The 2025-2026 college football season promises to be defined by an exceptional class of quarterbacks, each carrying enormous expectations and the hopes of their respective programs. At Texas, Arch Manning steps into the spotlight as the heir to college football’s most storied quarterback legacy, expected to transform the Longhorns into immediate championship contenders. Carson Beck brings his 3,485-yard, 28-touchdown experience from Georgia to Miami, where he’s tasked with elevating the Hurricanes back to elite status. Cade Klubnik enters the season as one of college football’s most improved quarterbacks, his remarkable jump from a 63.9 to 87.7 PFF passing grade positioning Clemson for an ACC title run.
The expectations extend across conferences and programs. Garrett Nussmeier at LSU carries the weight of 4,000-yard production and SEC championship aspirations. Diego Pavia returns to Vanderbilt with another year of eligibility after breathing new life into a historically struggling program. Drew Allar anchors Penn State’s Big Ten hopes despite some playoff inconsistencies, while DJ Lagway represents Florida’s future as a highly touted prospect ready to make an immediate impact. From Sam Leavitt’s playmaking ability at Arizona State to “Nico” Iamaleava’s potential at UCLA, from John Mateer’s transition to Oklahoma to Fernando Mendoza’s leadership at Indiana, these quarterbacks face the unique pressure of being both student-athletes and program saviors.
The Strategic Mind of a Modern Quarterback
The quarterback position demands a level of strategic intelligence unmatched in college athletics. Modern quarterbacks must process complex defensive schemes in real-time, recognizing blitz packages, coverage rotations, and personnel groupings while simultaneously calculating risk-reward scenarios for every play call. They must read body language, anticipate movements, and make split-second decisions that affect not just individual plays, but entire game outcomes and season trajectories.
This cognitive load requires the same analytical framework that successful business leaders employ daily. When Haynes King at Georgia Tech approaches the line of scrimmage, he’s conducting a comprehensive situational analysis: down and distance, field position, score differential, time remaining, weather conditions, and personnel matchups. He must identify the highest-probability success scenarios while maintaining awareness of catastrophic risk factors—a process virtually identical to strategic business decision-making.
The pre-snap phase alone mirrors executive-level strategic planning. Quarterbacks must assess multiple variables simultaneously, communicate adjustments to teammates, and maintain confidence in their decision-making even when facing pressure from multiple directions. The ability to remain calm while processing complex information, communicate clearly under stress, and inspire confidence in teammates represents exactly the skill set that drives successful entrepreneurship and investment decision-making.
Consider the moment when Jackson Arnold at Auburn recognizes a safety rotation that creates a one-on-one matchup downfield. His decision to audible from a safe checkdown to an aggressive vertical route requires the same risk assessment and opportunity recognition that venture capitalists use when identifying promising startups. Both scenarios demand the ability to see potential that others miss while understanding the consequences of being wrong.
From Field General to Business Leader
The leadership component of quarterbacking provides perhaps the most direct translation to business success. When Thomas Castellanos steps into the huddle at Florida State, he’s not just calling plays—he’s managing personalities, maintaining morale, and creating buy-in for strategic objectives. This mirrors the challenge facing startup founders who must inspire diverse teams to execute complex strategies while navigating uncertainty and setbacks.
The quarterback’s role as the interface between coaching staff and players parallels the executive function in business organizations. They must translate high-level strategic concepts into actionable tactics, provide real-time feedback to coaches, and adapt strategies based on evolving circumstances. When Sawyer Robertson at Baylor adjusts protection schemes at the line of scrimmage, he’s demonstrating the same adaptive leadership that successful CEOs employ when market conditions shift unexpectedly.
The pressure management aspect cannot be overstated. Quarterbacks regularly perform complex tasks while facing immediate physical consequences for failure. This pressure-testing creates a unique form of executive training that no MBA program can replicate. The ability to maintain clarity of thought while facing aggressive opposition, tight time constraints, and high-stakes outcomes directly translates to boardroom negotiations, crisis management, and strategic pivoting.
As autumn approaches and college football fans eagerly anticipate the season’s opening kickoffs, the spotlight naturally falls on these quarterbacks who will lead their teams’ championship aspirations. Yet beneath the surface of traditional gridiron glory, a more sophisticated game is unfolding—one that could prove far more consequential for these young athletes’ futures than any touchdown pass or conference championship.
The emergence of college quarterbacks as venture capital investors represents a paradigm shift in how student-athletes approach their platform, education, and long-term financial security. This evolution transcends the traditional narrative of college athletics, where success was measured solely in wins, losses, and professional draft prospects. Instead, it reflects a mature understanding that athletic careers, even successful ones, are finite—but the business acumen and network-building opportunities available during college can create lasting value that extends decades beyond the final whistle.
The New Landscape: Where NIL Meets VC
The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era has fundamentally altered the college athletics landscape, but perhaps nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the investment strategies of elite quarterbacks. The recent investments by LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), Kevin Jennings (SMU), and Avery Johnson (Kansas State) in The Cashmere Fund mark a watershed moment in how college athletes leverage their platform for financial growth. As part of The Cashmere Fund’s inaugural “College Investing Class of 2025,” these quarterbacks represent the first-ever NIL partnership of its kind, joining a network that includes 2025 NFL MVP Josh Allen, fashion entrepreneur Jenna Lyons, and Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
These investments signal a sophisticated understanding of wealth building that extends far beyond traditional endorsement deals or appearance fees. Rather than simply promoting products or services, these quarterbacks are actively participating in venture capital opportunities, positioning themselves not just as athletes, but as business partners and strategic thinkers who understand the power of compound growth and startup ecosystems. Their partnership extends beyond passive investing—they’ll work with The Cashmere Fund to support awareness of the fund and its portfolio companies while gaining firsthand venture investment experience.
The parallel between quarterbacking and venture investing is more than superficial. Both require the ability to read complex situations quickly, make decisions under pressure, and understand how individual components work together to create successful outcomes. When Cade Klubnik improved his PFF passing grade from 63.9 to 87.7, demonstrating remarkable growth and adaptation, he showcased the same analytical mindset that successful investors use to identify and nurture promising opportunities.
Education as the Foundation
The integration of investment opportunities into college athletics doesn’t diminish the importance of education—it amplifies it. Universities have a unique opportunity to create comprehensive programs that combine traditional business education with practical investment experience, using athletics as a laboratory for real-world application.
When we consider the strategic thinking required when Carson Beck transferred from Georgia to Miami, weighing program fit, coaching staff, offensive systems, and personal development opportunities, this decision-making process mirrors the due diligence required in venture investing. Similarly, when LaNorris Sellers at South Carolina—known for his strong arm and leadership potential as he rises within SEC ranks—evaluates investment opportunities through The Cashmere Fund, he’s applying the same analytical framework he uses to read defensive schemes and make split-second decisions under pressure. By connecting these experiences explicitly through coursework and mentorship programs, universities can help student-athletes develop transferable skills that serve them regardless of their post-graduation path.
The academic component becomes even more critical when we consider that most college quarterbacks, regardless of their talent level, will not have lengthy professional football careers. Even among the elite prospects mentioned—from Diego Pavia’s program-transforming performance at Vanderbilt to Drew Allar’s consistent production at Penn State—only a small percentage will enjoy sustained NFL success. However, the leadership skills, strategic thinking, and pressure management abilities they develop can translate directly into business success.
On-Field Excellence as Business Training
The parallels between football success and business acumen are most apparent in the quarterback position, where success depends on a unique combination of technical skill, leadership ability, and strategic thinking. When Garrett Nussmeier threw for over 4,000 yards in his first year as LSU’s starter, he demonstrated the same qualities that successful entrepreneurs display: the ability to perform under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and inspire others to achieve collective goals.
The quarterback’s role as field general provides invaluable experience in team management, crisis response, and strategic communication—skills that translate directly to boardroom settings. Sam Leavitt’s playmaking ability at Arizona State, or DJ Lagway’s highly touted prospect status at Florida, represent more than athletic talent; they demonstrate the capacity to see opportunities others miss and execute under pressure.
These on-field experiences create a foundation for understanding market dynamics, risk assessment, and performance optimization that formal business education alone cannot provide. When combined with structured investment opportunities, they create a powerful synergy that prepares student-athletes for success in any arena.
The Platform Advantage: Leveraging Visibility for Impact
The visibility that comes with being a starting quarterback at a major university represents a unique asset that extends far beyond traditional marketing opportunities. This platform can be leveraged to create meaningful impact while building long-term wealth and business relationships.
The network effects are particularly powerful in this context. The three quarterbacks who have already engaged with The Cashmere Fund—LaNorris Sellers, Kevin Jennings, and Avery Johnson—demonstrate how strategic partnerships with venture capital firms create opportunities that extend far beyond individual investments. They’re building relationships with entrepreneurs, fellow investors, and business leaders who can provide opportunities and guidance throughout their careers.
Consider the broader implications if other high-profile quarterbacks were to follow this model. Players like John Mateer at Oklahoma, who transferred from Washington State and is ranked among the top 10 quarterbacks for 2025, or Thomas Castellanos at Florida State, who reunited with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn after transferring from Boston College, possess the visibility and platform that could amplify financial literacy initiatives and investment education among their peers. Such involvement in venture capital investments could create opportunities for mentorship, speaking engagements, and thought leadership that would establish them as serious business figures while still in college.
Creating Sustainable Pathways
The most important aspect of this trend is its potential to create sustainable pathways to success for student-athletes who may not achieve professional athletic careers. The reality is that even among the most talented college quarterbacks, relatively few will enjoy long-term professional success. However, the skills, networks, and financial foundation they build during college can create opportunities that extend far beyond athletics.
Programs that combine athletic participation with structured investment education and real-world business experience create a model that could be replicated across all sports and skill levels. The key is recognizing that athletic participation, properly structured, can serve as a comprehensive business education that prepares students for success in any field.
The foundation for this approach already exists through the documented investments by quarterbacks like LaNorris Sellers, Kevin Jennings, and Avery Johnson, who are demonstrating how student-athletes can build financial literacy, network connections, and business acumen that will serve them throughout their lives. As Kansas State’s Avery Johnson—a former Elite 11 finalist emerging as one of college football’s most exciting dual-threat talents—gains firsthand venture investment experience through The Cashmere Fund, he’s building a foundation that extends far beyond his athletic achievements. Similarly, Kevin Jennings at SMU, recognized for his leadership and playmaking ability in the American Athletic Conference, is positioning himself for success that transcends football through active participation in startup ecosystems.
The Road Ahead
The integration of venture capital investing into college athletics represents more than a trend—it’s a fundamental shift toward a more sophisticated and sustainable model of student-athlete development. As more quarterbacks follow the lead of Sellers, Jennings, and Johnson, we can expect to see expanded programs that combine athletic excellence with business education and practical investment experience.
Universities have an opportunity to lead this transformation by creating comprehensive programs that recognize the unique value proposition of student-athletes. These programs should emphasize the development of transferable skills, provide structured investment opportunities, and create pathways to success that extend far beyond athletic achievement.
The ultimate goal is not just to create better investors or more successful athletes, but to develop well-rounded individuals who can leverage their unique experiences and platforms to create lasting impact. When college quarterbacks become venture capital investors, they’re not abandoning their athletic roots—they’re demonstrating that the skills and experiences gained through athletics can serve as a foundation for success in any arena.
As the season unfolds and we watch these quarterbacks lead their teams toward championship aspirations, we should also recognize that their most important victories may occur not on the field, but in the boardrooms and investment meetings where they’re building the foundation for lifelong success. The quarterback’s playbook is expanding, and the game they’re really playing extends far beyond the boundaries of any football field.