The 2023 XFL regular season is over. After seeing memorable comebacks, record breaking Quarterback Play, and playoff controversy, the XFL has reached the milestone of completing their 2nd season throughout its three iterations. While at times the XFL has seen it’s fair share of subpar Quarterback the stars came out in week 10, with some Quarterbacks putting together their most outstanding performances of the 2023 season.
Honorable Mention:
Kaleb Eleby of Western Michigan made his professional debut in week 10, earning a spot for the first time on this as our honorable mention. Eleby started off perfect before coming down to earth finishing the game 4/7 for 28 Passing Yards while adding 6 on the ground. While not the most explosive performance was able to cut his teeth finally playing in a game and gaining some much-needed experience going forward.
10. Deondre Francois Orlando Guardians Previous Ranking #11
Stats: 10/17 93 Passing Yards 1 TD 2 INT 3 Rushing Attempts 27 Rushing Yards
Francois was given his first professional start in the XFL however did split time with Quinten Dormady. While the Guardians did make it exciting for the Battlehawks playing a somewhat competitive game, Francois left much to be desired in his 2023 finale. While Francois came into the XFL with some high expectations, ultimately the Quarterback’s play was subpar for much of the season often having trouble with accuracy and making elite outdoor throws.
9. Jack Coan San Antonio Brahmas Previous Ranking #9
Stats: 34/48 312 Passing Yards 0 TD 0 INT 1 Rushing Attempt 3 Rushing Yards
While Coan has managed to put together another 300-yard passing game, his biggest bugaboo is the Brahmas inability to “finish” drives with a “6” instead of a “3”. Even though San Antonio did manage to score 28 points (One Touchdown accredited to the Defense), for most of the season Coan was taking the safer path with check downs to Alize Mack and his running backs. Coan has shown progress in the past 3 weeks however, his overall sample size leaves a bit to be desired, but does provide an interesting story on his development and future for 2024.
8. D’Eriq King DC Defenders Previous Ranking #7
Stats: 3/4 33 Passing Yards 1 Rushing Attempt 1 Rushing Yard
While most fans may have been hoping to see King get more passing attempts in week 10, King and the Defenders continued to stick to their gameplan with their dual QB system. For King his lower ranking is less about his play and more about volume however, just as he’s done all season the athletic signal caller continues to be an effective asset for the Defenders who are enroute to the Northern Division playoff this weekend.
7. Jalan McClendon Vegas Vipers Previous Ranking #4
Stats: 6/21 201 Passing Yards 4 Rushing Attempts 9 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
With the chance to play spoiler against the Seattle Sea Dragons, McClendon and company laid an egg. McClendon looked extremely uncomfortable against Ron Zook’s Defense who were playing with the motivation of making the playoffs in addition with the loss of the late Chris Smith. As for McClendon the inexperienced signal caller overall made some huge strides in his development in 2023, and should emerge as one of the XFL’s top QBs in 2024.
6. Luis Perez Arlington Renegades Previous Ranking #5
Stats: 22/36 205 Passing Yards 0 TD 1 INT 3 Rushing Attempts 20 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
Perez may have not had the full playbook in week 10 and was also without one of the XFL’s top running backs in De’Veon Smith. While Perez and the Renegades put together a subpar performance against the Roughnecks, the Renegades were able to find a diamond in the rough with Brian Herrien who made his 2023 debut. While Perez’s week 10 was less than inspiration, fans may hold solace in the fact that Arlington does face the Roughnecks in the playoffs, and Perez will have full playbook at his disposal.
5. Quinton Dormady Orlando Guardians Previous Ranking #10
Stats: 18/24 188 Passing Yards 2 TD 0 INT 3 Rushing Attempts 5 Rushing Yards
While not the starter Dormady managed to put together a solid performance for the Guardians and NFL scouts alike. The Quarterback position has been extremely volatile for the Guardians with 4 different signal callers taking snaps at one point. While Dormady has had his ups and downs, the amount of controversy surrounding his status in the league was put to rest with his overall solid play during a forgettable 2023 XFL season for the Guardians.
4. Cole McDonald Houston Roughnecks Previous Ranking Honorable Mention
Stats: 10/11 120 Passing Yards 0 TD 1 INT 8 Rushing Attempts 66 Rushing Yards 1 TD
McDonald redeemed himself in his 2nd Start of the season putting together an almost perfect performance. Despite throwing a pick “6”, the Roughnecks leaned on the McDonald’s legs along with the emergence of Running Back Jeremy Cox. For McDonald whose been lobbying for an opportunity may have raised his stock as a change of pace option for an NFL, however right now McDonald and the Roughnecks are taking on the Renegades next week in the Playoffs
3. Jordan Ta’amu DC Defenders Previous Ranking #2
Stats: 15/22 271 Passing Yards 2 TDs 1 INT 8 Rushing Attempts 45 Rushing Yards 1 TD
Ta’amu put together another dynamic performance to close out the regular season. Combined with the Defenders amassed over 300 Passing Yards enroute to closing out the season. Ta’amu who began the season on a slow start, quickly bounced back becoming one of the XFL’s top passers in 2023.
2. Ben DiNucci Seattle Sea Dragons Previous Ranking #1
Stats: 26/41 339 Passing Yards 3 TDs 2 INTs 4 Rushing Attempts 41 Rushing Yards 1 TD
DiNucci stepped up and delivered when called upon in week 10. In a must win scenario DiNucci totaled four touchdowns and almost 400 yards of offense to give the Sea Dragons the opportunity to extend their season. While DiNucci was extremely liberal with the football at times overall, the new XFL Passing Yards leader put together an MVP Caliber season in 2023.
1. A.J. McCarron St. Louis Battlehawks Previous Ranking #3
Stats: 28/35 420 Passing Yards 6 TDs 0 INT 3 Rushing Attempts 9 Rushing Yards
While it may not have been the dynamic playoff clinching performance Battlehawks fans wanted or deserved, McCarron put on a masterclass for his final performance in the dome. Tossing six touchdowns and over 400 yards the former Alabama Quarterback showed everyone why he was the XFL’s top QB for much of the season. Also, he set a new XFL record breaking Tommy Maddox’s single season passing touchdown recording setting the bar at 24 now.
While for most of these Quarterbacks the season is now over, Four Quarterbacks (technically Six) will have the privilege of continuing their season. For now, our Quarterback rankings are complete, but next week XFL News Hub will do a final ranking with every QB to play significant snaps this season.
Unleash the Action: Sign up for XFL Insider and Fuel Your Passion for Football!
