College football’s quarterback rankings are already seeing some wild swings, and Mizzou’s Austin Simmons made the biggest jump, vaulting from 30th to 10th after a clutch Week 2 win. Meanwhile, LSU’s Sam Leavitt took a crushing dive, falling from No. 2 all the way to No. 43 after a disastrous performance. These early season shifts are always wild, with data flooding in and making big moves common in the QB power rankings.
Austin Simmons’ Incredible Comeback Story Has Everyone Talking
What a turnaround for Austin Simmons! He just led the Tigers to a huge 38-21 win at rival Kansas in Week 2, and his story is crazy. Remember when he was recruited by Lane Kiffin to Ole Miss, arriving at just 17? He redshirted in 2023, then impressed as a backup in 2024. He even came off the bench to lead an early scoring drive in the Rebels’ win over Georgia when starter Jaxson Dart was dinged up. Simmons seemed set to be Kiffin’s next big QB after Dart left. But then came the 2025 SEC opener against Kentucky, where an ankle injury opened the door for Trinidad Chambliss. Chambliss didn’t just walk through it; he ran away with the starting job, even winning SEC Newcomer of the Year.
But here’s the kicker: Simmons never stopped being an SEC-caliber starter, and he looks like a perfect fit at Mizzou. This dude is legit, ranking sixth nationally in EPA (expected points added) per dropback. And get this, he’s third among quarterbacks who actually went up against a Power Four defense. All eyes might be on Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss this week with LSU, but mark your calendars for October 17. That’s when Simmons makes his own return to Oxford for what’s sure to be an epic Simmons vs. Chambliss quarterback battle. You know that’s one to circle!
Leavitt’s Freefall and the Unstoppable Miami Machine
While Simmons is soaring, Sam Leavitt is plummeting. Dropping from No. 2 to No. 43 is a brutal fall, and it came after he threw three interceptions in the first half against Louisiana Tech. Oof. Talk about a tough outing. Oklahoma’s John Mateer also took a hit, falling from 22nd to outside the top 50 this week. It just goes to show you how quickly things can change in college football.
And then there’s Miami’s Darian Mensah, who is just on another level, holding steady at No. 1. Through two games, Mensah has completed 41 of 45 passes for 653 yards with eight touchdowns and zero interceptions. Seriously, zero picks! Among those with 30-plus pass attempts, he’s No. 1 nationally in EPA per dropback, and he’s got a commanding edge in passer rating among QBs who have faced a Power Four opponent. Yeah, Stanford and Florida A&M didn’t exactly put up a wall, but Mensah is off to an A+ start as he heads into an interesting Friday night test at Wake Forest. Right behind him at No. 2 is Trinidad Chambliss, who looked sharp with 23 completions on 26 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns in an easy 41-9 Week 2 win over Charlotte.
This early season data is constantly changing the game, and watching these rankings shift is half the fun. Get ready for Simmons’s return to Oxford on October 17. That game is going to be appointment viewing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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