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https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6859079/2025/12/05/nfl-draft-quarterbacks-stay-in-college/
With money, fame and opportunity as accessible as ever in college football, NFL teams hope quarterbacks are enjoying that lifestyle enough to stay in school, rather than rushing into the draft.
That’s never been truer under the current landscape than this NFL Draft cycle. The crop of eligible quarterbacks was largely uninspiring this season, prompting teams to cross their fingers that these players will return to school to refine their skills. There’s no substitute for experience, and it’s advantageous for all involved if the QBs accumulate snaps in a more controlled environment than the NFL.
“It doesn’t benefit us (in the NFL) if all these guys come out early and aren’t ready,” said an NFL team executive, who was granted anonymity so he could speak openly.
I don’t know why any of them would consider leaving,” a second executive said. “Why not go play college football and build yourself to get to that level? I think it helps everybody. I think it puts a better product on the field in college. It helps us evaluate them longer, as they get real reps to amass experience before coming to our level.
“It helps our evaluation. It helps their preparation. It helps their maturity. They learn how to lead better. They learn how to handle adversity better.”
:
In a sense, it’s never been easier to advise players to stay in school. The two Power 5 directors said starting quarterbacks can earn between $1 million and $5 million per season in NIL and marketing opportunities, with projected draft prospects at premium schools earning closer to the higher end of that spectrum.
And since players can transfer more freely, they can seek out better opportunities, coaching or systems to develop weaker areas. Last year, Cam Ward jumped from Washington State to Miami and skyrocketed from a mid-round prospect to the No. 1 pick. The Hurricanes knew the NFL wanted to see Ward featured as an offensive catalyst, sold him on the plan and delivered.
With money, fame and opportunity as accessible as ever in college football, NFL teams hope quarterbacks are enjoying that lifestyle enough to stay in school, rather than rushing into the draft.
That’s never been truer under the current landscape than this NFL Draft cycle. The crop of eligible quarterbacks was largely uninspiring this season, prompting teams to cross their fingers that these players will return to school to refine their skills. There’s no substitute for experience, and it’s advantageous for all involved if the QBs accumulate snaps in a more controlled environment than the NFL.
“It doesn’t benefit us (in the NFL) if all these guys come out early and aren’t ready,” said an NFL team executive, who was granted anonymity so he could speak openly.
I don’t know why any of them would consider leaving,” a second executive said. “Why not go play college football and build yourself to get to that level? I think it helps everybody. I think it puts a better product on the field in college. It helps us evaluate them longer, as they get real reps to amass experience before coming to our level.
“It helps our evaluation. It helps their preparation. It helps their maturity. They learn how to lead better. They learn how to handle adversity better.”
:
In a sense, it’s never been easier to advise players to stay in school. The two Power 5 directors said starting quarterbacks can earn between $1 million and $5 million per season in NIL and marketing opportunities, with projected draft prospects at premium schools earning closer to the higher end of that spectrum.
And since players can transfer more freely, they can seek out better opportunities, coaching or systems to develop weaker areas. Last year, Cam Ward jumped from Washington State to Miami and skyrocketed from a mid-round prospect to the No. 1 pick. The Hurricanes knew the NFL wanted to see Ward featured as an offensive catalyst, sold him on the plan and delivered.
