Is Diego Pavia Climbing the Ranks in College Football Quarterbacks?

This year has seen a sweeping change in college football quarterback rankings, with some anticipated standouts failing to impress while new names emerge as potential stars. Notably, Arch Manning, DJ Lagway, and Nico Iamaleava have been overshadowed by unexpected performances from players like Carson Beck and John Mateer, who are making waves at Miami and Oklahoma, respectively. As the season unfolds, the landscape of college football quarterbacks is shifting, revealing new talents and challenges.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Arch Manning and others have struggled, while newcomers are rising.
• Carson Beck and John Mateer are leading the rankings.
• Several quarterbacks are adapting well to their new roles in high-pressure environments.
• Turnover issues remain a concern for some, despite strong individual performances.
• The College Football landscape is evolving with unexpected talents gaining recognition.

The Changing Landscape of College Football Quarterbacks

As college football enters its fifth week, the spotlight has shifted to several quarterbacks who have either underperformed or exceeded expectations. The previous projections of top talents like Arch Manning and DJ Lagway have not played out as anticipated, leading to a significant shake-up in the rankings.

Struggles of the Anticipated Stars

Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback from Texas, recently faced a disappointing game against Texas-El Paso, raising questions about his readiness for the collegiate level. Similarly, DJ Lagway's five interceptions in a single game against LSU have brought his stock crashing down. Nico Iamaleava, once thought to be on the rise, has also seen his performance dip, and Drew Allar has been merely adequate against weaker competition. Cade Klubnik’s struggles are emblematic of Clemson’s broader issues, leaving fans and analysts alike puzzled about the team's direction.

Emerging Talents in the Rankings

On the other hand, the opportunity for unproven quarterbacks to make their mark has opened up. Several players from the Big Ten and beyond are stepping into the limelight, showcasing their skills and challenging the established norms of the ranking system.

Current Rankings of Bowl Subdivision Quarterbacks

1. Carson Beck, Miami

Carson Beck has quickly adapted to his role as Miami’s starting quarterback, demonstrating impressive accuracy and efficiency. Despite turning the ball over twice against South Florida, he helped lead the No. 6 Hurricanes to a 49-12 victory, averaging 9.9 yards per attempt and completing an impressive 79.3% of his passes. His performance included 340 yards and three touchdowns, solidifying his position at the top of the rankings.

2. John Mateer, Oklahoma

In his first season as a starter, John Mateer has shown promise, leading the No. 12 Sooners up the US LBM Coaches Poll. Although he has thrown an interception in every game, his overall impact has been significant. As Oklahoma prepares for a challenging matchup against Auburn, Mateer will be looking to improve and further establish himself as a leading quarterback in the SEC.

3. Dante Moore, Oregon

Dante Moore has faced his share of challenges, particularly during Oregon’s Big Ten opener against Northwestern. Despite a lacklustre performance, where the Ducks averaged only 5.6 yards per play, Moore managed to throw for 178 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The No. 5 Ducks will need him to elevate his game as they continue through the season.

4. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

Diego Pavia has injected new life into Vanderbilt's season, leading the No. 23 Commodores to an impressive 31-7 victory over No. 24 South Carolina. He threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns while adding 24 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Pavia's performance has made him a key player to watch as Vanderbilt enters the College Football Playoff race.

5. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska

Dylan Raiola has begun to find his rhythm under coordinator Dana Holgorsen at Nebraska. After a cautious start against Cincinnati, he has exploded in subsequent games against Akron and Houston Christian, amassing 586 passing yards and six touchdowns. His developing comfort with the playbook suggests a bright future for the sophomore.

6. Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Julian Sayin's first month as Ohio State's starter has shown promise. Although the Buckeyes' offence struggled initially, Sayin finished with 347 yards in their recent matchup against Ohio, ultimately leading to a 37-9 victory. His growth within the system is evident, and he could emerge as a significant player in the coming weeks.

7. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Fernando Mendoza has been a standout for Indiana, particularly highlighted by his record-setting performance against Indiana State, where he completed 19 of 20 passes for 270 yards and five touchdowns. As the No. 17 Hoosiers prepare for a tough showdown with No. 8 Illinois, Mendoza's ability to perform under pressure will be crucial.

8. Gunner Stockton, Georgia

Gunner Stockton's performance in Georgia’s thrilling 44-41 victory over No. 15 Tennessee showcased his ability to compete with the best in the SEC. Completing 74.2% of his passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns, Stockton's experience and poise will be key as the Bulldogs navigate their challenging schedule.

9. Jayden Maiava, Southern California

Jayden Maiava has started strong for Southern California, leading the nation with 14.1 yards per attempt and an efficiency rating of 215.5. Although USC has faced less challenging opponents, his ability to connect on deep passes and lead the team effectively could be pivotal as they approach more formidable matchups against teams like Illinois and Notre Dame.

10. Joey Aguilar, Tennessee

Joey Aguilar's high-scoring performance against the Bulldogs, throwing for 371 yards and four touchdowns, has drawn attention. His propensity for turnovers remains a concern, but his ability to produce explosive plays makes him a notable presence in the quarterback landscape. Other contenders for this spot included Luke Altmyer, Sawyer Robertson, Behren Morton, Josh Hoover, and Marcel Reed.

The Road Ahead for College Quarterbacks

As this season progresses, the college football quarterback landscape is more dynamic than ever. While some players have stumbled, others have risen to the occasion, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the sport. The ongoing development of these quarterbacks will be crucial as we head deeper into the season, with many having the potential to become stars on the national stage.

Who among the emerging quarterbacks do you think will solidify their place in the rankings? Only time will tell, but with the current trajectory, fans can expect thrilling games ahead. #CollegeFootball #QuarterbackRankings #EmergingStars

FAQs

Who are the top college football quarterbacks this season?

This season's top quarterbacks include Carson Beck from Miami, John Mateer from Oklahoma, and Dante Moore from Oregon, among others who have emerged as standout players.

What happened to Arch Manning and other anticipated quarterbacks?

Arch Manning and other highly regarded quarterbacks like DJ Lagway and Nico Iamaleava have faced challenges, including poor performances and high turnover rates, leading to a dip in their rankings.

How are new quarterbacks performing in their roles?

New quarterbacks like Diego Pavia and Dylan Raiola have shown significant improvement and adaptability, making strong contributions to their teams and climbing the rankings.

What factors influence college quarterback rankings?

Factors include individual performance metrics, game outcomes, ability to handle pressure, and overall impact on team success throughout the season.

What can we expect from the upcoming college football season?

With many quarterbacks finding their footing, fans can anticipate exciting matchups and potential shifts in rankings as the season progresses and teams face tougher competition.