In today’s college football landscape, a quarterback’s ability to stretch the field vertically is more valuable than ever. Offensive systems are evolving, athletes are faster, and defenses are more complex. The result? Deep ball throwers—those rare QBs who can deliver long, accurate passes under pressure—are in high demand. Whether it’s threading a bomb between two defenders or launching a 60-yard rope off one foot, these quarterbacks ignite stadiums and strike fear into opposing secondaries.

The 2025 season features a thrilling group of quarterbacks with NFL-caliber arm strength, precision, and the confidence to go deep. Below, we rank the top 10 deep ball passers in college football based on arm strength, downfield accuracy, pocket presence, and overall explosiveness.

1. Austin Mack (Alabama)

Class: Freshman | Height: 6’6” | Weight: 225 lbs

Austin Mack is only a freshman, but he’s already drawn comparisons to past greats due to his sheer arm talent. With a cannon for an arm and the poise of a seasoned veteran, Mack has turned heads throughout spring practices in Tuscaloosa. What separates Mack isn’t just his throw power—though that’s elite—but how effortlessly he generates velocity and arc on his deep passes. He can hit a streaking receiver in stride 60+ yards downfield with remarkable accuracy.

Scouts project him as a future top-5 NFL Draft pick, and if Alabama unleashes his arm early, he could be the breakout freshman of the year. His deep ball mechanics are smooth, his release is lightning-quick, and he already understands timing windows like a junior.

2. J.J. Kohl (Iowa State)

Class: Freshman | Height: 6’7” | Weight: 250 lbs

J.J. Kohl is a giant in the pocket, and with his imposing frame comes an equally powerful throwing arm. What makes Kohl special is his velocity—his passes slice through the wind and arrive at their target with minimal arc and maximum speed. He doesn’t just throw it far; he throws it hard.

Despite Iowa State’s typically conservative offensive scheme, Kohl has already displayed the tools to elevate the Cyclones into a more vertical offense. If he gains trust from the coaching staff, look for more play-action shots and designed deep throws. He’s the kind of QB who can flip a game on a single throw.

3. DJ Uiagalelei (Florida State)

Class: Senior | Height: 6’4” | Weight: 250 lbs

After transferring from Clemson to Oregon State, and now to Florida State, DJ Uiagalelei has found a system that lets him show off his best skill: the deep ball. His throw power is still among the best in the country, and he has matured significantly in terms of decision-making and timing.

What’s always set DJ apart is his ability to launch deep passes off-platform and under pressure. Whether it’s a 40-yard rope to the sideline or a 65-yard bomb off play-action, he can deliver the kind of splash plays that alter defensive game plans. With an elite receiver room at FSU, DJ could have his best statistical season yet.

4. Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee)

Class: Freshman | Height: 6’6” | Weight: 205 lbs

Nico Iamaleava comes in as one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in the country, and it’s easy to see why. He’s electric, smooth, and possesses one of the cleanest deep ball deliveries you’ll see at the college level. In Tennessee’s up-tempo offense, Nico’s skillset is a perfect fit.

He thrives on throwing deep outs, go routes, and posts—especially off quick reads and RPOs. His anticipation is rare for a player his age, and he puts excellent touch on balls 30+ yards downfield. If he takes full control of the offense early, he could quickly emerge as a national star.

5. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)

Class: Junior | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 195 lbs

Nussmeier waited patiently behind Jayden Daniels, but now it’s his show—and LSU fans are excited. He has a natural gunslinger mentality and isn’t afraid to attack deep. His arm isn’t just strong—it’s whip-fast, with an aggressive release that lets him throw over the top of defenses in tight coverage.

He excels at vertical seams and deep crosses, and LSU’s wideout corps is built to take advantage of his talents. Expect big play totals and several highlight-reel throws this season. If he limits turnovers, he could be one of the top QBs in the SEC.

6. Jalen Milroe (Alabama)

Class: Junior | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 220 lbs

Jalen Milroe may be the most explosive dual-threat quarterback in the nation, but his deep ball might be even more dangerous than his legs. Milroe throws one of the most beautiful spirals in college football and can hit deep routes in stride from nearly anywhere on the field.

His play-action deep shots are deadly, particularly when defenders hesitate to contain his running threat. While his short and intermediate accuracy still needs refinement, Milroe has already proven he can torch defenses deep with a single flick of the wrist.

7. Dylan Raiola (Nebraska)

Class: Freshman | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 220 lbs

One of the highest-rated quarterback recruits in the country, Raiola brings a strong pedigree and elite tools to a Nebraska program desperate for playmakers. Raiola’s deep ball is not just about arm strength—it’s about control. He has shown the ability to layer throws, placing balls between safeties and corners on deep digs, posts, and verticals.

He’s a natural passer with excellent footwork, and his film from high school is loaded with 50-yard strikes in tight windows. Expect Nebraska’s offense to open up under his leadership, especially as he gets comfortable with college-level defenses.

8. Rickie Van Buren (UAB)

Class: Sophomore | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 215 lbs

Rickie Van Buren may not be a household name—yet—but he has one of the strongest arms in college football. UAB’s offense isn’t as nationally visible, but those who watch know that Van Buren is a human highlight reel with deep accuracy to rival any Power Five quarterback.

He excels on deep comeback routes, fades, and verticals. Even when pressured, he can launch the ball 60 yards downfield without sacrificing much accuracy. If he continues to develop his processing speed, the NFL will come calling.

9. Ron Kramer (Nevada)

Class: Senior | Height: 6’5” | Weight: 230 lbs

Kramer is a classic deep-shot artist: tall, poised, and unafraid to take risks. While Nevada hasn’t had consistent offensive line play, Kramer’s ability to stay in the pocket and unleash deep throws is admirable. His long-ball mechanics are clean, and he’s known for connecting on 40+ yard throws even against tight coverage.

As a senior, he brings experience and confidence. His chemistry with receivers on deep post and go routes makes him one of the most underrated vertical passers in the game.

10. Trey Owens (Texas)

Class: Freshman | Height: 6’4” | Weight: 210 lbs

Owens enters a crowded Texas quarterback room, but his raw talent is undeniable. He has an elite arm that can stretch any defense vertically, and his high school tape is filled with beautiful bombs off quick drops. He’s patient in the pocket and doesn’t rush deep throws—he waits for them to develop and delivers with pinpoint precision.

If he earns snaps this year, even in limited action, his deep ball skills will be on full display. Long term, he could become the next great passer in Austin.

Honorable Mentions:

• Quinn Ewers (Texas) – Experienced and still capable of delivering gorgeous deep throws, though his consistency fluctuates.
• Malachi Nelson (Boise State) – Strong arm and great vision; poised for a breakout year.
• Preston Stone (SMU) – Underrated and efficient; throws a beautiful deep fade.

Final Thoughts

The deep ball is one of the most exciting and game-changing aspects of football. It requires timing, strength, accuracy, and fearlessness. In 2025, college football boasts a wealth of quarterbacks who can light up the field with a single throw. Whether it’s a young freshman like Austin Mack or a battle-tested veteran like DJ Uiagalelei, fans can expect plenty of fireworks this fall.

These ten quarterbacks are poised to dominate highlight reels and frustrate defensive coordinators all season long.