From true freshmen making a name for themselves early in their collegiate careers to seasoned veterans and transfer portal passers blossoming at the right time, the 2025 college football season has seen incredible quarterback play.
Who has been the best of the best? Our college football QB power rankings break down every quarterback from first to worst, using the PFSN College QB Impact metric to stack the nation’s premier passers.
1) Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores
- PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 97.9 (A+)
Diego Pavia really is one of the greatest stories in college football. His transition from JUCO player to Auburn slayer with New Mexico State and now to being the face of a resurgent Vanderbilt Commodores football team is the stuff of fairy tales. Yet, his journey isn’t just a fluff piece for halftime programming or human interest articles. He’s a legitimate college football QB.
It might be a surprise for some to see his name atop our college football QB power rankings, but perhaps you just haven’t paid enough attention. The Vanderbilt QB ranks in the top 10 nationally for completion percentage (71.8%), passing touchdowns (26), and third/fourth down conversion (50.0%), while thriving in big-game moments, including when it matters in close games and at the end of the half.
2) Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Hoosiers
- PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 96.1 (A)
The top of the college football QB power rankings forms something of a who’s who of exceptional transfer portal talents. After impressing for the Cal Golden Bears a year ago, Fernando Mendoza has stepped into the Indiana Hoosiers’ offense and immediately elevated both his game and the performance of the program. Heading into Week 14, both are riding high.
No quarterback in the country has more passing touchdowns (30) than Mendoza, who also ranks in the top 10 nationally for net yards per attempt (9.2) and third/fourth down conversion (five). While not the most athletic of passers, he’s also shown prowess on the move, helping power the 14th-ranked rushing offense in the nation. Don’t be surprised to see him in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony in mid-December.
3) Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans
- PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 95.1 (A)
After making a name for himself with the UNLV Rebels, Jayden Maiava split time with Miller Moss in his first season under Lincoln Riley. In 2025, he’s established himself not only as the unchallenged QB1 of the USC Trojans but also as one of the very best quarterbacks in the country. Heading into Week 14, he leads the Big Ten in passing yards (3,174), no mean feat when you consider the competition within that conference.
Maiava’s success isn’t just a product of inflated numbers in a high-volume offensive system, however. While he’s attempted the 21st-most passes in the country, he’s averaging the seventh-most passing yards per game with the ninth-most yards per pass attempt. Meanwhile, the USC quarterback has been money when it matters, converting on third/fourth downs on 51.9% of attempts, the second-most among 213 eligible quarterbacks.
4) Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes
- PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 93.8 (A)
The level of expectation to come in and lead an offense that delivered a national title a year ago can’t be understated, and Julian Sayin has delivered at every turn in his debut season as the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Of course, it helps when you have an elite receiver room to throw to, but the former Alabama passer has been exquisite in his own right.
No one has completed more of their pass attempts (79.4%) this season than Sayin, who pairs efficiency with deep pass capability, having averaged 9.3 net yards per pass attempt ahead of Week 14. He ranks fourth in the nation for passing touchdowns (27) while throwing only four interceptions and matches Maiava with 51.9% conversion on money downs.
5) Liam Szarka, Air Force Falcons
- PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 93.0 (A-)
His positioning in our college football QB power rankings might seem like an anomaly, but there is no denying what Liam Szarka brings to the table as the driving force of the Air Force Falcons’ offense. Unsurprisingly, given the number of designed runs as part of the option offense, he ranks third in the nation for rushing yards (922) and rushing touchdowns (13).
Yet, when called on as a passer, Szarka has proven just as effective. His 10.4 net yards per attempt rank third in the country. When the game is on the line, he’s been as good as anyone, recording a 0.7 close game EPA, and he leads the nation with a 1.04 clean pocket EPA. The Air Force quarterback also performs on “money downs,” with a 51.7% third/fourth down conversion rate that ranks fourth in the nation.
6) Gunner Stockton, Georgia Bulldogs
- PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 92.7 (A-)
Many people were skeptical about the Georgia Bulldogs entering the 2025 college football season, with unproven Gunner Stockton under center. Still, the redshirt junior quarterback has been the architect of one of the top offenses in the country this fall. There might not be any headline numbers to hang his hat on, but he has been as solid as a rock in all phases.
Stockton has completed 71.4% of his pass attempts in 2025 (11th nationally) while converting on 50.5% of his third/fourth down attempts. The Georgia quarterback has been ruthless in the opposing half, registering a 0.53 EPA in the opponent’s half that ranks third in the country.
The Bulldogs’ ground game hasn’t been as good as we’ve seen historically, but Stockton still has eight rushing touchdowns and strong designed run (0.66) and scramble EPA (0.26) numbers.
7) Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss Rebels
- PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 92.4 (A-)
The rise of Trinidad Chambliss from DII Ferris State to leading the Ole Miss Rebels offense is one of the best stories of the 2025 college football season. Taking over from the injured Austin Simmons, Chambliss seized his opportunity and never looked back, putting on display after display of elite passing and dangerous dual-threat football that has led the Rebels to the verge of the College Football Playoff.
Chambliss ranks in the top 20 nationally for net yards per attempt (8.7) and third/fourth down conversion (47.0%) and top 10 for scramble EPA per rush (1.13). He’s also one of just 22 quarterbacks in our college football QB power rankings with a positive pressured EPA per dropback (0.08), a remarkable feat given his inexperience at the FBS level.
8) Luke Altmyer, Illinois Fighting Illini
- PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 91.2 (A-)
Although a season that had shown much promise fell away from the Illinois Fighting Illini, Luke Altmyer has been a consistent playmaker for the offense this season.
His ability to keep the Illini in contests, perhaps best evidenced by the drive that led to a game-winning field goal over USC, led to the 10th-best close game EPA (0.89) in the country through 13 weeks of this season.
Altmyer also ranks in the top 25 nationally for completion percentage (68.1%) and passing touchdowns (21) ahead of Week 14, while boasting a 1.44 clutch sum that ranks 11th in the country.
9) Demond Williams Jr., Washington Huskies
- PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 91.1 (A-)
2025 has had its ups and downs for Demond Williams Jr. (with the three-interception outing against the Michigan Wolverines a noticeable low point), but there’s no doubt that the Washington Huskies standout is one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Terrifyingly, for the rest of college football, the young buck is only getting better, and his ninth-place ranking in our college football QB power rankings may well be just the beginning.
MORE: Strength of Schedule for All 136 FBS College Football Teams
Williams has engineered the fourth-ranked offense in the country, showcasing efficiency with a 72.0% completion percentage and the ability to drive the ball downfield with 8.6 net yards per attempt. The Washington quarterback is equally as dangerous with his legs as with his arm, rushing for 568 yards and logging a 0.65 EPA on scramble plays.
10) Haynes King, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
- PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 91.1 (A-)
Look up “grit” in the dictionary, and you should find a picture of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King. Aside, perhaps, from Pavia (who sits atop our college football QB power rankings), no player is as instrumental to their team’s success with their leave it all on the field style of play. King routinely straps this Yellow Jackets team onto his back.
The Georgia Tech quarterback ranks in the top 10 nationally for completion percentage (71.8%) and third/fourth down conversion (48.7%) while averaging 8.3 net yards per attempt. While he’s a threat through the air, King does the most damage with the ball in his hands on the move, leading all college football quarterbacks with 15 touchdowns and tallying 883 rushing yards ahead of the season finale against Georgia.
College Football QB Power Rankings | Best of the Rest
11) Byrum Brown, USF Bulls: 90.9 (A−)
12) Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati Bearcats: 90.8 (A−)
13) Ty Simpson, Alabama Crimson Tide: 90.6 (A−)
14) Joe Fagnano, UConn Huskies: 90.6 (A−)
15) Colton Joseph, Old Dominion Monarchs: 90.4 (A−)
16) Darian Mensah, Duke Blue Devils: 90.4 (A−)
17) Blake Horvath, Navy Midshipmen: 89.8 (B+)
18) Jake Retzlaff, Tulane Green Wave: 89.7 (B+)
19) Taylen Green, Arkansas Razorbacks: 89.5 (B+)
20) Brad Jackson, Texas State Bobcats: 89.5 (B+)
21) Devon Dampier, Utah Utes: 89 (B+)
22) Tommy Castellanos, Florida State Seminoles: 88.9 (B+)
23) Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks: 88.6 (B+)
24) Drew Mestemaker, North Texas Mean Green: 88.4 (B+)
25) Bear Bachmeier, BYU Cougars: 88.3 (B+)
26) CJ Carr, Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 88.2 (B+)
27) Marcel Reed, Texas A&M Aggies: 87.6 (B+)
28) Anthony Colandrea, UNLV Rebels: 87.5 (B+)
29) Jalon Daniels, Kansas Jayhawks: 87.4 (B+)
30) Josh Hoover, TCU Horned Frogs: 87.3 (B+)
31) Joey Aguilar, Tennessee Volunteers: 87.3 (B+)
32) Bryson Barnes, Utah State Aggies: 86.9 (B)
33) Carson Beck, Miami (FL) Hurricanes: 86.6 (B)
34) Conner Weigman, Houston Cougars: 86.5 (B)
35) CJ Bailey, North Carolina State Wolfpack: 86.5 (B)
36) Noah Fifita, Arizona Wildcats: 86.2 (B)
37) Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, Marshall Thundering Herd: 86.1 (B)
38) Sawyer Robertson, Baylor Bears: 85.8 (B)
39) Brendon Lewis, Memphis Tigers: 85.8 (B)
40) Caden Veltkamp, Florida Atlantic Owls: 85.5 (B)
41) Avery Johnson, Kansas State Wildcats: 85.3 (B)
42) Cale Hellums, Army Black Knights: 85.3 (B)
43) Nick Minicucci, Delaware Fightin Blue Hens: 85.1 (B)
44) Lunch Winfield, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: 84.9 (B)
45) Katin Houser, East Carolina Pirates: 84.8 (B)
46) Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns: 84.8 (B)
47) Evan Simon, Temple Owls: 84.5 (B)
48) Cameran Brown, Georgia State Panthers: 84.3 (B)
49) Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers Scarlet Knights: 84.3 (B)
50) Alonza Barnett III, James Madison Dukes: 84.3 (B)
51) Braylon Braxton, Southern Miss Golden Eagles: 83.6 (B)
52) Rocco Becht, Iowa State Cyclones: 83.6 (B)
53) Kevin Jennings, SMU Mustangs: 83.5 (B)
54) Chandler Morris, Virginia Cavaliers: 83.5 (B)
55) Steve Angeli, Syracuse Orange: 83.3 (B)
56) LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks: 83.2 (B)
57) Broc Lowry, Western Michigan Broncos: 83.1 (B)
58) Jacob Clark, Missouri State Bears: 82.9 (B−)
59) Aidan Chiles, Michigan State Spartans: 82.8 (B−)
60) Maddux Madsen, Boise State Broncos: 82.6 (B−)
61) JC French IV, Georgia Southern Eagles: 82.6 (B−)
62) Micah Alejado, Hawaii Warriors: 82.4 (B−)
63) Noah Kim, Eastern Michigan Eagles: 82.2 (B−)
64) Behren Morton, Texas Tech Red Raiders: 82.2 (B−)
65) Cutter Boley, Kentucky Wildcats: 82.2 (B−)
66) Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers: 82.1 (B−)
67) Tucker Gleason, Toledo Rockets: 81.9 (B−)
68) Bishop Davenport, South Alabama Jaguars: 81.9 (B−)
69) Bryce Underwood, Michigan Wolverines: 81.7 (B−)
70) Sam Leavitt, Arizona State Sun Devils: 81.6 (B−)
71) Jaylen Raynor, Arkansas State Red Wolves: 81.5 (B−)
72) Dylan Raiola, Nebraska Cornhuskers: 81.5 (B−)
73) Beau Pribula, Missouri Tigers: 81.5 (B−)
74) John Mateer, Oklahoma Sooners: 81.2 (B−)
75) Walker Eget, San Jose State Spartans: 81.1 (B−)
76) Owen McCown, UTSA Roadrunners: 81 (B−)
77) Will Hammond, Texas Tech Red Raiders: 80.9 (B−)
78) Kaidon Salter, Colorado Buffaloes: 80.8 (B−)
79) Drake Lindsey, Minnesota Golden Gophers: 80.7 (B−)
80) Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Bruins: 80.7 (B−)
81) Parker Navarro, Ohio Bobcats: 80.7 (B−)
82) Joe Labas, Central Michigan Chippewas: 80.7 (B−)
83) Robby Ashford, Wake Forest Demon Deacons: 80.7 (B−)
84) Amari Odom, Kennesaw State Owls: 80.6 (B−)
85) Jack Layne, New Mexico Lobos: 80.6 (B−)
86) Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech Hokies: 80.4 (B−)
87) Tucker Kilcrease, Troy Trojans: 80.3 (B−)
88) KJ Jackson, Arkansas Razorbacks: 80.2 (B−)
89) Luke Duncan, UCLA Bruins: 80.2 (B−)
90) Mason Heintschel, Pittsburgh Panthers: 80.2 (B−)
91) Miller Moss, Louisville Cardinals: 80 (C+)
92) TJ Lateef, Nebraska Cornhuskers: 80 (C+)
93) Baylor Hayes, Tulsa Golden Hurricane: 79.7 (C+)
94) Zevi Eckhaus, Washington State Cougars: 79.6 (C+)
95) Conner Harrell, Charlotte 49ers: 79.6 (C+)
96) Drew Allar, Penn State Nittany Lions: 79.4 (C+)
97) Blake Shapen, Mississippi State Bulldogs: 79.3 (C+)
98) Preston Stone, Northwestern Wildcats: 79 (C+)
99) Mark Gronowski, Iowa Hawkeyes: 78.9 (C+)
100) Maverick McIvor, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: 78.9 (C+)
101) Jackson Arnold, Auburn Tigers: 78.8 (C+)
102) Dru DeShields, Kent State Golden Flashes: 78.8 (C+)
103) Goose Crowder, Troy Trojans: 78.7 (C+)
104) Michael Van Buren Jr., LSU Tigers: 78.5 (C+)
105) Malik Washington, Maryland Terrapins: 78.4 (C+)
106) Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California Golden Bears: 78.3 (C+)
107) Ryan Browne, Purdue Boilermakers: 78.3 (C+)
108) Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers: 78.1 (C+)
109) Dequan Finn, Miami (OH) RedHawks: 78 (C+)
110) Rodney Tisdale Jr., Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: 78 (C+)
111) Aaron Philo, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: 77.8 (C+)
112) Tama Amisone, San Jose State Spartans: 77.7 (C+)
113) Roman Gagliano, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: 77.6 (C+)
114) Jalen Kitna, UAB Blazers: 77.6 (C+)
115) Jeff Sims, Arizona State Sun Devils: 77.6 (C+)
116) Ryder Burton, UAB Blazers: 77.6 (C+)
117) Ethan Vasko, Liberty Flames: 77.5 (C+)
118) Samari Collier, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: 77.4 (C+)
119) Tayven Jackson, UCF Knights: 77.3 (C+)
120) Chase Jenkins, Rice Owls: 77.2 (C+)
121) Gio Lopez, North Carolina Tar Heels: 77.2 (C+)
122) Ethan Grunkemeyer, Penn State Nittany Lions: 77 (C+)
123) JJ Kohl, Appalachian State Mountaineers: 76.9 (C)
124) Malachi Singleton, Purdue Boilermakers: 76.7 (C)
125) Dylan Lonergan, Boston College Eagles: 76.6 (C)
126) Dewayne Coleman, Army Black Knights: 76.5 (C)
127) Ben Finley, Akron Zips: 76.4 (C)
128) Blake Baker, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: 76.2 (C)
129) Luke Weaver, Hawaii Warriors: 76.1 (C)
130) Joe Pesansky, Florida International Golden Panthers: 76.1 (C)
131) Caden Creel, Jacksonville State Gamecocks: 75.8 (C)
132) Ashton Daniels, Auburn Tigers: 75.8 (C)
133) Grayson James, Boston College Eagles: 75.6 (C)
134) Scotty Fox Jr., West Virginia Mountaineers: 75.5 (C)
135) Maalik Murphy, Oregon State Beavers: 75.4 (C)
136) Eli Holstein, Pittsburgh Panthers: 75.2 (C)
137) Josh Johnson, Air Force Falcons: 75.2 (C)
138) Ta’Quan Roberson, Buffalo Bulls: 75.1 (C)
139) Skyler Locklear, UTEP Miners: 74.6 (C)
140) Deuce Bailey, Missouri State Bears: 74.5 (C)
141) Ryan Staub, Colorado Buffaloes: 74.5 (C)
142) Gavin Wimsatt, Jacksonville State Gamecocks: 74.4 (C)
143) Nicholas Vattiato, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: 74.3 (C)
144) Elijah Brown, Stanford Cardinal: 74 (C)
145) Dexter Williams II, Kennesaw State Owls: 73.9 (C)
146) Cam Fancher, UCF Knights: 73.8 (C)
147) Kiael Kelly, Ball State Cardinals: 73.7 (C)
148) E.J. Warner, Fresno State Bulldogs: 73.7 (C)
149) Danny O’Neil, Wisconsin Badgers: 73.5 (C)
150) Jackson Brousseau, Colorado State Rams: 73.4 (C)
151) Trey Kukuk, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: 73.3 (C)
152) Adam Damante, New Mexico State Aggies: 73.3 (C)
153) Zane Flores, Oklahoma State Cowboys: 73 (C)
154) DJ Lagway, Florida Gators: 72.9 (C−)
155) Logan Fife, New Mexico State Aggies: 72.8 (C−)
156) Jaxon Potter, Washington State Cougars: 72.6 (C−)
157) AJ Swann, Appalachian State Mountaineers: 72.3 (C−)
158) Christopher Vizzina, Clemson Tigers: 72.2 (C−)
159) Keyone Jenkins, Florida International Golden Panthers: 72 (C−)
160) Austin Simmons, Ole Miss Rebels: 71.6 (C−)
161) Ben Gulbranson, Stanford Cardinal: 71.6 (C−)
162) Hunter Watson, Sam Houston Bearkats: 71.5 (C−)
163) Kaden Anderson, Wyoming Cowboys: 71.3 (C−)
164) Carter Jones, Nevada Wolf Pack: 71.2 (C−)
165) T.J. Finley, Georgia State Panthers: 71 (C−)
166) Brady Jones, Western Michigan Broncos: 70.3 (C−)
167) Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Colorado State Rams: 70.3 (C−)
168) Aidan Armenta, Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks: 70.3 (C−)
169) Alessio Milivojevic, Michigan State Spartans: 70.2 (C−)
170) Kirk Francis, Tulsa Golden Hurricane: 69.8 (D+)
171) Angel Flores, Central Michigan Chippewas: 69.7 (D+)
172) Matt Zollers, Missouri Tigers: 69.3 (D+)
173) Drew Pyne, Bowling Green Falcons: 69.3 (D+)
174) Nicco Marchiol, West Virginia Mountaineers: 69 (D+)
175) Tad Hudson, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: 69 (D+)
176) Rickie Collins, Syracuse Orange: 69 (D+)
177) Zach Wilcke, Charlotte 49ers: 68.9 (D+)
178) Carter Smith, Wisconsin Badgers: 68.7 (D+)
179) Max Johnson, North Carolina Tar Heels: 68.6 (D+)
180) Landyn Locke, Sam Houston Bearkats: 68.4 (D+)
181) Khalil Wilkins, West Virginia Mountaineers: 68.3 (D+)
182) Jayden Denegal, San Diego State Aztecs: 68 (D+)
183) Grayson Loftis, Charlotte 49ers: 67.8 (D+)
184) Zion Turner, Marshall Thundering Herd: 67.6 (D+)
185) Hunter Simmons, Wisconsin Badgers: 67.1 (D+)
186) Darius Curry, Colorado State Rams: 66.9 (D)
187) Deshawn Purdie, Wake Forest Demon Deacons: 66.9 (D)
188) Hunter Najm, Bowling Green Falcons: 66.8 (D)
189) Landry Lyddy, Southern Miss Golden Eagles: 66.7 (D)
190) Julian Lewis, Colorado Buffaloes: 66.3 (D)
191) Gabarri Johnson, Oregon State Beavers: 66.3 (D)
192) Josh Holst, Northern Illinois Huskies: 66.2 (D)
193) Max Cutforth, Boise State Broncos: 66.1 (D)
194) Chubba Purdy, Nevada Wolf Pack: 65.5 (D)
195) Malachi Nelson, UTEP Miners: 65.4 (D)
196) Daniel Beale, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: 64.8 (D)
197) Grant Jordan, UMass Minutemen: 64.8 (D)
198) Brandon Rose, UMass Minutemen: 64.6 (D)
199) Daniel Kaelin, Virginia Cavaliers: 64.3 (D)
200) Sam Jackson V, Oklahoma State Cowboys: 64.2 (D)
201) Joseph Filardi, Syracuse Orange: 64.2 (D)
202) Zach Calzada, Kentucky Wildcats: 64 (D)
203) Mabrey Mettauer, Sam Houston Bearkats: 63.8 (D)
204) Brady Davidson, Northern Illinois Huskies: 63.5 (D)
205) AJ Hairston, UMass Minutemen: 63.3 (D)
206) Carson Conklin, Fresno State Bulldogs: 63 (D)
207) Henry Hesson, Miami (OH) RedHawks: 62.9 (D−)
208) Lucian Anderson III, Bowling Green Falcons: 61.5 (D−)
209) MJ Morris, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: 60.9 (D−)
210) Gunnar Gray, Buffalo Bulls: 60.9 (D−)
211) Evan Bullock, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: 59.7 (F)
212) Walker Howard, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: 58.8 (F)
213) Noah Gillon, Appalachian State Mountaineers: 54.7 (F)