CFB's 40 most important players: Where Manning, Moore and other top QBs rank
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- Keelon Russell tops the list as Alabama's likely starting QB, having spent a redshirt year watching Ty Simpson carry the "weakest Alabama offense in years" to the College Football Playoff; he now inherits an "even less proven skill corps and a brand-new offensive line."
- Arch Manning (Texas, No. 5) led the nation in Total QBR from November onward in 2025, throwing 11 TDs with one interception and mixing in selective but devastating runs; the author notes he "must still shore up his fundamentals when throwing on the move."
- Dante Moore (Oregon, No. 6) would have been a top-two NFL draft pick but returned for another season; against five SP+ top-10 defenses he averaged just 5.9 yards per dropback with a 36% success rate and four TDs to five INTs.
- Josh Hoover (Indiana, No. 2) takes over after Fernando Mendoza's "Heisman, national title, No. 1 pick" trifecta, bringing 9,629 career passing yards and 19 wins, but must cut interceptions to meet Indiana's new standard.
- Darian Mensah (Miami, No. 3) joins after a "controversial, late-in-the-transfer-window departure" from ACC champion Duke; Miami came within 47 yards of the national title under Carson Beck last season.
- John Mateer (Oklahoma, No. 7) and Marcel Reed (Texas A&M, No. 8) are described as dangerous playmakers whose mistake tendencies could derail CFP runs — Reed had a higher interception rate than Mateer but more rushing yards in fewer attempts.
- Ryan Coleman-Williams (Alabama WR, No. 12) is the first non-QB on the list and posted the worst drop rate (13.0%) of any highly targeted 2025 receiver, though he averaged an "otherworldly 5.0 yards per route" in his first five collegiate games.
Why it matters: After 13 of 21 title contenders started new QBs in 2025, 2026 flips to veterans like Manning, Moore, Stockton, and Carr at the top. The X-factor load now shifts onto unproven pass catchers and pass rushers — including Alabama WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, whose 13.0% drop rate led all highly targeted receivers.
