Fresh Impact: The top 5 freshman QBs in 2016

Impatient fan bases, coaching hot seats, and the ever-growing transfer market have made starting a freshman quarterback a reality for many college football programs this season. Here’s a look at the top five freshmen who are leading their respective programs this fall.

Daniel Jones, Duke (Redshirt)

Jones was thrust into the starting role during fall camp when Thomas Sirk reinjured his Achilles. The towering Jones (6-foot-5, 210 pounds) has already thrown for 800 yards in his first three starts and crossed the goal line three times as a ball carrier. A three-game stretch against Notre Dame, Virginia and Army should allow him to build on his promising numbers. If we’ve learned anything in the past 25 years of college football, it’s that David Cutcliffe can transform quarterbacks into stars, and Jones has the look of a diamond in the rough.

Jalen Hurts, Alabama (True)

Five months ago, despite a strong spring game, Hurts was widely considered a long shot to lead the Crimson Tide in 2016. Fast forward to September and the supremely gifted Hurts is piloting one of Nick Saban’s most explosive offenses to date. While internally, coaches are surely hoping to coax more efficiency out of the Texas native, his raw explosiveness and live arm have already produced some jaw-dropping highlights. Approaching dates with Kent State and Kentucky should allow him to work out the kinks before a murderers’ row of Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and LSU.

Deondre Francois, Florida State (Redshirt)

It’s easy to write off Florida State and its young quarterback after the Seminoles were embarrassed by Louisville on Saturday, but that would be a mistake. Francois has already proven himself to be a capable starter behind a patchwork offensive line. His arm talent alone is enough to include him on this list, but his second-half performance against Ole Miss in the opener solidified his inclusion. Francois led a 32-point second-half explosion against the Rebels and finished his first career start with 478 total yards and two touchdowns.

Jacob Eason, Georgia (True)

Eason wasn’t handed the starting job in fall camp, but you can believe that he’s seized the reins just three weeks into 2016. Since jump-starting the Dawgs in their opener against North Carolina, the nation’s top quarterback recruit in the class of 2016 established himself as a real gamer. Eason lead a game-winning drive Saturday against Mizzou, connecting with Isaiah McKenzie in the end zone for the deciding score with just 89 seconds remaining. If Eason continues to improve at this rapid pace, the Bulldogs may be the breakout story in the SEC this season.

Shane Buechele, Texas (True)

With the eyes of the Lone Star State fixed on the 19-year-old, all the young Buechele has done so far is lead freshman passers in efficiency. While splitting time with Tyrone Swoopes and the 18-Wheeler package, Buechele has connected on 66 percent of his passes. More impressively, he's demonstrated an aversion to turnovers, giving the ball away just two times in his first three starts. Sterlin Gilbert’s offense has been a revelation thus far (44.7 ppg) and Buechele has proven to be the perfect triggerman.