Week 1 was a college football quarterback buffet — some guys feasted, others left hungry. Thanks to PFSN’s College QBi metric, we’re serving up the real rankings, cutting through the box scores and hype to reveal who truly cooked and who got cooked.
PFSN College’s QB Impact assigns a letter grade to a quarterback’s performance. We arrive at the grade by considering both a QB’s passing and rushing performance. Certain more stable factors, like clean pocket performance and designed rushing success, get weighted more than less stable ones, like pressure performance and scrambling.
We also add a “clutch” component that gives extra weight to how quarterbacks perform in high-leverage situations.
25) Chandler Morris, Virginia
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 79.4 (C+)
Chandler Morris entered Saturday’s contest against Coastal Carolina as just one of 15 FBS quarterbacks expected to open the season as his team’s starting QB for the fourth consecutive year. His experience in the pocket led to 264 yards and two touchdowns (the 14th time in his career he’s thrown for more than 250 yards in a game) before a helmet-to-helmet hit took him out of the game early in the third quarter. He is expected to play Saturday vs. NC State – a chance to up his grade against a Wolfpack defense that doesn’t bring too much pressure.
24) Nick Minicucci, Delaware
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 80 (B-)
The Blue Hens started their FBS era with a bang, defeating Delaware State 35-17. Nick Minicucci was waterproof — throwing for 270 yards and three scores and running for 44 yards and another score. The junior QB delivered on script, took what the defense gave him, and sprinkled in just enough mobility to keep the Hornets guessing. He set career marks in yards, completions (28), and attempts (36). He was sacked twice, something he will be looking to avoid more of against Colorado in Week 2.
23) Braylon Braxton, Southern Miss
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 80 (B-)
Braylon Braxton tried to build a masterpiece, but mostly painted in broad strokes. He went 26-for-39 for 199 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, and added 58 rushing yards — a solid dual-threat hustle. But against an SEC-caliber squad, his brilliance was mostly in flashes; two crisp TD drives bookended an otherwise quiet performance, and that pick was a costly punctuation against a dominant Mississippi State second half.
22) Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 80.1 (B-)
The graduate QB, Diego Pavia, worked smart on Saturday — he only needed to complete 20 passes against Charleston Southern in Vandy’s 45-3 win. He matched his Vanderbilt single-game high in passing yards with 275 and added three touchdowns to sweeten the pot. He was efficient, confident, and completely in control. An additional 44 yards on the ground and no INTs earn him his top-25 grade.
21) Joe Fagnano, Connecticut
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 80.2 (B-)
In-state rivalries are always fun — unless you are Central Connecticut’s defense, that is. The Huskies, led by Joe Fagnano, set a new school record with 638 yards of offense, including 388 passing yards and four touchdowns. Fagnano tossed three of them to two different receivers and scampered four yards in for a score of his own. The graduate QB threw 25 passes with no miscues and only suffered one sack.
20) Behren Morton, Texas Tech
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 80.5 (B-)
Behren Morton, the senior QB, played less than a half of the Week 1 game and still managed to make the top-20. Before exiting the game in the second quarter after a nasty hit to his lower right leg, Morton threw for 201 yards and four touchdowns in the Red Raiders’ rout of Arkansas Pine-Bluff. Morton was calm in the pocket, sharp on timing routes, and ruthless in the red zone. He is day-to-day heading into Kent State in Week 2.
19) Tucker Gleason, Toledo
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 80.5 (B-)
Tucker Gleason turned Week 1 into a late-game spark show — throwing for 270 yards while narrowly missing rhythm early, and then salvaging style points in the fourth quarter with both a rushing touchdown and a late aerial score to Junior Vandeross III. His arm did most of the work, but he also chipped in a crucial nine-yard rushing touchdown; small moments that made it a gritty, can’t-count-him-out kind of debut.
18) Drew Mestemaker, North Texas
- Â Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 80.8 (B-)
The Mean Green recorded its first shutout in 22 seasons with a 51-0 win over Lamar. And while the defense did its thing, Drew Mestemaker absolutely lit up the field with a dazzling mix of precision and poise. He went 24-of-32 for 329 yards and three touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown. His ability to read the game and adapt under pressure impressed.
17) Jackson Arnold, Auburn
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 81.4 (B-)
Jackson Arnold served up a masterclass in football finesse, effortlessly mixing choice pinpoint passes with nimble footwork while leading the Tigers to a 38-24 victory over Baylor. The near hometown hero rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 8.6 yards per carry while also passing for 108 yards. Arnold’s performance was a delightful cocktail of talent and tenacity.
16) Beau Pribula, Missouri
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 81.8 (B-)
If you like high-scoring games, Week 1 of college football was for you. Beau Pribula threw for two touchdowns and ran for two touchdowns in Mizzou’s 61-6 win over Central Arkansas. The Penn State transfer looked right at home in the high-powered Drinkwitz. It won’t be quite as easy for Pribula in Week 2 as the renewal of the Border War rivalry brings the Jayhawks to Memorial Stadium for the first time since 2006. That will be a true test for the graduate QB.
15) Goose Crowder, Troy
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 82 (B-)
Sporting one of the best names in the game, Goose Crowder, the redshirt junior West Virginia transfer led his team to a comeback 38-20 victory over Nicholls Saturday night, showing his resilience and composure. Crowder completed 14 passes for 144 yards and three touchdown passes and no interceptions. He also carried the ball seven times for 43 yards and another touchdown. Crowder’s pace was impressive, particularly orchestrating that eight-minute, fourth-quarter comeback.
14) Miller Moss, Louisville
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 82.2 (B-)
Another guy with a good name, Miller Moss, showed just how fun Louisville is going to be this year. Jeff Brohm and Moss are a perfect match — even Nick Saban acknowledged it. Moss went 17-of-25 for 231 yards, one passing touchdown, and one rushing touchdown in the Cards’ 51-17 victory over Eastern Kentucky. Moss is a smart QB and a pretty passer, but we will have to wait for conference play to see the true breadth of his ability in the ‘Ville.
13) Joey Aguilar, Tennessee
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 82.3 (B-)
Orchestrating the Vols’ 45-26 victory over Syracuse in the AFLAC Kickoff Game earned Joey Aguilar the Manning Award Star of the Week honors. His playmaking was dynamic and spicy as he showcased his ability to ignite an offense. He did force some throws into tight coverage on occasion, but overall, his 347 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions were just impressive.
12) LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 82.6 (B-)
LaNorris Sellers showcased a powerful arm with some impressive deep throws and demonstrated agility in the pocket, scrambling for crucial yards when the pressure was on. A couple of missed connections and a tendency to hold on to the ball a bit too long showed some areas for growth. But the 209 passing yards and touchdown, coupled with a rushing touchdown, showcased his ability to lead the team to a 24-11 victory over Virginia Tech.
11) Devon Dampier, Utah
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 82.8 (B-)
Y’all, Utah has a good quarterback! Davon Dampier earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors for his commanding performance in the Utes’ 43-10 victory over UCLA. He is a true dynamic dual-threat QB — he threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a team-high 87 yards and another touchdown.
10) Haynes King, Georgia Tech
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 82.9 (B-)
King helps his team overcome a messy, slow start to defeat Colorado 27-20 at Folsom Field Friday night, specifically his brilliant 45-yard touchdown run with 1:07 left to go in the game. The good road win, coupled with his 156-yard rushing, 143-yard pass, and running for a career-tying three touchdowns (4,17, and 45 yards), earned him a top-10 grade this week.
9) Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 83.2 (B)
One of the most exciting games of Week 1, Nebraska delighted with a 20-17 victory over Cincinnati on Thursday night. It may not have been a Swift victory or even a pretty one, but Dylan Raiola’s 243 passing yards and two touchdowns, specifically the 5-yard toss to secure the lead heading into the half, definitely stood out. Raiola commanded the clock and showed he can handle himself when going off-script.
8) Parker Navarro, Ohio
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 83.8 (B)
Parker Navarro showed out against Rutgers, flexing his dual-threat ability to the max with 239 passing yards and three touchdowns as well as 96 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. The Bobcats nearly felled Rutgers, battling back from a 17-point deficit to fall 34-31 to the Big Ten opponents. The veteran QB showcased an explosive run game and an efficient pass game, prompting Rich Rodriguez to call him “one of the best (quarterbacks) in the country.”
7) Rocco Becht, Iowa State
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 84.6 (B)
We’ve seen quite a bit of Rocco Becht so far, and it’s mostly been impressive. He had a record-setting day under center in the Cyclones’ 55-7 victory over South Dakota on Saturday, completing 95 percent of his passes (19-of-20), which broke the school’s single-game completion percentage record. Fun fact: Becht’s 95 percent mirrored Baker Mayfield’s number vs. UTEP in 2017 for the second-best completion percentage in Big 12 history. He’s efficient, he can find the endzone (three touchdowns), and he can run.
6) Husan Longstreet, USC
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 84.9 (B)
If you like points, USC’s game against Missouri State was for you — 73 seemed a bit like overkill, but the freshman QB shone in his second-half debut, completing all nine of his passes and rushing for two touchdowns. It was Southern California’s highest-scoring game since 1930 and the highest-scoring season opener since a 76-0 win over UCLA in 1929. The LA local, Husan Longstreet, fumbled in the pocket on his second drive, but recovered and showed promise and poise.
5) Anthony Colandrea, UNLV
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 85 (B)
Cementing himself as the superior passer in Las Vegas, Anthony Colandrea went 19-of-23 for 249 yards and two touchdowns and only one interception in UNLV’s 38-21 win over Sam Houston. Â He also contributed on the ground with 23 yards and another touchdown, proving he is the guy Dan Mullen will definitely lean on this season.
4) Jaylen Raynor, Arkansas State
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 86.2 (B)
Jaylen Raynor boasted an 81.3 completion percentage this week, completing 26 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns in the Red Wolves’ 42-24 win over Southeast Missouri State Saturday night. He demonstrated good decision-making in the pass game, utilizing ten different receivers. He scrambled out of the pocket well and made some deep passes downfield. He will need to stay light on his feet as the Red Wolves will face Arkansas in Week 2.
3) Taylen Green, Arkansas
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 88.2 (B+)
Taylen Green can throw the damn ball — the senior QB tied for the second most scoring passes in a single game in Arkansas history, throwing six touchdowns in the Razorbacks’ 52-7 win over Alabama A&M Saturday. What’s even more impressive is that he connected with five different receivers, not that he scores. Not surprising I guess since Arkansas lost 94 percent of its receiving yards from last season. Green left after three quarters, finishing with 322 passing yards and nine carries for 41 yards of rushing.
2) Jayden Maiava, USC
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 89.1 (B+)
Two USC quarterbacks are on this list. That’s fun. Jayden Maiava was the first half captain for the Trojans, leading the charge with 304 yards of offense and three total touchdowns with nary a turnover in sight. His 295 passing yards were the most by a Trojan in the first half since Kedon Slovis threw for 347 against ASU in 2019. Maiava is highly efficient this season and leads the nation in passing yards per completion (19.67) and yards per pass attempt (16.39). He’s clearly a go big or go home kind of guy.
1) Evan Simon, Temple
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 90.7 (A-)
The only QB to achieve “A” status, Evan Simon was absolutely stellar in his season debut with the Temple Owls, leading the team to a 42-10 victory over Massachusetts and throwing a record-setting six touchdown passes. Simon was efficient (19-of-25), he was confident with the ball, and he was careful – it was just his second career game featuring 5+ touchdowns with zero interceptions. He faked handoffs with ease, and he threaded needles with precision. His possible secret to success – a comfy air mattress in the cold football facilities.
College Football QB Rankings | 26-139
26) Brad Jackson, Texas State Bobcats: 79.1 (C+)
27) Gunner Stockton, Georgia Bulldogs: 78.7 (C+)
28) Carson Beck, Miami (FL) Hurricanes: 78.7 (C+)
29) Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks: 78.6 (C+)
30) CJ Bailey, North Carolina State Wolfpack: 78.4 (C+)
31) Maverick McIvor, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: 78.3 (C+)
32) Tommy Castellanos, Florida State Seminoles: 78.2 (C+)
33) Ethan Vasko, Liberty Flames: 78.1 (C+)
34) Kaden Anderson, Wyoming Cowboys: 77.9 (C+)
35) Tayven Jackson, UCF Knights: 77.8 (C+)
36) Conner Harrell, Charlotte 49ers: 77.7 (C+)
37) Walker Eget, San Jose State Spartans: 77.3 (C+)
38) Marcel Reed, Texas A&M Aggies: 77.2 (C+)
39) Katin Houser, East Carolina Pirates: 77.1 (C+)
40) AJ Swann, Appalachian State Mountaineers: 76.9 (C)
41) Kaidon Salter, Colorado Buffaloes: 76.8 (C)
42) Jack Layne, New Mexico Lobos: 76.7 (C)
43) Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Hoosiers: 76.4 (C)
44) Josh Hoover, TCU Horned Frogs: 76.4 (C)
45) Jalen Kitna, UAB Blazers: 76.1 (C)
46) Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes: 76.0 (C)
47) Luke Altmyer, Illinois Fighting Illini: 76.0 (C)
48) Sawyer Robertson, Baylor Bears: 75.9 (C)
49) Colton Joseph, Old Dominion Monarchs: 75.7 (C)
50) Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Colorado State Rams: 75.6 (C)
51) Blake Shapen, Mississippi State Bulldogs: 75.6 (C)
52) Dylan Lonergan, Boston College Eagles: 75.6 (C)
53) Aidan Chiles, Michigan State Spartans: 75.5 (C)
54) Demond Williams Jr., Washington Huskies: 75.4 (C)
55) Chubba Purdy, Nevada Wolf Pack: 75.3 (C)
56) Ryan Browne, Purdue Boilermakers: 75.2 (C)
57) Noah Kim, Eastern Michigan Eagles: 75.1 (C)
58) Bear Bachmeier, BYU Cougars: 75.1 (C)
59) Mark Gronowski, Iowa Hawkeyes: 74.8 (C)
60) Malik Washington, Maryland Terrapins: 74.7 (C)
61) Keyone Jenkins, Florida International Golden Panthers: 74.4 (C)
62) Broc Lowry, Western Michigan Broncos: 74.3 (C)
63) Luke Weaver, Hawaii Warriors: 74.3 (C)
64) Zane Flores, Oklahoma State Cowboys: 74.3 (C)
65) Conner Weigman, Houston Cougars: 74.1 (C)
66) Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech Hokies: 74.1 (C)
67) John Mateer, Oklahoma Sooners: 74.0 (C)
68) Christian Veilleux, Georgia State Panthers: 74.0 (C)
69) Brendon Lewis, Memphis Tigers: 74.0 (C)
70) Steve Angeli, Syracuse Orange: 74.0 (C)
71) Bryson Barnes, Utah State Aggies: 73.9 (C)
72) Kiael Kelly, Ball State Cardinals: 73.7 (C)
73) Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers Scarlet Knights: 73.7 (C)
74) Darian Mensah, Duke Blue Devils: 73.6 (C)
75) Drew Allar, Penn State Nittany Lions: 73.6 (C)
76) Austin Simmons, Mississippi Rebels: 73.3 (C)
77) Drake Lindsey, Minnesota Golden Gophers: 73.3 (C)
78) Eli Holstein, Pittsburgh Panthers: 73.2 (C)
79) Avery Johnson, Kansas State Wildcats: 73.1 (C)
80) Danny O’Neil, Wisconsin Badgers: 73.0 (C-)
81) Tramell Jones Jr., Florida Gators: 73.0 (C-)
82) Aidan Armenta, Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks: 72.8 (C-)
83) E.J. Warner, Fresno State Bulldogs: 72.7 (C-)
84) Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers: 72.4 (C-)
85) Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers: 72.4 (C-)
86) Maalik Murphy, Oregon State Beavers: 72.3 (C-)
87) Ty Simpson, Alabama Crimson Tide: 72.3 (C-)
88) Robby Ashford, Wake Forest Demon Deacons: 72.2 (C-)
89) Kirk Francis, Tulsa Golden Hurricane: 71.8 (C-)
90) Jaxon Potter, Washington State Cougars: 71.7 (C-)
91) Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California Golden Bears: 71.7 (C-)
92) Brady Jones, Western Michigan Broncos: 71.6 (C-)
93) DJ Lagway, Florida Gators: 71.5 (C-)
94) Jake Retzlaff, Tulane Green Wave: 71.3 (C-)
95) CJ Carr, Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 71.0 (C-)
96) Bryce Underwood, Michigan Wolverines: 70.8 (C-)
97) JC French IV, Georgia Southern Eagles: 70.7 (C-)
98) Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns: 70.6 (C-)
99) Walker Howard, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: 70.4 (C-)
100) CJ Montes, Kent State Golden Flashes: 70.1 (C-)
101) Alonza Barnett III, James Madison Dukes: 70.1 (C-)
102) Byrum Brown, USF Bulls: 69.9 (D+)
103) Ta’Quan Roberson, Buffalo Bulls: 69.9 (D+)
104) Micah Alejado, Hawaii Warriors: 69.8 (D+)
105) Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Bruins: 69.8 (D+)
106) Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati Bearcats: 69.6 (D+)
107) Maddux Madsen, Boise State Broncos: 69.6 (D+)
108) Malachi Nelson, UTEP Miners: 69.4 (D+)
109) Gavin Wimsatt, Jacksonville State Gamecocks: 69.3 (D+)
110) Kevin Jennings, SMU Mustangs: 69.2 (D+)
111) Owen McCown, UTSA Roadrunners: 69.0 (D+)
112) Brandon Rose, Massachusetts Minutemen: 68.9 (D+)
113) Nicco Marchiol, West Virginia Mountaineers: 68.9 (D+)
114) Dexter Williams II, Kennesaw State Owls: 68.8 (D+)
115) Cameran Brown, Georgia State Panthers: 68.4 (D+)
116) Trey Kukuk, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: 68.1 (D+)
117) Zach Calzada, Kentucky Wildcats: 68.0 (D+)
118) Sam Leavitt, Arizona State Sun Devils: 67.8 (D+)
119) Dewayne Coleman, Army Black Knights: 67.7 (D+)
120) Jacob Clark, Missouri State Bears: 67.6 (D+)
121) Josh Holst, Northern Illinois Huskies: 67.3 (D+)
122) MJ Morris, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: 67.2 (D+)
123) Preston Stone, Northwestern Wildcats: 67.2 (D+)
124) Noah Fifita, Arizona Wildcats: 67.0 (D)
125) Dequan Finn, Miami (OH) RedHawks: 66.8 (D)
126) Mabrey Mettauer, Sam Houston State Bearkats: 66.2 (D)
127) Jayden Denegal, San Diego State Aztecs: 65.8 (D)
128) Caden Veltkamp, Florida Atlantic Owls: 65.7 (D)
129) Hunter Watson, Sam Houston State Bearkats: 65.5 (D)
130) Angel Flores, Central Michigan Chippewas: 65.3 (D)
131) Ben Finley, Akron Zips: 65.1 (D)
132) Logan Fife, New Mexico State Aggies: 64.6 (D)
133) Chase Jenkins, Rice Owls: 64.3 (D)
134) Jalon Daniels, Kansas Jayhawks: 63.9 (D)
135) Bishop Davenport, South Alabama Jaguars: 63.4 (D)
136) Drew Pyne, Bowling Green Falcons: 63.3 (D)
137) Gio Lopez, North Carolina Tar Heels: 63.2 (D)
138) Cole Gonzales, Pittsburgh Panthers: 60.2 (D-)
139) Nicholas Vattiato, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: 56.6 (F)
