After Week 7, Deshaun Watson has the wind in his back again after another fourth-quarter comeback. However, the play in the first three quarters of most games that has fueled talk of a change in 2027 through the NFL Draft.
Thus, we will keep our eyes on college prospects.
We will provide a top-five ranking, with players just on the outside looking in. This group already looks good after just one week, but it's only been one week. Deeper analysis will come later, so this is a more reactionary take with some added reasoning for their placement.
With the stage set, here is how things look after Week 8 of the college football season.
5. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Week 8: 18 for 32 passing, 210 passing yards, 96 rushing yards, three total touchdowns, and one interception
I believe the LaNorris Sellers hype train may be starting back up again. He was far from perfect in Week 8 against Tennessee, but he dragged his team across the finish line to upset the Vols. He showcased all the physical gifts he has, and it reminded me personally about what made me like him, so I can only imagine how the NFL is feeling. South Carolina isn't going to get the most out of him, and an NFL team may not either, but count me in as someone who isn't going to bet against him.
4. CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Week 8: Bye Week
CJ Carr had a big stage last week and did not rise to the occasion the way that many had hoped he would. He could get Notre Dame across the finish line, despite some impressive throws, and it now makes the Miami game next month very telling for his development and what the NFL may see in him. Both he and Notre Dame used the Bye Week to prep for Navy, in which he should be able to showcase some throws.
3. Austin Simmons, Missouri
Week 8: Bye Week
Watching it live, I was concerned with some of the throws and decision-making made by Simmons last week. Going back and looking at it now, I believe he actually looked better than I initially thought. Regardless, he stays at third in my quarterback rankings with plenty of more chances to rise based on the slate of games that Missouri has on the horizon.
2. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Week 8: 25 for 52 passing, 250 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions
Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss were buried by Texas in the first half of their matchup this weekend. Then, in the second half, they made adjustments and were able to close the gap and nearly win the game before some Longhorn magic. The turnovers need to be cut down in games like this, and Chambliss knows that. It also seems in recent weeks he is being contained more by both playcalling and defenses, and I want to see more creativity on display.
1. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Week 8: 21 for 36 passing, 386 passing yards, and four touchdowns
Drew Mestemaker had a first-round grade from me in the Summer. The way he started the season had me concerned about that, but since Week 3 he has really found his stride, and it has allowed him to play more freely, not overanalyzing, and it has him now in the top spot of my quarterback rankings. He is effortless with how well he pushes the ball down the field, his decision-making is sharp, and the physicall traits check every box for him at this point.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: 2027 NFL Draft: Updated QB rankings following Week 8 of CFB