With the 2024 college football season officially in the rearview mirror, longtime ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has released his updated Top 10 rankings for draft-eligible quarterbacks ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft. As fans and analysts alike eagerly dissect the rankings, Kiper’s insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the future of college football stars transitioning to the NFL.
Top Quarterbacks Remain Steady
Kiper didn’t make any changes to his Top 4 quarterbacks, with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward holding steady as the Top 2 QBs. Following closely are Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Alabama dual-threat Jalen Milroe, who have both made significant impacts in their respective programs.
Sanders, the son of NFL legend and Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, holds firm atop Kiper’s QB ranking despite some skepticism about his legacy talent. However, Shedeur Sanders lived up to the hype in his second season in Boulder, leading the FBS with a remarkable 74.0 completion percentage. He finished just behind Cam Ward in production, amassing 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns.
Shedeur Sanders: A Rising Star
Kiper praises Sanders, stating, “You won’t find a tougher or more resilient quarterback prospect than Sanders, who took 99 sacks over the past two seasons but still put up really strong numbers.” His ability to throw accurately on the move and his solid mechanics make him a standout prospect. With 39 passing touchdowns and only seven interceptions in 2024, Sanders has proven he can handle the pressure.
Cam Ward’s Impressive Performance
Ward has also made waves, showcasing his skills by leading the Hurricanes’ No. 1-ranked offense in 2024. He was highly efficient, ranking second nationally with 4,313 passing yards and a completion percentage of 67.2%. Kiper notes, “Ward has an unorthodox delivery, but he throws with accuracy and velocity from different arm angles.” His ability to extend plays with his legs adds to his impressive skill set.
Jaxson Dart: Breaking Records
Dart represents the best of the rest behind Kiper’s only two first-round caliber QBs. He solidified his place in the SEC and Ole Miss record books in 2024, eclipsing Rebels legend Eli Manning as Ole Miss’ career leader in passing yards with 10,617. Dart had an SEC-leading 4,279 passing yards and 29 touchdowns this past season,
