Every year, we go into the college football season with an idea of who is going to be the No. 1 draft pick in the NFL draft.
A year ago, many believed it would be Alabama quarterback Bryce Young or Ohio State QB CJ Stroud. Two years before that, Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence was the easy prediction going into the year.
However, in 2021, Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker surprised some during the season with his stellar play and ultimately became the No. 1 pick. The same thing happened in 2019 when LSU QB Joe Burow ran the table and went No. 1 after winning the Heisman.
So in 2023, who are the top candidates to be taken first overall, and what is the likelihood it happens?
Obviously, USC QB Caleb Williams — the reigning Heisman winner — is the heavy favorite to be the first draft pick, but there are a handful of other players who could move into that top spot with the right season. This week, ESPN looked at all of the top candidates in the nation and gave them a percent chance to be the No. 1 pick.
Unsurprisingly, Oregon Ducks QB Bo Nix was among the top candidates. Here’s where he ranked among the players according to ESPN: