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Ranking all Big Ten starting QBs through five weeks based on PFF grade

Ranking all Big Ten starting QBs through five weeks based on PFF grade

We’re already five weeks into the season and there could be some early surprises in the Big Ten. Curt Cignetti gets Indiana rolling and the Hoosiers appear to have a strong offense. Illinois may have narrowly lost to Penn State this past weekend, but the Illini will be a tough opponent for anyone this season considering how well their defense and quarterback Luke Altmyer are playing.

Some surprises in a not-so-good way? Michigan’s offense is poor due to its passing game and offensive line. The Wolverines have no threat from a passing attack and the Wolverines will have to win some sloppy games this season. As good as Ohio State’s offense was, transfer Will Howard was mediocre and it will be interesting to see how he performs against a strong defense.

Using Pro Football Focus, we will evaluate all 18 starting quarterbacks in the Big Ten based on their passing grade.

Ethan Garber

September 28, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) throws in the third quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. Mandatory credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

PFF passing grade: 46.9

Alex Orj

Michigan quarterback Alex Orji looks to throw offside during the first half between Michigan and Minnesota at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 28, 2024. / Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

PFF success grade: 53.4

Braedyn Lock

September 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws the ball against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

PFF success grade: 59.4

Northwest

September 21, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Jack Lausch (12) plays against the Washington Huskies in the fourth quarter at Alaska Airlines Field in Husky Stadium. Mandatory credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

PFF passing grade: 59.7

Aidan Chile

Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) warms up before the NCAA football game against Ohio State University at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, September 28, 2024. / Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

PFF passing grade: 67.7

Cade McNamar

September 21, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara (12) throws the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

PFF passing grade: 71.7

Will Howar

Ohio State’s Will Howard throws a pass against Michigan State in the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

PFF passing grade: 73.8

Max Brosme

September 28, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) drops back to pass during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

PFF passing grade: 75.5

Luke Altmye

September 28, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) drops back to throw during the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Illinois 21-7. Mandatory credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images / Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

PFF passing grade: 75.6

Atha

September 21, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Peter Casey-Imagn Images / Peter Casey-Imagn Images

PFF success grade: 78.9

Billy Edwards Jr

September 28, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) throws a pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images / Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

PFF passing grade: 80.0

Dylan Raiol

September 28, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) throws a pass under pressure from Purdue Boilermakers defensive lineman Jeffrey M’Ba (0) in the second quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images / Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

PFF success grade: 80.1

Hudson car

September 28, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) throws a pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images / Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

PFF success grade: 81.9

Drew Alla

September 28, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) signals in the fourth quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Illinois 21-7. Mandatory credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images / Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

PFF success grade: 82.0

Will Roger

September 27, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Will Rogers (7) throws the ball against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

PFF success grade: 83.8

Miller Mos

September 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) throws the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

PFF success grade: 84.9

Dillon Gabriel

September 28, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) fights in the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the Rose Bowl. Mandatory credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

PFF success grade: 89.7

Kurtis Rourk

September 28, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke (9) throws a pass against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images / Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

PFF success grade: 89.9

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