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Quarterback power rankings: Best college football quarterbacks of 2019

By Rob Wolkenbrod

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers throws a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 44-16. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers throws a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 44-16. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /
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Pac-12, Oregon, Justin Herbert
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: Oregon Ducks Quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the Redbox Bowl between the Michigan State Spartans and the Oregon Ducks at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Justin Herbert, Oregon

Justin Herbert could have — and maybe should have — entered the 2019 NFL Draft. A spot atop the first round awaited him, with quarterback-needy teams across the board or someone at least willing to take a chance. He opted to return to Oregon for one last season, and it has the chance to become one of the best for a quarterback in school history.

Herbert found his first full season starting in 2018, leading the Ducks to a 9-4 record. He was mostly terrific in the first half of the year on a 5-1 record, which painted a bright season ahead in an open Pac-12.

In this tale of two halves, Herbert’s play dropped off by the Washington State loss. Including that, five of his last seven games featured a completion percentage below 60. A bowl win over Michigan State was also underwhelming to close his year.

However, the best version of Herbert is one of the nation’s top players. He has the arm talent, the size and the presence to be a top quarterback and a Heisman Trophy contender. If he puts it all together in Eugene, Oregon can win the Pac-12 and find itself in a superior bowl game.

Along with that, it pushes his NFL Draft stock forward, with a spot in the top five still in range. Someone will need a quarterback, and if professional teams like what they see, Herbert will be celebrated in nine months.