Even though Michael Penix Jr. is back, it doesn't mean that the Atlanta Falcons have a long-term answer at the quarterback position just yet. But the good news here is that the 2027 NFL Draft offers one of the deepest QB classes in recent memory, so Kevin Stefanski can hitch his wagon to his own guy rather than Penix--who was drafted by the previous Falcons' brain trust.
This means that every weekend of college football is another weekend to get some scouting in on some of the top prospects in the 2027 draft class--especially under center. And even though I'm a Michigan State fan, I am an avid CFB watcher, which means I'm qualified to offer a crash course on what to watch for.
Since conference play kicks off this weekend, now's a good a time as any to dive into this. We're no longer seeing top prospects pick on mid-majors and FCS schools, so the SEC and Big Ten have a couple of matchups you should probably watch if you're interested in watching the top QB prospects.
And in order to not double-dip in any given window of the day, I named three games being played at different points of the day: one noon game, one afternoon game, and one night game.
1. No. 1 Texas at No. 14 Tennessee--12:00 p.m. ET (ABC)
The Atlanta Falcons are going to do their fair share of homework on Arch Manning across these next couple of months, and I expect a good number of scouts to be in Knoxville for this one, and the storyline of seeing him take the field at a school where his uncle is a legend will be must-see TV.
But it goes much deeper than that. Currently Arch Manning is expected to be one of the first QBs selected in the 2027 Draft and this is the Longhorns' toughest test since their comeback victory over Ohio State, and going on the road to face No. 14 Tennessee is going to be a prime NFL audition.
The best aspect of Manning's game isn't his last name, but his mobility given his 6-foot-4, 222-pound frame, and has displayed solid arm talent at points, but his pocket presence and decision-making are still a work in progress. The good news is that Arch typically improves throughout the season, and it's about time for the Texas offense to start setting the nation on fire.
Manning gonna have to be sharp against a Tennessee team that has the second-most sacks in the nation (13) through three games, so this is a game both Falcons brass and Falcons fans should watch to see how he handles pressure--both on and off the field.
2. No. 20 Oregon at No. 12 USC--7:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
Next up is the headline of the night slate, and that's a former Pac 12 (now a Big Ten) matchup between Oregon and USC for what's probably the best probably the best QB matchup of the day between Oregon's Dante Moore and USC's Jayden Maiava--two likely future first-round draft picks.
Maiava leads the nation in both passing yards (1,173) and passing touchdowns (12) which has seen him burst onto the scene as a possible first-round prospect because he's an elite pocket passer. Meanwhile, Moore could not have a more different play style if he tried in Year 3 with the Ducks.
He's more elusive and is better at escaping the pocket, but we've seen the arm talent across the last season and change as Oregon's starter. But outside of the season opener against Boise State he's struggled, so he needs to show out against a quality opponent to help scouts feel better about him.
In fact, both QBs could use a strong first impression in conference play to pad their draft stock.
3. No. 4 Ole Miss at No. 21 Florida--3:30 p.m (ABC)
Speaking of QB prospects who are playing themselves into a Day 1 contract, Falcons fans better get very acquainted with Ole Miss signal-caller Trinidad Chambliss. We saw Chambliss lead the Rebels to a miraculous come-from-behind win against Lane Kiffin and LSU last weekend, and now the pressure is on to deliver an encore.
Ole Miss was at home against the Tigers, but they don't have the luxury again, as they're headed to the swamp to face No. 21 Florida this afternoon. That is a tough place to play, but if you know anything about this kid and his story nothing fazes him.
He has the mobility, he has the arm talent, and it seems like he is smart enough to be a franchise passer--but there are red flags.
A 6-foot, 205 pound QB who will turn 25 before he makes his NFL debut is a prospect teams would typically be told to stay away from, but Trinidad Chambliss is anything but ordinary. Not only is it becoming more common to draft older QBs, the decisiveness makes him ready to play instantly.
If Trinidad Chambliss shines against this Gators defense, his hype train will only grow louder--but will Kevin Stefanski get involved?
Add us as a preferred source on Google