ESPN ranks every Power 4 QB after Week 5 of college football with surprise No. 1

ESPN ranked every Power 4 QB in college football with a surprise No. 1 signal caller after Week 5 of the season. Of course, as rankings are, these are subject to change!

Some of these quarterbacks weren’t even expected to start this season, so go figure! Others have excelled in new spots after transferring into new schools.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into ESPN’s list of every Power 4 QB. We’ll start with the best of the best.

1. Jayden Maiava, USC

The USC QB is the top one in the country right now as the Trojans are 4-1 on the season. He’s been really impressive during his first year as a starter.

This year, so far, Maiava has 1,587 yards, 80 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns. He might be undefeated as a starter if USC’s defense had held up against Illinois.

2. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia (Andrew Nelles / Imagn Images)

Pavia is one of the most exciting QB vets to watch in college football. Those talents will be on full display Saturday in Tuscaloosa, with Johnny Manziel watching closely.

This is a brutal stretch coming up: Alabama, LSU, Missouri and Texas. But Pavia has already proven he can shake things up. He has 1,211 yards, 306 yards on the ground and 15 total touchdowns.

3. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Chambliss wasn’t even the starting QB to begin the year as Austin Simmons was seen as the next best things. But injuries forced Chambliss into action and he’s been really impressive.

This year, he has 1,033 yards, 269 on the ground and seven total touchdowns. It doesn’t seem like he’s going anywhere anytime soon for an unbeaten Ole Miss team.

4. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Mendoza was already a good QB at Cal, but he’s turned into a great one at Indiana under Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers are undefeated and a top 10 team once again.

This year, Mendoza has 1,208 yards, 132 on the ground and 18 total touchdowns. He’s among that group of QBs that should be in the Heisman conversation.

5. Dante Moore, Oregon

Oregon QB Dante Moore — (Photo by: Max Unkrich/ScoopDuckOn3)

Moore is already heating up in Heisman talks as well and Oregon is rolling. Not only has Moore led the Ducks to blowout wins, the third-year QB led a win over Penn State on the road.

It’s been quite the development over the last couple of years for Moore. He has 1,210 yards, 131 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns.

6. Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati

Cincinnati edged out Kansas 37-34 this past weekend after a great performance from their QB. Sorsby has been very productive for the 3-1 Bearcats.

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This year, he has 1,043 yards, 238 on the ground and 14 total touchdowns in just four games. ESPN called this one of the most rounded offenses in the country.

7. CJ Carr, Notre Dame

Carr had a lot of hype when he was recruited to Notre Dame and now we’re seeing it as the Fighting Irish’s starting QB. Notre Dame probably has to win out to make the College Football Playoff, but this kid can lead them there.

This year, he has 1,091 yards through the air and 10 total touchdowns. He’s just getting warmed up and could kill defenses in the pocket.

8. Ty Simpson, Alabama

Alabama QB Ty Simpson (Dale Zanine / Imagn Images)

Ty Simpson has been impressive this season and Alabama fans are finally seeing what Kalen DeBoer’s offense is all about. When he has the QB he needs, it’s tough to stop.

Sure, the second half against Georgia wasn’t great, but Alabama still won and Simpson was a big reason why. He’s certainly a top 10 QB in the country with 1,138 yards through the air and 13 total touchdowns in four games.

9. Demond Williams, Washington

If Washington was going to take a big step forward this year, it would be because of their QB. Williams can do it with his arm and legs.

Granted, he ran up against a buzzsaw vs. Ohio State this weekend, but the Huskies’ QB did what he could. He has 951 passing yards, 283 on the ground and eight total touchdowns this year.

10. Jalon Daniels, Kansas

Daniels is still around boys and girls. The long time Kansas QB is doing his part, but the Jayhawks’ defense isn’t right now.

Even in the team’s two losses, Daniels led this offense to 30+ points. He has 1,262 yards, 250 on the ground and 17 total touchdowns.