If there's been a theme through the first month of the season, it's recency bias. I can't recall a time when we were all so reactionary to whatever happened last weekend. Of course, maybe that's only because we no longer have long-term memory. Who knows?

In September alone, a new Heisman favorite emerged after each weekend and three different teams were No. 1 in the AP Top 25. Maybe that doesn't seem crazy to you, but none of the changes at the top of the poll were due to the No. 1 team losing. Typically, when voters put teams at No. 1, they stay there until they lose. Georgia was passed by Texas in Week 4 despite being undefeated; this week, Alabama jumped Texas despite the Longhorns remaining 5-0.

The QB Power Rankings are no different. We have a new No. 1 QB, just like every week so far, and he just so happens to play for the team that took over No. 1 in the polls. Before we get to the rankings, a quick reminder of how this whole thing works. If you read it, you'll know why Jaxson Dart is no longer ranked, and you won't feel the need to yell at me on social media and use clown emojis while doing so: 

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  • This is not a draft board ranking, nor is it based on any kind of statistical formula. Your numbers matter, sure, but overall, I'm ranking quarterbacks based on the "juice" they have at the current moment in time. It's a combination of how well you're playing, what you have accomplished and what you might accomplish in the near future. If you believe a QB I haven't listed should be listed, I only kept them off the list because I don't like you. Or, perhaps it's this second part. 
  • I don't rank any QB the week after a loss. You could be the greatest QB of all time, but if you lose on Saturday, you won't be here. I don't care if you think your offensive line stinks, OK? That's the burden the QB must carry. If you win, it's because your teammates did their jobs. If you lose, it's on you. Embrace it.
QB Power Rankings
1
Jalen Milroe Alabama Crimson Tide QB
Jalen's been hovering near the top of the rankings all year and claims the top spot after a huge performance against Georgia. He threw for 374, rushed for 117, and had four total touchdowns. I had serious questions about Milroe's ability as a passer before the season. While plenty of warts remain, there's no question he's improving his accuracy under the new coaching staff -- so much so that he's starting to generate realistic draft buzz. (Last Week: 2)
2
Cam Ward Miami (FL) Hurricanes QB
Should Cam Ward be eligible this week? That depends on whom you ask and which team they support. The ending of Miami's win over Virginia Tech was controversial -- they made the correct call, even if the process was flawed -- but the 'Canes won, and Ward had a strong night. He finished with five total touchdowns but also some bad turnovers due to bad decisions we hadn't seen him make this season. (1)
3
Shedeur Sanders Colorado Buffaloes QB
So what happens if Colorado keeps winning? I was called a Shedeur hater by a million people who didn't understand the rules of these rankings, and now that the Buffs keep winning, I'm being called a Shedeur glazer. But it's that kind of devotion, as well as his performance (305 yards and 3 TDs in a 27-point upset road win), that has Sanders at No. 3 this week. (5)
4
Nico Iamaleava Tennessee Volunteers QB
Nico had last week off but benefits a bit by Dart dropping out. While I've been the guy driving the Nico hype train since January, I want to start seeing splashier numbers. Nico's still ripping some jaw-dropping throws, but it will be hard to keep him this high if he's not throwing for 300 every week. (6)
5
Hajj-Malik Williams UNLV Rebels QB
There was so much controversy surrounding UNLV and Matthew Sluka last week. No matter what side of the situation you come down on, after seeing Hajj Malik-Williams play, I think we can all understand why UNLV might've been hesitant to pay Sluka that money! Williams finished with 301 total yards and four touchdowns as the Rebels stayed unbeaten and smoked Fresno State. (Not Ranked)
6
Garrett Nussmeier LSU Tigers QB
We still have a while to wait, but I'm excited to follow Nussmeier's draft stock in the spring. He has a ridiculous arm, but he sometimes trusts it a little too much. That is why he ends up with stat lines like last week (409 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs vs. South Alabama). There isn't a lot of chill to this young man's game. (NR)
7
Cade Klubnik Clemson Tigers QB
It is I, the No. 1 Cade Klubnik Hater, here to give the man his flowers. Klubnik (and Clemson as a whole) was horrible against Georgia in the opener, but he's bounced back in impressive fashion. He had 303 total yards and five touchdowns last week, and Clemson is reminding us all that maybe it can't beat Georgia, but it can still win the ACC. (NR)
8
Dillon Gabriel Oregon Ducks QB
Oregon is rounding into form, and Gabriel is becoming more comfortable in his new surroundings. Who would've thought a college QB playing at his third school might need time to adjust? Anyway, Gabriel finished with 301 total yards and three touchdowns in Oregon's 34-13 toilet-swirling of UCLA. (NR)
9
Blake Horvath Navy Midshipmen QB
OK, who was the genius that decided to teach Navy how to pass? If you haven't paid attention to Navy this season, it does that now. Horvath was 9 of 11 for 225 yards with two touchdowns against UAB, and he rushed for 84 and another score. The Mids are 4-0 and look like an honest to god threat in the American. As does Army! (NR)
10
Arch Manning Texas Longhorns QB
He's back, baby! The kid had a rough first start against ULM but got his act together against Mississippi State, which, in theory, is better than ULM. Manning finished with 358 total yards and three touchdowns while completing 84% of his passes. (NR)

Honorable Mention: Alonza Barnett, James Madison; Eli Holstein, Pitt; Will Howard, Ohio State; Chandler Morris, North Texas; Miller Moss, USC