Ranking the Big Ten’s top 5 quarterbacks for 2015

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) throws during the first quarter in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Oregon Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

5. Braxton Miller/Cardale Jones, Ohio State

Despite likely being the third-string quarterback heading into fall ball, Braxton Miller has decided to return to Ohio State for his final season as a collegiate football player. Miller started his first two-plus seasons with the Buckeyes, passing for 5,292 yards, 52 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. However, he suffered a shoulder injury prior to the 2014 campaign, causing him to miss the entire year.

It’s not just the arm of Miller that got him on this list, it’s also his ability to tuck and run with the ball, racking up over 1,000 yards on the ground in each of the past two years. In fact, during his career at Ohio State, Miller has rushed for over 3,000 yards and 32 touchdowns at the quarterback position.

While he may not win the starting job this fall, I think he is one of the most talented quarterbacks in this league and would start on more than 10 teams in this conference.

Cardale Jones, on the other hand, started in three of the most important games of his life, winning the Big Ten title game, Sugar Bowl and national title game on his way to one of the most amazing streaks of any new starter in the history of the game.

Jones came off the bench cold and won three big-time games on the way to a Buckeyes’ national championship. He finished the 2014 season completing 61 percent of his passes for 860 yards, seven touchdowns and just two interceptions.

His arm impressed scouts enough that some even thought he could have gone pro this year. I doubt he wins the starting job, only because there is one, maybe two, more Ohio State QB that I think is more talented.

Next: 4. Tommy Armstrong, Nebraska