8. Kedon Slovis, Pittsburgh
Kedon Slovis, a 3-star prospect in the 2019 recruiting class, burst onto the scene as a true freshman. During the 2019 season, Slovis threw for 3,502 yards, 30 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. That year, Slovis was one of the top rookie FBS quarterbacks — along with UNC’s Sam Howell.
In the shortened 2020 season for Pac-12 teams — a six-game sample, essentially — Slovis completed 67 percent of his passes, while throwing for 17 touchdowns and 1,921 yards (7.3 yards per attempt). USC finished 5-1.
The 2021 season was a disappointing one for the Trojans, though, who finished 4-8. Slovis battled injuries; Jaxson Dart, another freshman quarterback and the 2020 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year, stepped in and played a bunch.
Unfortunately for Slovis, he must get ready to work at Pittsburgh without star wide receiver Jordan Addison, who flipped locations with Slovis. Addison, one of the top skill position players in college football, winner of the 2021 Biletnikoff Award, will transfer to USC.