CBS Sports updates Top 10 QB Power Rankings ahead of Week 6

Some big-time quarterback performances highlighted the Week 5 slate of college football games. It also led to a shakeup in CBS Sports’ updated Top 10 QB Power Rankings on Wednesdays.

After some big-time plays late in Saturday’s game against Georgia, Jalen Milroe jumped up to the top spot in Tom Fornelli’s rankings. That meant Cam Ward dropped to the No. 2 spot after an up-and-down start and eventually coming away with a thrilling victory over Virginia Tech Friday night.

Another notable name to appear on CBS Sports’ Top 10 QB Power Rankings was Hajj-Malik Williams. The former backup to UNLV moved into the starting role after Matthew Sluka’s decision to redshirt amid an NIL situation, and he rose to the occasion in a big way to keep the Rebels undefeated on the young season.

Week 6 is approaching quickly, and there will be more chances for QBs to move up the rankings. Conference play is in full swing across the country, and the College Football Playoff rankings debut in less than a month – meaning things are heating up quickly.

It’ll be interesting to see what’s in store the rest of the way as the calendar flips to October. For now, though, here’s a look at CBS Sports’ Top 10 QB Power Rankings ahead of Week 6.

1. Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Jalen Milroe’s strong showing against Georgia moved him to the No. 1 spot in CBS Sports’ Top 10 QB Power Rankings. He led Alabama’s high-powered offense and made the game-sealing throw late to Ryan Williams to propel the Crimson Tide to the victory – and the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25.

Milroe got it done with both his arm and his legs as he threw for 374 yards, ran for 117 and had four total touchdowns. That includes the 75-yard game-winner to Williams with just over two minutes to play after Georgia took the lead one play earlier, and Alabama now has plenty of momentum entering Week 6.

2. Cam Ward, Miami

In the early going against Virginia Tech, Cam Ward had an up-and-down go. However, he found his footing as the game went on and he played a crucial role as Miami avoided a shocking upset on its home field.

Ward threw for 343 yards and four touchdowns, and also added 57 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. He threw two interceptions, but he bounced back in a big way as he continues to thrive in Shannon Dawson’s offense in Coral Gables.

3. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Don’t look now, but Colorado is 4-1 entering Week 6. Shedeur Sanders is a big reason for that after putting together another big game against UCF last time out.

Sanders completed 28 of 35 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns to help the Buffaloes to a 48-21 victory. He continues to present his case as one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft, and he moved up to No. 3 in CBS Sports’ Top 10 QB Power Rankings as a result.

4. Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee

It’s safe to say Nico Iamaleava is living up to the hype at Tennessee this season. After spending last year in a reserve role, he’s in the midst of a breakout as the focal point of Josh Heupel’s scheme.

Tennessee is coming out of the bye week, but Iamaleava continues to generate some buzz as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. He’s coming off an impressive showing against Oklahoma, when he threw for 194 yards and a touchdown as the Vols got the 25-15 win in Norman.

5. Hajj-Malik Williams, UNLV

UNLV became the most-discussed team in college football last week as the Matthew Sluka situation unfolded. His departure opened the door for Hajj-Malik Williams to take over at quarterback, and the Rebels offense didn’t miss a beat.

Williams threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns while adding a team-leading 118 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. UNLV now takes a perfect 4-0 record into Week 6, and Williams is sure to be a key part of the unit moving forward.

6. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

No one in the SEC has thrown more passes this year than Garrett Nussmeier. That’s part of the reason he ranks second in the league in passing yards per game as he leads LSU’s new-look offense.

Nussmeier continued to air it out last week against South Alabama, throwing for 409 yards and four touchdowns along with two interceptions. His arm talent is impressive, and that’s why he jumped into CBS Sports’ Top 10 QB Power Rankings.

7. Cade Klubnik, Clemson

All eyes were on Cade Klubnik entering this season and how he’d adjust in year Year 2 in Garrett Riley’s system. Through four games, he’s averaging a career-high yards per completion as Clemson continues to bounce back well fro a rough opener against Georgia.

Klubnik once again led the Tigers to a win last week against Stanford, throwing for 255 yards and four touchdowns. He’s now seven touchdowns away from last season’s total as ACC play begins to heat up.

8. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

Through his first four games at Oregon, Dillon Gabriel hasn’t missed a beat. He is shining in Will Stein’s system and enters Week 6 as the nation’s leader in completion percentage.

Oregon’s offense continued to dominate last week against UCLA en route to a 34-13 victory. Gabriel threw for 278 yards and three touchdowns in the effort as he settles in and now gets ready for Big Ten play to ramp up a bit with Ohio State looming in Week 7 after Saturday’s matchup vs. Michigan State.

9. Blake Horvath, Navy

For the first time since 1945, Navy and Army are both 4-0. Blake Horvath is leading the charge for the Midshipmen, who cruised past UAB 41-18 to improve to 3-0 in American Athletic Conference play.

Horvath ran for 84 yards and a touchdown in Navy’s option offense, but he also completed 9-of-11 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. The Midshipmen have plenty of momentum heading into a service academy matchup against Air Force on Saturday.

10. Arch Manning, Texas

Through two games in Quinn Ewers’ place, Arch Manning showed what the future could look like at Texas. He was efficient in a dominant victory over Mississippi State to send the Longhorns into the bye week strong.

Manning completed 26 of 31 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns in the 35-13 victory. He’s closing in on 1,000 passing yards as a sophomore, but with Ewers nearing a return, Manning will likely return to a bench role – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though.

Week 6 features another intriguing slate of games, and the QB rankings could continue to shift. But with October in full swing, the pressure is going to ramp up each week until December comes around.