A Way Too Early XFL Quarterback Rankings for 2023

With the XFL season about three weeks away, it’s time to break down everyone’s favorite topic regarding Alt-Leagues: Quarterbacks.

With Jordan Palmer brought into oversee QB development the XFL has already made strides to ensure the proper development of their players at the sports most important position. After much discussion with the staff at XFL News Hub below are the Top-16 Quarterbacks going into the 2023 season.

16. Kevin Anderson Arlington Renegades

While he may be considered the low man on the totem pole in Arlington, Kevin Anderson should not be counted out. Coming into his 4th Pro-League (AAF, CFL, TSL, and XFL 3.0) Anderson’s 2021 season was underrated with the Spring League’s Conquerors where he split time Alt-League vet Brandon Silvers. Anderson would throw for 682 yards and 5 touchdowns to zero INTs in his most extensive showing as a pro. Though he may see limited action in 2023 for the Renegades look for Anderson to be a prime candidate for another team later in the season needing solid QB play.

15. D’Eriq King DC Defenders

It took a minute, but King finally joined the Defenders after a quick stint with the Carolina Panthers. King ranks low on this list due to erratic play as a passer, and diminutive size. While he does have potential the recent acquisition of Jordan Ta’amu ensures that King won’t see much of the field barring injury or special packages for the 2023 Defenders.

14. Jack Coan San Antonio Brahmas

Coan was a late addition after the Brahmas went with Jowan Pass and Anthony Russo. Despite being an afterthought Coan has the potential to be the Brahmas 2nd string coming out of camp. After a strong college career at Notre Dame and Wisconsion, Coan was the odd man out in a QB room for the Colts that housed Sam Ehlinger, Matt Ryan, and Nick Foles. Coan maybe behind Pass and Sinnett going into Week One, but definitely has a higher ceiling than Pass, which could lead to a further opportunity to develop in the XFL’s 2nd season.

13. Drew Plitt Arlington Renegades

A surprising cut by the Bengals in 2022, Plitt should be neck and neck with Sloter for QB1 of the Arlington Renegades for QB1. While Sloter’s experience outweighs Plitt, his youth and potential could easily make him a top-5 QB in the XFL. Plitt’s lack of experience at the NFL level during camp is why he’s not ranked higher however, the more playing time he receives could change the outlook of his pro-career.

12. Steven Montez Seattle Sea Dragons

Montez and Plitt could be interchangeable at 12/13, however Montez gets the nod due to experience and athleticism. While Montez and Plitt’s college statistics (passing) are extremely similar, Montez’s underrated rushing ability, is what gives him the nod. Look for Montez to be utilized in a Taysom Hill capacity for the Sea Dragons in 2023.

11. Deondre Francois Orlando Guardians

Francois could be the highest riser or fall of the list in 2023. Despite his domination of Fan Controlled Football, Francois’ only opportunity as a pro in the outdoor game came with The Spring League where he couldn’t beat out Connor Kaegi for consistent playing time. After starting out hot at FSU Francois inconsistent playing ability at multiple schools and divisions leaves him with many question marks, going into 2023. Regardless of what Francois lacks as a passer he makes up for with his running ability which may be able to keep him and the Guardians competitive for 2023.

10. Cole McDonald Houston Roughnecks

McDonald comes in at 10 due to lack of experience and the possibility of not being a the QB1 for week one for the Roughnecks. McDonald’s strong college career and limited pro experience does give him a leg-up over the above the previous mentioned QBs. The combination of AJ Smith at OC and a dynamic Roughnecks offense could help all Houston Quarterbacks become a Top-4 passer in the XFL.

9. Reid Sinnett San Antonio Brahmas

If you followed Reid Sinnett’s career you shouldn’t be surprised that despite not taking a regular snap or playing in an alt-league he’s rank so high. Sinnett’s only year as a starter at San Diego University put together a season that included 32 TDs, 3,528 Yards to only 10 INTs. Despite being an undrafted free agent, Sinnett put together two solid preseasons totaling 655 yards, 5 TDs and 2 INTs. With Sinnett still developing the more experience the better he’ll become and the XFL gives him that opportunity.

8. Brandon Silvers Houston Roughnecks

Whether it’s Silvers or McDonald the Roughnecks QB will statistically be a Top-4 passer at the end of the year. Silvers is one of the most underrated QBs in the spring league history since the inception of XFL 1.0. Silvers has totaled 19 Passing TDs (2nd All-time post 2000) and 2023 Passing Yards (7th All-Time Post 2000), despite not playing in the USFL in 2022. Look for him to continue to add to those numbers and solidify himself in Spring League lore in A.J. Smith’s offense.

7. Luis Perez Vegas Vipers

Mr. Alt-League himself comes in at number seven. The consistent play of Perez over the AAF, USFL, TSL and XFL 2.0, has given Perez a great reputation as solid but not elite player. Perez has had several NFL stints, however despite the opportunities hasn’t been able to stick around. While his NFL window seems to be closing, Perez has essentially morphed into Alt-Football’s Alex Smith, and will consistently, put up 185-225 Passing yards with 1 or 2 touchdowns a game.

6. Ryan Willis St. Louis Battlehawks

Willis bursts on the scene after a rather pedestrian college career at KU and Va Tech (He did beat out Hendon Hooker at one point). His time in the 2021 Spring League allowed him to earn a championship and MVP honors as a member of the Lineman which translated to a short stint with the Bears in 2021. Willis may not be the Battlehawks QB1 for 2023, but his pedigree playing at the pro-level jumps him into the Top-6.

5. Ben DiNucci Seattle Sea Dragons

DiNucci is another Quarterback that joins the XFL with pro experience. DiNucci started one game for the Cowboys in 2020 but has played in seven pre-season games. DiNucci has improved in each year he’s been in the NFL, from his spot start in 2020, to his pre-season starts in 2021, and 2022. Look for DiNucci to continue to improve under the tutelage of OC June Jones who helped PJ Walker’s career with the Roughnecks in 2020, and Wide Receiver Josh Gordon.

4. AJ McCarron St. Louis Battlehawks

McCarron is the most accomplished and experienced QB in the XFL 3.0. With 1,026 Pass Attempts in college and 174 Attempts in the NFL, McCarron is primed to be a one and done in the XFL if he puts together a solid season for the Battlehawks. McCarron’s best days may be behind him but the x3 National Champion, has the ability to easily get back into the NFL with a solid performance in the XFL. McCarron being an elder statesman with NFL playoff experience also gives him a leg up on many of the younger QBs stepping into the league.

3. Kyle Sloter Arlington Renegades

Despite not appearing in an NFL regular season game, Sloter is the 2nd most experienced NFL vet on this list. Sloter started off hot in the USFL, yet injuries and fatigue may have factored in his late season fall-off. Despite everything Sloter was named to the 2022 All-USFL team and put together a decent performance with the Jaguars in the Hall of Fame game in 2022. Sloter’s been dubbed at times Mr. Preseason by some as his late game heroics have often cemented himself a roster spot for several teams. His Pre-season stats of 1,349 yards 12 TDs to 1 INT, demonstrates plenty of promise for the upcoming XFL season. Another player whose NFL window may closing, look for Sloter to give it his all in 2023 for the Arlington Renegades.

2. Bryan Scott Vegas Vipers

The Aaron Rodgers of D-III, Scott is in prime position to finally make the jump from Alt-League to XFL. Coupled with Martavis Bryant, Scott could easily cement himself as the premier passer of the XFL. Scott’s past several seasons in the Spring League earning championships, and MVP honors, becoming one of the Top passers to ever play in Brian Woods’ league. Scott was on pace to easily become the All-USFL QB of the USFL before an injury. Look for Scott to continue to flourish in the XFL, and continue the momentum, of the past several seasons.

1. Jordan Ta’amu DC Defenders

A returnee from 2020’s St. Louis Battlehawks, Ta’amu is the top dog in the XFL 2023 to start out. While running for his life with the Tampa Bay Bandits, Ta’amu still managed to put up over 2,000 yards and led the USFL in TDs (14) as well. Ta’amu’s passing ability coupled with his rushing ability (Led the Bandits and top 10 in the XFL 2020) make him the prime candidate to be the Top QB for the XFL this season.

Closing Thoughts:

Expect these rankings to change throughout the season as teams constantly re-tool and readjust their rosters. With the XFL primed and ready to go and the majority of QBs on this list having experience in the NFL (pre-season) or other Alt-Leagues the XFL is in a stable position to begin the league with solid QB playing giving fans an overall exciting product for 2023.