We’re headed into Week 2 of College Football, Nerds! Now that we’ve had a week of tangible, real-life action (and I’ve had time to scout), we’ll begin our weekly series of prospect rankings, Big Boards, and scouting notes. This week, we’ll start with the quarterback position that’s vastly improved from the 2025 class. I’ll give my top 10 College Rankings, share my scouting notes, and what to watch in Week 2.
Quarterbacks | Top 10 College Rankings
No. 1 | Garrett Nussmeier | LSU | 6’1’’ | 205 lbs
Strengths
- Elite Processor
- Excellent Arm
- Can make throws from multiple arm slots
Weaknesses
- Not Bryce Young, but not ideal size
- Low mobility
Dynasty Scouting Report
Garrett Nussmeier won’t jump out among the specimens in this class, but his consistency and arm talent make him safe. Safety should be valued after the last few draft classes. Nussmeier is on time and accurate against stout defenses, all while maintaining efficiency without Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. I don’t have sexy player comps–and the ones I have may be discouraging to some–but there is a lot of Jared Goff or Brock Purdy to his game. The difference is the smooth feel for space, pocket navigation, and modern arm slot adjustments that make me believe he has a higher ceiling.
This might be the boring answer for a top quarterback, but the NFL–from ownership to fandom–should learn from Bo Nix and Brock Purdy as well as Anthony Richardson and Trey Lance. Experience and efficiency matter, and even the best tools need development. Nussmeier is the type of polished player that only needs a sturdy offensive line and a reliable target to help a franchise solve one of the toughest problems.
Where to Watch | QB College Rankings
LSU plays LA Tech on Saturday, September 6th at 7:30 EST.
No. 2 | Nico Iamaleava | UCLA | 6’6’’ | 216 lbs
Strengths
- Decisive
- Elite arm talent
- Slick runner
Weaknesses
- Elementary system experience
- Has a helicopter parent
Dynasty Scouting Report
I could imagine many Tennessee fans either laughed or angrily clicked away at this point, but hear me out. Nico Iamaleava has too many good traits to ignore. I’ve had my issues with Tennessee’s screen-heavy, two-route read, Cocomelon offense, but the now UCLA quarterback still delivered a pinpoint accurate ball on time while flashing elite talent.
Iamaleava consistently looked calm and in command of the line of scrimmage while having an understanding of pre-snap coverage to always be on time. Moreover, he’s still able to extend plays and move the chains with his legs, all while protecting himself. His dismissal from Tennessee is a notable problem that will likely be a question if he decides to enter the Draft, but the tape makes me optimistic that he figures things out at UCLA.
Where to Watch | QB College Rankings
The Bruins play on Friday, September 5th at 8 PM EST.
No. 3 | LaNorris Sellers | South Carolina | 6’3’’ | 240 lbs
Strengths
- Elite Athlete
- Elite Arm Talent
Weaknesses
- Needs to play on time
- Poor sense of pressure
Dynasty Scouting Report
LaNorris Sellers might answer the question “What if Anthony Richardson had experience?” The size, speed, and arm talent immediately stand out on the field, and the uncoachable traits will likely cement his name being called in the 1st Round. However, internal clock issues creep into his play, not unlike other hyper-athletic quarterbacks with big arms.
These unicorns develop poor habits because they’re always capable of bailing themselves out by ground or air, but we see how this doesn’t always work in the NFL. Experience and reps might be the difference maker with Sellers, and I’m willing to continue to chase the natural talent.
Where to Watch | QB College Rankings
South Carolina plays SC State on Friday, September 5th at 7 PM EST. at 7 PM EST.
No. 4 | Drew Allar | Penn State | 6’5’’ | 235 lbs
Strengths
- Excellent processor
- Excellent Arm
Weaknesses
Dynasty Scouting Report
Drew Allar might’ve been a 1st Round pick in 2024. The senior is a throwback pocket passer capable of every throw and ideal processing. The unfortunate issue holding back his statistical output is that, beyond Tyler Warren, he’s had AI-generated images of Shane Gillis as receivers. However, Allar still delivers a strong ball with pinpoint accuracy.
With little to no rushing floor, Allar will never be a top-5 fantasy QB without Joe Burrow-level volume and talent surrounding him, but he’s one of the safest quarterbacks in the draft.
Where to Watch | QB College Rankings
Penn State plays FIU on Saturday, September 6th, at Noon.
No. 5 | Arch Manning | Texas | 6’5’’ | 219 lbs
Strengths
- Excellent athlete
- Elite Arm talent
Weaknesses
- Pressure
- Post-snap procession
Dynasty Scouting Report
Arch Manning’s performance against Ohio State should be summed up with one word: Green. He’s not “cheeks,” “cooked,” or whatever modern slang cliche you want to use quite yet. He played against one of the toughest defenses ever, both in skill and scheme, and understandably struggled… in the first half. The second half was an improved performance in the boxscore and on the field as he settled and found a small semblance of rhythm.
Manning needs experience with exotic coverages, feeling the field, and confidently playing in the system. We hope to see this happen one game at a time throughout the season, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed a season to develop in Sarkisian’s NFL offense. Dynasty managers, NFL GMs, and most importantly, Manning, would benefit. He can still earn cash (as if he needs it) without the pressure of NFL success and develop playing top-tier competition.
Where to Watch | QB College Rankings
Texas plays San Jose State on Saturday, September 6th, at Noon EST.
No. 6 | Cade Klubnik | Clemson | 6’2’’ | 210 lbs
Strengths
- All-around athlete
- Elite Arm Talent
Weaknesses
- Needs to work on play progression
- Rattled by interior pressure
Dynasty Scouting Report
Cade Klubnik is a well-built, slick car that may have a faulty chip in his engine. There isn’t a physical tool he lacks–both on the ground and through the air–and has experience on his side. Sadly, none of this will matter if he doesn’t learn to work through his progression and sit through pressure.
Klubnik has a habit of bailing on plays early or rushing throws, and he stares down his first read to make matters worse. These are sometimes physical habits with the correct nurture, but nature often takes the wheel without proper coaching. He’s a 2nd Round NFL pick at best at the moment and likely 3rd round of your SF rookie drafts until further notice.
Where to Watch | QB College Rankings
Clemson takes on Troy on Saturday, September 6th at 3:30 EST.
No. 7 | Carson Beck | Miami | 6’5’’ | 205 lbs
Strengths
- Prototypical Pocket Passer
Weaknesses
Dynasty Scouting Report
Carson Beck’s Georgia career ended in what the kids call a “crashout,” but Miami might be the change of scenery needed to revive that draft stock. It was never a matter of physical ability for Beck, because he can make every throw at all three levels of the field. However, it was the head-scratching decisions that led to egregious interceptions that I’m waiting to pop back up. Notice I haven’t mentioned the off-the-field issues that can’t be graded in this format, which could also tank his draft stock.
Beck will need 1st Round NFL Draft capital to a good situation for me to see anything other than Spencer Rattler with less mobility.
Where to Watch | QB College Rankings
Miami has a easy game against Boston College on Saturday, September 6th at7 PM EST.
No. 8 | John Mateer | Oklahoma | 6’1’’ | 224 lbs
Strengths
- Agile open field runner
- Adequate arm
- Good feel for space in the pocket
Weaknesses
- Suspect pre-snap processing
- Needs to improve touch
- Needs to improve outbreaking throws
Dynasty Scouting Report
I wouldn’t be surprised to see John Mateer leapfrog a few spots if he continues to play like he did in Oklahoma’s opener. His current grade reflects his tape at Washington State and a one-game sample on a new team in a system that couldn’t be more different. Mateer was mostly a screen merchant who rarely threw between the hashes, but OU has unlocked the consistent shots beyond the sticks and between safeties downfield. He has the tools to be a “Jaxson Dart-esque” level NFL player with the right development and needs to be on your radar.
I need to see more against stiffer competition before I let excitement and a single game drive Mateer’s grade any higher, but there should be optimism for the Sooner offense. The glaring concern that pops up on his Washington State tape is a complete blindness to pre-snap pressure. This could be a result of the system and will need a larger sample from this season before stronger conclusions are drawn.
Where to Watch | QB College Rankings
OU has a true test against (15) Michigan at 7:30 PM EST, Saturday, September 6th, and Mateer has an opportunity to shine against a stout team.
No. 9 | Sam Leavitt | Arizona State | 6’5’’ | 205 lbs
Strengths
- Good mobility
- Good composure under pressure
- Good sense of tempo
Weaknesses
- Poor downfield passing
- Below-average arm strength
Dynasty Scouting Report
Sam Leavitt is a fun player who flashes the grit and toughness that make us romantic about college over the NFL. He consistently plays with effort to extend plays and fights through contact despite average strength. But the traits that will keep him employed in the NFL are being on time and accurate within the hashes and sticks.
But what can be considered a strength is also the biggest indicator of his weaknesses. Leavitt lacks a true live arm to make NFL-caliber throws downfield. He can operate a screen or mesh-based Air Raid offense and could be drafted as an NFL backup–but shouldn’t be a fantasy target unless you want another Dillon Gabriel (with height).
Where to Watch | QB College Rankings
The Sun Devils play Mississippi State on Saturday, September 6th at 7:30 PM EST, and Leavitt will have a shot to improve his draft stock against a soft defense.
No. 10 | Fernando Mendoza | Indiana | 6’5’’ | 225 lbs
Strengths
- Size
- Big Arm
- Deep Ball Touch
Weaknesses
- Poor Athleticism
- Below-average processor
- Ugly/Slow Release
Dynasty Scouting Report
It’s difficult to watch Fernando Mendoza’s tape and see a future NFL quarterback. The 6’5” titan has a massive arm that can push the ball downfield for huge plays, but severely lacks the mobility and athleticism that’s now expected–not just a feature. This doesn’t include the finesse and finer nuances like processing and adjusting his armslot. It’ll be a nightmare for him to avoid pressure, and I don’t see him as more than a camp arm unless we see improvement. Moreover, he won’t be draftable for fantasy players hoping to find a gem.
Where to Watch | QB College Rankings
The Hoosiers play Kennesaw State at 12 PM EST on Saturday, September 6th, and Mendoza has the opportunity to light up a cupcake team and improve his welcome to Indiana. If he looks average here, consider him undraftable even by NFL standards.
ICYMI | Week 1 CFB Recap
Jagger May watched all the Saturday College Football games, so you don’t have to. See what important performances stuck out in Week 1 and look for his Week 2 scouting report with video recap every Monday morning.
