In a decision that surprised nobody, Saquon Barkley is number one.
After weeks of unveiling the NFL's top 100, Saquon's peers have voted him the best player going into the 2025 season. Barkley jumps up 85 spots, from his number 86 ranking in 2024.
Claiming the top spot in this year's NFL Top 100 pic.twitter.com/PHOVoSmrQ7
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 2, 2025
How Barkley outran the competition to number 1
Barkley makes his fourth appearance on the NFL's top 100 list. He placed at number 16 in 2019, number 31 in 2020, number 31 again in 2023, number 86 in 2024, and now owns the honor of being number one in 2025. Barkley's ranking stems from a 2024 season that was marked by numerous highlights, notable missed tackles, a Pro Bowl appearance (his third), an All-Pro selection (his first), an Offensive Player of the Year award, and a Super Bowl ring.
In addition to the extra hardware in his trophy case, Barkley also put together his first 2,000-yard rushing season (2,005 rush yards), the first of its kind in the league, along with 13 rushing touchdowns. Barkley also led the league in All-Purpose yards, totaling 2283 yards (2,005 rush yards and 278 receiving yards), while also totaling 15 touchdowns combined.
Barkley's number one ranking comes after he was essentially jettisoned and low-balled by the New York Giants after spending six seasons with the team. Barkley joined the Eagles on a three-year $37.75 million deal, of which $26 million was guaranteed over the first two years.
After his record-setting season, Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension with the Eagles that includes $36 million guaranteed and up to $15 million more in incentives, keeping him in Philadelphia until 2028, ensuring he remains with the team until his age 31 season.
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Barkley is now the 9th Eagles player to join the NFL's top 100 list this season. He joins Jalen Hurts (no.19), Lane Johnson (no. 23), Zack Baun (no. 26), A.J. Brown (no. 29), Jalen Carter (no. 43), Quinyon Mitchell (no. 49), Cooper DeJean (no. 60), and Jordan Mailata (no. 69) as members of this elite honor.