Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of college football and the top quarterbacks shaking up the rankings!
The Rise of the Quarterbacks
After seven intense weeks of college football, the cream is rising to the top. And boy, are these quarterbacks making their mark!
One name that's got everyone talking is Ty Simpson, the Alabama quarterback. Simpson's clutch performances against ranked opponents have him soaring to the top of Heisman conversations. But here's where it gets controversial... Missouri's Beau Pribula and Illinois' Luke Altmyer, who were once considered top contenders, took a mighty fall this week after losses to Alabama and Ohio State.
As we head into week eight, CBS Sports has released their top-25 quarterback rankings, and it's a must-see list!
Ty Simpson (Alabama): Simpson's journey hasn't been without its challenges. After a rough start, he's proven himself as the best quarterback in the SEC since Alabama's opening loss to Florida State. With five consecutive wins, including three against ranked teams, Simpson's stats speak for themselves: 1,678 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and just one interception. His coach, Kalen DeBoer, believes Simpson still has room to grow, with the sky as the limit for this talented player.
Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): Indiana's success this season has been a pleasant surprise, and a lot of it is thanks to transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza. With a 6-0 start and a win over Oregon, Mendoza has thrown for 1,423 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. He's projected to be an early pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and his impact on Indiana's rise cannot be overstated.
Haynes King (Georgia Tech): Leading Georgia Tech to their best season in years, sixth-year quarterback Haynes King is a force to be reckoned with. With wins over Colorado, Clemson, Wake Forest, and Virginia Tech, King has passed for 971 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. He's also a rushing threat, with 440 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. King's Georgia Tech could be 11-0 heading into their season finale against Georgia, and analysts are taking notice of his impressive performances.
Jayden Maiava (USC): USC's junior quarterback, Jayden Maiava, has been a standout performer this season. Under the guidance of quarterback guru Lincoln Riley, Maiava has thrown for 1,852 yards (third most in the NCAA), 13 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. His connection with wide receiver Makai Lemon has been a key to his success, and they form one of the best QB/WR duos in college football.
Julian Sayin (Ohio State): Sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin has been a perfect fit for the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. With 1,479 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and three interceptions, Sayin has dominated Big Ten competition. His connection with superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been a highlight, with seven touchdowns between them. Ohio State's schedule doesn't include any more ranked opponents this season, which could see Sayin lead the team back to the CFP in his first season as starter.
Byrum Brown (USF): Senior quarterback Byrum Brown has been a surprise package this season, leading the USF Bulls to a 5-1 record. Following a dominant win over North Texas, USF looks like a strong contender for the GO5 bid in the College Football Playoff. Brown has passed for 1,439 yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions, and rushed for 364 yards and five scores. His upcoming matchup against Memphis on October 25 could be a game-changer for the GO5 bid.
Demond Williams Jr. (Washington): Demond Williams Jr. is an exciting young talent, and he's been stellar for Washington. With 1,628 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and one interception, Williams has also rushed for 382 yards and four touchdowns. Washington's 5-1 record is a testament to his abilities, and head coach Jedd Fisch believes Williams is a special player.
CJ Carr (Notre Dame): Notre Dame's quarterback CJ Carr started his career with a tough 0-2 record against Miami and Texas A&M, but he's turned it around since. Leading Notre Dame to four consecutive wins, Carr has passed for 1,622 yards, 13 touchdowns, and three interceptions. This weekend, Carr faces off against USC's Jayden Maiava in a highly anticipated quarterback battle.
Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati): After a slow start, Brendan Sorsby has been nearly perfect for Cincinnati. With 1,448 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and one interception, Sorsby has gone five straight games without a pick. He's passed for multiple touchdowns in five consecutive games and is in the mix for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
Sawyer Robertson (Baylor): Baylor's quarterback Sawyer Robertson rounds out the top-10. With 2,058 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and four interceptions, Robertson leads all of college football in these categories. He's passed for at least 300 yards in four games and has surpassed the 400-yard mark twice. Over the next two games, Robertson will face off against Hoover and TCU, and his performance could determine the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
And there you have it, folks! The top-25 quarterbacks in college football, each with their own unique story and impact on the season. Who do you think will emerge as the best? Will any of these players surprise us and take their teams to unexpected heights? Let's keep an eye on these talented individuals and see how the season unfolds.
(Note: The rankings continue with players 11-25, but we'll let you discover those on your own!)
