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25 Best college football quarterbacks for 2016

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Oct 31, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks to throw a pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks to throw a pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Career Stats: 4,100 passing yards, 31 TDs, 13 Ints
  • 2015 Stats: 4,042 passing yards, 31 TDs, 13 Ints

Like Baker Mayfield, it is hard to argue that without Chad Kelly at the helm for Ole Miss, the Rebels might not have achieved the level of success that they did in 2015. All Kelly did in the opening two games was lead the team 70-plus points in both games and then lead the Rebels into Bryant-Denny Stadium, and beat the Crimson Tide, 43-37.

Kelly showed the huge arm talent that he is known for, as well as scored quickly and often. While he did throw a few interceptions throughout the middle of the season, in the final four games of the season Kelly threw for 11 touchdowns and only one interception.

While most believe that Kelly could suffer a decline in production due to Ole Miss’ losses on offense, don’t believe it. Ole Miss is still loaded at receiver with returning starters Damore’ea Stringfellow, and Quincy Adeboyjo; along with young stars in Damarkus Lodge, Van Jefferson, AJ Brown and DK Metcalf.

The Ole Miss offensive line may not have returning starters but most on the offensive line have played before and against quality teams such as Alabama. Kelly should have a better than expected offensive line.

Kelly will have a chance to once again lead the Rebels towards the SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth, and it all starts on week one in Orlando against the Florida State Seminoles.

Next: No. 1 Deshaun Watson

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