Built for the Smoke: Ranking the ACC’s Top 5 QBs in 2025

2024 stats: 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 64.7% completion rate, 80.9 QBR, and 1 rushing touchdown

Why: I had extremely high hopes for Beck during his time at Georgia, where he was among my top five quarterbacks nationally. However, his inconsistent play caused him to drop from that ranking. Still, Beck is undeniably talented. He needs to fine-tune a few things and stay healthy. He lands at No. 5 here because he hasn’t played in the ACC yet and had struggled with consistency last season. That said, I haven’t given up on him—this could be his breakout year. A major comeback, perhaps?

4. CJ Bailey, NC State

2024 stats: 2,413 yards, 17 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 64.9% completion rate, 60.1 QBR, 5 rushing touchdowns

Why: Young and gifted, Bailey wasn’t afraid to step in as a freshman. After Grayson McCall went down with an injury, Bailey elevated the offense. His dual-threat ability brought a new dimension to the Wolfpack attack. Bailey is a future Heisman contender. With the right development, he’s set to lead NC State for years to come. The Wolfpack found a gem.

3. Haynes King, Georgia Tech

2024 stats: 2,114 yards, 14 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 72.9% completion rate, 78.6 QBR, 11 rushing touchdowns

Why: This young man is battle-tested. He’s my sleeper pick for the Heisman Trophy. The only reason he isn’t higher is due to injury concerns. With a full season, King could be the best quarterback in the ACC—and perhaps one of the best in the country. He’s the kind of player you go to war with, giving everything he has on every play. That was never more clearer than in Georgia Tech’s eight-overtime thriller against Georgia. He can do everything a coach asks of him.

2. Kevin Jennings, SMU

2024 stats: 3,245 yards, 23 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 65.0% completion rate, 70.3 QBR, 5 rushing touchdowns

Why: Jennings took over for Preston Stone after a slow start and never looked back. The offense rallied around his energy. He’s a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who can spin the ball effortlessly. It’s fitting that my top two quarterbacks faced off in the ACC Championship—it’s a great sign for the future of the conference.

1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

2024 stats: 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 63.4% completion rate, 78.7 QBR, 7 rushing touchdowns

Why: Klubnik is a guy who just gets it. He steps up when it matters most, and his teammates follow. He’s the total package. Outside of a few minor areas for improvement, there’s little weakness in his game. He led Clemson to an ACC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth. After a slow start to the season, he flipped the switch and went on a tear. Expect to see Klubnik as a Heisman Trophy finalist.