Shedeur Sanders under pressure as Ole Miss QB rises in NFL draft rankings

Shedeur Sanders was once considered one of the most attractive prospects in college football. Analysts hyped up the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback as the next big thing and a potential number-one pick in the NFL Draft.

However, the tide seems to be shifting, and Shedeur Sanders now risks being overshadowed by another player whose popularity has skyrocketed. This unexpected rise threatens the once-assured selection of Deion Sanders’ son, leaving him fighting to secure his place. With just one month to go, the pressure only continues to mount for Shedeur Sanders.

Shedeur Sanders in the spotlight

The NFL Draft has been shaken up. Many are predicting turbulent times ahead for Shedeur Sanders. Part of this stems from Jaxson Dart, the Ole Miss quarterback who has entered the scene to shake things up completely.

With Dart’s rise, the competition has intensified for Shedeur Sanders. Together with Miami’s Cam Ward, Sanders had been leading the projections for this year’s NFL Draft quarterback selections. However, as the countdown to the Draft narrows, this unexpected contender is catching the attention of major franchises.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Cameron Ward (@camward)

Jaxson Dart’s meteoric rise

Now, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart has emerged as one of the hottest names in first-round projections. His stats and performance at the NFL Combine have propelled him up draft boards, posing a legitimate threat to the established hierarchy of college quarterbacks—including Shedeur Sanders’ ranking.

This change in the landscape became evident after the NFL Combine. Prior to the event, Sanders and Ward had dominated the conversation. However, new talents are now drawing focus away—especially from Sanders, as Ward firmly cemented his number-one spot following an impressive Pro Day performance that showcased poise and more.

A growing threat to Shedeur Sanders

Even with Ward leading, Shedeur Sanders seemed to have his position locked in right behind him. However, Dart’s rapid rise has now introduced uncertainty that challenges Sanders’ standing in the top spots.

Dart initially emerged as a quiet contender but quickly became a serious threat. Under the guidance of Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, Dart displayed consistent development, gaining skill and experience in matchups against high-level rivals like Shedeur Sanders.

Dart’s 2024 season was nothing short of remarkable. He recorded 4,279 passing yards, a 69.3% completion rate, and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 29 to 6. These stats propelled him into the elite ranks of college football quarterbacks, making him a rival to Sanders.

Controversy surrounding Shedeur Sanders and Dart

Dart’s rise, combined with his leadership qualities, has made him stand out. Even ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. sparked controversy when asked whether Dart could be drafted ahead of Shedeur Sanders. Without hesitation, Kiper replied, “There’s always a chance. All it takes is one opinion, and he’s closed the gap.”

Mel Kiper says that Jaxson Dart could potentially be drafted before Shedeur Sanders. 👀 pic.twitter.com/Vekpk5TCLC

— College Sports Network (@CFN365) March 22, 2025

Kiper also added that Dart possesses qualities capable of transcending statistics—qualities crucial in the NFL. “He’s a guy with that aura… An intangible quality that, I believe, will keep him climbing. That’s just what happens at the end of the season.”

As Dart continues to soar, attention begins to drift away from Shedeur Sanders. Though he was once seen as a lock for the early picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the competition is fierce, and the battle for rankings is tighter than ever.