ESPN's Bill Connelly has released his pre-spring quarterback rankings for all 68 Power 4 college football teams, with Notre Dame's CJ Carr taking the top spot. The rankings come as spring football begins across the country, with rosters now stable after the January transfer window. Connelly evaluated players based on stats, trends and recent performances from the 2025 season.

Carr led the Irish to a strong 2025 campaign, ranking first nationally in third-and-long success rate while posting impressive numbers: 83.4 QBR, 2,741 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Despite losing key running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, Carr's quick decision-making and protection from what might be the nation's best offensive line should keep him productive. Ohio State's Julian Sayin ranks second after an exceptional 2025 season where he threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns with an 88.4 QBR.

Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss comes in third after nearly leading the Rebels to the national title game, while Texas' Arch Manning sits fourth following significant improvement late in 2025. USC's Jayden Maiava rounds out the top five, having produced an 87.0 QBR or higher in 11 of 13 games. These rankings set the stage for an exciting 2026 college football season as these quarterbacks look to build on their 2025 performances.