Ad Disclosure
Judging quarterbacks in the B1G is pretty hard. Ranking them is even more difficult. That’s actually a good sign for the conference at the most important position in football.
Yes, there are a handful of quarterbacks who either have seen limited playing time are or still adjusting to a new offense following a transfer. Those create some question marks heading into the year. The quarterbacks we have seen on the field, for the most part, are really good.
Like the B1G Week 1 Power Rankings, the quarterback rankings can essentially be educated guesswork without seeing anyone play yet this season. There’s a good chance some of these guys see major leaps, or drops, as early as Week.
Now, without further ado, here are the first B1G quarterback rankings of 2019:
14. Artur Sitkowski/McLane Carter, Rutgers
You saw what happened last year, right? Four touchdowns, 18 interceptions. The good news? It certainly can’t get any worse under center for the Scarlet Knights. And there’s a little depth at the position. So there’s something.
13. Jack Coan, Wisconsin
It should tell you something about Coan that he was able to beat out Graham Mertz for the job. He was solid last year in Hornibrook’s absence, but what will he look like in the role permanently? Coan will have to be pretty good right off the bat, playing a feisty USF team on the road.
12. Sean Clifford, Penn State
There are plenty of names on this list that have the ability to catapult quite a bit early in the season. Clifford is one of those guys. He’s only thrown seven career passes, but he looked really good in Penn State’s spring game and might be a little more mobile than you expect. Clifford will get his first start against an unimpressive Idaho team.
11. Michael Penix Jr., Indiana
Penix dethroned the incumbent Peyton Ramsey to be the first quarterback to try out Kalen DeBoer’s offense at Indiana. Like most of the guys listed before him, Penix has limited experience after suffering a season-ending injury last fall. His dual-threat ability should give the Hoosiers a nice spark. it’ll be interesting to see how exactly the new offense incorporates his talents.
10. Tanner Morgan, Minnesota
Certainly not the flashiest guy in the rankings, but Morgan came in midway through the 2018 season and helped Minnesota to win three of its final four games last season. His completion percentage was just under 60 percent and he didn’t turn the ball over all that much for a freshman quarterback. Morgan is a solid starter in the B1G. He’ll have plenty of weapons around him to make life easier, too.
9. Josh Jackson, Maryland
Maryland’s success this season is going to rest heavily on Jackson’s shoulders. His 2018 season at Virginia Tech was cut short, but as a freshman in 2017, he was electrifying as both a passer and a runner. There’s a bit of a learning curve here, as Jackson is still getting adjusted to a new offense at Maryland. But he’s the type of quarterback the Terrapins have needed for quite some time.
8. Brandon Peters, Illinois
Speaking of teams needing quarterbacks, what a beautiful Segway into Peters at Illinois. The former four-star gunslinger could be the answer to the Illini’s issues at the game’s most important position. He can make all the throws and should be able to help Illinois stretch the field. Another guy with limited game experience, but Peters is one heck of an addition for Lovie Smith and company.
7. Hunter Johnson/TJ Green, Northwestern
Odds are, Johnson is taking the first snaps against Stanford, but Pat Fitzgerald is still playing it close to the vest. Northwestern may have the most interesting quarterback situation in the B1G. If Johnson lives up to the hype, he could make some huge leaps on this list and could be the engineer behind a very productive offense in Evanston. Everyone is anxiously awaiting is first (expected) start in Palo Alto.
6. Elijah Sindelar, Purdue
As a pure passer, Sindelar may be one of the best in the B1G. He has great arm strength and can put the ball anywhere on the field. His decision-making has been suspect at times and he’s not nearly as mobile as some of the other quarterbacks in the conference. Coming off a year of injury, the question will be whether or not Sindelar can put the same zip on the ball as before. If so, he can really rack up the yardage.
5. Brian Lewerke, Michigan State
Sophomore Lewerke was really good. Junior Lewerke…not so much. Michigan State is hoping that Lewerke returns to the player he was two years ago, a guy who could make every throw or could tuck it and run when necessary. He needs to cut down on his interception total and improve his accuracy from last season, but an improved offensive line and an established rushing attack should really help Lewerke.
4. Justin Fields, Ohio State
The fourth spot might seem a little low for the former five-star quarterback, considering the amount of hype surrounding him. But, again, there’s some unknown with Fields. This is a new system at Ohio State with a new head coach. Talent isn’t a concern, but taking over at a premier program is no small task. Fields will certainly have his hands full and the expectations are extremely high. Will he be able to deliver?
3. Nate Stanley, Iowa
By the numbers, Stanley has been as consistent as anyone in the B1G under center. He’s thrown 52 touchdown passes, completed over 55 percent of his passes and hasn’t turned the ball over too frequently — all positives. But Stanley has had a few of those “what are you doing?” games. The good definitely outweighs the bad when it comes to Stanley, and if he eliminates that really poor performances, Iowa has a chance to seriously challenge in the West.
2. Adrian Martinez, Nebraska
We’re really splitting hairs at this point. Martinez could easily be No. 1 on the list, but for now, he’ll come in second. It’s the second season in Frost’s offense with some better offensive weapons around him. Martinez might be the best dual-threat quarterback in the country and will carry a heavy load for the Huskers this season. If there’s one (tiny) question, it might be his decision-making. In all likelihood, though, that won’t be an issue this fall.
1. Shea Patterson, Michigan
Patterson comes in at the top of the list, and in Josh Gattis’ new offense, he could really flourish. He’s one of the smartest quarterbacks in the B1G with a high completion rate and never really forces throws. Patterson is underrated as a runner, as well. Yes, it’s close, but Patterson has the calm and collected attitude and never really seems to get too low. With the talent around him in a new offense, Patterson could put up some really big numbers.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB