College Football QB Power Rankings: Colorado's Shedeur Sanders rises after leading Buffaloes to milestone

At six wins, Colorado has reached bowl eligibility for the first time since 2020, and the Buffaloes stellar QB is a big reason why

By Tom Fornelli

Oct 31, 2024 at 2:39 am ET • 5 min read

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The QB Power Rankings' long three-week run with the same No. 1 is over. Cam Ward has fallen, but it was not an easy decision. He is still playing well, and the Hurricanes beat rival Florida State over the weekend.

The problem is Ward didn't account for a touchdown in the game. In fact, he didn't account for much of anything, as it was clearly his worst game as a Hurricane. Don't get me wrong, you aren't expected to be perfect around here, and we do allow some grace for bad games when you've built up credit. But, you know, at least get one touchdown to stay No. 1. Instead, Cam had his lowest completion rate (62.9%) of the year and his worst yards per attempt by far (5.9). It's one thing if you throw for 350 yards and hand off to your running back for all the touchdowns. It's another when you don't score or put up numbers elsewhere.

At least for this week, Ward has been demoted for somebody who is more deserving of that top spot right now. We'll get to who it is momentarily, but first a reminder of the serious business that is the QB Power Rankings.

This is not a NFL 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. Also, if you're currently injured and unavailable to play, you won't be ranked here, either. Availability is the most important ability.

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QB Power Rankings

1	Dillon Gabriel Oregon Ducks QB
The Oregon Ducks are No. 1 in both major polls, and now their QB is No. 1 in the only ranking of quarterbacks on the planet -- and probably in the universe -- that truly matters. After a slight speedbump in games against UCLA and Michigan State, Gabriel has responded with seven touchdowns and two interceptions in wins over Ohio State, Purdue and Illinois -- all while averaging over 11 yards per attempt. He is getting +260 betting odds to win the Heisman Trophy, according to DrafKings spportsbook. (Last Week: 2)
2	Cam Ward Miami (FL) Hurricanes QB
As we've gone over, Ward's performance against Florida State wasn't his best. He finished with only 204 yards passing, and his efficiency of 112.8 ranked 79th of the 109 quarterbacks who threw enough passes to qualify over the weekend. We fully expect him to bounce back in the games to come. (1)
3	Cade Klubnik Clemson Tigers QB
Clemson had the week off, but Klubnik climbs a spot anyway because Garrett Nussmeier and LSU lost to Texas A&M. Klubnik and the Tigers return to action this week against Louisville. (4)
4	Shedeur Sanders Colorado Buffaloes QB
Sanders and the Buffs got back in the win column two weeks ago, but I didn't put Shedeur in last week's rankings because he had three turnovers in the game. This week, he didn't have any, as he finished with 324 total yards and three touchdowns to lead Colorado past Cincinnati and to bowl eligibility. It's tough to predict anything in the Big 12, but a look at the remainder of Colorado's schedule says 10 wins isn't out of the question. (Not Ranked)
5	Bryson Daily Army West Point Black Knights QB
Army took the weekend off, and the Black Knights probably took some enjoyment in watching Navy get steamrolled by Notre Dame. At least until remembering they still have to play the Fighting Irish, too. Regardless, the Knights remain ranked and have a big rivalry game against Air Force this week as they look to take a step toward the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy. (5)
6	Taylen Green Arkansas Razorbacks QB
It's been lost in the shuffle , but Arkansas is 5-3, and aside from a tough loss to Oklahoma State early in the year, its other two losses (Texas A&M and LSU) are quite respectable. What wasn't as respectable was the 58-point beatdown the Hogs put on Mississippi State! Taylen Green posted 393 total yards and six touchdowns in the rout. (NR)
7	Avery Johnson Kansas State Wildcats QB
BYU and Iowa State fans won't want to hear it, but I still think Kansas State's the favorite to win the Big 12. Yeah, I know BYU beat the Wildcats -- and Avery Johnson was awful that night -- but this team has been rolling ever since. Johnson finished with 320 total yards and three touchdowns in a win over rival Kansas Saturday and continues to get better as a passer. I can't wait for the Wildcats' game against Rocco Becht and the Cyclones during the final weekend of the regular season. (6)
8	John Mateer Washington State Cougars QB
Washington State is 7-1 and cracked the AP Poll this week, and I don't see how any of it would be possible without John Mateer. We've ranked him here before, and while he had a rough couple of weeks against States Boise and Fresno, he's accounted for nine total touchdowns in the last two games. (NR)
9	Marcel Reed Texas A&M Aggies QB
Allow Marcel Reed to reintroduce himself! HE came on in relief of a struggling Conner Weigman and provided an immediate jolt of electricity to Texas A&M and everybody inside Kyle Field. Reed didn't play many snaps, but my goodness, did he make them all count. He finished with 132 total yards and three touchdowns in his cameo. Good luck taking him out of the starting lineup again. (NR)
10	Cooper Legas Tulsa Golden Hurricane QB
This will be the one that has fans of any quarterback not listed yelling at me on social media, but I don't care. Their ignorance is not my problem. Cooper Legas finished with 379 total yards and five touchdowns as he led Tulsa back from a halftime 35-7 deficit to beat UTSA 46-45. That included two touchdown passes in the final 150 seconds of the game. It was legendary stuff and more than deserving of a spot here. (NR)