Although it’s almost hard to believe, the 2023 college football regular season is coming to a close with Week 11 on the horizon.
One of the main topics of discussion has been the quarterback class and the sheer competitiveness between several prospects that are showing the NFL’s strong start. The 2022 class was rich, but in some ways this one has the potential to match it or be even better.
Here’s a look at where the top college quarterbacks stand with Week 10 in the books:
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1. Bo Nix, Oregon
Competition level aside, Nix turned in one of the best performances we’ve seen from a college quarterback all year when the Ducks knocked off Cal on Saturday.
This isn’t the same Bo Nix who took the field at Auburn – that hasn’t been the case since he saw a change of scenery and his success is one of the greatest testaments to putting in work of transfer portal.
Nix is a versatile prospect who will appeal to multiple NFL teams with a toolbox including pro-level arm talent, the ability to play in and out of structure with solid mobility and consistency as a passer, even under duress.
Evaluating all aspects, from a tangible and intangible perspective, there is a clear argument in favor of Nix at QB1 after Week 10.
Latest game stats: vs. Cal (W, 63-19), 29-38 passing, 4 TD, INT, 2 rush TD
2. Caleb Williams, USC
Williams is a rare player with the ability to do some things on the field that virtually no other quarterback at the college level can do, but Lincoln Riley and Co. haven’t come close to giving him the defense to match. This was especially evident in the Trojans’ heartbreaking loss to the Huskies, ruining any remaining opportunity to compete for a national title.
Although Williams once again delivered high-level performances, he hasn’t been entirely perfect this season, throwing three interceptions in the 48-20 upset loss to Notre Dame on October 14. It’s also worth noting that while it hasn’t been talked about nearly as much as what he brings from a tangible standpoint, Williams’ negative body language has been noticeable every time USC has performed poorly this season, raising questions about character issues.
It would be shocking to see Williams go outside of the top three quarterbacks selected in the NFL Draft, but as the season progresses, it’s not unreasonable to believe another college passer could be taken before him.
Latest game stats: vs. Washington (L, 52-42), 27-35 passes, 3 TD, rush TD
3. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Penix ultimately was the quarterback who had the last laugh as he and the Huskies faced off against the Trojans on Saturday in a shootout that ended at just under 100 total points.
The former Indiana quarterback has shown immense improvement since being traded to join Kalen Deboer, and it has made all the difference in the world.
Penix has still struggled a bit in recent games, but there’s no denying he was solid in his latest performance, continuing to reflect his year-over-year improvement mechanically and as a passer while still remaining in good health.
Latest match stats: vs. USC, (W, 52-42), 22-30 passing, 256 yards, 2 TD, INT, rush TD
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4. Drake Maye, UNC
Maye did not receive adequate support from his supporting cast, game-in and game-out, which did him and the Tar Heels no favors.
The quarterback himself, however, has always played at a high level despite some risky throws that scouts would like to see eliminated a little more from his game in the future.
Aside from that, though, Maye still has a lot more to like that outweighs the drawbacks, between his NFL-ready frame, arm strength, throw speed and impeccable ball placement.
Latest game stats: vs. Campbell (V, 59-7), 16-23 assists, 4 TDs
5. Jayden Daniels, LSU
LSU didn’t have its best game against Alabama, but Daniels shouldn’t be the one blamed for the Tigers’ shortcoming in the contest. If anything, some of LSU’s struggles could cast a shadow that slows Daniels’ Heisman Trophy campaign, even though he’s given the team a chance in every contest.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Daniels during his time at Arizona State was whether or not he would still be effective at scoring through the air, despite his impressive mobility. By the end of his final season, he was practically considered a passer by many.
It’s safe to say he’s completely bounced back in Baton Rouge, scoring a total of 44 passing touchdowns over the past two seasons, compared to the 32 passing touchdowns he scored in three seasons at Arizona State.
Latest game stats: vs. Alabama (L, 42-28), 15-24 passing, 219 yards, 2 TD, INT
6. JJ McCarthy, Michigan
McCarthy has become a bit of a polarizing prospect among draft gurus, with some calling him “overrated” and viewing him as more of a game manager type.
His slight build at 6-3, 203 pounds is also something that has been questioned, although it is something that can be worked on and there are quarterbacks of similar types who have had successful careers in the NFL.
One thing to consider is how much of a game manager Michigan’s scheme itself makes McCarthy look like, given some of the big throws we saw from him in his time as a starter for the Wolverines.
Latest game stats: vs. Purdue (W, 41-13), 24-37 passing, 335 yards
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7. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Sanders turned heads at Jackson State and he and his father made Mississippi history, but he has seen his name in headlines much more often since moving to Colorado.
The Buffaloes are off to a hot start that hasn’t exactly been sustained, but Sanders remains one of the best signal callers in the country thanks to his high level of accuracy, anticipation and ability to take care of the football. It has also become clear that Sanders has been playing through injury lately, as he told reporters after the game against the Bruins.
Colorado, however, has work to do as a team to end its three-game losing streak.
Latest game stats: vs. Oregon State (L, 26-19), 24 of 39 passing, 245 yards, 2 TD, INT
8. Riley Leonard, Duke
Leonard showed tremendous upside as a true dual-threat quarterback who was integral to Duke’s transformation of his program, but he was hampered by an injury that clearly affected his level of play and has now sidelined indefinitely.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Leonard missed the remainder of the season after Mike Elko announced he would be out “for an extended period of time.”
There’s a lot to like about Leonard as a player who brings just about everything you want as a first or second round prospect, we may have to wait until next season to see him again.
Latest game stats: vs. Louisville (L, 23-0), 9 of 23 passes, 121 yards, 0 TD, INT
9. Jordan Travis, Florida State
Travis and his Seminoles haven’t made as much headlines as they did earlier in the season when he was surrounded by Heisman attention, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t play a high level.
The team still hasn’t lost a single game all season, and Travis has been one of the key cogs in the machine there (well, much more than that).
He is now the only active player in the country and the first in program history to total seven rushing touchdowns in four consecutive seasons. With Travis at the helm, the Seminoles have totaled no less than 268 passing yards in their last four games.
Latest game stats: vs. Pitt (W, 24-7), 22-36, 360 yards, TD
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10. Michael Pratt, Tulane
From virtually unknown to one of the key factors in taking Tulane from lowly 2-10 team to New Year’s Six Bowl champion, Pratt was one of the best stories in college football.
And now he gets credit where it’s due. That being said, Pratt didn’t look completely like himself for a long time after injuring his knee in Week 1 against South Alabama. Pratt struggled with accuracy issues and was particularly limited on the ground, although all of that seemed to have changed over time as he got into Tulane’s clutch both in the air and on the ground at during his last two matches.
From the product he put on the field, it’s clear his decline was linked to what ailed him. Everything he has as a decisive passer who can get the job done at all levels of the court and pass the ball intelligently, while cutting down on recklessness, was on display.
Latest game stats: vs. East Carolina (V, 13-10), 16-25 passing, 213 yards, TD
