Mel Kiper’s “top QBs for 2025” is a highly anticipated annual ranking of the best college football quarterbacks entering their junior seasons. Kiper, a renowned NFL Draft analyst, has been publishing his top QB rankings for over 30 years, and his insights are widely respected by scouts, coaches, and fans alike.
Kiper’s rankings are based on a combination of factors, including physical tools, on-field performance, and potential. He considers everything from a quarterback’s arm strength and accuracy to his mobility and leadership skills. Kiper’s rankings are often used as a starting point for NFL teams as they begin to scout and evaluate potential draft picks.
The 2025 NFL Draft is still two years away, but Kiper’s top QB rankings for that year provide a glimpse at the future of the position. The 2025 draft class is expected to be one of the deepest in recent memory, with several quarterbacks with the potential to be franchise-changing players. Kiper’s top QBs for 2025 include (in no particular order):
- Arch Manning, Texas
- Cade Klubnik, Clemson
- Dante Moore, UCLA
- Evan Stewart, Texas A&M
- Jaden Rashada, Florida
These five quarterbacks are all considered to have the talent and potential to be elite NFL starters. They will all be closely watched during the 2023 and 2024 seasons as they continue to develop and showcase their skills.
1. Physical tools
Physical tools are an essential component of Mel Kiper’s top QB rankings for 2025. Kiper considers everything from a quarterback’s arm strength and accuracy to his mobility and leadership skills. These physical tools are essential for quarterbacks to succeed at the NFL level. Arm strength is important for quarterbacks to be able to make all the throws necessary in an NFL offense. Accuracy is important for quarterbacks to be able to complete passes to their receivers in stride. Mobility is important for quarterbacks to be able to avoid pressure and extend plays. Leadership skills are important for quarterbacks to be able to lead their teams and motivate their teammates.
Kiper’s emphasis on physical tools is evident in his top QB rankings for 2025. The quarterbacks at the top of Kiper’s rankings all possess excellent physical tools. For example, Arch Manning, the top-ranked quarterback in Kiper’s rankings, has a strong arm, good accuracy, and is a good athlete. Cade Klubnik, the second-ranked quarterback in Kiper’s rankings, has a strong arm and is a good runner. Dante Moore, the third-ranked quarterback in Kiper’s rankings, has good accuracy and is a good athlete.
The importance of physical tools for quarterbacks cannot be overstated. Quarterbacks with good physical tools are more likely to be successful in the NFL. Kiper’s top QB rankings for 2025 are a good indicator of the quarterbacks who have the potential to be successful in the NFL.
2. On-field performance
On-field performance is one of the most important factors that Mel Kiper considers when ranking quarterbacks. Kiper looks at a quarterback’s stats, highlights, and overall performance to get a sense of how well they have played on the field. This information helps Kiper to identify quarterbacks who have the potential to be successful in the NFL.
- Stats: Kiper looks at a quarterback’s stats to get a sense of how productive they have been on the field. He considers stats such as passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions, and completion percentage. These stats can give Kiper a good idea of a quarterback’s arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making ability.
- Highlights: Kiper also watches highlights of quarterbacks to get a sense of their overall performance. He looks for quarterbacks who make good throws, avoid turnovers, and lead their teams to victory. Highlights can give Kiper a better sense of a quarterback’s intangibles, such as leadership and poise.
- Overall performance: Kiper also considers a quarterback’s overall performance when ranking them. He looks at how well a quarterback has played against different levels of competition and how they have performed in big games. Kiper also considers a quarterback’s leadership skills and their ability to make plays when their team needs them most.
On-field performance is a critical factor in Mel Kiper’s top QB rankings for 2025. Kiper’s rankings are based on a combination of factors, but on-field performance is one of the most important. By considering a quarterback’s stats, highlights, and overall performance, Kiper can identify quarterbacks who have the potential to be successful in the NFL.
3. Potential
Potential is a difficult concept to quantify, but it is an important factor in Mel Kiper’s top QB rankings for 2025. Kiper considers a quarterback’s potential based on his physical tools, on-field performance, and intangibles such as leadership and work ethic. Kiper believes that potential is just as important as when it comes to ranking quarterbacks. A quarterback with great physical tools and on-field performance may not have the same potential as a quarterback with less but more intangibles.
There are a number of examples of quarterbacks who have succeeded in the NFL despite not having the best physical tools or on-field performance. Tom Brady is one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, but he was not a highly touted recruit coming out of college. Brady was not drafted until the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. However, Brady has overcome his physical limitations with his intangibles. He is a hard worker, a great leader, and he has a knack for making big plays when his team needs them most.
Kiper’s emphasis on potential is important because it allows him to identify quarterbacks who have the potential to be successful in the NFL, even if they do not have the best physical tools or on-field performance. Kiper’s top QB rankings for 2025 are a good indicator of the quarterbacks who have the potential to be successful in the NFL.
Overall, potential is an important factor to consider when evaluating quarterbacks. Kiper’s emphasis on potential in his top QB rankings for 2025 is a good indicator of the quarterbacks who have the potential to be successful in the NFL.
4. Depth of the class
The depth of the quarterback class in 2025 will also impact Kiper’s rankings. If there are a lot of talented quarterbacks, it will be more difficult for any one player to stand out. This is because Kiper’s rankings are based on a combination of factors, including physical tools, on-field performance, and potential. If there are a lot of quarterbacks with similar physical tools and on-field performance, it will be more difficult for Kiper to separate them in his rankings.
For example, in 2023, there was a lot of depth in the quarterback class. There were several quarterbacks who were considered to be first-round talents. This made it difficult for Kiper to rank the quarterbacks in his top 10. In the end, Kiper ranked C.J. Stroud as the top quarterback in the class, followed by Bryce Young and Arch Manning.
However, in 2022, there was less depth in the quarterback class. There were only a few quarterbacks who were considered to be first-round talents. This made it easier for Kiper to rank the quarterbacks in his top 10. In the end, Kiper ranked Bryce Young as the top quarterback in the class, followed by C.J. Stroud and Quinn Ewers.
The depth of the quarterback class in 2025 will be a major factor in Kiper’s rankings. If there are a lot of talented quarterbacks, it will be more difficult for any one player to stand out. However, if there are only a few quarterbacks who are considered to be first-round talents, it will be easier for Kiper to rank the quarterbacks in his top 10.
5. Scheme fit
Scheme fit is an important factor for Kiper to consider when ranking quarterbacks because it can have a major impact on a quarterback’s success. For example, a quarterback who is good at running the ball may not be as successful in a pro-style offense that requires him to stay in the pocket and make quick decisions. Conversely, a quarterback who is good at making quick decisions and throwing accurately may not be as successful in a run-heavy offense that requires him to run the ball frequently.
Kiper will also consider how well a quarterback fits into the scheme of his college team when ranking quarterbacks for his top 25. For example, in 2023, Kiper ranked C.J. Stroud as the top quarterback in the class, in part because he believed that Stroud was a good fit for Ohio State’s offense. Stroud is a good runner and passer, and he is able to make quick decisions. He is also able to throw the ball accurately down the field. These skills make him a good fit for Ohio State’s offense, which is a spread offense that requires the quarterback to be able to run and pass.
Scheme fit is an important factor for Kiper to consider when ranking quarterbacks. By considering how well a quarterback fits into the scheme of his college team, Kiper can get a better sense of how successful the quarterback is likely to be in the NFL.
6. Intangibles
When evaluating quarterbacks for his top 25 rankings, Mel Kiper also considers a quarterback’s intangibles, such as leadership, work ethic, and mental toughness. Kiper believes that these intangibles are just as important as physical tools and on-field performance when it comes to determining a quarterback’s potential for success in the NFL.
- Leadership: Kiper looks for quarterbacks who are able to lead their teams both on and off the field. He wants to see quarterbacks who are able to motivate their teammates and make them believe in themselves. Kiper also looks for quarterbacks who are able to make good decisions under pressure and who are not afraid to take risks.
- Work ethic: Kiper wants to see quarterbacks who are willing to put in the work to improve their skills. He looks for quarterbacks who are dedicated to their craft and who are always looking for ways to get better. Kiper also wants to see quarterbacks who are willing to learn from their mistakes and who are not afraid to ask for help.
- Mental toughness: Kiper looks for quarterbacks who are mentally tough and who are able to bounce back from adversity. He wants to see quarterbacks who are able to stay focused and composed under pressure. Kiper also wants to see quarterbacks who are able to learn from their mistakes and who are not afraid to make big plays when their team needs them most.
Kiper believes that intangibles are just as important as physical tools and on-field performance when it comes to determining a quarterback’s potential for success in the NFL. He looks for quarterbacks who have all of the tools necessary to be successful, both on and off the field.
FAQs about Mel Kiper’s Top QBs for 2025
Mel Kiper’s annual ranking of the top college football quarterbacks entering their junior seasons is a highly anticipated event in the NFL Draft world. Kiper’s rankings are based on a combination of factors, including physical tools, on-field performance, and potential. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Mel Kiper’s top QBs for 2025:
Question 1: How are Mel Kiper’s top QB rankings determined?
Answer: Kiper’s rankings are based on a combination of factors, including physical tools, on-field performance, potential, depth of the class, scheme fit, and intangibles.
Question 2: What physical tools does Kiper consider when ranking quarterbacks?
Answer: Kiper considers everything from a quarterback’s arm strength and accuracy to his mobility and leadership skills.
Question 3: How does Kiper evaluate a quarterback’s on-field performance?
Answer: Kiper looks at a quarterback’s stats, highlights, and overall performance to get a sense of how well they have played on the field.
Question 4: What is Kiper looking for when he evaluates a quarterback’s potential?
Answer: Kiper considers a quarterback’s physical tools, on-field performance, and intangibles such as leadership and work ethic when evaluating their potential.
Question 5: How does the depth of the quarterback class impact Kiper’s rankings?
Answer: If there are a lot of talented quarterbacks in a class, it will be more difficult for any one player to stand out in Kiper’s rankings.
Question 6: Why does Kiper consider scheme fit when ranking quarterbacks?
Answer: Kiper believes that scheme fit is important because it can have a major impact on a quarterback’s success in the NFL.
Summary: Mel Kiper’s top QB rankings for 2025 are based on a combination of factors, including physical tools, on-field performance, potential, depth of the class, scheme fit, and intangibles. Kiper’s rankings are a good indicator of the quarterbacks who have the potential to be successful in the NFL.
Transition: Mel Kiper’s top QB rankings for 2025 are a valuable resource for NFL teams and fans alike. By considering all of these factors, Kiper provides a comprehensive ranking of the best quarterbacks in the country.
Tips for Evaluating Mel Kiper’s Top QBs for 2025
Mel Kiper’s annual ranking of the top college football quarterbacks entering their junior seasons is a highly anticipated event in the NFL Draft world. Kiper’s rankings are based on a combination of factors, including physical tools, on-field performance, and potential. Here are five tips for evaluating Mel Kiper’s top QBs for 2025:
Tip 1: Consider all of the factors that Kiper considers
When evaluating Mel Kiper’s top QBs for 2025, it is important to consider all of the factors that Kiper considers when ranking quarterbacks. These factors include physical tools, on-field performance, potential, depth of the class, scheme fit, and intangibles. By considering all of these factors, you can get a better understanding of how Kiper arrived at his rankings.
Tip 2: Don’t just look at the rankings
While Mel Kiper’s rankings are a valuable resource, it is important to do your own research before making any decisions about which quarterbacks to draft. Watch game film, read scouting reports, and talk to other experts to get a well-rounded view of each quarterback.
Tip 3: Be aware of the depth of the class
The depth of the quarterback class in 2025 will impact Kiper’s rankings. If there are a lot of talented quarterbacks, it will be more difficult for any one player to stand out. Be sure to consider the depth of the class when evaluating Kiper’s rankings.
Tip 4: Consider scheme fit
When evaluating Mel Kiper’s top QBs for 2025, it is important to consider scheme fit. Some quarterbacks are better suited for certain offenses than others. Be sure to consider the scheme of your team when evaluating quarterbacks.
Tip 5: Don’t forget about intangibles
Mel Kiper considers intangibles, such as leadership, work ethic, and mental toughness, when ranking quarterbacks. These intangibles can be just as important as physical tools and on-field performance. Be sure to consider intangibles when evaluating quarterbacks.
Summary: Mel Kiper’s top QB rankings for 2025 are a valuable resource, but it is important to do your own research before making any decisions about which quarterbacks to draft. By following these tips, you can get a better understanding of how Kiper arrived at his rankings and make more informed decisions about which quarterbacks to target.
Transition: Mel Kiper’s top QB rankings for 2025 are a good starting point for evaluating quarterbacks, but it is important to do your own research before making any decisions. By following these tips, you can get a better understanding of how Kiper arrived at his rankings and make more informed decisions about which quarterbacks to target.
Conclusion
Mel Kiper’s annual ranking of the top college football quarterbacks entering their junior seasons is a highly anticipated event in the NFL Draft world. Kiper’s rankings are based on a combination of factors, including physical tools, on-field performance, and potential. This article has provided an overview of the key factors that Kiper considers when ranking quarterbacks, as well as some tips for evaluating his rankings.
Ultimately, the best way to evaluate Mel Kiper’s top QB rankings for 2025 is to consider all of the factors that Kiper considers when ranking quarterbacks. By doing your own research and considering all of the factors that Kiper considers, you can make more informed decisions about which quarterbacks to target.
