers like Bryant Wesco Jr., Antonio Williams, and T.J. Moore, Klubnik has a familiar and talented supporting cast, which bodes well for his continued ascent. Clemson’s argument for a top-five spot hinges entirely on Klubnik’s continued development and his ability to replicate, or even surpass, his impressive 2024 numbers while leading the Tigers deep into the playoff.
On the other side of this unspoken contest are the Oklahoma Sooners, who are embarking on a new era in the SEC. For the 2025 season, their hopes are largely pinned on John Mateer. Mateer, who transferred from Washington, followed his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, to Norman and has been tabbed as the Sooners’ starting quarterback. Mateer is described as a dual-threat quarterback, reportedly compiling nearly 900 rushing yards and 44 total touchdowns in 2024.3 PFF (Pro Football Focus) ranked him as the No. 3 returning quarterback in college football, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities with “nearly 900 yards on the ground last season.”
The Sooners’ claim to a top-five quarterback comes from Mateer’s proven production as a dual-threat signal-caller and the expectation that he will thrive under Arbuckle’s system. Oklahoma has a rich history of developing elite quarterbacks, with several Heisman winners and NFL first-round picks in recent memory. While they’ve had a “cold streak” in producing NFL quarterbacks in recent years, the program is actively looking to rebuild that pipeline. Mateer’s transfer, along with the recruitment of promising young talent like 2027 quarterback Peyton Houston, indicates a concerted effort to return Oklahoma to quarterbacking prominence. For Oklahoma, the challenge is to demonstrate that Mateer can sustain his impressive numbers against the heightened competition of the SEC and truly elevate the Sooners as a national contender.
The “competition” for a spot among the top five quarterbacks isn’t a direct head-to-head matchup, but rather a reflection of each program’s overall offensive potency and the individual brilliance of their signal-callers. Factors contributing to this perceived ranking include:
- Statistical Production: High passing yards, touchdown-to-interception ratios, and efficiency metrics. Klubnik’s 36 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, alongside 3,639 passing yards, are strong indicators. Mateer’s 44 total touchdowns and significant rushing yardage also make a compelling case.
- Team Success: Quarterbacks on winning teams and playoff contenders naturally gain more national attention and are often ranked higher. Both Clemson and Oklahoma enter 2025 with significant expectations. Clemson is seen as a national title contender with a stout defense and Klubnik at the helm. Oklahoma has loaded up in the transfer portal and expects a playoff push.
- Arm Talent and Playmaking Ability: The ability to make all the throws, extend plays with their legs, and improvise under pressure. Both Klubnik and Mateer possess athleticism that allows them to make plays outside the pocket.
- Experience and Development: Quarterbacks entering their second or third year as starters, particularly with the same offensive coordinator, often show significant jumps in performance due to increased understanding and comfort. Klubnik is a prime example of this, entering his third year with Garrett Riley. Mateer is also now with an OC he’s familiar with, Ben Arbuckle.
- Surrounding Talent: The quality of the offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs directly impacts a quarterback’s statistics and perceived effectiveness. Both programs are working to ensure their quarterbacks have strong supporting casts. Clemson returns its top three wide receivers. Oklahoma has brought in significant talent via the portal, including running back Jaydn Ott and receivers Javonnie Gibson and Deion Burks.4
Other qurterbacks widely considered among the nation’s elite for 2025 include:
- Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): After patiently waiting his turn, Nussmeier is the undisputed QB1 for the Tigers. PFF ranks him as a top-five returning quarterback. He threw for over 4,000 yards in 2024 and has the arm talent to be a Heisman contender.
- DJ Lagway (Florida): A highly touted young quarterback who showed flashes in 2024. Analysts are high on his potential to lead Florida to a significant step forward in 2025.
- Arch Manning (Texas): After backing up Quinn Ewers, Manning is expected to take the reins at Texas in 2025. Despite limited starting experience, his talent and the system at Texas could propel him into the top tier.
- Drew Allar (Penn State): Allar, who returned to Penn State, is seen as having NFL-ready tools.5 His development in 2025 will be key for Penn State’s playoff aspirations.
- LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina): Made significant progress in 2024, helping South Carolina to a strong finish.6 His dual-threat ability makes him an intriguing prospect for 2025.
The competition between Clemson and Oklahoma for a spot in this elite quarterback tier is emblematic of their respective ambitions. For Clemson, it’s about re-establishing itself as an undisputed national championship contender after a brief period of offensive questions. Klubnik is the key to unlocking that offensive ceiling. For Oklahoma, it’s about proving they can transition successfully into the SEC and continue their tradition of elite quarterback play in a new, tougher conference environment. Mateer’s performance will be central to that narrative.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the performances of Cade Klubnik and John Mateer will be under intense scrutiny. Their success, or lack thereof, will not only dictate the fortunes of their respective teams but will also determine which program can lay a legitimate claim to possessing one of the top five quarterbacks in America. It’s a high-stakes battle being fought on the field, with each snap contributing to the perception and reality of their elite status.
