When discussing the Big Ten, there is no position more consequential than that of the quarterback. While heading into 2025, no one has truly separated themselves from the crowded pack, there is no shortage of talent in the position group. Thus, with the question being who will emerge as the best of the bunch, the only thing one can potentially look into is the top 10 returning stat leaders, whether they are transferring into the conference or are already an entrenched Big Ten starter.

10. Preston Stone, Northwestern

After starting his career as an SMU Mustang and emerging as the starter last year, a benching in favor of Kevin Jennings after splitting time in the first three games of the season saw Preston Stone transfer to the Wildcats. While certainly disappointed by not maintaining the starting job, his 2023 season is one of note, as he led the Mustangs to a 10-2 record, throwing for over 3,000 yards and leading them to the AAC championship game before a devastating injury ended his season. Look for him to gain a fresh start for the Wildcats, trying to turn around the David Braun era.

9. Demond Williams Jr, Washington

After following Jedd Fisch to Arizona, Demond Williams Jr. played sparingly while sitting behind the experienced Will Rogers, playing mostly in cleanup duty. However, his 13 games of experience could pay dividends for the Huskies as they try to stay competitive in the Big Ten. Demond Williams' youth is also a positive factor, as he can only grow after flashing his major potential. With a young team for Washington overall, it would be no surprise if he hit the ground running as a full-time starter.

8. Jayden Maiava, USC

Another backup with positive experience, Maiava ended up chasing away Miller Moss. From the moment he stepped on the field, he more than proved his mettle. The former UNLV transfer had a sterling debut against Nebraska, with 249 total yards, four total TDs, and most importantly, emerging with the starting job. He went 3-1 the rest of the way to salvage a poor start to USC 's season and now returns with two stud receivers in Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane to help him out. The sky is the limit for the redshirt junior.

7. Aidan Chiles, Michigan State

The first full-time starter on the list, Chiles is entering the 2025 season looking to turn a new leaf. While showing the talent to be picked by Jonathan Smith as the starter this fall in a highly crowded room, Chiles' erratic play from last year must be ironed out for MSU to make any progress from their 5-7 finish with Chiles at the helm last year. However, with Middle Tennessee State transfer Omari Kelly along for the ride, and a strong returning backfield, the pieces are certainly on pace for a major improvement from the blue-chip sophomore.

6. Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers

After two semi-successful seasons under PJ Fleck's tutelage at Minnesota, Kaliakmanis transferred to Rutgers for a fresh start and immediately gave them the steady QB play they so desperately desired. However, looking ahead to 2025, Rutgers has one of the toughest schedules in the nation, facing all of Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa and Illinois, with tough road games against Minnesota and Washington as well. With a revamped squad littered with transfers, will Kaliakmanis continue his ascension and end his Rutgers career on a high note?

5. Luke Altmyer, Illinois

A key cog in the Illinois 10-win machine last year, Altmyer had his most successful season of college ball. Formerly stuck behind the likes of Matt Corral and Jaxson Dart at Ole Miss , he has truly found a new home at Ole Miss. However, with new heightened expectations and with key losses among his skill position groups, specifically at wide receiver, Altmyer must prove that last season was not a fluke with new weapons. Can he elevate a new look WR corps whose top returner only had 19 targets to their name?

4. Mark Gronowski, Iowa

After an illustrious FCS career with over 10,000 career passing yards for South Dakota State, Gronowski brings experience and nous to what has always been an area of concern for the Hawkeyes . Knowing that he will be backed by a stout defense, it is now his responsibility to revitalize a putrid offense. Losing Kaleb Johnson's 1,000 yards in the backfield hurts, but with a reliable security blanket in tight end Reece Vander Zee and the promise of sophomore RB Kamari Moulton, Gronowski could have all the tools necessary for a smooth transition to FBS play.

3. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska

Though it might surprise many that Raiola is this high, there were certainly moments last season where his five-star potential shone through. However, there certainly were a lot of growing pains as well. Thus, in his second season in Dana Holgorsen's system, with new transfer additions at the receiver positions, expect to see more of the end-of-season Raiola. Add in a favorable slate that sees them avoid Oregon and Ohio State entirely, and Raiola and Nebraska could be playing with house money.

2. Billy Edwards Jr., Wisconsin

Another surprise at the top of this list, the former Maryland man is taking his talents to Wisconsin despite potentially having a clear path to being the Maryland starter yet again. Now becoming Luke Fickell's one true hope for production from the QB spot after disastrously bad luck for the past two years, Edwards must show that he can develop into even more than just a steady starter. However, with the departure of their lead back and leading wide receiver, Edwards could be up against it in his first year for the Badgers. His spot on this list could look either highly precarious or highly justified.

1. Drew Allar, Penn State

Drew Allar finally had his breakout campaign last year and could potentially cement himself as not just a Penn State but Big Ten legend this year after forgoing the NFL draft. With shiny new receivers in Kyron Hudson , Devonte Ross , and Trebor Pena , and in his third season under Andy Kotelnicki, the question is now not when, but if for Allar. If he develops a quick rapport with his new receivers and if Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen maintain their All-American levels, there should be no reason not to think that Penn State can build on its CFP semifinal appearance. The pressure, however, is well and truly on for Allar and Co. to meet and potentially exceed expectations.

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