Going into the final week of the XFL season, it appears the Quarterback market has cooled and regulated itself to where the movement in the rankings is a bit less extreme. While much anticipated return of AJ McCarron left a bit to be desired, Sea Dragons Quarterback Ben DiNucci broke Tommy Maddox’s 2001 Passing Record, for most passing yards in a season.
Honorable Mention:
In cameo appearances, Cole McDonald and Kelly Bryant both begin our list. McDonald did not throw any pass attempts in week 9, while Bryant made his professional debut in an outdoor league. Both were used as change of pace and read option quarterbacks with Kelly Bryant finishing the day with one carry for 24 rushing yards and McDonald finishing with 9 rushing yards on 2 carries. Neither Quarterback threw a pass in week 9.
11. Deondre Francois Orlando Guardians Previous Ranking Unranked
Stats: 3/5 20 Passing Yards 1 TD 0 INT 2 Rushing Attempts 7 Rushing Yards
Francois had a bit of expanded role in week 9, as the Guardians continue to play for pride rather than a playoff spot. In his limited sample size, the former Hampton Quarterback managed to lead his team to a touchdown in the 4th quarter on a 3-yard pass to fellow FCF alum Andrew Jamiel
10. Quinten Dormady Orlando Guardians Previous Ranking #6
Stats: 9/17 47 Passing Yards 1 TD 1 INT 4 Rushing Attempts 10 Rushing Yards
After his Six Touchdown performance that sprung Dormady up to #3, Dormady has put together two consecutive sub-par performances in the past two weeks. The CMU alum, has continued to regress after defeating the Defenders and has yet to rekindle the magic that made him so special after going through so much controversy earlier in the season.
9. Jack Coan San Antonio Brahmas Previous Ranking #9
Stats: 25/31 302 Passing Yards 1 TD 0 INT 2 Rushing Attempts 6 Rushing Yards
It took a bit to get the Brahmas Offense but Jack Coan and company were able to squeak out a win and keep their playoff hopes alive. Coan played his second-best game of the season, ironically both of them coming against the Guardians. While Coan’s stat line would indicate he deserves a higher ranking, his overall play for the whole season has been less than inspiring against teams not coached by Terrell Buckley.
8. Brandon Silvers Houston Roughnecks Previous Ranking #5
16/27 105 Passing Yards 0 TD 2 INTs 1 Rushing Attempt 6 Rushing Yards
Silvers has not been the same since Jontre Kirklin has been sidelined with an injury. Silvers has continued to miss throws and has been victim to his receivers not finding enough separation to take advantage of A.J. Smith’s high-flying Offense. After another injury to Spring League alum, Michael Bandy, Silvers and the Roughnecks have one more week to “figure it out” before the playoffs begin.
7. D’Eriq King DC Defenders Previous Ranking #8
Stats: 6/9 76 Passing Yards 1 TD 1 INT 3 Rushing Attempts 9 Rushing Yards
King continues to be a great weapon in the Defenders arsenal. King whether it be through the ground or like we saw this week through the air, has been an underrated factor in the success of the Defenders during the 2023 season. With Ta’amu, the Defenders clear QB1, King continues to know his role for DC and has excelled at it throughout the season.
5. Luis Perez Arlington Renegades Previous Ranking #4
Stats: 31/41 335 Passing Yards 1 TD 1 INT 3 Rushing Attempts 15 Rushing Yards
Perez exploded for 335 passing yards in his second start for the Renegades, however a D.J. Swearinger interception was the difference in the Renegades week 9 loss. While many would suspect Perez should be ranked higher, his overall sample size has been extremely erratic throughout the 2023 season often playing well for two games, with a sub-par performance in the third. For the Renegades they’ll need Perez to reverse that trend so Arlington can sneak their way into the playoffs with a win against Houston.
4. Jalan McClendon Vegas Vipers Previous Ranking #3
Stats: 27/37 249 Passing Yards 2 TD 0 INT 5 Rushing Yards 41 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
McClendon has been one of the XFL’s best stories since taking the Vipers starting job. He’s been extremely mobile, yet has done a great job of not becoming one dimensional, and still being dangerous as a passer. McClendon probably won’t garner an opportunity in the NFL due to a limited sample size, but does have one more week, to solidify himself as a top QB in 2024.
3. A.J. McCarron St. Louis Battlehawks Previous Ranking Unranked
Stats: 18/32 186 Passing Yards 1 TD 2 INTs 1 Rushing Attempt 1 Rushing Yard
The return of McCarron was one that was met with disappointment in the “Battledome”. McCarron’s performance in a must win game may have underwhelmed yet as it has been the case for most of the season, McCarron’s skill positions plagued the offense with their drops. While McCarron has been the leading MVP candidate for much of the season, he’ll need to lead St. Louis to a huge victory against Orlando in the hopes navigating the Battlehawks to the playoffs through some pretty irregular playoff clinching scenarios.
2. Jordan Ta’amu DC Defenders Previous Ranking #1
Stats: 14/20 188 Passing Yards 2 TDs 1 INT 2 Rushing Attempts 14 Rushing Yards
Jordan Ta’amu‘s drop in rankings has less to do with his play, and more to do with the dynamic play of Ben DiNucci. Ta’amu has been extremely consistent for the last seven weeks of the season, cruising his way to an 8-1 record. After the trials and tribulations of his season in the USFL, Ta’amu has played the best football in his alt-football career and should have an opportunity to earn a championship and possibly an NFL contract.
1. Ben DiNucci Seattle Sea Dragons Previous Ranking #2
Stats: 21/31 260 Passing Yards 2 TDs 1 INT 7 Rushing Attempts 38 Rushing Yards 1 TD
DiNucci has finally managed to land the #1 spot on our XFL Quarterback Rankings. DiNucci despite throwing an interception, played one of his most inspiring games of the season in week 9, keeping the Sea Dragons playoff hopes alive. DiNucci looked poised and extremely confident while playing in front of the most passionate fans in the XFL.
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