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Highest-graded players at every position through Week 1 of the 2023 college football season

2RP0A6E Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) throws a pass against South Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)

• Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt leads the way: His 98.0 passing grade was the second-highest single-game mark in the PFF era.

• Laiatu Latu continues his dominance: The UCLA edge defender proved why he’s a projected top-10 pick in 2024.

• Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott: He showed why PFF considers him a top-five tight end in the 2024 draft with a strong showing in Week 1.

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes


The college football season is officially underway, as most FBS teams played their first games over the past weekend.

Here are the highest-graded Power Five and Group of Five players at every position so far.


Quarterback

Power Five: Blake Shapen, Baylor Bears (93.3)

Not much went right for Baylor in its 42-31 loss to Texas State, a team that was 26.5-point underdogs. However, one thing the Bears can hang their hat on is the play of their quarterback. Shapen completed 21 of his 31 attempts for 303 yards and two touchdowns.

Group of Five: Michael Pratt, Tulane Green Wave (94.6)

Pratt was historically efficient against South Alabama. His 98.0 passing grade is the second-best single-game mark since PFF began charting college football in 2014. The junior completed 14 of his 15 passes, with the lone incompletion being a drop. Of those 15 attempts, four were charted as big-time throws.


Running Back

Power Five: Sedrick Alexander, Vanderbilt Commodores (84.6)

Alexander hasn’t even received the lion’s share of the carries in Vanderbilt’s backfield, but he’s made the most of them. On 14 attempts so far this season, the true freshman has forced seven missed tackles.

Group of Five: Kimani Vidal, Troy Trojans (89.2)

Vidal dominated Stephen F. Austin, leading all FBS running backs with 248 rushing yards on the week and forcing nine missed tackles on his 25 attempts. He also added a couple of catches for 54 yards.

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