Each week, Keith Sanchez will bring you his updated rankings and analysis of the top quarterbacks in college football eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft. See how the top passers rise and fall throughout the season with scouting notes on what happened last week and what to watch for going forward.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Week 9 Stats: Passing Yards: 405 yards | Touchdowns: 2 | INTs: 3 | Completion Percentage: 50.0%
Game Analysis
Garrett Nussmeier entered the game against Texas A&M gaining national attention for his high-level play and even having some media members stake a claim that he may be the best quarterback in the class. Nussmeier had a high-volume game that ended with him having 50 passing attempts that were broken down into a contrast of two different halves of football. Nussmeier started off the game playing well, completing passes to all three levels of the field, avoiding pass rushers, and making big-time plays. In the second half, Nussmeier put the ball in harm's way and the second-half adjustments by Texas A&M appeared to confuse him at times. The Texas A&M game was an experience of the good and the bad which should result in a learning lesson overall for Nussmeier.
Takeaway: If you liked Nussmeier a lot before the Texas A&M game, you should continue to like him and just understand that he is a first-year starter and there will be growing pains at times. Nussmeier has already showcased all of the physical tools, there is just a need for him to continue to grow and learn how to take more calculated chances that don't have high levels of negative outcomes.
Current Ranking: QB4
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Week 9 Stats: Passing Yards: 208 yards | Touchdowns: 0 | INTs: 0 | Completion Percentage: 62.9%
Game Analysis
With his play thus far in the 2024 season, Cam Ward has comfortably placed himself at the QB1 or QB2 slot for most NFL evaluators. So for the rest of the season, it's about him not doing anything to hurt his draft stock and showing an ability to sustain consistent good quarterback play. This week against Florida State, Ward's numbers were not eye-popping but overall he played a good game, working through his progressions throwing accurate passes and getting the ball to his playmakers while the run game for Miami took center stage. The value in this game was Ward showing his maturity and that he can just simply let the game come to him.
Takeaway: Ward played a game that won't impress in the box score but watching the game, he is still an effective and efficient quarterback for the Hurricanes. He showed composure and understood the situation and moment in a rivalry matchup.
Current Ranking: QB2
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
Week 9 Stats: Passing Yards: 283 yards | Touchdowns: 3 | INTs: 1 | Completion Percentage: 69.2%
Game Analysis
Dillon Gabriel so far through the season is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in college football and appears to be peaking at the right time. The game against Illinois was another three-touchdown performance where Gabriel did a good job distributing the ball to his playmakers. Gabriel did a good job of working through his progressions and consistently made the throws that were there. Gabriel showed to be good at distributing the ball to all of his targets during the game. Gabriel is rapidly rising up draft boards and is a Heisman contender who still has a couple of big-time moments to make his case for both the draft and the Heisman.
Takeaway: In a year where quarterback play has been so volatile week to week, the takeaway from Gabriel is that he is consistent in his play—which a lot of NFL teams value.
Current Ranking: QB5
QB Rankings After Week 9
- Shedeur Sanders
- Cam Ward
- Jalen Milroe
- Garrett Nussmeier
- Dillon Gabriel
- Cade Klubnik
- Quinn Ewers
- Drew Allar
- Carson Beck
- Jaxson Dart
