College football's top 10 quarterbacks

No position in college football is more scrutinized than quarterback. And for good reason. A talented signal-caller can revive a lagging program, while a struggling one can sink the prospects of even the strongest team.

Here are 10 quarterbacks who should be the toast of the college football ranks in 2015:

J.T. Barrett, Ohio State

Barrett had a breakout season for the Buckeyes in 2014, throwing for 34 touchdowns while racking up 2,834 yards and posting a stellar 64.7 percent completion rate. But this year he could emerge as a true powerhouse, provided he can beat out Cardale Jones for the starting job.

Cody Kessler, USC

Kessler is entering his senior year feeling the weight of significantly heightened expectations, after a tremendous junior campaign in which he threw for 39 touchdowns and only five interceptions. His phenomenal 69.7 percent completion rate should further excite a demanding Trojans fan base about the prospect of the program returning to its past glory.

Justin Thomas, Georgia Tech

As a sophomore last season, Thomas led Georgia Tech to the ACC's Coastal Division title. To repeat the feat in 2015, he'll have to somehow improve on that solid campaign, in which he threw for 18 touchdowns, piled up 1,719 passing yards, and, most impressively, ran for 1,086 more.

Connor Cook, Michigan State

Cook led the Big Ten in passing last year with 247.2 yards per game, propelling Michigan State to an 11-2 record. The senior signal-caller, who threw for 24 touchdowns in 2014, will once again be called upon to shepherd an impressive Spartans squad eager to dethrone Ohio State atop the conference.

Taysom Hill, BYU

Hill can obliterate opposing defenses through the air and on the ground. In 2013, he ran for 1,344 yards and 10 touchdowns, while throwing for 2,938 yards and 19 scores. If he can recover from an injury-shortened 2014, Hill stands poised to contend for the Heisman.

Dak Prescott, Mississippi State

With Prescott at the helm, Mississippi State enjoyed a historic 2014 season, finishing 10-3 in the ultra-competitive SEC. In his second year as the full-time starter, Prescott will look to improve on last year's 27 touchdowns and 61.6 percent completion rate.

Trevone Boykin, TCU

Boykin led TCU's remarkable transformation from Big 12 afterthought to offensive juggernaut in 2014, completing 61.2 percent of his passes for 3,901 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just 10 picks. The dynamic signal-caller also ran for 707 yards and eight touchdowns. He should have another productive season; the Horned Frogs finished second overall in offense in 2014.

Deshaun Watson, Clemson

Watson may not boast the proven credentials wielded by some of his peers, but his trim body of work speaks for itself. In the eight games he played last season, Watson completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 1,466 yards, 14 touchdowns, and two picks. He also ran 63 times for 200 yards and five touchdowns.

Jared Goff, California

Goff is an NFL-caliber talent who shouldn't be overlooked despite playing for an underperforming California program. In 12 games with the Golden Bears last season, Goff completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 3,973 yards, 35 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He may fly under the radar, but many observers believe Goff has all the tools to become a top-tier player.

Brad Kaaya, Miami

Kaaya gave hope to an impatient Miami fan base when he assumed the starting quarterback position as a freshman last season. Pushed into the role, he completed 58.5 percent of his passes for 3,198 yards, with 26 touchdowns and 12 picks. His 145.9 passer rating led the ACC, just ahead of Florida State's Jameis Winston.