Big Ten Quarterbacks: Seasoned Veterans Dominate Over Newcomers Early On
The 2025 Big Ten football season has kicked off with a bang, and the spotlight is firmly on the quarterbacks.
With a mix of seasoned veterans, promising newcomers, and high-profile transfers, the league’s 18 starting quarterbacks are already making headlines.
This blog post dives into the early performances of these quarterbacks. Let’s break down their stats, impact, and what might be coming next.
Veteran Quarterbacks Dominate Early Season
Table of Contents
The returning starters in the Big Ten have set a high bar through the first two weeks. These experienced quarterbacks hold a 12-0 record, completing 73.8 percent of their passes for 52 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
None of these veterans have thrown an interception so far. The group includes Illinois’ Luke Altmyer and Penn State’s Drew Allar, both of whom have looked sharp on the field.
Luke Altmyer, Illinois
Luke Altmyer has impressed, completing 75 percent of his passes for 513 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions.
His 45-19 win at Duke, where he threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns, really stands out. He looks confident and in control.
Drew Allar, Penn State
Drew Allar’s play has been *workmanlike*, with a 69.5 percent completion rate, 417 yards, and three touchdowns.
His steady hand has helped Penn State cruise to two blowout wins. He might not be flashy, but he sure is reliable.
Newcomers and Transfers: Mixed Results
The Big Ten’s new faces, including transfers and true freshmen, have had a mixed start. They hold a 9-5 record, with 20 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 61.7 percent completion rate.
Some have flashed real talent, while others are still getting comfortable out there. It’s a tough league, after all.
Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Julian Sayin faced a brutal first test against No. 1 Texas. He hung in there, avoided big mistakes, and showed poise.
In his second game, he tossed four touchdowns and completed 16 passes in a row, leading Ohio State to a 70-0 blowout over Grambling. With that receiver group, Sayin could be in for a big year.
Dante Moore, Oregon
Dante Moore, just two years out from a bumpy freshman year at UCLA, is showing why he was so highly recruited.
He’s thrown for 479 yards, six touchdowns, and has a 77.3 percent completion rate. Moore played a key role in Oregon’s 69-3 win against Oklahoma State.
Quarterbacks to Watch
Several Big Ten quarterbacks have shown flashes and could break out as the season goes on. Consistency isn’t there yet, but the talent is obvious.
Demond Williams, Washington
Demond Williams leads all league quarterbacks in rushing with 132 yards and has 480 passing yards with two touchdowns.
His passing numbers don’t jump off the page, but his dual-threat style makes him fun to watch. Defenses can’t sleep on his legs.
Drake Lindsey, Minnesota
Drake Lindsey, a redshirt freshman, has started strong with 429 yards, three touchdowns, and a rushing score.
Book Your Dream Vacation Today
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences
He did throw an interception on a deflected pass, but his big arm and upside are hard to ignore. Minnesota just might have found something.
Challenges Ahead
Some quarterbacks already face serious challenges. The potential is there, but the road won’t be easy in the Big Ten.
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza leads the transfers with 438 yards, four touchdowns, and a 64.3 percent completion rate.
But Indiana’s sluggish showing against Old Dominion and a slow start versus Kennesaw State raise some doubts about his reliability. Can he steady the ship?
Nico Iamaleava, UCLA
Nico Iamaleava’s debut in Westwood has been bumpy, with two losses and six sacks.
He’s got talent, but only two touchdowns and two interceptions so far. Iamaleava needs to bounce back soon if UCLA wants to salvage the season.
Conclusion
The 2025 Big Ten football season already feels electric. Veteran quarterbacks are setting the pace, but some new guys are starting to turn heads too.
Honestly, it’s anybody’s guess how these quarterbacks will evolve. Will the early patterns stick around? Who knows, but that’s half the fun.
If you want to dive into more stats or geek out over the details, check out the full article on Big Ten Starting Quarterbacks Stats.