Here at XFL News Hub we’ve been tracking the “power rankings” of Quarterbacks since prior to the 2023. While the rankings were shaken up due to multiple releases and signings prior to week one, each week XFL Quarterbacks were ranked based on their performance with all signal callers looking to earn the “coveted” number 1 spot. Over the 2023 season 22 Quarterbacks threw a pass, with 18 of them starting a game for their team.
22. Kevin Anderson Arlington Renegades Preseason Ranking #16
Stats: 1/1 5 Passing Yards 0 Rushing Attempts 0 Rushing Yards
Anderson wasn’t given an opportunity to showcase his skill set in 2023, despite the lack of production by Renegades Quarterbacks. Anderson did have a quick cameo when Plitt injured his knee, however the team opted to trade for Luis Perez to lead Arlington to a playoff berth. With the Renegades currently rostering Kelly Bryant, Luis Perez, Drew Plitt, and Anderson, the Renegades may be in for a shakeup in 2024.
21. Steven Montez Seattle Sea Dragons Preseason Ranking #11
Stats: 1/2 6 Passing Yards 0 TD 0 INTs 0 Rushing Attempts 0 Rushing Yards
Montez only appeared in one game for the Sea Dragons in 2023 due to the record-breaking season put out by Ben DiNucci. Originally it appeared that Montez could be utilized as a read option change up Montez was regulated to clipboard duty for the majority of the season. With DiNucci almost certainly being set to return to the NFL, Montez may have an opportunity to start in 2024 with Seattle.
20. Kaleb Eleby Houston Roughnecks Preseason Ranking Unranked
Stats: 4/7 28 Passing Yards 1 Rushing Attempt 6 Rushing Yards
Eleby was an intriguing prospect coming into the 2023 season. After a record setting career at Western Michigan, joined the XFL as his first professional opportunity. Eleby had a quick appearance in Week 10 of the XFL season putting together a respectable sample size in limited action. For Eleby the question now arises, is he better off waiting to see what happens in Houston, or does he try and find an opportunity elsewhere.
19. Jawon Pass San Antonio Brahmas Preseason Ranking Unranked
Stats: 10/20 89 Passing Yards 5 Rushing Attempts 20 Rushing Yards
Pass was given the short end of the stick this season opening up the training camp as the team’s third string QB only to be thrown into the starting lineup after injuries to Jack Coan and Reid Sinnett. Pass had a limited sample size for the Brahmas in 2023 not really being given an opportunity to play a full game with San Antonio opting for Kurt Benkert over Pass. However, with 2024 on the horizon maybe Pass will get his shot to compete for the starting job, after San Antonio missed the playoffs despite exceptional play from their defense.
18. Kurt Benkert San Antonio Brahmas Preseason Ranking Unranked
Stats: 23/37 181 Passing Yards 1 TD 2 INTs 4 Rushing Attempts 12 Rushing Yards
Benkert was another Brahmas QB who made a cameo appearance in the XFL in 2023. Originally assigned to the Houston Roughnecks, Benkert sat on the sidelines for the first several weeks of the season before being called to action for San Antonio. After “leading” the Brahmas to a win, Benkert gutted his way through broken ribs before being place on injured reserve after appearing 2 games. While Benkert’s impact for the Brahmas was limited and pro football career in question, the UVA alum can find solace that his career as social media personality only grew after playing in the “league of opportunity.”
17. Reid Sinnett San Antonio Brahmas Preseason Ranking #9
Stats: 13/19 97 Passing Yards 1 TD 1 INT 1 Rushing Attempt 10 Rushing Yards
Sinnett delivered a much-needed spark for the Brahmas, before a foot injury sidelined him for the remainder of the 2023 XFL season. Sinnett was able to push the Brahmas down the field creating a much needed spark for the Brahmas during their anemic run to a 3-7 record. Whil Sinnett may be on the list for many NFL teams if a QB goes down with injury, Sinnett and the XFL could benefit for the former University of San Diego Alum to return in 2024 to continue his development and provide some stability at the Quarterback position.
16. Nick Tiano St. Louis Battlehawks Preseason Ranking Unranked
Stats: 20/36 199 Passing Yards 1 TD 2 INTs 8 Rushing Attempts 51 Rushing Yards
Tiano delivered one of the XFL’s more memorable moments in 2023 in an overtime victory over the Vegas Vipers in Week 8. Tiano who originally came into Battlehawks training camp as QB 3, was elevated to A.J. McCarron’s backup upon the release of Ryan Willis. Despite a heroic performance Tiano would be placed on IR after injuring his foot, but gave St. Louis fans plenty of things to smile about if A.J. McCarron decides to depart for the NFL, and Tiano is given full control of the offense.
15. Deondre Francois Orlando Guardians Preseason Ranking #14
Stats: 20/39 140 Passing Yards 3 TDs 3 INTs 10 Rushing Attempts 54 Rushing Yards
Francois was constantly pushed in and out of the Guardians QB rotation, like all of Terrell Buckley’s signal caller’s in 2023. The Hampton/FSU alum showed flashes of ability however struggled with accuracy and reading the whole field when given an opportunity. While Francois has had a decent amount of success in the indoor game, at times he seemed overmatched by opposing defenses. While many would like to see Francois return in 2024, I think it’s clear that his window for success in the outdoor game maybe closing.
14. Kyle Sloter Arlington Renegades Preseason Ranking #2
Stats: 61/101 499 Passing Yards 1 TD 4 INTs 8 Rushing Attempts 27 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
Sloter was by far the largest disappointment in 2023 regarding XFL Quarterbacks. After starting out as ranked at number #2, Sloter’s pedigree joining his old USFL teammate Sal Cannella and his success with the USFL’s Breakers in 2022 was a surely a recipe for success in 2023 right? Well obviously, we all know the end result for the Renegades and Sloter as the former NFL Journeyman could never find success in Jon Hayes’ offense often times struggling to find open Receivers and forcing check downs a bit too early. Sloter’s lack of success would later find him released and the Quarterback would join the Birmingham Stallions for his second go around in the USFL.
13. Jack Coan San Antonio Brahmas Preseason Ranking #13
Stats: 158/254 1,471 6 TDs 6 INTs 26 Rushing Attempts 108 Rushing Yards 4 Fumbles
It was an up and down season for Coan, who played in 8 games for the Brahmas in 2023. The former Notre Dame Signal caller finished the season with back-to-back 300 Yard Games to close out 2023. It seemed that Coan at times was overwhelmed, behind a makeshift Offensive Line and a depleted receiving corp. While Coan has received invites to Rookie Mini-Camp for the Seahawks and Jets it may be a better option for him to get another season of playing time in the XFL to further his development.
12. Drew Plitt Arlington Renegades Preseason Ranking #12
Stats: 63/99 668 Passing Yards 3 TDs 5 INTs 14 Rushing Attempts 57 Rushing Yards 3 Fumbles
Plitt like Sloter struggled to get the Renegades Offense clicking which led to less than desirable performances between both Quarterbacks for much of the season. While Plitt did have some nice “moments” he often seemed overmatched and overwhelmed throughout the season. In my opinion Plitt would be a prime candidate to return to the XFL in 2024 and earn game reps rather than spend his time on an NFL Practice Squad.
11. D’Eriq King DC Defenders Preseason Ranking #15
Stats: 17/25 184 Passing Yards 4 TDs 1 INTs 30 Rushing Attempts 102 Rushing Yards 5 TDs 1 Fumble
The biggest knock-on King this season was a lack of workload for in 2023. While the Dual-QB system that Offensive Coordinator Fred Kaiss implemented really showcased both skillsets of King and Jordan Ta’amu. While it appears there are still questions about King’s ability to throw the ball 15-25 times a game without the help of another Quarterback, his ability as a rusher makes him a threat for opposing Defenses at the XFL or NFL level moving forward.
10. Brett Hundley Vegas Vipers Preseason Ranking #5
Stats: 37/69 496 Passing Yards 3 TDs 0 INT 15 Rushing Attempts 95 Rushing Yards 1 TD 2 Fumbles
Hundley was late addition to Vegas after the controversial release of Bryan Scott. The NFL veteran at times offered a spark for Vegas however was benched in favor of Luis Perez and Jalan McClendon later in the season. While Hundley obviously at times seemed to have some success at the position ultimately his experience wasn’t enough for Rod Woodson and the Vipers who saw the former UCLA Alum remain on the Bench for the final Four games of the season.
9. Cole McDonald Houston Roughnecks Preseason Ranking #10
Stats:36/58 437 Passing Yards 2 TDs 2 INTs 45 Rushing Attempts 246 Rushing Yards 3 TDs 1 Fumble
McDonald gets the nod over King due to a heavier workload compared to his Rushing counterpart. McDonald was asked to start two games for the Roughnecks in route to Houston’s 7-3 record. McDonald is another Quarterback like King who possess all the tools to be successful as a rushing option however needs more seasoning in a more traditional Quarterback setting.
8. Paxton Lynch Orlando Guardians/San Antonio Brahmas Preseason Ranking #8
Stats: 65/109 737 Passing Yards 4 TDs 1 INT 18 Rushing Attempts 68 Rushing Yards 1 TD 1 Fumble
Lynch was given the keys to the Guardians Offense for the first several weeks of the season before the team moved on to Quinton Dormady. Lynch suffered from Offensive Line woes, inconsistency at Wide Receiver, and overall dysfunction as an organization for the beginning of the season. While Lynch was far from the Guardians biggest issue, he does have a pedigree of mediocre seasons between the NFL and USFL that may be limiting any additional chances at him remaining as a starter. Regardless, the name recognition Lynch brings to Alt-Football League’s is enough to extend his pro football career for at least another season.
7. Quinten Dormady Orlando Guardians Preseason Ranking Unranked
Stats: 140/205 1,507 Passing Yards 10 TD 5 INT 25 Rushing Attempts 97 Rushing Yards 4 TD 5 Fumbles
Dormady had one of the most turbulent 2023 seasons in recent memory for any Quarterback of any pro league. Dormady continued to battle through benching, investigations, a release, a 6 TD performance, followed with a 5-turnover performance, in back-to-back weeks. Regardless, through all the trials and tribulations of Dormady’s season he proved to be one of the XFL’s better stories and made the Guardians extremely fun to watch during the final stretch of the season earning an invite to Bills Mini-Camp after the season.
6. Luis Perez Arlington Renegades/Vegas Vipers Preseason Ranking #6
Stats: 149/224 1,636 Passing Yards 9 TD 7 INT 13 Rushing Attempts 61 Rushing Yards 0 TD 2 Fumbles
What a season for Perez in 2023. Between being caught in the Vipers Quarterback controversy, benched, traded, and then leading the Renegades to an XFL Championship, the Spring King continued to preserve and put-up another solid season in his Alt-Football career. While Perez is certainly limited in some aspects of his game, he continues to provide a steady veteran presence for any team he’s a part of.
5. Jalan McClendon Vegas Vipers Preseason Ranking Unranked
Stats: 67/112 873 Passing Yards 5 TDs 1 INT 30 Rushing Attempts 137 Rushing Yards 0 INT 5 Fumbles
McClendon was one of the XFL’s biggest surprises in 2023, being thrusted into the starting lineup after Luis Perez was traded and Brett Hundley was benched. Despite limited experience McClendon was by far the Vipers most effective Quarterback on the team’s roster often keeping the team fully engaged and even almost playing spoiler several times this year. McClendon who still is growing as a QB was invited recently to work out with the Buffalo Bills during their mini-camp. If an NFL opportunity doesn’t present itself for McClendon look for this Viper to be a star in the XFL come 2024.
4. Brandon Silvers Houston Roughnecks Preseason Ranking #7
Stats: 156/262 1,551 Passing Yards 13 TDs 7 INTs 9 Rushing Attempts -2 Rushing Yards 0 TDs 2 Fumbles
After an MVP level start to the beginning of the season, injuries, ineffectiveness, and fatigue seemed to cool off during the back end of the season. While many could credit the stale play calling as the biggest culprit against the regression, many have also speculated that the injury to Jontre Kirklin that also factored into the Roughnecks late season woes. Regardless Silvers remains a Top-4 QB in Alt-Football in 2023 and the foreseeable future.
3. Ben DiNucci Seattle Sea Dragons Preseason Ranking #4
Stats: 242/374 2,671 Passing Yards 20 TDs 13 INTs 53 Rushing Attempts 305 Rushing Yards 3 TDs 5 Fumbles
Despite setting the XFL season passing yards record DiNucci was far from perfect in 2023. The JMU star accounted for 23 TDs however, was credited with 16 turnovers over a Ten Game season. For every highlight DiNucci produced there most definitely was a low light to top it off. Regardless of his less than traditional play style, DiNucci was the leader for a Seattle team that won Seven out of their last Nine games enroute to a playoff berth.
2. Jordan Ta’amu DC Defenders Preseason Ranking #1
Stats: 143/229 1,894 Passing Yards 13 TDs 4 INTs 67 Rushing Attempts 298 Rushing Yards 3 TDs 5 Fumbles
It didn’t end the way the Defenders and Ta’amu wanted it to, but that doesn’t take away from the great season the XFL Offensive Player of the Year put together for DC. Despite a slow start to the season Ta’amu and the offense were able to rebound utilizing a lot more play action in an effort to maximize the strength of the 5th-year prop. While Ta’amu’s NFL future may not be clear, his workload has allowed him to become one of Alt-Football’s premiere arms.
1. A.J. McCarron St.Louis Battlehawks Preseason Ranking #3
Stats: 203/295 2,150 Passing Yards 24 TDs 6 INTs 29 Rushing Attempts 100 1 TD 4 Fumbles
What more can we say about what A.J. McCarron has brought to the St. Louis Battlehawks than what hasn’t already been reiterated a thousand times over. McCarron was the heart and soul of this Offense, often times serving as the teams de facto OC at times when communications went down. McCarron’s performance was by far the most consistent of any Quarterback in the XFL during the 2023 season and was regularly ranked in the top of echelon of QBs for the majority of the season. With McCarron also being named XFL News Hub’s MVP for 2023, his tenure with St. Louis may be one and done however, McCarron will forever be a part of Alt-Football lore with his memorable season at the “Dome.
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George Barry
May 18, 2023 at 1:50 pm
Christmas present or Christmas past ?