Season Review: Sophomore QBs on the Rise in '25

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   Season Review: Iowa Guys with Highest Ceilings   Members of the Class of 2028 showed us as freshmen last season that they had a chance to be a strong group at the top and deep in talent. They confirmed that status this fall.   Here's a collection of sophomores that thrived in 2025:    Burton's coach at Keokuk, former Iowa All-American receiver Marvin McNutt, knows offense. The Chiefs showed that this season with Burton at the controls. The sophomore completed 61.2 percent of his throws for 2,191 yards and 25 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He added four scores on the ground. Burton also contributed 2.0 tackles on defense, illustrating his athleticism and versatility. When popping on Burton's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23228352/690670576c4b96816ed054f1">10th-grade highlight video</a>, we witness a mobile signal caller adept at buying time with his legs or picking up yardage if there's an opening. As a thrower, Burton displays a quick release and an ability to push the ball down the field. He shines at ball placement, getting the rock into his receivers' hands so they can make a play and, often, pick of real estate after the catch.     Tucker took off in 2025 despite only appearing in seven games due to injury. The sophomore helped the Eagles reach the postseason for the first time since 2015 by completing 63.3 percent of his passing attempts for 21 touchdowns and five interceptions. Tucker added 494 yards (5.7 YPC) and seven scores on the ground. He recorded 10.0 tackles (7 solo, 1.0 TFL), too. Tucker is a good athlete, as we see when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24024108/69190dee930670c0e479c808">sophomore highlight video</a>. He buys time with his legs and can jet through openings when they're available. Tucker throws accurately on the move and can zip the ball into smaller windows thanks to sound arm strength. He looks like he gets through progressions in a timely manner, processing what he sees quickly.     Willis flashed plenty of upside this season in quarterbacking the Norsemen to the second round of the postseason. The sophomore completed 57.6 percent of his throws for 2,217 yards and 25 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. He added a score on the ground. Willis brings a projectable frame and an impressive arm to the gridiron on Friday nights. His throwing motion is fast and easy, making it look like he's just flicking the ball in pushing in downfield. His arm strength gets the ball into tight windows, as we see during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22421596/69277587804979f842c14be3">10th-grade highlight video</a>. Willis also shows touch on the ball when it's needed and can move around, although her prefers operating from the pocket.     As you could surmise by looking at Roberts' listed height, he might have a chance to be pretty good on the hardwood as well as the gridiron. You would be correct. He's a talented basketball player in addition to emerging as a quarterback this fall. The sophomore completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 1,804 yards and 11 touchdowns against eight interceptions in helping the Pirates reach the second round of the playoffs. Roberts added 367 yards and 10 scores on the ground in using that athleticism he displays on the basketball court. When watching his football highlights from the season on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22645934/Tade-Roberts/highlights">Hudl page</a>, Roberts is dangerous on designed runs and also keeps plays alive off of schedule with this legs. His pocket presence is solid, and he throws well when running. The arm strength is there as are all the makings of a college quarterback with further development.     Higgins produced impactful performances on both sides of the ball during the 2025 campaign. He certainly could develop as a quarterback prospect, but his speed and athleticism leave open the door for other positions being possible on the next level. Higgins completed 60.7 percent of his throwing attempts for 985 yards and eight touchdowns with five interceptions. He rushed for 660 yards (6.1 YPC) and eight scores, and caught a pair of passes for 40 yards and a TD. On defense, Higgins collected 31.0 tackles (25 solo, 1.0 TFL) and a fumble recovery. When watching Higgins' <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23140335/691ffbfae77971cbdefb1ccb">sophomore highlight video</a>, we witness what the statistics indicate - a dual-threat signal caller with playmaking ability. He's a handful on designed runs thanks to speed, quickness and elusiveness. The lefty also flashes a strong arm with a quick release. If colleges don't see him behind center, his athleticism and feel for the game would work in the secondary and on special teams.     I caught Kabaiza in action while he was sharing quarterbacking duties during City High's matchup with Norwalk this season. You could see the makings of an impactful player with further development. The progress he experienced in 2025 lets us know that it's possible with offseason training and the sharpening of skills. It all leads to better consistency. As it were, Kabaiza completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 1,486 yards and 16 touchowns against 13 interceptions. He added 176 yards (4.3 YPC) and a score on the ground. While Kabaiza prefers operating from the pocket, he can move and stress defenses with his legs, whether running or scrambling to keep plays alive off of schedule. As we can witness when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22607749/6902a607517fc3e3faf44fdc">10th-grade highlight video</a>, he succeeds with a quick release and zip on his throws. Kabaiza looks comfortable passing while rolling out to either direction. Arm strength is not a problem.

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