2025 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper shakes up Top 10 QB rankings

The college football season is sitting around the midpoint, and that means a decent enough sample size for NFL scouts and decision makers to really start drilling down. That includes ESPN draftnik Mel Kiper Jr.

Ahead of Week 7 of the college football season, Kiper updated his big board and, therefore, his Top 10 quarterback rankings. And while it wasn’t drastic changes, there were some notable shifts from last week.

Check out the full Top 10 below.

1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Sanders has continued to look the part of a top quarterback in 2024, despite the offensive line continuing to struggle in spots. Coming off a week off, the gunslinger still leads the Big 12 in completion percentage and has the Buffaloes at 4-1.

And so long as Sanders continues to demonstrate he has above average arm talent and off schedule playmaking ability, he’ll be near the top of this list. Showing even more in-structure could help solidify his status as the top quarterback in the class.

2. Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Alabama suffered a shocking upset over the weekend but it didn’t really affect Milroe’s draft stock. And his play on Saturday wasn’t really the issue.

He went 18-of-24 for 310 yards and a touchdown. He did throw a pick six early and have a late strip sack, but Milroe mostly kept Alabama’s offense moving forward and the Crimson Tide in the game while the defense struggled.

3. Cam Ward, Miami (+1)

Miami got down big and it needed a Herculean effort to avoid an upset loss on Saturday night. Enter Ward.

Ward completed 35-of-53 pass attempts for 437 yards and a pair of touchdowns, plus an interception as he piloted a furious comeback win. He also added a rushing touchdown, for good measure.

4. Carson Beck, Georgia (-1)

Georgia is still in a fine position to achieve it’s goals in 2024, with one loss in conference not precluding the Bulldogs from making the conference championship game and more. But the offense likely needs to find a better form for that to happen.

And Beck likely needs to raise his level of play for that to happen. So far this season, Beck looks like a lesser version of the crisp, confident and clean passer that was at the helm in 2023 — he’s been good, certainly, completing 65.8% of his passes with 12 touchdowns and three picks, but clearly has another gear he can reach.

5. Quinn Ewers, Texas

The only thing that’s gone wrong for Ewers this year is his abdominal muscles decided not to cooperate after a Week 3 injury, keeping him on the shelf for weeks. But now he’s set to make his return and, hopefully for Texas, pick right up where he left off.

In his limited sample this season, Ewers has been brilliant for the Longhorns. He’s completed 73.4% of his passes for eight touchdowns and two interceptions in fewer than three complete games.

6. Drew Allar, Penn State

Penn State is undefeated and the strides taken by Allar and the offensive under a new coordinator are a big reason as to why. And the uptick in production and flash have got Allar on the NFL radar.

With all the physical ability NFL teams could want and then some, Allar just needed to put it all together on the field. So far, so good in 2024: He’s completed 70.9% of his passes for 1101 yards and nine touchdowns with one interception.

7. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

Dart has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country through half a season, all while being more efficient than he has in years past. As such, he leads the SEC with 2100 passing yards already.

And really, there have been few blemishes to Dart’s game in terms of production in the high-flying Ole Miss offense. NFL decision makers, though, likely have questions about how well he can function in a more pro-style offense.

8. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

In terms of pure arm talent and ability to attack all areas of the field, few quarterbacks in college football hold a candle to Nussmeier. And the LSU offense is plenty happy to lean into his talents.

He leads the SEC in attempts and completions, and is hitting his passes at a 69.7% rate. He’s also leading the league with 15 passing touchdowns, but has thrown four interceptions. Nussmeier’s comfort and easy ability to work as a dropback passer make him an enticing talent for the next level, even if he has some drawbacks.

9. Will Howard, Ohio State

Howard has transferred to Ohio State and done little but run the offensive efficiently and effectively. The biggest bone to pick with his play so far is that he’s looked strong but against mostly inferior competition.

That will change in the Big Ten and if Howard keeps up something like his current production, NFL teams will have to take notice. He’s completed a career-high 71.5% of his passes and gone for 1248 yards and 12 touchdowns as the Buckeyes started undefeated.

10. Kyle McCord, Syracuse (enters Top 10)

McCord was the crown jewel addition in the first offseason for head coach Fran Brown and the Orange have treated the quarterback as such, cutting him loose for an FBS-leading 240 pass attempts. And letting McCord cook has been a good call, as the Orange are 4-1.

McCord’s completed 64.2% of his passes for 1814 yards and 17 touchdowns. He does lead the ACC with six interceptions but that risk has certainly been worth the reward for Syracuse.