Quarterback power rankings: Best college football quarterbacks of 2019

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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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 17: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats throws a pass during the second half against the UCF Knights on November 17, 2018 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

27. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

As a redshirt freshman, Desmond Ridder established himself as the quarterback of the future at Cincinnati. His 13-game run took time to show promise, throwing for 145 yards and a 54 percent completion mark against UCLA and Miami (OH), although he did not open the year starting.

By the Alabama A&M game, Ridder broke out for 199 yards and three touchdowns on just 10 pass attempts. It may have happened against inferior competition, but it was the best game of his early collegiate career, building momentum into conference play.

Ridder produced seven more games of a completion percentage above 60 while tossing just five interceptions for the entire season. It made the Bearcats offense efficient and contributed to an 11-2 season.

That early promise opened a potential path for a breakout season this fall, as Ridder can return, comfortable in this offense, and improve on his freshman campaign. It could skyrocket him up the rankings of the best quarterbacks in college football and improve potential NFL Draft stock, given his 6-foot-4 frame and accuracy shown so far.

Bigger things lie ahead for Ridder, and Cincinnati could be an intriguing team because of his quarterback play, potentially becoming a recognizable face later this year.