Returning a quarterback is generally viewed as a positive, but a new starter often generates a greater wave of excitement.

In the transfer portal era, that player is often experienced, too.

Now, that's not always the case, of course. Michigan, the reigning national champion, is among the big-name programs with a likely QB1 who hasn't yet been a full-time starter at the college level.

The teams highlighted all hold +7000 championship odds or shorter, according to DraftKings.

More to Know

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

At this point, Garrett Nussmeier is a reasonably familiar player to LSU fans. He's only started once, but he's thrown 219 passes over the last three seasons. Nussmeier, who excelled in the ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Wisconsin, is a far more traditional passer than Jayden Daniels. On the bright side for Nussmeier, the offensive line could be one of the best in the country. He should be well-protected this fall.

Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee

Expectations are soaring for Nico Iamaleava, a 5-star signee in the 2023 cycle. He served as UT's backup quarterback last season, save for a memorable start in the Citrus Bowl. Iamaleava boasts a gifted dual-threat skill set and plays in a QB-friendly offense. On paper, he's a breakout candidate. The challenge for Tennessee will be navigating a stacked SEC.

Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma

Similar to Iamaleava, Jackson Arnold was a 5-star in 2023 who landed his starting debut in the postseason. Arnold is also a mobile QB, something he showed with 63 rushing yards on eight non-sack attempts in the Alamo Bowl. That talent will be heavily tested, though; OU plays Tennessee, Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri, Alabama and LSU this year.

Avery Johnson, Kansas State

There's a trend here, huh? Avery Johnson earned a top-100 rating in the 2023 class and opened the Pop-Tarts Bowl for Kansas State. Johnson is another exciting dual-threat talent and offers a little more experience since K-State routinely used him in a package role as a freshman. Johnson has much to prove as a high-volume passer, but the program is understandably thrilled about his playmaking ability.

Cam Ward, Miami

Miami has assembled a quality supporting cast around Cam Ward, who's a fascinating player. While a capable runner, he's typically leaned on impressive arm talent for his production. The issue is that, though the best version of Ward is superb, inconsistency plagued him during two seasons at Washington State. Blending his skill with efficiency will be imperative.

Miller Moss, USC

In case you missed the "former top recruit who started a bowl" trend, Miller Moss checks that box. Caleb Williams' departure put Moss into the lineup for the Holiday Bowl, and he dazzled with a six-touchdown display. Moss is a pocket passer, so the Trojans will be adjusting to a different style of offense in 2024.

DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State

Back to the ACC goes DJ Uiagalelei, who initially played at Clemson before spending a year at Oregon State.

As a true freshman in 2020, the once-prized QB enjoyed two admirable starts in emergency relief of Trevor Lawrence. Uiagalelei took the reins in 2021 but never really hit that level again in two years as a starter. He averaged a mediocre 6.6 yards per attempt at Clemson.

Oregon State provided a more stable play-calling situation, and Uiagalelei bounced back in 2023. He tallied 8.4 yards per attempt and continued to utilize his decent mobility.

However, the Pac-12's crumble pushed Uiagalelei into the transfer portal. He wound up at Florida State, which is retooling the receiving corps but should have a solid offensive line and a good coaching staff.

Riley Leonard, Notre Dame

Riley Leonard broke out in 2022 for Duke, throwing for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns to six interceptions while rushing for 699 yards and 13 more scores. In 2023, he helped the Blue Devils open the campaign with a significant upset of Clemson and a 4-0 start.

But then, an ankle injury derailed his season.

Incidentally, it happened against Notre Dame—where he's since transferred after Duke coach Mike Elko accepted the Texas A&M job.

Leonard brings a dual-threat toolbox that is a bit unpolished. Though he's consistently a dangerous runner, Leonard's passing efficiency has dropped sharply in most marquee games. The asterisk from those moments in 2023 is he'd been playing hurt, but it's still fair to mention.

Alex Orji, Michigan

Alex Orji hasn't won Michigan's competition, and Jack Tuttle actually served as the backup to J.J. McCarthy last season. There is a real chance that Tuttle clips Orji for QB1 in Ann Arbor.

It's safe to say we're going to see the latter, though.

Whereas Tuttle is a pocket passer, Orji is a dynamic player—and already earned important snaps. Michigan carved out snaps for him during the four-game stretch from the critical showdown with Ohio State through the national title win over Washington.

Now, yes, getting a few carries doesn't guarantee much. He's attempted a grand total of one pass in nine career appearances.

Between the trust Michigan's staff clearly has in Orji and his performance during the spring, however, he's the front-runner to lead the defending champions in 2024.

Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

Dillon Gabriel, meanwhile, is entering his final college season with a massive opportunity at Oregon.

As the program makes its Big Ten debut, the roster is built for a College Football Playoff run. Bo Nix's departure stung, but Gabriel's arrival locked in the Ducks as a prime contender.

The southpaw began his college career at UCF, where he posted two seasons of 3,500-plus yards with 61 touchdown passes to only 11 interceptions. After an injury sidelined him for much of 2021, he transferred to Oklahoma and totaled nearly 7,000 yards through the air with 55 scores to 12 interceptions in two seasons. He rushed for 12 touchdowns last year, too.

In short, Gabriel is a hugely productive and experienced QB.

Oregon didn't use Nix often as a runner last season and may have a similar plan for Gabriel. Still, few signal-callers in the country deserve more respect as an all-around threat.

Will Howard, Ohio State

Similar to Oregon, Ohio State brought in a transfer to lead a championship charge in 2024.

Will Howard spent the last four seasons at Kansas State, where he started 28 games. The powerful QB guided the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in 2022 and assembled his most productive year in 2023, throwing for 2,643 yards, rushing for 351 and totaling 34 touchdowns.

Technically, yes, OSU hasn't yet labeled him the starter. For now, Devin Brown and others are still in the conversation.

Howard's experience should ultimately win out. Whether he becomes more than a decently efficient passer and physical runner, however, will determine the Buckeyes' true upside.