Quarterback is the most important position in football, and 2025 might be the most fascinating year we’ve seen in a while. A new generation of QBs is ready to shake up the league, while a few veterans are chasing redemption or that next leap to superstardom. These are the 8 quarterbacks ready to break out in 2025…
8. Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 and remained steady in 2024, though Dallas came up short in the playoffs (AGAIN). He still has WR CeeDee Lamb, and with the addition of WR George Pickens, 2025 could be the year Dak plays his best football yet.
7. Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield’s career resurgence in 2023 carried into 2024, where he posted solid numbers and re-established himself as a viable starter. Entering 2025, he’s in one of the NFL’s most stable offensive environments with Tampa Bay and has a stacked WR core of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and first round rookie Emeka Egbuka to work with. If Mayfield takes another leap, this team could be a legit Super Bowl contender.
6. Michael Penix Jr.
Michael Penix Jr. lit up college football in 2023, leading the nation with 4,903 passing yards and 36 touchdowns. Drafted in 2024, he spent nearly a full year learning behind Kirk Cousins before getting a couple starts, but now he is in prime position to take over as the Falcons’ starter. The Falcons have built a strong infrastructure, featuring weapons like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. Penix’s downfield accuracy and experience in a pro-style system make him a perfect fit. Don’t be surprised if Penix becomes a breakout star.
5. Justin Fields
The former Chicago Bear Justin Fields spent 2024 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, flashing potential when he played, however, he was forced to sit behind Russell Wilson for the majority of the season. There is no question that Fields has all the talent and the athleticism in the world, but can he finally pull it together with the Jets of all teams?
4. Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence is a former #1 pick whose trajectory has been…. well… odd. After a promising 2023, his 2024 season was derailed by injury and inconsistency. But 2025 brings hope. Jacksonville hired Liam Coen as head coach and traded up to bring in Travis Hunter with the 2nd overall pick giving Lawrence Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter as WR1 and WR2. If Lawrence doesn’t finally take this step forward that we’ve been expecting him to, it might be time for the Jags to start rebuilding.
3. Bryce Young
Bryce Young’s NFL career has been defined by flashes of brilliance and long stretches of struggle. In his second season, he posted nearly identical numbers to his rookie year with 2,403 passing yards, 15 TDs, and 9 INTs. However, poor pass protection and constant coaching turnover stalled his growth. Now in his third season, Young has the benefit of having a good receiving core of Tetairoa McMillan, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette. The defense will be absolutely terrible, but expect Bryce to take this step forward and give Panthers fans hope for the future.
2. Drake Maye
Drake Maye walked into a terrible situation that was the 2024 New England Patriots, but he still looked pretty good. The Patriots went wild in free agency, bringing in help pretty much everywhere. The team added veteran WR Stefon Diggs, LT Will Campbell, and RB TreVeyon Henderson to help accelerate Maye’s development. A revamped offensive line and a legitimate WR1 in Diggs set the stage for a big jump in production for Maye.
1. Caleb Williams
The 2024 #1 overall pick entered 2024 with sky-high expectations, but things were ROUGH. However, in 2025, Williams will be operating under new head coach Ben Johnson, formerly Detroit’s offensive coordinator, who is known for crafting explosive offenses. After Williams was sacked a league leading (and it wasn’t even close) 68 sacks in 2024, Chicago has overhauled its offensive line adding Drew Dalman, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson. With much better protection and a more creative scheme, Williams is poised for a major leap forward. If we don’t see that, the Bears might really just be cursed.
