This article is part of our College Football Fantasy Five series.
Even though there's no FBS college football currently being played, it doesn't mean that we can't start preparing for the 2021 fantasy college football season. It was a slower week on the wire, so I'm going to take a crack at naming some of the fantasy newcomers at the QB position which could be household names by the end of the year.
5.) Jack Miller Could Turn Some Heads at Ohio State
The Buckeyes are going to have an intriguing three-person battle at quarterback between C.J. Stroud, Kyle McCord and Miller. Stroud and McCord are more highly touted, but it's Miller who could win the job as Ohio State has had their eyes on him for their top spot for some time. The reason Stroud and McCord came in as higher-ranked prospects is that Miller dealt with injuries during his last two seasons in high school in Arizona. Miller did provide college football fans with a preview last season when he had a 21-yard carry and a rushing touchdown against Nebraska in the season-opener. If he wins the job this spring, he should shoot up fantasy draft boards and become a well-known commodity.
4.) Casey Thompson Was Fantastic in the Alamo Bowl for Texas
Thompson was pressed into action in Texas' 55-23 win over Colorado in the 2020 Alamo Bowl after Sam Ehlinger left the game with a shoulder sprain. He would go on to lead six scoring drives while completing eight of his 10 attempts for 170 yards and four touchdowns. Thompson should be a benefactor of great opportunities as running back Bijan Robinson is an absolute beast and will undoubtedly be the focus of opposing defensive coaches. I also like his supporting cast of receivers in Joshua Moore and Jake Smith.
3.) Bailey Zappe Makes His FBS Debut at Western Kentucky
This one is cheating a bit as Zappe is a graduate transfer from FCS's Houston Baptist, but I still think it's safe to say that the casual fan has no idea who this guy is. He came over to the Hilltoppers along with offensive coordinator and QB coach, Zach Kittely. In four games for Houston Baptist in 2020, Zappe was electric while completing 65.6 percent of his passes for 1,833 yards and 15 touchdowns versus just one interception. While this was against competition such as North Texas, Texas Tech, Louisiana Tech and Eastern Kentucky, it's going to be much of the same in Conference USA.
2.) Emory Jones Will Give Florida Dual-Threat Ability
Based on watching Jones play as a back-up and in special packages over the last three years, it appears he's a run-first quarterback with 92 rushing attempts versus just 55 passing attempts. Yet, I'm willing to go out on a limb and say he can take this Gators offense near the heights that Kyle Trask did in 2020 as the nation's top passing offense. Even though he hasn't zipped the ball around the field in great volume, it doesn't mean he can't do it as scouts have described the kid as having good arm talent. Dan Mullen would be smart to utilize Jones similar to what he did at Mississippi State with Dak Prescott. Even if Jones doesn't explode on the scene like Trask did, he should be a great fantasy option that can be had much later in drafts.
1.) Bryce Young Steps into an Ideal Spot at Alabama
Young was the top-rated dual-threat quarterback out of California in the 2020 recruiting class and will have the opportunity to replace Mac Jones for a Crimson Tide team that is absolutely loaded with talent. Since no one has really seen Young in extended action yet, there's a chance you can get him at a discount in upcoming fantasy drafts. Similar to Jones a year ago, Young will rank somewhere in the top 5-10; however, he has quite a bit more upside with his legs and could realistically compete for a Heisman. In fact, the freshman is already tied with North Carolina's Sam Howell for fourth most likely to take home the award based on early Vegas odds. Some have gone as far as comparing the hyped-up prospect to Johnny Manziel, which would be fantastic for entertainment purposes. It will be interesting to see how much offense Alabama shows with Young at their spring game.