CBS Sports recently published a list of its top college football quarterbacks for the 2021 season. Now, what makes this list or these rankings unique is that CBS places quarterbacks in tiers, which makes sense due to the crazy nature of the college football season. There aren’t any Ohio State players on this list, but below are the top three Big Ten quarterbacks headed into 2021.
As we go through the list we ask: Would you take one of these three or whomever gets the nod to be the starter for Ohio State as the favorite to win the Big Ten’s Quarterback of the Year?
Michael Penix Jr., Indiana
Indiana’s Michael Penix Jr. is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the third tier, which is listed as “established starters across the entire FBS.” It is no secret Penix was a difference-maker for the Hoosiers, but I am not sure if he would be my No. 1 option in the Big Ten.
Tanner Morgan, Minnesota
Right behind Indiana’s Michael Penix Jr. is another Big Ten signal-caller, Tanner Morgan from Minnesota. Morgan already owns numerous school records, and the Gophers are hoping he can take the next step toward stardom despite losing Rashod Bateman at the wide receiver position.
Graham Mertz, Wisconsin
CBS Sports ranks Graham Mertz at No. 8 in tier three, which is for “players to keep an eye on who are primed for breakout seasons.” This ranking feels a bit low as Mertz is the Big Ten gunslinger with the most legitimate NFL talent.
Also, we get a pretty good feeling that whatever quarterback is pulling the trigger for Ohio State this fall will end up on any postseason top quarterbacks in the league lists.