QB Breakout Watch: Which Young Quarterbacks Are Poised to Explode in the 2025 NFL Season?

The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and the search for the next superstar under center is a never-ending quest. As we gear up for the 2025 season, several young signal-callers are on the cusp of a major breakout. These players have flashed potential, possess the raw talent, and are now in situations that could allow them to ascend to the top of the league.

Last season, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals led the league with 4,918 passing yards, showcasing the impact a quarterback can have on a team’s success. But who will be the next quarterback to make that leap? Let’s dive into some of the most promising candidates.

Caleb Williams: Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams, the highly touted quarterback for the Chicago Bears, is a prime candidate for a breakout season in 2025. Despite a rookie season that saw him post a 67.6 overall PFF grade and a 63.5 PFF passing grade, Williams displayed flashes of brilliance, recording three games with an overall PFF grade of at least 83.0. His 3.9% big-time throw rate was the highest among rookie QBs with at least 115 dropbacks.

The Bears have made significant strides in improving their offense around Williams. The addition of Ben Johnson as the offensive coordinator is a game-changer. Johnson’s innovative play-calling and ability to maximize his players’ strengths should unlock Williams’ full potential. Furthermore, general manager Ryan Poles has bolstered the offensive line and added weapons like veteran Joe Thuney, providing Williams with the support he needs to thrive.

While Williams needs to improve his sack avoidance (he was responsible for a league-high 17 sacks) and reduce negative plays, the foundation is in place for him to have a transformative season. With a stronger supporting cast and a brilliant offensive mind guiding him, Williams could very well become one of the league’s most exciting quarterbacks in 2025.

Drake Maye: New England Patriots

Drake Maye of the New England Patriots is another young quarterback with the potential to explode onto the scene in 2025. After a rookie season where he showed promise but also experienced growing pains, Maye is poised to take a significant leap forward in his second year.

The Patriots have made a concerted effort to surround Maye with the talent he needs to succeed. They added veteran receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, providing Maye with reliable targets in the passing game. The acquisition of offensive tackle Morgan Moses and guard Wes Schweitzer will solidify the offensive line, giving Maye more time and protection in the pocket. Additionally, the Patriots used the 2025 NFL Draft to further bolster the offense, selecting offensive tackle Will Campbell and running back TreVeyon Henderson.

With an improved supporting cast and a year of experience under his belt, Maye is in a prime position to showcase his skills and lead the Patriots’ offense to new heights.

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy, the young quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, is an intriguing breakout candidate for the 2025 season. While he didn’t see much action as a rookie, McCarthy’s potential is undeniable.

Coming out of Michigan, McCarthy was highly regarded for his accuracy, decision-making, and leadership qualities. In 2023, he earned a 92.2 PFF grade and a 93.4 passing grade, showcasing his ability to excel as a passer. Although he didn’t play much in his rookie year, his college performance indicates the qualities you would want in a young passer.

The Vikings have a strong supporting cast in place, including star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and a solid offensive line. If McCarthy can quickly adapt to the NFL game and showcase the skills he displayed in college, he could emerge as a key player for the Vikings in 2025.

Bryce Young: Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers is another quarterback who could be on the verge of a breakout season. After a challenging rookie year, Young showed signs of improvement towards the end of the 2024 season.

Over the final ten games, Young threw for 2,104 yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions, demonstrating glimpses of the potential that made him the first overall pick. The Panthers have worked to provide Young with more support, drafting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and adding pass-catching weapons at tight end (Mitchell Evans) and running back (Trevor Etienne).

If head coach Dave Canales can build on the progress Young made at the end of last season, Young could take a significant step forward and establish himself as a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback.

Bo Nix: Denver Broncos

Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos is a dark horse candidate for a breakout season in 2025. After a strong rookie season that was somewhat overshadowed by Jayden Daniels’ performance, Nix has the potential to make a name for himself in his second year.

Nix had a rocky start to his rookie campaign, but he found his footing and posted an 85.7 overall grade for the remainder of the season, ranking sixth-best in the league. If he can avoid the dreaded sophomore slump, Nix could lead the Broncos to contention in 2025.

Other Potential Breakout Candidates

While the quarterbacks mentioned above are among the most likely to break out in 2025, several other young signal-callers could also make a leap:

Jaxson Dart (New York Giants): Dart has the arm talent and athleticism to be a difference-maker.
Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons): Penix has a strong arm and is in a favorable situation with talented receivers and a solid offensive line.
Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): Levis showed flashes of potential in his limited action last season and could thrive with more experience.

Factors Influencing a Breakout Season

Several factors can contribute to a quarterback’s breakout season:

Improved Supporting Cast: A strong offensive line, talented receivers, and a reliable running game can all make a quarterback’s job easier.
Offensive Scheme: A quarterback-friendly offensive scheme that plays to the player’s strengths can unlock their full potential.
Coaching: A good quarterback coach can help a young player refine their skills and develop their understanding of the game.
Experience: As quarterbacks gain more experience, they become more comfortable and confident, leading to improved performance.

The 2025 NFL season promises to be an exciting one for young quarterbacks. With the right combination of talent, opportunity, and supporting cast, several of these players could emerge as the next generation of superstars under center.