The quarterback class of 2023 saw a tumultuous start as top contenders Arch Manning and Nico Iamaleava both experienced disappointing losses in Week 1. Manning’s struggle came during Texas’s 14-7 defeat to Ohio State, where he failed to complete a pass longer than nine yards until late in the game. Likewise, Iamaleava finished with just 136 yards on 11 completions, contributing to UCLA’s 43-10 loss to Utah. Both quarterbacks plummeted out of the top 50 in rankings this week.

In contrast, Tommy Castellanos from Florida State and Auburn’s Jackson Arnold rose significantly in the rankings due to their impressive performances. Castellanos showcased his skills with a strong showing against Alabama, while Arnold excelled in his debut with Auburn. In total, the rankings assess quarterbacks based on recent performances, factoring in competition level and game pressure rather than just statistics.