Ranking the Best QBs in College Football

It's hard to believe, but the college football season is less than two months away. It gets even more unfathomable to think that in less than five months, a Heisman Trophy winner will be crowned. 

Yet, here we are, looking at some of the best quarterbacks in college football for the upcoming 2023 campaign. First, we check out a few early odds on the Heisman Trophy among the signal-callers. As expected, last year’s winner, Caleb Williams, is the favorite at +500. 

Who Are the Best College Football QBs in 2023?

Michael Penix Jr. to throw for most passing yards is +400 at Unibet Sportsbook

Caleb Williams is +500 to repeat as the Heisman Trophy winner at Caesars Sportsbook

USC's Caleb Williams Favored to Repeat as Heisman Winner

Here we go again! Last year, Bryce Young was in this spot, and then a shoulder injury and early loss to Tennessee derailed his Heisman campaign. With a hopefully improved USC defense, Williams should have plenty of chances to put up huge numbers and get the Trojans to a playoff spot. 

USC was well on its way before his injury against Utah last year. The goal now is perhaps 5,000 yards for Williams. He threw for 4,537 in 2022 with 42 touchdowns and five interceptions. Williams tops our college football quarterback rankings for the upcoming season. 

Can Jayden Daniels Lead LSU to SEC Championship?

This SEC quarterback is not your prototypical signal-caller. Jayden Daniels is among the best college football quarterbacks because of his running and throwing ability. Starting at LSU last season, he ran for 885 yards. Daniels added nearly 3,000 yards passing while racking up 29 touchdowns. 

For Daniels, it comes down to winning big games and that SEC schedule. The Tigers will get plenty of chances in big spots. LSU plays Alabama and Florida in back-to-back weeks, which should determine the chances Daniels is in New York come December.

Will Quinn Ewers Hold Off Arch Manning at Texas?

Things get interesting for Quinn Ewers early. Does he make that jump to a bonafide starter? Furthermore, can Ewers become one of the best quarterbacks in college football? Both are great questions. Ewers will have Arch Manning nipping at his heels, too. 

Was the bowl game against Washington an indication of things to come? That’s the unknown. The best sports betting sites are intrigued, and so are some experts. It’s a large step up to the top quarterbacks in college football. Ewers might have a ways to go. 

Michael Penix is No Longer a Forgotten Quarterback

The Washington Huskies’ quarterback put up prolific numbers last season. However, the team could not help its top player nearly enough. Michael Penix Jr. wound up throwing for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns. He ran for four more.

Health is a concern for the senior quarterback who is playing one more year to improve his fortunes at the NFL Draft. Washington’s lack of depth on defense is particularly concerning, and some of Penix Jr.’s offensive weapons graduated. The quarterback will have to do even more this season.

Can Drake Maye Continue to Shine?

What can Drake Maye do for an encore? While he fell apart a little over the final few games, one of the top college QBs combined for over 5,000 yards and 45 touchdowns. Maye did this all in his sophomore season. The Tar Heels have quite a talent in their midst. 

However, Phil Longo (offensive coordinator) and Jack Bicknell (offensive line coach) left for Wisconsin. Does some of that production and a tougher schedule hurt Maye and his award chances? Another quarterback in the ACC might have a say. 

Will Cade Klubnik be the Best QB in the ACC

Again, the top college quarterbacks include a Clemson Tigers possibility. Everyone knows what happened last year. Cade Klubnik appears to be a bit different. Dabo Swinney liked what he saw in Klubnik over the final two games last season for the Tigers. Now, can Klubnik perform that way over an entire season? 

Clemson is stacked with solid balance and will be a favorite to win the ACC again in 2023. If the quarterback can learn from his early mistakes, the schedule is favorable enough for Klubnik to showcase his arm strength and talent. 

Can Sam Hartman Cut Down Interceptions, Win at Notre Dame?

Honestly, there are probably better candidates out there, but Sam Hartman is going to a prestigious school to make a name. If Hartman can win at South Bend, awards could be waiting. Hartman tallied some excellent numbers at Wake Forest but did throw 26 interceptions in his final two seasons there. 

That is a big concern. Hartman will play against USC, Ohio State, and Clemson. He will see chances on the national stage more than some other quarterbacks.

Caleb Williams is the Favorite to Win the 2023 Heisman Trophy

Right now, the award is Caleb Williams’ to lose. Time may change that notion, but Williams is a game-changer who makes a huge difference. The proof was last year when he got hurt against Utah. USC looked lost as their offensive leader was gone. 

Those who bet on college football want to know: Could Jayden Daniels make this interesting? Absolutely. Daniels will need some signature wins early to merit even more consideration. Finally, don't discount players like Sam Hartman or Drake Maye. Even longer shots like Bo Nix at Oregon and Jordan Travis from Florida State may get on a few radars early. 

Who Will Win the 2023 Maxwell Award?

Typically, the player that wins the Heisman often wins the Maxwell Award. 

This honor is bestowed on the most outstanding player in college football. Caleb Williams is also believed to be the clubhouse leader for the top prize here. However, Jayden Daniels and even Michael Penix Jr. may have something to say. 

Can Caleb Williams Make it a Sweep and Win the Davey O'Brien Award?

Again, yards and touchdowns don't always measure heart and results. Last year, Max Duggan took home the Davey O’Brien Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the best upperclassmen college quarterback. 

Could the honor this year go to Caleb Williams or maybe someone else? Stay tuned!