2025 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper shakes up Top 10 QB rankings after Week 9 of college football

All eyes have been on the quarterbacks this college football season to not only see who can lead the nation’s top teams to victories, but to also see who could potentially lead an NFL franchise as a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

This season’s quarterback class has not been as touted compared to earlier this year when six signal-callers were selected within the first 12 picks of the 2024 draft. But nonetheless, this year has plenty of talented passers with the potential to translate their game to the next level.

With that in mind, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper updated his rankings of the Top 10 quarterbacks for the 2025 NFL Draft. The list also tracks how the quarterbacks have moved compared to last week and can be seen below.

1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Sanders is the No. 1 quarterback on Kiper’s board but No. 11 overall. He used the words tough and resilient to describe the coach’s son, citing the lack of offensive line play since arriving at Colorado.

As the protection upfront has gotten better, so have Sanders’ numbers. At this point of the season, Kiper sees Sanders as the first quarterback taken in April.

2. Cam Ward, Miami

A bit of a journeyman player during his days, Miami is the third school Ward has attended. And it’s where his best football is being played, currently having the Hurricanes undefeated and in the middle of the College Football Playoff race.

Ward flirted with the NFL last offseason but decided to play for Mario Cristobal instead. The move is going to pay off in a big way and could instantly become the face of a franchise.

3. Jalen Milroe, Alabama

In his second year as the Alabama starter, Milroe is working in his second system. This one is a little more known for producing quarterbacks as Kalen DeBoer is fresh off producing first-round selection Michael Penix.

What makes Milroe an interesting prospect is his elite athleticism and ability to use his legs when plays break down. NFL teams with true dual-threat quarterbacks have thrived in recent years and could love the idea of Milroe being the next guy.

4. Carson Beck, Georgia

Kiper moved Beck into the No. 4 spot after the Georgia win over Texas and with the Bulldogs on a bye, he remained in the spot. Despite already playing in seven games, Beck likely has a lot more football ahead of him this season.

Some thought Beck was the No. 1 pick heading into the season. While his stock as dipped a little, he will have plenty of opportunities to impress before beginning the draft process.

5. Quinn Ewers, Texas

Ewers has been all over the place this season but after performing well against Vanderbilt, he stayed put. Texas now enters a bye week, giving Ewers the opportunity to reset before the final stretch of the season.

After the Michigan game, many pegged Ewers to be one of the first names off the board. His Georgia performance dragged him down a step or two, though. Many scouts will be watching what’s likely his final games in a Texas uniform closely.

6. Drew Allar, Penn State

Allar is a former five-star quarterback and is now in his second season as the Penn State starter. Traits have always been there for him and development has been shown since taking over the job.

Looking at the upcoming week, health is a big question for Allar after suffering a knee injury. If he does get to play, it will be his best opportunity to impress NFL people as Penn State goes up against Ohio State.

7. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (+2)

No matter when Nussmeier decides to enter the NFL Draft, scouts are going to love what he showed in the first half against Texas A&M. Even with a rough second half, Kiper felt good enough to move the LSU signal caller up two spots.

Nussmeier had started in just one game prior to this season despite now playing in 25+ games. Not a young quarterback by any means but there is not much starting experience. Of course, the option to return to Baton Rouge is open.

8. Kurtis Rourke, Indiana

Indiana might be the story of the college football season as they sit undefeated heading into the Michigan State game. Head coach Curt Cignetti and Rourke have been atop the headlines and the quarterback continues to open NFL eyes.

Rourke is a transfer player after spending four years at Ohio State. Making a jump to a power conference schedule and still finding success might wind up being enough to be drafted in Green Bay.

9. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (-2)

Dart is fresh off a 22-30 performance against Oklahoma, going for 311 yards and a touchdown. Even so, the Ole Miss quarterback dropped two spots to No. 9 for Kiper.

A bye week is next but Nov. 9 is when Dart will face the toughest test of his year. Georgia comes to Oxford with plenty of NFL talent on their side of the ball. Have success against Kirby Smart‘s unit and Dart may find himself as a riser again.

10. Will Howard, Ohio State

Like Allar, Saturday’s game in Happy Valley could wind up being huge for Howard. He is going up against one of the best defenses in college football in a hostile noon ET environment.

Howard is on pace to have a career-best in passing yards and touchdowns, thriving with Ohio State since transferring from Kansas State. Another week spent in the final spot of Kiper’s top 10.

On3’s Kaiden Smith contributed to this report