Cincinnati Bengals Prepare for Fifth No. 1 Overall QB in Zac Taylor Era

The Cincinnati Bengals prepare to face Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick from last year, marking their 31st game against a No. 1 overall drafted quarterback in their first or second season; the Bengals hold a 14-16 record in such matchups. Meanwhile, the 2025 Heisman Trophy quarterback race is highly competitive, featuring standout players like Alabama's Simpson, Texas A&M's Reed, Indiana's Mendoza, Georgia Tech's King, and Ohio State's Sayin, each bringing unique strengths such as precision, dual-threat capabilities, and leadership. In college recruiting news, four-star quarterback Kavian Bryant, a top prospect for the 2027 class, is deciding among Colorado, Texas, Texas Tech, Florida State, and SMU, with his commitment announcement expected soon; Colorado's coach Deion Sanders is playing a significant role in his recruitment. On the NFL front, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is currently ranked 17th in Total QBR, a comprehensive quarterback efficiency metric, reflecting his mixed performance through eight games in the 2025 season.