7 Overrated College Football Quarterbacks Heading into Week 5 of the 2024 Season.

As the 2024 college football season progresses into Week 5, we’ve already seen several quarterbacks either live up to the hype or falter under the pressure. Some players who were expected to lead their teams to glory have struggled to perform, despite the preseason buzz. Here’s a look at seven quarterbacks who have been overrated heading into this critical week.

### 1. **Quinn Ewers – Texas Longhorns**

Quinn Ewers came into the 2024 season with massive expectations. The former five-star recruit and Ohio State transfer had shown flashes of brilliance in 2023, but his consistency has been lacking this year. Ewers was expected to be a Heisman contender, but his performance through the first four games has been shaky.

While Texas remains in the hunt for the College Football Playoff, Ewers’ erratic decision-making has cost the Longhorns in critical moments. His struggles to handle pressure in the pocket and his inability to deliver accurate deep throws have raised concerns about his ceiling. Despite his raw talent, Ewers needs to show more polish and poise if Texas wants to reach the next level.

### 2. **Cade Klubnik – Clemson Tigers**

Clemson was hoping Cade Klubnik would be the next elite quarterback in their storied tradition after taking over the starting role from DJ Uiagalelei. However, through four games, Klubnik hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and poor decision-making have been concerning.

Klubnik’s struggles against elite defenses, particularly in the early-season loss to Florida State, have exposed his limitations. His inability to stretch the field with accurate deep passes has limited Clemson’s offense, making them one-dimensional. For someone hailed as the savior of Clemson football, Klubnik’s performances so far have been underwhelming, and the Tigers’ playoff hopes hang by a thread because of it.

### 3. **Jalen Milroe – Alabama Crimson Tide**

Alabama has long been known for producing elite quarterbacks, especially in recent years with the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young. Jalen Milroe was expected to be the next in line, but through the first four weeks of 2024, he has yet to live up to those lofty expectations.

Milroe’s athleticism is undeniable, but his accuracy as a passer has been a major concern. Alabama has struggled to maintain consistency in the passing game, and Milroe’s decision-making under pressure has been questionable. In big games, particularly in Alabama’s loss to Texas, Milroe was unable to lead the offense effectively. Unless he can improve his passing mechanics and pocket presence, Alabama’s national title hopes may fade.

### 4. **Joe Milton III – Tennessee Volunteers**

Joe Milton III entered the season with immense hype after showcasing his rocket arm in 2023. The Tennessee quarterback has one of the strongest arms in college football, but his accuracy issues and inconsistent play have been frustrating for Volunteers fans.

Milton has struggled to deliver in high-pressure situations and has been prone to overthrows on critical plays. Despite his physical gifts, his inability to read defenses and make accurate throws in tight windows has led to turnovers and stalled drives. Tennessee was expecting Milton to lead them back to SEC contention, but so far, his performances have been more frustrating than fulfilling.

### 5. **J.J. McCarthy – Michigan Wolverines**

J.J. McCarthy was expected to take the next step in his development and become an elite quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines in 2024. While Michigan is still undefeated heading into Week 5, McCarthy’s individual performances have not been as impressive as expected.

McCarthy has benefited from Michigan’s dominant running game and strong defense, which has masked his own struggles in the passing game. His decision-making in key situations has been questionable, and his accuracy on intermediate and deep throws has been inconsistent. Although he’s had some solid performances, he hasn’t shown the elite-level play that many thought he would. For Michigan to compete with the likes of Ohio State and Penn State down the stretch, McCarthy needs to elevate his game.

### 6. **Hudson Card – Purdue Boilermakers**

When Hudson Card transferred to Purdue from Texas, he was seen as the perfect fit for the Boilermakers’ high-octane offense. Purdue had high hopes that Card would continue the program’s tradition of strong quarterback play, but his performances have been underwhelming through the first four games of the season.

Card has struggled to find rhythm in Purdue’s offense, and his decision-making under pressure has been erratic. His inability to stretch the field and consistently hit big plays has limited Purdue’s offense, making them easier to defend. With tough Big Ten matchups ahead, Purdue needs Card to perform at a higher level if they hope to salvage their season.

### 7. **Kedon Slovis – BYU Cougars**

Kedon Slovis has had a roller-coaster career, starting at USC, transferring to Pitt, and now leading BYU. The hope was that Slovis would regain his early-career form in Provo, but through the first few games of 2024, he has yet to prove he can consistently lead a top-tier offense.

Slovis has had moments where he looks like the quarterback who was once a freshman sensation, but his inconsistency has plagued him throughout his career. His tendency to hold onto the ball too long and make questionable decisions under duress has hurt BYU’s offensive rhythm. As BYU faces tougher competition in the coming weeks, Slovis will need to step up and prove that he’s more than just a journeyman quarterback.

### Conclusion

While these quarterbacks came into the 2024 season with high expectations, they’ve yet to fully deliver on the promise that surrounded them. Some have been victims of hype, while others simply haven’t developed as anticipated. As Week 5 approaches, these quarterbacks will need to elevate their games if they hope to lead their teams to success and prove that the preseason excitement wasn’t misplaced. College football is unpredictable, and it’s still early in the season, but the clock is ticking for these signal-callers to meet the high standards set for them.