Mel Kiper updates NFL Draft Big Board Top 25 player rankings ahead of Week 9 of college football

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has updated his NFL Draft Big Board Top 25 player rankings ahead of Week 9 of the college football season.

While some of the top talents have shined throughout over the course of the 2023 season, such as one many have labeled as a generational talent in Caleb Williams of USC, others have fought their way into Kiper’s Top 25. Regardless, many weeks remain, and there’s ample time for the rankings to change.

Nevertheless, here’s where things stand at the moment for ESPN’s resident NFL Draft expert. Williams kicks things off, but it gets more and more interesting in the rankings that follow.

1) Caleb Williams, QB, USC

There could be no other spot than first for Williams in Kiper’s rankings. The Trojans star is being heralded as one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory, and it’s tough to argue with the logic.

Williams has amassed 2,277 passing yards and 23 passing touchdowns in 2023, while adding 143 rushing yards and seven touchdowns to his resume. He’ll be the first overall pick next season, barring something unforeseen. It’s just a matter of who has the honor of drafting him.

2) Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

In 2023, Harrison has amassed 42 receptions for 766 yards and six touchdowns. While the Ohio State offense as a whole has struggled a bit, their stud wide receiver has been as reliable as ever.

“Maserati Marv” will be the next in a long line of Buckeyes pass catchers to make an undeniable impact in the NFL. As receivers become more and more valuable in the league, Harrison won’t have to wait long to hear his name called in April.

3) Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

While North Carolina suffered a setback over the weekend, Maye is still regarded as the best quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, outside of Williams. In many seasons, he’d likely be the first player off the board.

The North Carolina signal caller has amassed 2,249 passing yards and 14 passing touchdowns, while rushing for 201 yards and five touchdowns, as well. He’ll be a welcomed addition for a quarterback-needy team.

4) Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

An injury stalled Bowers’ Heisman hype, but the Georgia star is still highly regarded by Kiper and experts alike. We’ve seen a tight end going early in the NFL Draft before, but Bowers could shatter the mold.

He’s far from your usual tight end at the NFL level. Think more along the lines of him being a hybrid, a one-of-a-kind player for the position. Some team is going to fall in love with Bowers when the time comes.

5) Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

All Sanders has done since following his father to Colorado is ball out. You don’t get to create your own celebration (and have it stick) when you can’t back it up. Flash those watches.

The biggest question with the Buffaloes quarterback isn’t how highly he’ll be drafted, but if he’ll come out at all. Another season in Boulder seems likely for Sanders, even if the NFL may be too lucrative to pass up.

6) Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Throughout the draft process for 2024, Fashanu has remained at the top of Kiper’s offensive lineman rankings. The leader of the Penn State group looks every bit the part of an NFL tackle, and could anchor a line for years to come.

Solid offensive line play is invaluable at the NFL level. When it’s all said and done, Fashanu has incredible potential, and Kiper truly believes it so.

7) Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

While Bowers gets the spot behind Harrison Jr. as the second pass catcher on the list, Odunze is right behind him when it comes to true wide receivers. He had an amazing moment against Oregon, and has been invaluable to the Huskies’ success in 2023.

A big-bodied, elusive wide receiver isn’t easy to find, especially one with Odunze’s talents. He has all the makings of a top wide receiver, and Kiper can see it now.

8) Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Speaking of the Huskies, the unsung heroes of their tremendous offense is their offensive line. Leading that unit is none other than Fautanu, who continues to quietly rise up Kiper’s rankings.

Now, he’s firmly entrenched inside the top ten, and looking to stay there. As long as Fautanu continues to be a huge part of Washington’s success, he isn’t going anywhere.

9) Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

While a heartbreaking penalty brought back his game-winning punt return, DeJean can take solace in the fact that he’s simply a star in the making. Kiper believes so, and an NFL team will make his dreams a reality come April.

The Hawkeyes star can provide help on both defense and special teams. He’s primed to make a tremendous impact, wherever he ends up.

10) Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Before he arrived in Tallahassee, the college football world knew Coleman could be the difference between a good and a great season for Florida State. Alas, the wide receiver has been worth everything and more.

Like the Seminoles learned, NFL squads will as well, when Coleman goes through the draft process. He’s only scratching the surface of his potential, and could continue to rise moving forward.

Mel Kiper’s updated NFL Draft Big Board — No. 11-25:

11) Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
12) Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
13) Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
14) Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
15) Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
16) Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas
17) Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami
18) JC Latham, OT, Alabama
19) JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State
20) Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
21) Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
22) Graham Barton, OL, Duke
23) Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
24) Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
25) Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

As you can see, Mel Kiper has moved a bevy of talented players around, but with so much time remaining until the 2024 NFL Draft, we’re bound to see some more changes. Nevertheless, each and every one of these players have a tremendous chance at a lengthy, successful NFL career, and it’s easy to see why.