ESPN analyst Greg McElroy just dropped his top 10 quarterback list, and he knew it would stir the pot. He admitted upfront that it would upset a lot of people.
Why? It’s not just about who made the cut but who didn’t. The notable absence of some marquee names like Arch Manning and Nico Iamaleava has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Greg McElroy’s Top 10 Quarterbacks List Snubs Arch Manning and Nico Iamaleava
McElroy clarified that this list isn’t about hype or potential but production. He deliberately avoided prospects and focused on QBs who have proven themselves against top-tier teams. All come from power conference schools; the SEC leads with four, and the ACC is close behind with three. That being said, here’s the full list from McElroy.
10) Haynes King, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
9) DJ Lagway, Florida Gators
8) Sawyer Robertson, Baylor Bears
7) LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks
6) Carson Beck, Miami Hurricanes
5) Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers
4) Drew Allar, Penn State Nittany Lions
3) Sam Leavitt, Arizona State Sun Devils
2) John Mateer, Oklahoma Sooners
1) Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers
One of the most talked-about omissions was the Texas Longhorns’ Manning, who is regarded by many as one of the top QBs in the nation. McElroy gave Manning an honorable mention, acknowledged his hype, and explained why the young QB didn’t make the list.
“I think he is poised to have an amazingly successful career, whether that’s a one-year career, two years, three years. However long he’s in Austin, assuming he’s there his whole career, I think he’s absolutely positioned to be tremendously successful,” McElroy said.
“He does not crack the top 10 just yet. Now, he makes our honorable mention list, which tells you how much we think about this young man.”
In 2024, Manning threw for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions during his redshirt freshman season.
However, most of that production came in three September starts while Quinn Ewers was injured. Those starts came against UTSA, Louisiana Monroe, and Mississippi State—defenses that ranked 71st, 83rd, and 126th nationally, respectively. Once Ewers returned, Manning saw limited action for the rest of the year.
McElroy’s message was clear: until Manning proves himself against top programs, potential alone couldn’t earn him a spot.
Another notable name outside the top 10 is the UCLA Bruins’ Iamaleava, who also got an honorable mention. McElroy, the former Alabama QB, stood by the decision, stating Iamaleava’s change of program as a factor.
KEEP READING: Why ESPN Analyst Believes Arch Manning Will Shine in Austin, Despite Missing Top 10 QB Spot
“Last year, he had an amazing run game to lean on. He had a system that was ready-made to make it as easy on the quarterback as just about any system in the country,” McElroy said.
“Now, he goes into a summer where he’s trying to develop a rapport with new teammates. He’s trying to learn a new offense. There’s just too many unknowns surrounding Nico Iamaleava to feel great about having him in the top 10.”
Iamaleava spent his freshman year behind Joe Milton before becoming Tennessee’s QB1 in 2024. He threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, five interceptions, and led the Vols to a 10-3 record and a CFP appearance.
However, with the QB joining UCLA, a new conference, unfamiliar coaches, and a fresh roster, it’s uncertain how quickly he’ll adapt. This is exactly why McElroy didn’t include Iamaleava in his preseason top 10. He opts to take a wait-and-see approach as the QB embarks on the next chapter of his college career.
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