CBS Sports updates Top 10 Quarterback Power Rankings ahead of Week 5
There have been some big-time quarterback performances through the first few weeks of the season. It’s also led to some major shakeups in CBS Sports’ Top 10 Quarterback Power Rankings.
A new No. 1 sits atop the rankings this week as Michael Penix Jr. unseated Caleb Williams for the top spot. That also lines up with the latest Heisman Trophy odds as Penix and the Huskies enter Week 5 in the midst of a red-hot start.
But that wasn’t the only change in the CBS Sports’ Top 10 Quarterback Power Rankings. Some players moved up while others fell after a massive Week 4 slate of games.
1. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Penix hasn’t missed a beat after a big first season at Washington after transferring from Indiana. He leads the nation with 409 passing yards per game and 16 passing touchdowns to help the Huskies to a perfect 4-0 start.
This week presents another opportunity for Penix to improve his Heisman stock as Washington takes on Arizona. He became the favorite to win the award after his 304-yard, four-touchdown performance against Cal.
2. Caleb Williams, USC
Williams didn’t fall to No. 2 in CBS Sports’ Top 10 Quarterback Power Rankings because of his performance, but rather because Penix has played so well. The reigning Heisman winner is still among the best in the game, averaging 300 yards per game with 15 touchdowns to his name.
USC has an opportunity to make a statement on a big stage against Colorado in Boulder. Williams played his first full game last week against Arizona State, and he’ll look to build on his fast start on Saturday.
3. Bo Nix, Oregon
Oregon started the Heisman campaign for Bo Nix before the season kicked off, and he has looked the part so far. It looked like he could do it all last week as the Ducks blew out Colorado 42-6 in the most-watched game of the year to move up three spots in CBS Sports’ Top 10 Quarterback Power Rankings.
Nix’s numbers are impressive as he averages 292.3 passing yards along with 11 touchdowns entering Week 5. Oregon will square off against Stanford on Saturday before next week’s bye.
4. Quinn Ewers, Texas
At one point, Quinn Ewers was atop CBS Sports’ Top 10 Quarterback Power Rankings. Just because he fell to No. 4, though, doesn’t mean he’s not one of the nation’s best.
Ewers is averaging 258.3 yards per game through four games, and he looked good last week with 293 yards and a touchdown against Baylor. He’ll face a tough defense this week, though, when Texas faces Kansas at DKR Texas Memorial Stadium.
5. Cameron Ward, Washington State
It feels like Cameron Ward has flown under the radar for Washington State in the middle of a crowded Pac-12. But the Cougars are 4-0 following last week’s thrilling 38-35 victory over Oregon State, which saw Ward throw for more than 400 yards and four touchdowns.
Ward’s 347.3 yards per game rank third in the nation and he sits fourth in FBS with 13 passing touchdowns. In a league filled with quarterback talent, he’s one of the best.
6. Tyler Van Dyke, Miami
This year is a big one for Tyler Van Dyke and Miami, and he has risen to the occasion. The Hurricanes are 4-0 as they go into the bye, and he’s a big reason for that.
Van Dyke is fourth in the ACC with 260.5 passing yards per game, and his 1,042 total passing yards is only 800 fewer than he had last season. As Miami gets ready for conference play to begin, all eyes will be on Van Dyke and the Hurricanes offense to keep things rolling.
7. Jordan Travis, Florida State
As Florida State hunts for a College Football Playoff appearance, Jordan Travis is a key piece of the puzzle. The Seminoles are coming off two close games, and Travis was a big reason why they were able to pull them out.
Even though injury, Travis has proven to be capable of leading Florida State to victory as his numbers dipped a bit. FSU is off this week, but dives into ACC play next week against Virginia Tech.
8. Kyle McCord, Ohio State
When Ohio State needed it most, Kyle McCord came through. When Notre Dame took a lead in the fourth quarter, he helped engineer the game-winning drive to set up Chip Trayanum’s game-winning touchdown at the final second.
McCord looks like he’s settling in well as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, especially considering his performance against one of the nation’s top teams in just his second game as the starter. The Buckeyes are off this week before getting back at it next week against Maryland.
9. Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
In his second year at South Carolina, Spencer Rattler is looking strong through four games. He has kept the Gamecocks in games against tough opponents and led them to two victories, including last week against Mississippi State.
Rattler was efficient, completing 18 of 20 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns to help South Carolina to the 37-30 victory. His 310.5 passing yards per game rank second in the SEC, and he’ll try to keep that success going this week against Tennessee.
10. Jack Plummer, Louisville
Jack Plummer and Jeff Brohm decided to run it back this year after the two were at Purdue together. Now at Louisville, Plummer is helping make the Cardinals offense fun — and this week, he worked his way into CBS Sports’ Top 10 Quarterback Power Rankings.
Plummer sits third in the ACC with 280 passing yards per game, and he put up huge numbers with 388 yards and five touchdowns against Boston College. Louisville is rolling, but a big game awaits this week against NC State.
Honorable mentions
Drew Allar, Penn State
Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma
Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
Mikey Keene, Fresno State
Drake Maye, North Carolina
Considering the amount of movement in CBS Sports’ Top 10 Quarterback Power Rankings through just a few games, it’s safe to say they’re not done changing. Conference play is getting fully underway across the country, giving quarterbacks ample opportunities to cement themselves on the national landscape.