1. Drake Maye, UNC

Cut from the same cloth as Justin Herbert, Maye (2,559 yards passing, 22 total TDs) continues to impress with his on-field command despite inconsistent help around him. A tall, well-put-together athlete, he has an explosive release with the touch to threaten every level of the field.

He still makes a few more reckless decisions than you’d want, but his timing has improved, and his aggressive decision-making is more of a strength than a weakness.

3. Caleb Williams, USC

I’m all for a ban of the word “generational” when talking about college prospects, because it sets near-unattainable expectations and makes a player like Williams an easy target for criticism. That said, Williams (2,646 yards passing, 34 total TDs) remains an extremely impressive prospect. He has an above-average arm and a natural feel for accuracy, and his ability to weaponize his creativity remains a differentiating factor between him and most quarterbacks.

Williams is fantastic at navigating chaos, but he does hold the ball too long at times. Often he has no choice, either because a defense gets immediate pressure with its front four or his receivers haven’t created separation. And when that happens, Williams feels forced to put on the superhero cape, which can lead to negative plays.

With the bar set so high, it can be easy to call Williams “overrated” after a mistake, but let’s not lose sight of his tremendous strengths as a player.

16. JJ McCarthy, Michigan

Two months after entering the season as my QB3, McCarthy (1,799 yards passing, 21 total TDs) hasn’t done anything to surrender that spot. He is completing 78.1 percent of his passes with an 18-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio, while doing some of his best work on the move.

Considering Michigan’s schedule, NFL scouts are taking a wait-and-see approach with McCarthy — the month of November (featuring games at Penn State and versus Ohio State) will determine a lot.

24. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

As my preseason QB6, Sanders just missed the initial top 50 in August. He absolutely earned his way onto the list this time with his play over the season’s first two months.

Sanders (2,637 yards passing, 25 total TDs) is guilty of holding the ball for too long when big-play hunting, but his ability to keep plays alive is an asset. Though he could use another year of seasoning, Sanders has the poise and physical talent to warrant a first-round pick if he declares for the 2024 draft.

43. Jayden Daniels, LSU

Daniels (2,573 yards passing, 30 total TDs) put quality tape out there while at Arizona State, but he took a noticeable jump last season after transferring to LSU and looks even better in 2023.

His running ability is a valuable asset, but I’m most impressed with his confidence and control as a passer — both in the pocket and on the move. He leads the FBS in completions of 20-plus yards with 49.

Daniels has received starter-level grades from NFL scouts.

45. Quinn Ewers, Texas

Ewers (1,915 yards passing, 18 total TDs) has taken a step forward this season, especially with his performance at Alabama.

There is no doubt that he is an NFL quarterback, but determining his pro upside — high-end, mid-level or low-end starter? — still feels like a work in progress. It doesn’t help that Ewers is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.

50. Carson Beck, UGA

It is kind of strange that the quarterback of the No. 1 team in the country isn’t being widely talked about as an NFL prospect. But he should be. Beck (2,462 yards passing, 17 TDs) has been more productive than former Georgia QB (and Rams fourth-round pick) Stetson Bennett was at this point last season, and he is getting better with each game.

Beck is on a trajectory to be an NFL starter.