2025 Passer Preview, Part 3: AFC South Quarterbacks
As the NFL landscape shifts toward a new era of quarterback play, the 2025 season promises a fascinating mix of established elites, rising stars, aging legends, and system-driven wildcards. This eight-part series breaks down each division’s projected starting quarterbacks, blending statistical output from 2024 with contextual analysis and forward-looking insight.
As a part of this series, each passer will be evaluated based on situation, skill, and projections for what they bring to the table in 2025 for their team. In addition, every QB will be placed in one of the following 5 Tiers:
1. The Big 4
2. Elite
3. Above Replacement
4. Risers/Bridge Guys/Rookies
5. Cellar Dwellers
Up next it’s the AFC South; a division boasting young, promising passers and a redemption story worth tracking in 2025.
Previous articles in this series:
AFC North
NFC North
C.J. STROUD — HOUSTON TEXANS 
2024 STATS:
Age: 23 | Exp: 2 | CMP: 336 | ATT: 532 | YDS: 3,727 | TD: 20 | INT: 12 | RTG: 87.0 | Rush Yds: 184 | Rush TDs: 0
QB Tier 2: Elite
2025 Projection: Top 10 level passer
Stroud enters 2025 as the clear franchise centerpiece in Houston, coming off a sophomore campaign that tested his poise under pressure. While his TD-to-INT ratio dipped, his command of Bobby Slowik’s system remains a strength. Expect continued growth in his processing and downfield aggression, especially with a deeper receiver room. In a rising AFC South, Stroud’s development could be the difference between playoff contention and another rebuild cycle.
TREVOR LAWRENCE — JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 
2024 STATS:
Age: 25 | Exp: 4 | CMP: 172 | ATT: 284 | YDS: 2,045 | TD: 11 | INT: 7 | RTG: 85.2 | Rush Yds: 119 | Rush TDs: 3
QB Tier 2: Elite
2025 Projection: Establishes himself as a Top 10 talent at QB
Lawrence’s 2024 season was marred by injuries and inconsistency, but the talent remains undeniable. With new Head Coach and playcaller Liam Coen installing a scheme that turned Baker Mayfield into one of the league’s most consistent and productive QBs, Lawrence has a chance to break the ceiling if he can gel in this system quickly. He’s still viewed as a top-tier arm talent league-wide, but 2025 feels like a pivotal year to prove he can elevate Jacksonville beyond mediocrity. Look for him to turn his elite talent into elite production in 2025.
DANIEL JONES — INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 
2024 STATS:
Age: 27 | Exp: 6 | CMP: 216 | ATT: 341 | YDS: 2,070 | TD: 8 | INT: 7 | RTG: 79.4 | Rush Yds: 265 | Rush TDs: 2
QB Tier 5: Cellar Dweller
2025 Projection: Replacement-level game manager
Jones gets the nod in Indy over Anthony Richardson, hoping to revive his career in Shane Steichen’s QB-friendly scheme and potentially prolonging more careers than just his own. His mobility and short-area accuracy fit well with the Colts’ play-action-heavy approach, especially behind a strong run game. While not a long-term answer, Jones could surprise if he stays healthy and limits turnovers. In a division full of young passers, he’s the guy chasing a second chance in the mold of Geno Smith and Sam Darnold.
CAM WARD — TENNESSEE TITANS 
2024 STATS (College at University of Miami)
Age: 23 | Exp: R | CMP: 312 | ATT: 498 | YDS: 3,411 | TD: 21 | INT: 14 | RTG: 84.6 | Rush Yds: 312 | Rush TDs: 3
QB Tier 4: Rookie
2025 Projection: Mid-Tier starter with flashes of more
Ward enters Tennessee as one of the most overshadowed 1st Overall picks of all time. The Titans are hoping his arm talent and improvisational flair can take them to new heights, though consistency and decision-making will be under the microscope. Expect plenty of designed runs and vertical shots as the Titans lean into his big arm and knack for playmaking ability down the field. If he clicks early, Ward could turn a lack of attention into big headlines for a franchise that needs a major spark.
For more NFL analysis from Jeremy Betz, click HERE.