Bo Nix Gains National Attention in ESPN’s 2025 NFL QB Rankings

Bo Nix Sneaks Into NFL’s Elite Radar as ESPN’s Top QB Rankings Drop

When ESPN drops its annual quarterback rankings, the football world always perks up. It's like Christmas for NFL fans—but with more stats and less wrapping paper. Every offseason, ESPN goes straight to the source, polling NFL executives, scouts, and coaches to compile its list of the Top 10 quarterbacks in the league. It’s not just media chatter—this is input from the people making real football decisions, and the results always stir up debate.

This year’s list had its usual suspects, but there were some exciting newcomers, too. The rankings included honorable mentions and a unique “also received votes” section that gave fans a peek at QBs flying just under the radar. And guess who popped up in that latter category? Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

Let that sink in for a second.

🏈 ESPN’s Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks (2025 Edition)

Here’s how the official Top 10 shaped up:

1. Patrick Mahomes – No surprise here. Mahomes continues to redefine quarterback play, and his name at the top is practically engraved.

2. Josh Allen – The Buffalo Bills’ gunslinger remains a physical marvel with both his arm and legs.

3. Joe Burrow – Calm, precise, and as tough as they come—Burrow keeps climbing the QB ranks.

4. Lamar Jackson – With a new offense around him and a fresh MVP in the cabinet, Lamar is back in the elite convo.

5. Jayden Daniels – Yup, the rookie turned sensation cracked the Top 5. More on him later.

6. Matthew Stafford – The grizzled vet still has plenty of gas in the tank and showed it last season.

7. Justin Herbert – He’s got the tools and the tape—just needs the wins.

8. Jared Goff – Quietly leading a resurgent Lions team, Goff’s redemption arc continues.

9. Jalen Hurts – A do-it-all quarterback with leadership to match his skills.

10. Baker Mayfield – That’s right. Mayfield’s comeback story has him back in the Top 10 spotlight.

🔥 Honorable Mentions

Just missing the cut were C.J. Stroud and Jordan Love, two young quarterbacks who lit it up last season. Stroud, especially, looked like a franchise guy from day one.

👀 Also Received Votes (A.K.A. “Watch This Space”)

Here’s where it gets fun. Along with Stroud and Love, the “also received votes” list includes:

• Kyler Murray

• Brock Purdy

• Dak Prescott

• Aaron Rodgers

• Tua Tagovailoa

• Bo Nix

Let’s pause there.

🎯 Bo Nix: From Rookie Starter to Nationally Recognized

For Bo Nix to receive even one vote from a league insider—be it a coach, exec, or scout—is a major deal. ESPN doesn’t reveal who exactly casts which votes, but someone in the NFL braintrust believes Nix is already a Top 10 quarterback in the league.

That’s right. Just months after wrapping up his rookie campaign, Nix is drawing Top 10 buzz. Even if he’s not on everyone’s radar yet, he’s definitely made an impression where it counts.

🧠 How Did Nix Earn That Respect?

Let’s rewind. Nix was drafted into a Denver Broncos team that was going through major changes. Sean Payton was in the process of reshaping the offense, Russell Wilson was out the door, and expectations were uncertain at best.

But Nix showed poise. He operated with the maturity of a seasoned vet and showcased an accurate arm, smart decision-making, and the kind of leadership you can’t teach. That Pro Bowl alternate nod? Not a fluke. It was recognition that this kid might be built for the big stage.

Nix closed his rookie year with numbers that may not jump off the page at first glance but tell a deeper story when you look at his completion percentage, turnover avoidance, and command of the offense. The guy doesn’t just manage games—he grows into them.

🏆 What’s Next for Bo Nix?

Now the stakes get higher. Year 2 in the NFL is when teams either figure you out or you take that leap.

For Nix, the Broncos are doubling down. With weapons around him and a full offseason as the starter, the expectation is clear: build off last year’s momentum and go bigger. Denver opens the 2025 season at home against the Tennessee Titans, a perfect chance for Nix to set the tone early.

That matchup will be huge. The Titans have a physical, disciplined defense. If Nix comes out sharp and leads the Broncos to a win, the “also received votes” label might not last long. He could easily be knocking on that Top 10 door by midseason.

💡 Why This List Matters

You might ask—why all the fuss over these rankings?

Simple: these lists shape perception. They give insight into how insiders view players beyond just stats or highlight reels. If a player shows up on this list—even in the “also received votes” section—it’s a vote of confidence that carries weight in the locker room, the front office, and in national debates.

And let’s face it, fans live for this stuff. Who’s in? Who got snubbed? Who’s overrated? Who’s the next breakout star? This annual ESPN QB ranking is a perfect preseason appetizer.

🧨 Breakout Stories to Watch

• Jayden Daniels landing at No. 5 as a rookie? That’s wild and speaks volumes about his explosive debut season. He’s clearly not your average first-year player.

• Baker Mayfield climbing back into the Top 10? It’s the comeback nobody saw coming.

• Aaron Rodgers still getting votes even after an injury-shortened year? That’s respect.

But Bo Nix? That’s the dark horse buzz everyone should be paying attention to.

📌 Final Thoughts

Bo Nix might not have cracked the official Top 10—yet—but he’s made his mark. That single vote is a symbol that he’s not just another rookie. He’s a young quarterback who has earned attention from some of the most influential minds in football.

And with a full season under his belt and a head coach like Sean Payton guiding him, the sky’s the limit for Nix in 2025.

Keep your eye on No. 10 in orange and blue. The NFL might be watching the rise of its next quarterback star.