There’s a new favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in 2025

It’s never too early to talk about the 2025 NFL Draft.

Since the conclusion of this year’s draft, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been the betting favorite to be the first overall pick next year, but that is no longer the case.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is the new favorite (+300) to hear his name called first in 2025, per FanDuel.

Beck is the returning quarterback for arguably the nation’s best team. Last season, Georgia could not complete the three-peat, but Beck gave the team a good chance, passing for 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns and just six interceptions.

If the 21-year-old can lead the Bulldogs to a championship in 2024 while continuing to play lights out, it would not be surprising if he becomes the sixth No. 1 pick from Georgia.

Although Sanders seems to have lost his lead for now, he’s still a close second in the odds (+450).

Sanders might be the most well-known player in college football as the youngest son of Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.

The Buffaloes’ 2023 campaign was full of ups and downs, but Sanders proved integral to turning the program around, throwing for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

If Sanders picks up right where he left off in 2023, he could jump Beck as the favorite once again. 

However, whichever NFL team owns the first overall pick will play a significant factor, as his father let it be known that he won’t play for “certain teams.”

In years when a quarterback is not the first off the board, pass rushers seem to be the next best option. That is why Tennessee edge-rusher James Pearce Jr. is not far behind at third in the odds (+650).

Pearce Jr. has the build (6-foot-5) and production to be an elite defender at the next level. In 2023, he registered 27 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception for a touchdown.

If the quarterbacks underwhelm this season, Pearce Jr. may turn out to be the biggest benefactor of all.

Of course, there is a lot of time between now and the 2025 NFL Draft for things to change, but Beck, Sanders and Pearce Jr. seem to have the early lead to be the NFL’s next top pick.