I’m sick of seeing lists of best players and QBs going into this season with Cam Rising listed higher than Jaren Hall. I understand that there is an argument to be made for Rising, but Hall is a better player and it should be clear to anyone who isn’t a Utah fan or doesn’t jockstrap the Pac-12. I’m not saying that Rising sucks - he’s very good and seems to have the “it factor” that many good quarterbacks have. But Hall is better. Some reasons -

I need to address the elephant in the room even though it doesn’t necessarily pertain to who is the better QB: Jaren is much better looking. He’s at least a 9 and Cam is maybe a 4 right after a fresh haircut and a shower. With that out of the way…

Keep in mind that Hall played in ten games and didn’t finish the Arizona State game. Rising played significantly in 12 games, starting 11. He did not start but finished the SDSU game and almost finished off the comeback. He also started but didn’t finish the Ohio State game. He played VERY well in that game.

Passing Efficiency (national rank)
Jaren Hall: 156.07 (23)
Cam Rising: 146.69 (52)

Passing Yards Per Completion
Hall: 13.67 (32)
Rising: 12.22 (59)

Passing Yards Per Game
Hall: 258.3 (22)
Rising: 191.77 (77)

Yards Per Pass Attempt:
Hall: 8.73 (18)
Rising: 7.79 (61)

Points Responsible for Per Game
Hall: 14 (32)
Rising: 12.3 (50)

Jaren also threw for 90 more total yards on the season in fewer games and on 26 fewer attempts. They both threw for 20 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Rising ran for more yardage and a better average, which impressed me. I think Hall is the better runner but was more hesitant to run due to injuries he played through and A-Rod not wanting to risk injury. Rising is good on his feet though. His run against Ohio State was awesome.

Ute fans may try to argue strength of schedule, but for just the games that these QBs played against FBS opponents BYU actually played the tougher defenses statistically both in terms of total defense and scoring defense. Idaho State probably does boost Jaren a bit. But Rising got a chance to wipe the floor with Stanford and they sucked defensively. As a side note: Stanford sucks. I wouldn't be upset if that area of California detached and just sloughed off into the ocean and drifted away.

Rising is a very good quarterback. Just because I’m a BYU guy doesn’t mean that I can’t see or acknowledge that. He was a game changer for Utah last year and will probably have a very good season this year. But Hall is better by most measures. I just don’t get seeing Rising higher on these lists so frequently. I'm team Jaren all day every day.

Hall > Rising.