The careers of college quarterbacks might feel endless these days, but even with the bonus COVID year the NCAA handed out for those in college in 2020, Daniels is done after playing five seasons.
Fellow Heisman finalist Bo Nix of Oregon is also finished after five years. Injuries allowed Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. to play six years. He, too, will be getting a job next year — most likely in the NFL.
Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was the only Heisman finalist with eligibility remaining. He has said he hasn’t decided on a return, but as a likely top five draft pick there probably aren’t enough NIL dollars to lure him back to Columbus for another season.
Alabama’s Jalen Milroe tops this category though a word of caution: He has been in college for three seasons and could turn pro. That seems highly unlikely, even with a good run in the College Football Playoff.
More likely, Milroe will start next season as one of the Heisman favorites after finishing sixth in this year’s voting.
Georgia’s Carson Beck also seems on track to return for a second season as a starter, and with a chance to become QB1 in the 2025 NFL draft.
Then there is Texas’ Quinn Ewers. Speculation is high he plans to return to Austin for a third season, but a lot can change over the course of a playoff game or two.
Penn State’s Drew Allar had a bumpy first season as a starter, but with a new offensive coordinator in Happy Valley there could be a big jump in year two for the former five-star.
