CBS Sports shakes up Top 10 QB Power Rankings with new No. 1 ahead of Week 12

This season has seen plenty of big-time quarterback performances, and it certainly adds to the intrigue of the Heisman Trophy race. It also meant CBS Sports has had to shake up its Top 10 QB Power Rankings a few times, and there’s a new No. 1 once again.

LSU’s Jayden Daniels, a frontrunner for the Heisman, is back atop the list after another big game last week. His ability to make big plays with both his arm and his legs give him a unique skillset, and that’s a big reason for his growing Heisman hype.

The rest of CBS Sports’ Top 10 QB Power Rankings features some big names, but an interesting choice rounds out the list after a surprise performance in Week 11.

1. Jayden Daniels, LSU

Jayden Daniels continues to cement himself as the nation’s top dual-threat quarterback, and last week’s performance added to that argument. He had 372 passing yards, 234 rushing yards and five total touchdowns to help LSU past Florida 52-38.

Daniels remains the nation’s leader in total offense, now averaging 408.2 yards per game to lead LSU’s high-powered offense. He seems primed for a trip to New York for the Heisman ceremony, and he sits firmly atop CBS Sports’ Top 10 QB Power Rankings.

2. Carson Beck, Georgia

Carson Beck looked the part once again in another top-15 showdown for Georgia last week. He led a complete attack from the Bulldogs’ offense as they reclaimed their No. 1 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings with a 52-17 win over Ole Miss.

Beck completed 18 of 25 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns in the victory, marking his second 300-yard performance in his last three games. He’s a big reason UGA moved up to No. 1, and the Dawgs have plenty of momentum entering this week’s tough road matchup against Tennessee.

3. Jalen Milroe, Alabama

It wasn’t the start he envisioned, but Jalen Milroe shook it off and is putting on a show right now for Alabama. He had another monster performance last week to help the Crimson Tide win their eighth consecutive game, this one a 49-21 victory over Kentucky.

Milroe had six total touchdowns in that game, marking the second time this year he had at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores. He’s found his stride, and that’s a big reason why he moved up to No. 3 in CBS Sports’ rankings.

4. Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Michael Penix Jr. has had an up-and-down stretch since Washington’s victory over Oregon, but he remains one of the top quarterbacks in college football. That was apparent once again last week as he helped the Huskies grind out a victory at Utah on the road.

Penix threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns in the game, which kept UW undefeated and atop the Pac-12 standings. He remains in the mix for the Heisman, as well, ahead of this week’s interesting matchup against Oregon State.

5. Bo Nix, Oregon

All year, Bo Nix has been the epitome of consistency. The Oregon quarterback remains the nation’s leader in completion percentage, and he turned in another impressive showing a week ago against USC.

Nix completed his first two passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns as part of his 412-yard, 4-touchdown night. He now finds himself as the favorite to win the Heisman entering Week 12, and he can add to his case when Oregon takes on Arizona State on Saturday.

6. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

J.J. McCarthy’s numbers took a huge hit last week — but it wasn’t his fault. Michigan decided to run the ball 32 straight times to end the victory over Penn State in the biggest game of the year.

While McCarthy didn’t make waves as a passer, he remains one of the top signal-callers in college football, which is why he remained on CBS Sports’ Top 10 QB Power Rankings. His next opportunity to show off his ability, again with Sherrone Moore as acting head coach, will be Saturday against Maryland.

7. Jordan Travis, Florida State

As Florida State continues its quest for a College Football Playoff appearance, Jordan Travis is one of the biggest pieces of that puzzle. He and the Seminoles are now 10-0 with ACC play in the books and two non-conference games before the conference championship game.

Last week against Miami, Travis went 19-for-31 for 265 yards and a touchdown to help FSU get the 27-20 victory over its in-state rival. North Alabama awaits this week, but an intriguing matchup will be next week against Florida.

8. Drake Maye, North Carolina

A sure-fire top pick in the NFL Draft, Drake Maye continues to put up impressive numbers for North Carolina. He had a big game last week against Duke and helped the Tar Heels gut out the double-overtime victory.

Maye completed 28 of 43 passes for 342 yards and a touchdown, and his five-yard run in 2OT helped seal the victory. A high-profile matchup is coming up Saturday as UNC gets ready to take on Clemson Saturday afternoon.

9. John Rhys Plumlee, UCF

UCF had one of the biggest wins of Week 11, and John Rhys Plumlee was a huge reason why. He threw for three touchdowns to help the Knights blow out Oklahoma State 45-3 and create even more chaos in the Big 12.

Plumlee was efficient, completing 11 of 19 passes for 299 yards and three scores while adding 74 yards on the ground to jump into CBS Sports’ Top 10 QB Power Rankings. UCF is closing in on bowl eligibility in its first year as a Big 12 program, and the Knights’ first opportunity to get that sixth win comes Saturday against Texas Tech.

10. John Paddock, Illinois

After transferring from Ball State, John Paddock sat behind Luke Altmyer at Illinois to start the year. When Altmyer missed last week’s game against Indiana, Paddock rose to the occasion and took the Fighting Illini offense to a whole new level — and jump into CBS Sports’ rankings as Tom Fornelli gave his alma mater some love.

Paddock put together a monster day in the Week 11 shootout, totaling 507 passing yards and four touchdowns as Illinois fought off Indiana en route to the 48-45 victory. The Fighting Illini are right in the thick of a crowded Big Ten West, and things could get interesting depending on how Saturday’s game against Iowa shakes out.

With multiple conference championship berths still on the line entering Week 12, quarterback play is going to be essential as teams vie for the postseason. It’s shaping up to be a fun final stretch of the 2023 season with so much left to decide.