Six first-year starting quarterbacks have won national titles since 2009. Over the last seven seasons, nine have played in a national championship, and twice first-year starters have met in the final.
Although 2015 runner-up Clemson and third-year starting quarterback Deshaun Watson are the early favorites to win the national championship next season, history suggests at least one greenhorn signal-caller will have his team in position to contend.
Jake Coker's first start was the Alabama opener in 2015, and he finished the national title game with 335 yards and a win. Blake Sims of Alabama and Ohio State's J.