ESPN ranks the Top-12 college football QBs ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
As the 2024 NFL Draft quickly approaches, all eyes are on the quarterback position. The debate is likely about to begin about whether Caleb Williams or Drake Maye should be the No. 1 overall pick, and ESPN’s Jordan Reid has ranked the top quarterback prospects.
Williams has been viewed as the likely No. 1 overall pick since last year’s draft, and he again tops Reid’s rankings. He had an up-and-down year at USC as the Trojans finished 7-5, but Williams put up impressive numbers nonetheless. And, as has been the case in most rankings to this point, Maye came in right behind him as the No. 2-ranked quarterback on the board.
Here’s the rest of Reid’s rankings as the draft picture starts to get clearer.
1. Caleb Williams, USC
Caleb Williams failed to become the second-ever repeat Heisman Trophy winner, but he still put up impressive numbers in his second year with USC. He threw for 3,633 yards and 30 touchdowns while adding 142 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground to help lead the offense.
Williams is viewed as the hottest name to become the No. 1 overall draft pick, and he’ll try to further prove he’s worthy of that spot as the pre-draft process continues. His ability to extend plays and find the end zone with his legs makes him an intriguing prospect as teams go through their evaluations.
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina
Even despite a coordinator change, Drake Maye had a big year at North Carolina. In 12 appearances, he threw for 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns to lead the Tar Heels offense while also contributing nine rushing touchdowns.
Maye’s physique makes him an enticing NFL prospect, standing at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds. Some have considered him the top quarterback in the draft, and it’s safe to say that discussion will continue.
3. Jayden Daniels, LSU
After an impressive first season at LSU in 2022, Jayden Daniels found a new gear in 2023 as he won the Heisman Trophy. He led the nation in total offense and skyrocketed up NFL Draft boards as a result.
Daniels did it all as he threw for 3,812 yards, rushed for 1,134 and totaled 50 touchdowns — 40 passing and 10 rushing. He has become an interesting draft hopeful after opting out of the bowl game, and he’ll certainly be a name to monitor in the lead-up to April’s draft.
4. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
A Heisman Trophy finalist this past year, Michael Penix Jr. helped lead Washington back to the College Football Playoff. He leads the nation with 324.5 passing yards per game entering the Sugar Bowl against Texas, and he’ll now try to continue his dominance on the big stage.
Penix is another quarterback who could make things interesting for NFL general managers, especially with such a big game coming up against a tough Texas defense. However, he developed a history of injuries while at Indiana, and that will certainly come up throughout the evaluation process.
5. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Through the first part of the season, J.J. McCarthy looked like he could be in line for Heisman Trophy consideration. While Michigan opted to lean into the run game toward the end of the year, McCarthy is still right in the middle of ESPN’s quarterback rankings.
McCarthy has shown his ability to make plays with his legs, as well, and that dual threat ability is part of what makes him stand out. He can make a statement in the Rose Bowl when he takes on an Alabama defense that has been red-hot to end the regular season.
6. Bo Nix, Oregon
After opting to return to Oregon this year, Bo Nix put together a season worthy of a trip to the Heisman ceremony. He was the most accurate passer in the country during the regular season, and the true competitor he is, he’s going to play in the Fiesta Bowl against Liberty.
Nix completed an FBS-leading 77.2% of his passes during the regular season as he threw for 4,145 yards during his breakout season. He’ll have one more opportunity to prove himself in the bowl game before embarking on the pre-draft process.
7. Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
The 2023 season wasn’t what South Carolina was expecting, but Spencer Rattler is still generating some NFL Draft buzz. According to ESPN, his decision-making and consistency amid the Gamecocks’ rough season makes him stand out.
Rattler had one of the best years of his career, throwing for 3,186 yards and 19 touchdowns — his biggest numbers since his breakout 2020 campaign at Oklahoma. Reid noted Rattler suffered from some offensive line issues, which makes the evaluation a little more intriguing.
8. Michael Pratt, Tulane
One of the top Group of Five quarterbacks the last few years, Tulane’s Michael Pratt now looks primed to take his talents to the NFL. He reportedly is opting out of the Military Bowl, signaling a potential 2024 NFL Draft declaration.
Pratt missed two games due to injury this year, but still threw for 2,406 yards and 22 touchdowns. Last season was his biggest, though, as he totaled 3,009 yards and 27 touchdowns to lead the Tulane offense and perhaps put himself in the Day 3 conversation in the draft.
9. Jordan Travis, Florida State
Jordan Travis’ season-ending injury stole headlines for plenty of reasons. But what he did beforehand, though, proved he could be a fun prospect for NFL general managers as the 2024 draft approaches.
Travis was in the Heisman conversation as he threw for 2,756 yards and 20 touchdowns across a little over 10 full games of action at Florida State. However, ESPN projects him as a possible Day 3 or undrafted free agent prospect — meaning he’ll have to open some eyes through the pre-draft process.
10. Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
When Sam Hartman committed to Notre Dame, the hope was he could help his draft stock in a pro-style offense. Instead, the Fighting Irish struggled in key moments despite Hartman’s early success, and his hopes of hearing his name called in Detroit took a hit.
Hartman failed to top 3,000 yards for the first time since the COVID-impacted 2020 season, throwing for 2,689 yards and 24 touchdowns in his lone season with Notre Dame. ESPN noted his decision-making outside the pocket, and while he made some plays with his legs, it’s hard to say if Hartman will wind up on the draft board or signing as an undrafted free agent.
11. Joe Milton, Tennessee
We all know what Joe Milton is capable of doing with his rocket arm. However, he struggled with consistency, and that’s why he came in so low on ESPN’s top quarterbacks list.
Milton had the best full season of his career, throwing for 2,813 yards and 20 touchdowns, but the Tennessee offense failed to reach the heights it did with Hendon Hooker under center. The key for Milton will be to keep things consistent, and that could determine whether he becomes a 2024 NFL Draft pick.
12. Austin Reed, Western Kentucky
Could Austin Reed follow the path of Bailey Zappe to the NFL? They both played at Western Kentucky, and Reed had plenty of success in his two years in that system.
Reed threw for 4,746 yards and 40 touchdowns a season ago, and his numbers dipped a bit in 2023. Still, he has a huge arm, and teams will surely see that on film as they consider whether or not to take the WKU product.