Week 11 delivered pure chaos in college football, with upsets from the Calgorithm, unscripted shutouts, and surprising blowouts, all affecting our college football QB rankings. South Florida’s Byrum Brown kept dazzling as a top dual threat, Notre Dame freshman CJ Carr looked calm and sharp under pressure, and USC’s Jayden Maiava bounced back strong, running the Trojans’ offense with poise and flair in their win over Northwestern.
As the playoff picture tightens, the spotlight on these quarterbacks grows brighter. Here’s who made the grade this week.
PFSN College’s QB Impact assigns letter grades by weighing passing, rushing, and clutch performance. It emphasizes stable factors like clean-pocket play and designed runs over less predictable ones like pressure performance and scrambling.
10. Cutter Boley, Kentucky
Week 11 PFSN College QBi Grade: 91.9 (A-)
In Week 11, Cutter Boley delivered a smooth and assured performance, completing 18 of 23 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns as Kentucky dominated Florida 38–7. What stood out was his distribution; he hit 10 different receivers and threaded a 29-yard scoring pass to J.J. Hester and a 15-yard strike to Jason Patterson.
Although the running game and turnovers opened big lanes for the Wildcats, Boley’s calm in the pocket and effective decision-making marked a clear leap forward. He didn’t need flashy yardage to make an impact; instead, his efficiency and control signaled that he might just be growing into the kind of leader this offense has been longing for.
9. Tucker Gleason, Toledo
Week 11 PFSN College QBi Grade: 92.1 (A-)
In Week 11, Tucker Gleason orchestrated perhaps the most refined outing of his season for the Toledo Rockets, completing 25 of 31 passes for a career‑high 309 yards and two touchdowns while also punching in a rushing score. What marked the difference was his efficiency; he avoided turnovers against a lighter defensive front and pushed the ball confidently downfield, averaging 9.4 yards per attempt.
While the opponent didn’t test his decision‑making under duress, Gleason’s composure, execution of the intermediate‑range throws, and steady leadership suggest he’s sharpened his game.
8. Bryson Barnes, Utah State
Week 11 PFSN College QBi Grade: 92.4 (A-)
Bryson Barnes completed 20 of 27 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns in a dominant 51‑14 win over the Nevada Wolf Pack, also chipping in 40 rushing yards to keep the defense honest.
He orchestrated six of the team’s first seven scoring drives and avoided any turnovers, showing improved decision‑making and command of the offense. While the competition was less than elite, Barnes’ balance of accuracy, efficiency, and mobility enhanced his standing in our quarterback rankings. He’s becoming a QB worth watching as Utah State ramps toward bowl‑eligibility mode.
7. TJ Lateef, Nebraska
Week 11 PFSN College QBi Grade: 92.9 (A-)
In his first collegiate start for Nebraska Cornhuskers, true freshman quarterback T.J. Lateef delivered a crisp, controlled outing, completing 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns and tacking on 31 rushing yards en route to a 28‑21 road win over UCLA in Pasadena.
What impressed wasn’t just the efficient stat line but how he managed the game: he was flawless until the fourth quarter, pushed the ball vertically when needed, and kept the offense humming with surgical precision under pressure. While the moment was big, his composure and decision‑making helped him rise to the occasion.
6. Jake Retzlaff, Tulane
Week 11 PFSN College QBi Grade: 93.1 (A)
Jake Retzlaff transformed from efficient game manager to outright offensive force for Tulane, firing 16 of 23 passes for 332 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 56 “get‑on‑your‑helmet” yards and a rushing score in a crucial road victory.
He connected on two bombs exceeding 50 yards, averaged 8.2 yards per play, and orchestrated a drive‑killing interception from the opponent to seal the win. From his slick pocket presence to his turbo‑charging legs, Retzlaff looked every bit worthy of his spot on the Davey O’Brien Award’s Great 8 list.
5. Jayden Maiava, USC
Week 11 PFSN College QBi Grade: 91.4 (A-)
USC’s junior quarterback continues to spin straw into gold, guiding the Trojans to a 38-17 win over Northwestern with a 24-of-33 performance for 299 yards and two touchdowns. After throwing an interception that nearly became a pick-six, he sprinted down the field, laid out a hit, forced a fumble in the end zone, and flipped the momentum in USC’s favor.
Maiava didn’t just ride his arm; he followed with a six-yard rushing touchdown, showing he’s more than just a pure passer. This game was about redemption, control, and making big plays when they mattered, and in that sense, Maiava proved he can still steer this Trojan offense through stormy seas and keep the playoff ride on track.
4. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Week 11 PFSN College QBi Grade: 94.2 (A)
Diego Pavia delivered a performance that was equal parts conductor and corner-flag hero for Vanderbilt this week, creeping into Heisman talk and announcing himself as a serious contender in the SEC. He completed 25 of 33 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns, and added 112 rushing yards and a fourth score in a 45-38 overtime win over Auburn.
What stands out isn’t just the raw numbers but the way Pavia pulled his team back from a 10-point deficit and orchestrated a game-winning drive in OT, showing a mix of elusiveness, arm strength, and clutch timing. While the run and pass outputs were exceptional, the deeper takeaway is his transformation into a quarterback who can both dictate tempo and deliver when the spotlight is brightest.
3. Byrum Brown, USF
Week 11 PFSN College QBi Grade: 92.0 (A-)
Byrum Brown was pure electricity in Week 11, torching UTSA with 239 yards and two touchdowns through the air while adding 109 and another score on the ground. The Bulls’ QB was nearly flawless, completing 14 of 15 passes as USF rolled to a 55-23 victory.
Brown looked completely in command, reading coverages, ripping quick throws, and gashing the defense when plays broke down. It was a statement performance that screamed Heisman buzz and proved once again that when he’s in rhythm, South Florida’s offense is nearly unstoppable.
2. Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers
Week 11 PFSN College QBi Grade: 92.0 (A-)
In Week 11, Athan Kaliakmanis dialed in like a veteran, throwing four touchdown passes in Rutgers’ 35-20 win over Maryland and earning Manning Award “Star of the Week” honors. He displayed sharp timing on multiple deep strikes, including a 45-yard TD burst, showed poise under pressure, and carried the offense when it needed him most. He finished 13-of-20 for 229 yards and four touchdowns.
READ MORE: Heisman Trophy Rankings: 5 Players Who Strengthened Their Resume in Week 11
Kaliakmanis is up to 2,705 passing yards this year, sixth most in RU history for a season, and became the first Scarlet Knight to reach 2,500 passing yards in consecutive seasons since Mike Teel (2007-08). With back-to-back strong performances, Kaliakmanis is climbing the rankings and making a compelling case for his place among the Big Ten’s rising QB crop.
1. CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Week 11 PFSN College QBi Grade: 96.8 (A)
Topping the list this week is Notre Dame freshman quarterback CJ Carr, who orchestrated a near-flawless performance for the Fighting Irish, completing 13 of 16 passes for 218 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-10 rout of the Navy Midshipmen.
What’s most compelling is how Carr managed the game with calm precision despite the extremely inclement weather; his 81 percent completion rate and ability to strike on deep connections signal he’s emerging as more than just a freshman with promise. His craft in the pocket and decision-making under pressure reflect a QB rising fast in the rankings.
