Greg McElroy releases polarizing Top 10 college football quarterback rankings

In the world of college football, few topics spark as much debate and passionate discussion as rankings, particularly when it comes to the most crucial position on the field: quarterback. Every season, analysts, coaches, and fans alike weigh in on who deserves to be crowned the best in the game. This year, Greg McElroy, former Alabama quarterback and college football analyst for ESPN, has once again stirred the pot with his Top 10 College Football Quarterback Rankings, a list that has generated both praise and intense criticism.

McElroy’s rankings are always a point of contention, given his deep knowledge of the game and his position as a respected voice in the sport. However, this year’s list is particularly polarizing, with several surprising inclusions, omissions, and placements that have sent fans, analysts, and even some coaches into a frenzy. McElroy, known for his candid and often controversial takes, doesn’t shy away from making bold assertions, and his quarterback rankings are no exception.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into McElroy’s Top 10 Quarterback Rankings, examining each of the quarterbacks he included, why some of his choices have been met with skepticism, and what these rankings mean for the future of college football.

1. Caleb Williams (USC)

At the top of McElroy’s rankings is Caleb Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and quarterback for the University of Southern California. There’s little surprise here, as Williams’ 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. Under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley, Williams has transformed into the most dynamic and dominant player in college football.

McElroy hails Williams for his remarkable ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move, his poise under pressure, and his impressive throwing mechanics. His performance throughout the 2024 season has solidified his place as the best quarterback in college football.

“Caleb Williams is the best quarterback in college football right now,” McElroy states emphatically in his analysis. “He’s got everything you look for in a quarterback—athleticism, arm strength, accuracy, and leadership. He’s a transcendent talent.”

However, some critics argue that while Williams is undoubtedly talented, he hasn’t faced the same level of adversity as other top quarterbacks in college football. The question of whether he can perform in big-game situations remains a point of debate, especially as USC’s program seeks to rise to national prominence.

Despite the criticism, it’s hard to argue with McElroy’s assessment of Williams as the top quarterback. He’s been the face of college football and will likely be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft if he chooses to declare early.

2. Drake Maye (North Carolina)

At No. 2, McElroy has Drake Maye from the University of North Carolina, who has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. Maye, known for his ability to make every throw, has been a consistent performer for the Tar Heels, putting up impressive stats while leading his team to several high-profile victories.

McElroy praises Maye’s pocket presence, ability to read defenses, and overall skill set. “Drake Maye has everything you want in a quarterback,” McElroy writes. “He’s tall, he’s athletic, and he’s got one of the best arms in the country. He’s a true pro-style quarterback with all the tools to succeed at the next level.”

Maye’s ability to perform under pressure and lead North Carolina to key wins has solidified his place near the top of McElroy’s rankings. However, there is some pushback from fans who feel that Maye’s stock is inflated due to the lack of elite competition in the ACC. While he’s been excellent, some wonder how Maye would fare in a tougher conference like the SEC or Big Ten.

Nevertheless, McElroy’s ranking of Maye as the second-best quarterback in college football reflects his belief in the North Carolina quarterback’s potential and his impressive body of work so far.

3. Michael Penix Jr. (Washington)

McElroy has Michael Penix Jr. of the Washington Huskies at No. 3, and it’s clear that Penix has made quite an impression on the former Alabama quarterback. Penix, who transferred to Washington after several successful seasons at Indiana, has thrived under Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer, leading Washington to one of the most potent offenses in the country.

McElroy lauds Penix’s ability to throw deep with precision, his field awareness, and his overall leadership. “Michael Penix Jr. is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in college football,” McElroy states. “He’s got a cannon for an arm, and he can make every throw in the book.”

The controversy surrounding Penix’s ranking at No. 3 stems from concerns over his injury history. Penix’s time at Indiana was marked by injuries, and some skeptics wonder if he can stay healthy long enough to truly cement himself as one of the nation’s elite quarterbacks. Nonetheless, McElroy’s ranking is a reflection of Penix’s exceptional talent and his outstanding performances for Washington.

4. Bo Nix (Oregon)

At No. 4, McElroy places Bo Nix, the former Auburn quarterback who transferred to Oregon and has had a career renaissance under head coach Dan Lanning. Nix, who struggled with inconsistency during his time at Auburn, has found new life in Oregon’s system, showcasing a vastly improved skill set, decision-making, and leadership.

“Bo Nix has completely changed the narrative around his career,” McElroy notes. “He’s playing with confidence, and you can see his growth in the pocket. He’s a legitimate Heisman contender this year.”

The most divisive aspect of McElroy’s ranking is the fact that Nix is ahead of quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy from Michigan and Tyler Van Dyke from Miami. Some believe that Nix’s ranking is a bit too high, especially considering the strong competition he faces in the PAC-12. However, McElroy’s emphasis on Nix’s development and improvement over the years is evident in his ranking.

5. J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)

J.J. McCarthy, the Michigan Wolverines’ star quarterback, lands at No. 5 in McElroy’s rankings. McCarthy has been a key piece in Michigan’s rise to national prominence, leading the team to multiple Big Ten championships and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.

McElroy notes McCarthy’s impressive arm strength and his ability to make plays under pressure. “McCarthy has all the tools to be a top-tier NFL quarterback,” McElroy writes. “He can make every throw, and he’s proven himself in big games.”

However, McElroy also acknowledges that McCarthy’s performance in certain high-pressure moments has been inconsistent. Some critics believe McCarthy has yet to fully prove himself in clutch situations, especially in the College Football Playoff. Nonetheless, McElroy’s placement of McCarthy at No. 5 reflects his belief that McCarthy has the potential to become one of the best in the nation.

6-10: The Controversial Rankings

The rankings from 6 to 10 are where things get particularly controversial. While McElroy has a clear sense of which quarterbacks have the talent and the pedigree to compete at the highest level, his placements have left many scratching their heads.

In McElroy’s 6th to 10th spots, we find:

• Tyler Van Dyke (Miami), who McElroy praises for his natural ability but criticizes for his inconsistent play in Miami’s offense.
• Sam Hartman (Notre Dame), who has been excellent but hasn’t had the chance to prove himself in the biggest games.
• Spencer Sanders (Oklahoma State), a player McElroy sees as underrated but acknowledges for his leadership and dual-threat capabilities.
• Hendon Hooker (Tennessee), who has been brilliant for the Volunteers but remains unproven in high-pressure situations.
• KJ Jefferson (Arkansas), whose stock has risen thanks to his dual-threat ability but who has yet to shine in the biggest games.

The biggest surprise is McElroy’s omission of other potential top quarterbacks such as CJ Stroud from Ohio State and Will Levis from Kentucky. Some fans believe these players deserve higher placements, arguing that McElroy undervalued their skills or placed too much emphasis on unquantifiable factors like leadership and potential.

As always, Greg McElroy’s Top 10 College Football Quarterback Rankings have stirred up plenty of debate. His rankings highlight the incredible depth and talent at the quarterback position across college football and spark intense discussions about which players deserve to be at the top.

While some of McElroy’s choices are met with skepticism, his rankings serve as a reminder that college football is a dynamic and unpredictable sport. The quarterbacks listed here represent the next wave of talent that will shape the future of the game, and fans will continue to follow their progress closely as the season unfolds.

At the end of the day, rankings are subjective, and in the case of McElroy’s list, they are meant to provoke conversation, highlight underappreciated talents, and showcase the incredible level of competition in college football. Whether fans agree or disagree with the placements, McElroy’s rankings have certainly added fuel to the fire and ensured that the conversation around college football’s best quarterbacks will continue for the foreseeable future.