However, a QB with 13 starts in the ACC (Mitch Trubisky, for instance) and a QB with 15-19 starts in the SEC with the College Football Playoff will probably be evaluated differently. The experience in a playoff atmosphere against premier competition will be invaluable for QB scouting, in addition the simple fact that a larger sample size aids in that endeavor.
If Manning declares, The OBR will have more in-depth film study on his 2025 campaign, but until then, Manning has some fierce competition to face. A loss against Georgia would deal a significant blow to Texas's CFB Playoff hopes, but another positive performance would go a long way to reestablishing Manning as a top QB in the class, if he were to enter it.
After losing to Florida State in the season opener, Simpson has led Alabama to eight straight wins, including six consecutive SEC victories. The Sooners pose a threat due to their top-10 defense, led by star pass-rusher R Mason Thomas, and though their star quarterback John Mateer has struggled since returning from hand surgery, their two losses have come against Texas and Ole Miss, both of which are positioned for CFB berths right now. They also knocked off No. 14 Tennessee, and now have another chance to win as the underdog.
Simpson lacks ideal physical traits, but that hasn't prevented him from being one of the country's best passer's this year, throwing 21 touchdowns to only one interception. Like Manning, Simpson has faced a variety of tough opponents this season and has met the challenge, doing everything needed to lead his team to victory. He was very good against Georgia in Week 5 as the Crimson Tide upset the Bulldogs, and has been consistently rising up draft boards ever since. There will be questions about whether he has the talent to be an elevator as opposed to a game manager in the NFL, but his level of play in the SEC is impossible to ignore.
Browns fans should keep an eye on both of these games as well as the rest of Manning and Simpson's seasons, especially if either or both ends up making the College Football Playoffs. They're very different players in very different situations, but both have NFL futures. It's just a matter of timing.