6 Power 5 Starting QBs That Will Lose the Starting Job By Midseason

The 2019 college football season hasn't even started yet, and some quarterbacks are already feeling the heat. Due to either lack of experience, poor performance in 2018, or a crowded depth chart, these six Power 5 starting quarterbacks could find themselves riding the pine for a better performing option by the time the midway point of the season rolls around.

6. Brian Lewerke, Michigan State

Lewerke went into last season with legit NFL buzz -- imagine that -- before proceeding to turtle under the weight of all those expectations. The Spartans' signal caller threw more interceptions than touchdowns and was benched last year for Rocky Lombardi. If Lewerke doesn't straighten himself out this year, Mark Dantonio could be forced to stick him on the bench yet again.

5. Dru Brown, Oklahoma State

The Hawaii transfer watched Mason Rudolph and Taylor Cornelius light up the Big 12 the last two years in Stillwater. Brown is listed tentatively as the starter, but dual-threat redshirt freshman Spencer Sanders has performed so well in camp that Mike Gundy has debated using a two-quarterback system. Brown is the more traditional drop-back passer, but the Cowboys could go with the unknown, but more dynamic option in Sanders if Brown starts struggling.

4. Jake Bentley, South Carolina

Bentley, the son of former South Carolina running back and current tight ends coach Bobby Bentley, saw the turnovers and losses pile up last year despite being able to throw to two dynamic receivers in Bryan Edwards and current San Francisco 49ers rookie Deebo Samuel. When Bentley was forced to miss a game due to injury, his backup took down Drew Lock and Missouri. Bentley's leash is getting shorter and shorter as Will Muschamp's seat is getting hotter and hotter.

3. Bo Nix, Auburn

Nix, a true freshman, won the starting job over redshirt freshman Joey Gatewood, who entered the season as the presumed favorite to start. Nix, who is listed a 6-1 and 207 pounds, is a much less impressive physical profile than the 6-5, 234-pound Gatewood and has inferior arm strength. Gus Malzahn's offense likes to chuck it downfield every now and again, and Nix could find himself on the bench behind another freshman if he fails to master that certain craft.

2. JT Daniels, USC

Daniels' stats for a true freshman -- 59% completion, 2,672 yards, 14 touchdowns, 10 picks -- aren't awful, but Clay Helton and USC went 5-7 and suffered their first losing season since 2000. New offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, formerly of North Texas, was brought in to instill the Air Raid offense. If Daniels, who doesn't have otherworldly arm strength, doesn't mesh, a desperate Helton might be forced to look for better options on his bench.

1. Jarren Williams, Miami

Manny Diaz surprised many when he named freshman Jarren Williams as the starter over highly-touted transfer Tate Martell and talented sophomore N'Kosi Perry, who saw time during Mark Richt's final season last year. While Williams might be the starter for now, his leash can and should be incredibly short given the two talented options behind him. It certainly doesn't help that his first game is against a Top-10 team in Florida on national TV.