The Big Ten has long been considered the premier league for hard-nosed football, exemplified mostly by stout offensive and defensive line play, and thus running games. But there have been some outliers — such as Ohio State and its passing game over the years, and with the former Pac-12 teams coming aboard, it’s getting much more of an aerial flair.
Quarterback play has always been important, and it’s becoming even more so. With teams like Michigan football and Nebraska both getting top-tier quarterbacks via recruiting and UCLA getting a former top-tier recruit QB Nico Iamaleava via the transfer portal, the league is starting to shift in terms of style. It’s unlikely it will get away from its roots entirely, but there has certainly been a shift.
With that in mind, CBS ranked the top 50 quarterbacks in the country after Week 4. Here is how the Big Ten has fared, with 12 of the 18 teams’ starting QBs making the cut.
1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
CBS rank: 1
Statline: 76-for-99, 1,036 yards, 14 TD, 0 INT
2. Jayden Maiava, USC
CBS rank: 7
Statline: 68-for-96, 1,223 yards, 9 TD, 0 INT
3. Demond Williams, Washington
CBS rank: 11
Statline: 50-for-68, 778 yards, 6 TD, 0 INT
4. Dante Moore, Oregon
CBS rank: 12
Statline: 71-for-95, 962 yards, 11 TD, 1 INT
5. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
CBS rank: 18
Statline: 102-for-135, 1,137 yards, 11 TD, 1 INT
6. Aidan Chiles, MSU
CBS rank: 19
Statline: 70-for-102, 868 yards, 9 TD, 1 INT
7. Luke Altmyer, Illinois
CBS rank: 21
Statline: 70-for-100, 855 yards, 9 TD, 0 INT
CBS rank: 28
Statline: 56-for-71, 779 yards, 8 TD, 3 INT
9. Bryce Underwood, Michigan
CBS rank: 32
Statline: 58-for-102, 733 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
10. Malik Washington, Maryland
CBS rank: 36
Statline: 80-for-134, 1,038 yards, 8 TD, 1 INT
11. Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers
CBS rank: 43
Statline: 86-for-125, 1,1150 yards, 7 TD, 1 INT
CBS rank: 50
Statline: 57-for-88, 626 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
Missed the cut
Nico Iamaleava, UCLADrake Lindsey, MinnesotaPreston Stone, NorthwesternDanny O’Neil, WisconsinMark Gronowski, IowaRyan Browne, Purdue
