As the NFL begins its transition from the old guard of veteran quarterbacks to a new generation of talent, fans and analysts are wondering the question on everyone’s mind: who’s next? Tom Brady has finally retired, Aaron Rodgers is closer to retirement than ever, and a new generation of signal-callers is emerging—many of them still only 25 or younger.
This guard-changing is accompanied by excitement, intrigue, and plenty of speculation. Determining the “next face of the league” is more than stats-watching—it’s a judgment of leadership, charisma, consistency, and performance in high-stakes games. Just as one would develop decision-making prowess playing strategic games such as practice blackjack online at BlackjackDoc.com, clubs are investing time and resources developing young quarterbacks in hopes that one will become a franchise cornerstone.
So, which of the NFL’s youngest QBs could wear the crown? Let’s examine the present and the future.
The Current Landscape: Top Quarterbacks Under 25
Over the last several years, numerous quarterbacks taken from 2020 through 2024 have struggled their way into starting roles and made themselves a factor throughout the league. Several have already led playoff-capable offenses, with others still evolving in more demanding environments.
Here’s a breakdown of the most promising quarterbacks under 25:
| Player | Team | Age | Draft Year | Career Starts | Notable Highlights |
| C.J. Stroud | Houston Texans | 23 | 2023 | 17+ | 2023 Offensive ROY, playoff berth |
| Bryce Young | Carolina Panthers | 23 | 2023 | 16+ | Strong late-season turnaround |
| Anthony Richardson | Indianapolis Colts | 22 | 2023 | 5 | Electric talent, injury setback |
| Jordan Love | Green Bay Packers | 25 | 2020 | 20+ | Breakout season in 2023 |
| Will Levis | Tennessee Titans | 24 | 2023 | 9 | Big arm, flashes of star potential |
| Kenny Pickett | Philadelphia Eagles | 24 | 2022 | 24+ | Traded to Philly for fresh start |
| Sam Howell | Washington Commanders | 24 | 2022 | 18+ | Led NFL in attempts in 2023 |
Future Stars in the Making
C.J. Stroud – The Leader Houston Has Waited For
Stroud’s initial season was straight-up phenomenal. Taking a youthful Texans roster to the playoffs, he showed poise way beyond his years, with accuracy in the passing game and off-the-charts football smarts. His unflappable presence under pressure has already established him as a crowd darling.
Most impressive, however, is how Stroud adapted to NFL speed so rapidly. Already, he’s being compared to veteran stars on poise, and if his trajectory continues, he might be the next generational quarterback.
Bryce Young – Underrated, But Not for Long
Even though his first season was rough, Bryce Young’s growth in the latter part of the year showed why he was the No. 1 overall pick. With improved offense line play and a new coach in 2025, Young enters a break-or-make season. His smarts, decision-making, and leadership are qualities that teams seek out, although his physical presence contradicts typical NFL expectations.
He may not be flashy, but Bryce Young can quietly become a franchise anchor in Carolina.
Athleticism Meets Potential
Anthony Richardson – The Ultimate Wild Card
Anthony Richardson is as good an athlete as any quarterback playing in the NFL today. Unfortunately, a mid-2023 injury stole his sample size, and everyone wants to know more. He’s 6’4\” and over 240 pounds, yet he possesses lightning speed with a cannon for an arm and is likened to both Josh Allen and Cam Newton.
The Colts know that they have a likely star if only they can get him healthy. This year would perhaps be that break-that-makes-him-break-that breaks him out into league-seism force from raw potential.
Coaching, Culture, and Development: Why Environment Matters
Even the most promising quarterback prospect can struggle without a decent support system. As recent history has shown, coaching stability, offensive line protection, and sound play-calling dramatically influence how effectively a young quarterback develops.
Take Jordan Love, for instance. After three years waiting in the wings behind Aaron Rodgers, he took over the Packers offense in 2023 and looked immediately prepared. That is a credit to coaching patience and system familiarity. Young quarterbacks such as Sam Howell, meanwhile, were thrown into high-pressure roles with less structural support and produced mixed results.
NFL clubs now realize the importance of having long-term developmental plans. The days of throwing a rookie into the fire with no safety net behind him may be behind us.
The Draft Pipeline: More Talent Incoming
Aside from the current roster, the future NFL drafts are full of quarterback possibilities. The 2024 draft brought big names in the figures of Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, set to start by 2025. Additionally, J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix were in QB-starved teams, seeking to build around them.
Down the line, Shedeur Sanders—a first-round draft prospect in 2025 and the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders—can provide even more theater. With his excellent football intelligence and fighting attitude, Sanders has risen mock draft boards rapidly.
If one of these newbies is a sensation in the league, he may surpass more established QBs in the race to be the NFL’s new poster boy.
What Makes the “Face” of the NFL?
Being the NFL’s face is more than just winning games. It involves leadership, consistency, fan popularity, and delivering in crunch time.
Some Important Characteristics of an Icon of the League:
- Performance Under Pressure – Delivering in primetime and playoff contests.
- Media Savvy – Handling the media, talking to the fans.
- Durability – Play on the field and coming out unharmed.
- Winning Record – Great QBs eventually win games.
As noted by NFL.com, past league faces like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady were not only good players—they were consistent, well-liked, and saleable.
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