Two weeks in, the summer haze is gone, and so are the excuses. Quarterbacks are either stepping up or getting exposed, and the line between contenders and pretenders is sharpening. PFSN’s College QBi goes deeper than the box score, spotlighting who elevated their squad in Week 2 — and who looked like they were still on summer vacation.
PFSN College’s QB Impact assigns a letter grade to a quarterback’s performance. We calculate the grade by considering a QB’s passing and rushing performance.
Certain more stable factors, like clean pocket performance and designed rushing success, are 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) Jalon Daniels, Kansas
- Week 2 PFSN College QBi Grade: 80.3 (B-)
The Border War is back and was one of the more fun games in Week 2’s slate. The series began in 1891 but has been on pause since 2011 when Missouri left the Big 12 for the SEC. It returned with a vengeance Saturday, as the Tigers defeated the Jayhawks 42-31 in a bitter battle.
Kansas’s Jalon Daniels, who received high praise from former Heisman winner Desmond Howard before the game, couldn’t quite lead Kansas to the promised land but did finish 18-of-30 for 233 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.
Daniels also led the team in rushing with 10 carries for 17 yards and another touchdown — it was the Jayhawks’ worst rushing effort since 2017.
24) Eli Holstein, Pittsburgh
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 80.4 (B-)
Eli Holstein showed poise for Pittsburgh in Week 2, making smart reads and avoiding many turnovers, but inconsistency stalled his impact. While he kept the offense steady at times, missed chances in scoring situations kept his QBi from reflecting a true difference-maker.
He finished an impressive 21-of-28 for 304 yards and four touchdowns with just one interception and four carries for 36 yards in Pitt’s 45-17 win over Central Michigan.
23) Logan Fife, New Mexico State
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 81 (B-)
Logan Fife flashed composure for New Mexico State in Week 2, keeping the offense on schedule with efficient short throws, but a lack of explosive plays and trouble finishing drives capped his overall impact.
He executed a game-winning touchdown drive to secure the Aggies’ 21-14 victory over Tulsa, finishing the game with 252 passing yards and two touchdowns. There were no INTs for the senior QB, but he fumbled the ball once.
22) Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 81.1 (B-)
Brendan Sorsby showed excellent command in Cincinnati’s 34-20 win over Bowling Green, using his legs to extend plays and create chances while handing Ohio State Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George his first loss as an FBS coach.
But accuracy issues and uneven decision-making kept the Bearcats’ offense from fully clicking. Cincinnati was 0-4 against Bowling Green coming into the game, but Sorsby’s 333 passing yards and three touchdowns, plus his seven carries for 40 yards and another TD with zero miscues, avenged the Bearcats’ honor.
21) Taylen Green, Arkansas
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 81.2 (B-)
Taylen Green’s athleticism popped in Week 2, with big runs and a few clutch throws, but he struggled with rhythm in the passing game, particularly in the first half, and left too many plays on the field.
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His career-high 151 rushing yards were the fourth-most by a quarterback in Arkansas program history. He accounted for 420 yards of the Razorbacks’ offense through just three quarters of play, including four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, but also tossed out two interceptions.
20) Tucker Gelason, Toledo
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 81.3 (B-)
Tucker Gleason kept Toledo steady in the Rockets’ 45-21 win over Western Kentucky, showing solid short-game efficiency and a clean pocket presence. Still, he lacked the downfield punch to dial up a better grade this week.
He finished with 155 yards and two touchdowns. Blame it on the run-game — senior Chip Trayanum rushed for a career-high 163 yards and two touchdowns. The Kentucky transfer surpassed 100 rushing yards for the second time in his career.
19) Jackson Arnold, Auburn
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 81.5 (B-)
The Oklahoma transfer looked right at home in Auburn’s 42-3 victory over Ball State on Saturday night. Jackson Arnold threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns as the offense utilized nine different receivers in the win.
“I’ve got dudes all across the field I can split the ball to,” Arnold said after the game.
The victory helped the Tigers enter the Top 25 (coming in at 24) this week, a place HC Hugh Freeze hopes they become very familiar with. Arnold is playing relatively mistake-free football, but some bigger throws and more poise in the pocket will help his grade moving forward.
18) Maalik Murphy, Oregon State
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 81.8 (B-)
Oregon State is struggling to find its footing so far this season, having lost to California and Fresno State in back-to-back games. Quarterback Maalik Murphy flashed his arm strength and confidence early, but uneven accuracy and a few questionable reads kept the Beavers from fully opening up.
Murphy finished 31-of-48 for 371 yards and four touchdowns in Oregon State’s 36-27 loss to Fresno State in Corvallis. His two interceptions were costly, though, and the 0-4 on two-point conversions proved fatal.
17) Cale Hellums, Army
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 82 (B-)
Army debuted a new quarterback for its Week 2 matchup against Kansas State after Dewayne Coleman suffered some bumps and bruises in the Black Knights’ loss to FCS Tarleton State last week. Then, Cale Hellums enters the chat.
The junior QB stepped in to help last week but got the start, leading Army to a late 24-21 victory over the Wildcats. He carried the ball 41 times for 124 yards and two touchdowns but was limited as a passer, going just 7-of-11 for 43 yards and one TD. No turnovers help his cause, but the lack of a passing game keeps his grade low.
16) Katin Houser, East Carolina
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 82.5 (B-).
Katin Houser kept East Carolina competitive in the Pirates’ 56-3 win over FCS Campbell with some timely throws and improved pocket presence, but inconsistency on third down slowed ECU’s momentum at times.
The 55-yard touchdown pass to Brock Spalding was a thing of beauty. Houser completed 25 of 35 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns, keeping it clean with no turnovers. The series between ECU and Campbell is now tied at 3-3.
15) Broc Lowry, Western Michigan
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 82.7 (B-)
Broc Lowry showed grit in Week 2, making plays with his legs and completing some gorgeous passes through the air, but turnovers and missed reads proved costly in a winnable game.
The Broncos fell 33-30 in overtime to North Texas. Lowry put up 75 passing yards, a touchdown, 66 rushing yards, and another two touchdowns. He only threw the ball 10 times, completing half of those.
14) Aiden Chiles, Michigan State
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 82.2 (B-)
Aiden Chiles displayed poise and playmaking ability, using his arm talent to stretch the field. However, a few forced throws showed that he’s still balancing confidence with control.
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He showed grit and maturity, returning from an injury to throw a touchdown in the first overtime, then run for the tying touchdown, and throw the winning two-point pass in the second OT to secure Michigan State’s 42-40 victory over Boston College.
He accounted for 270 yards of the Spartans’ offense and five touchdowns — his four passing touchdowns were a career-high for the junior quarterback.
13) Jake Merklinger, Tennessee
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 84 (B)
Jake Merklinger looked comfortable running Tennessee’s tempo, delivering quick, efficient throws, but never quite stretched the field enough to change the game’s flow. The backup quarterback debuted after starter Joey Aguilar threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns in the first half of the Vols’ routing of East Tennessee State.
The redshirt freshman completed 9-of-14 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. He also carried the ball twice for 17 yards.
12) Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 84.1 (B)
Sawyer Robertson led all FBS quarterbacks in Week 2 with 440 passing yards and four touchdown throws in Baylor’s double-overtime win over then-ranked SMU. It was a true Texas throwdown in the two schools’ first meeting since 2016.
He showed true grit, leading his team to victory after trailing by at least 10 points four times. Robertson is the first Big 12 quarterback to throw for 400 or more yards in the first two games of the season since Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes in 2016.
He utilized seven different receivers and had no miscues. Robertson would have graded up if he hadn’t struggled with the slow start and the stalled-out third quarter.
11) Matthew Sluka, James Madison
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 84.1 (B)
Matthew Sluka’s dual-threat ability kept Louisville’s defense honest to a point, grinding out tough yards and hitting a few throws to move the sticks. Still, accuracy lapses and predictability limited JMU’s explosive potential, eventually costing the Dukes the ball game.
Alonza Barnett and Sluka had a 65-35% split at quarterback, with Sluka taking just 30 snaps and running most of them — he had 21 carries for 83 yards and one touchdown. He completed just three of his five passes for 35 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.
10) Chandler Morris, Virginia
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 84.1 (B)
Chandler Morris led the Cavaliers’ offense smoothly early on, but NC State overpowered them in the third quarter, and the Cavs failed to mount a comeback, falling to the Wolfpack 35-31. Morris threw for 257 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also carried the ball three times for 56 yards.
9) Dante Moore, Oregon
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 84.1 (B)
Dante Moore felt comfortable Saturday, which was bad news for Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State. Moore and the Ducks handed the Cowboys their biggest loss under Gundy in his 20-year tenure and the most considerable losing margin in over 100 years.
Of the Ducks’ 631 yards of offense, Moore contributed 266 plus three passing touchdowns in the 69-3 smackdown.
8) Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 84.6 (B)
Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis picked up right where he left off last week, producing another solid performance as he led his team to a 45-17 victory over Miami (Oh).
Kaliakmanis finished 26-of-36 for 259 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 12 carries for 18 yards. He kept Rutgers’ offense efficient with good decisions and steady control.
7) Demond Williams Jr., Washington
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 85.6 (B)
Demond Williams Jr. is earning comparisons to some of the greats after two weeks of impressive and athletic performances. Last week, he led Washington to a 38-21 win over Colorado State.
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This week, he threw for 254 yards and one touchdown. He also carried the ball eight times for 64 yards and another score because they are a Big Ten team, and they run the ball.
6) Beau Pribula, Missouri
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 85.9 (B)
Bear Pribula is the leader — and runner — the Missouri Tigers needed. Despite his early mistakes, he stayed poised and composed, leading his team to a 42-31 victory over bitter rival Kansas.
Pribula impressed in his first start-to-finish collegiate football game, going 30-of-39 for 334 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He doesn’t shy away from big moments and was fearless in the face of adversity.
5) Julian Sayin, Ohio State
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 86.1 (B)
Setting records and having nearly perfect games is one way to get yourself in the top five, something Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin understands. He completed his first 16 passes and 18 of 19 for 306 yards in just one half of the Buckeyes’ 70-0 win over Grambling State.
The sophomore QB broke Will Howard’s record of 13 straight competitions to start a game. He was just one pass away from C.J. Stroud’s school record of 17 consecutive completions before he threw his only interception of the game.
4) Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 86.9 (B)
Vanderbilt overcame slightly sloppy play and turnovers to defeat a tough Virginia Tech team 42-20. Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia played with his trademark toughness, helping his team overcome a 10-point halftime deficit.
He completed 12-of-18 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 61 yards on 11 carries. Two weeks of timely throws and robust runs earned him his grade.
3) Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 87.1 (B+)
Some are calling Nebraska’s offense astonishing, and some are calling it surprising, but Cornhuskers QB Dylan Raiola simply calls it a “new style of Nebraska football.” He would know, he’s orchestrating it.
The sophomore QB threw for 364 yards and four touchdowns in Nebraska’s 68-0 win over Akron — the Huskers’ first shutout since 2009. Raiola also set the record for consecutive completions (final 11 against Cincinnati last week and first nine against Akron), breaking the record set by Dave Humm in 1974.
2) Jadyn Glasser, Central Michigan
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 89.4 (B+)
Jadyn Glasser kept things simple, leaning on short throws and quick decisions to stay on schedule, but he struggled to generate chunk plays when Central Michigan needed them most.
The Chippewas fell 45-17 to Pittsburgh, struggling defensively to stop the Panthers. Glasser is one of three quarterbacks in the Chips’ rotation. He completed seven of his nine passes for 78 yards and avoided mistakes that befell his quarterback counterparts.
1) Ty Simpson, Alabama
- Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 89.7 (B+)
Another record-breaking quarterback — Alabama’s Ty Simpson completed a school-record 17 consecutive passes as the Crimson Tide routed Louisiana-Monroe 73-0.
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His 17-of-17 passing line for 226 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers earned him top honors this week. He showed poise, had presence in the pocket, and was a true playmaker.
College Football QB Rankings | 26-139
26) Evan Simon, Temple Owls: 80.2 (B-)
27) Luke Altmyer, Illinois Fighting Illini: 80.1 (B-)
28) Behren Morton, Texas Tech Red Raiders: 80 (C+)
29) Cameran Brown, Georgia State Panthers: 79.8 (C+)
30) Jacob Clark, Missouri State Bears: 79.6 (C+)
31) John Mateer, Oklahoma Sooners: 79.6 (C+)
32) Maddux Madsen, Boise State Broncos: 79.5 (C+)
33) Baylor Hayes, Tulsa Golden Hurricane: 79.4 (C+)
34) Drew Pyne, Bowling Green Falcons: 79.3 (C+)
35) Danny O’Neil, Wisconsin Badgers: 79.3 (C+)
36) Anthony Colandrea, UNLV Rebels: 78.7 (C+)
37) Blake Horvath, Navy Midshipmen: 78.6 (C+)
38) Joe Labas, Central Michigan Chippewas: 78.4 (C+)
39) Dylan Lonergan, Boston College Eagles: 78.2 (C+)
40) Darian Mensah, Duke Blue Devils: 78.2 (C+)
41) Bishop Davenport, South Alabama Jaguars: 77.6 (C+)
42) Tommy Castellanos, Florida State Seminoles: 76.7 (C)
43) Steve Angeli, Syracuse Orange: 76.7 (C)
44) Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Bruins: 76.6 (C)
45) Parker Navarro, Ohio Bobcats: 76.6 (C)
46) Nicholas Vattiato, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: 76.5 (C)
47) Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech Hokies: 76.4 (C)
48) Luke Weaver, Hawaii Warriors: 76.3 (C)
49) Jaylen Raynor, Arkansas State Red Wolves: 76.3 (C)
50) Colton Joseph, Old Dominion Monarchs: 76.3 (C)
51) Dru DeShields, Kent State Golden Flashes: 76.2 (C)
52) Ryan Browne, Purdue Boilermakers: 76.2 (C)
53) Jalen Kitna, UAB Blazers: 76.2 (C)
54) Conner Weigman, Houston Cougars: 76.1 (C)
55) Ethan Vasko, Liberty Flames: 76.1 (C)
56) Blake Shapen, Mississippi State Bulldogs: 75.9 (C)
57) Rocco Becht, Iowa State Cyclones: 75.8 (C)
58) Byrum Brown, USF Bulls: 75.7 (C)
59) Miller Moss, Louisville Cardinals: 75.6 (C)
60) Noah Fifita, Arizona Wildcats: 75.5 (C)
61) Kaidon Salter, Colorado Buffaloes: 75.4 (C)
62) Kevin Jennings, SMU Mustangs: 75.2 (C)
63) Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers: 75.2 (C)
64) Nick Minicucci, Delaware Fightin Blue Hens: 75.2 (C)
65) Brendon Lewis, Memphis Tigers: 75.1 (C)
66) Avery Johnson, Kansas State Wildcats: 75 (C)
67) CJ Bailey, North Carolina State Wolfpack: 74.9 (C)
68) Jake Retzlaff, Tulane Green Wave: 74.4 (C)
69) DJ Lagway, Florida Gators: 74.3 (C)
70) Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers: 74.3 (C)
71) Joey Aguilar, Tennessee Volunteers: 74.2 (C)
72) Drew Mestemaker, North Texas Mean Green: 74.2 (C)
73) Gio Lopez, North Carolina Tar Heels: 74.1 (C)
74) Grant Jordan, Massachusetts Minutemen: 74.1 (C)
75) Caden Veltkamp, Florida Atlantic Owls: 74.1 (C)
76) Sam Leavitt, Arizona State Sun Devils: 73.7 (C)
77) Goose Crowder, Troy Trojans: 73.5 (C)
78) Marcel Reed, Texas A&M Aggies: 73.2 (C)
79) Drew Allar, Penn State Nittany Lions: 73.1 (C)
80) Austin Simmons, Mississippi Rebels: 73 (C)
81) Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans: 72.9 (C-)
82) Gavin Wimsatt, Jacksonville State Gamecocks: 72.9 (C-)
83) Owen McCown, UTSA Roadrunners: 72.8 (C-)
84) Chase Jenkins, Rice Owls: 72.7 (C-)
85) Jaxon Potter, Washington State Cougars: 72.6 (C-)
86) Keyone Jenkins, Florida International Golden Panthers: 72.5 (C-)
87) Aaron Philo, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: 72.5 (C-)
88) Noah Kim, Eastern Michigan Eagles: 72.5 (C-)
89) Brad Jackson, Texas State Bobcats: 72.4 (C-)
90) Devon Dampier, Utah Utes: 72.3 (C-)
91) Preston Stone, Northwestern Wildcats: 72.3 (C-)
92) Joe Fagnano, Connecticut Huskies: 72.1 (C-)
93) Ta’Quan Roberson, Buffalo Bulls: 71.8 (C-)
94) Mark Gronowski, Iowa Hawkeyes: 71.6 (C-)
95) Malachi Nelson, UTEP Miners: 71.6 (C-)
96) T.J. Finley, Georgia State Panthers: 71.5 (C-)
97) Amari Odom, Kennesaw State Owls: 71.3 (C-)
98) Zach Calzada, Kentucky Wildcats: 71.2 (C-)
99) Malik Washington, Maryland Terrapins: 71.2 (C-)
100) Bear Bachmeier, BYU Cougars: 71.1 (C-)
101) Gunner Stockton, Georgia Bulldogs: 71 (C-)
102) LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks: 70.9 (C-)
103) Dequan Finn, Miami (OH) RedHawks: 70.8 (C-)
104) Josh Holst, Northern Illinois Huskies: 70.7 (C-)
105) Braylon Braxton, Southern Miss Golden Eagles: 70.4 (C-)
106) Ben Gulbranson, Stanford Cardinal: 70.3 (C-)
107) E.J. Warner, Fresno State Bulldogs: 69.8 (D+)
108) Alonza Barnett III, James Madison Dukes: 69.6 (D+)
109) Bryce Underwood, Michigan Wolverines: 69.6 (D+)
110) Daniel Beale, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: 69.6 (D+)
111) Walker Eget, San Jose State Spartans: 69.5 (D+)
112) JC French IV, Georgia Southern Eagles: 69.1 (D+)
113) AJ Swann, Appalachian State Mountaineers: 68.8 (D+)
114) Tayven Jackson, UCF Knights: 68.6 (D+)
115) Conner Harrell, Charlotte 49ers: 68.5 (D+)
116) Mabrey Mettauer, Sam Houston State Bearkats: 68.3 (D+)
117) Nicco Marchiol, West Virginia Mountaineers: 68.3 (D+)
118) Aidan Armenta, Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks: 68.1 (D+)
119) Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California Golden Bears: 68 (D+)
120) Bryson Barnes, Utah State Aggies: 67.7 (D+)
121) Carson Beck, Miami (FL) Hurricanes: 67.5 (D+)
122) Maverick McIvor, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: 67.5 (D+)
123) Trey Kukuk, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: 67.4 (D+)
124) Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Hoosiers: 67.2 (D+)
125) Kirk Francis, Tulsa Golden Hurricane: 67.1 (D+)
126) Zane Flores, Oklahoma State Cowboys: 66.7 (D)
127) Robby Ashford, Wake Forest Demon Deacons: 66.7 (D)
128) Kaden Anderson, Wyoming Cowboys: 66.5 (D)
129) Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Colorado State Rams: 66.1 (D)
130) Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns: 66 (D)
131) Kiael Kelly, Ball State Cardinals: 65.1 (D)
132) Emory Williams, Miami (FL) Hurricanes: 65 (D)
133) Jack Layne, New Mexico Lobos: 64.6 (D)
134) Jayden Denegal, San Diego State Aztecs: 63.7 (D)
135) Ben Finley, Akron Zips: 63.1 (D)
136) Chubba Purdy, Nevada Wolf Pack: 63.1 (D)
137) Zion Turner, Marshall Thundering Herd: 62.7 (D-)
138) MJ Morris, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: 59.3 (F)
