As the quarterback carousel continues to spin in college football, three quarterbacks—Jalen Milroe, Jackson Arnold, and John Mateer—are finding themselves at the center of a conversation, with a shared key trait: potential. A recent column by AL.com’s Joseph Goodman draws comparisons between these three quarterbacks, all of whom have transferred or are being heavily discussed due to their talent and marketability. But which one stands out as the most promising?
Goodman starts by mentioning the current Alabama QB, Jalen Milroe, whose future is being scrutinized as he enters his senior year. Milroe’s athleticism and raw ability have been praised, but his decision-making and consistency have been questioned at times, as seen in Alabama’s tough loss to Oklahoma in 2024. Milroe’s future hinges on whether he can elevate his game and lead Alabama back to a championship level.
Then there’s Jackson Arnold, Auburn’s new QB1, who made headlines when he transferred from Oklahoma. Arnold played a pivotal role in Oklahoma’s upset victory over Alabama, a game that saw the Sooners shut down the Tide 24-3. Though Arnold’s first year in Norman had its bumps, his ability to perform in big moments, like taking down Alabama, has already earned him attention. Now, with a fresh start at Auburn, Arnold will have the chance to shine in the SEC, with a fanbase eager to see what he can do.
Finally, John Mateer, a transfer from Washington State, has quietly generated significant buzz. Expected to become Oklahoma’s new starting quarterback, Mateer reportedly turned down a seven-figure deal to leave the Cougars and is now reportedly receiving $3 million to take over at Oklahoma. His decision has already raised eyebrows, and now the spotlight is on him to prove his worth in the SEC.
Each of these quarterbacks has a unique set of circumstances that could propel them to greatness. For Milroe, the pressure is on to elevate his game in his final season. Arnold has the potential to revitalize Auburn’s offense and prove that the SEC is the perfect fit for his skill set. Mateer’s move to Oklahoma, with the weight of his lucrative deal, will keep everyone watching to see if he lives up to the hype.
With all three in the spotlight, the real question is: which one will rise to the top? Only time will tell if Arnold, Milroe, or Mateer can live up to their lofty expectations, or if they’ll fade into the college football abyss.
