The NFL is a league of constant change and evolution. Every year, new players enter the league with high expectations and potential, and every year, some of those players fail to live up to those expectations. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as the “sophomore slump”, and it is a term that is used a lot in the NFL.
The sophomore slump is when a player, particularly a rookie quarterback, has a great first year in the league but struggles to replicate that success in their second year. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as increased pressure and expectations, changes in coaching or personnel, or simply a lack of development.
Two recent examples of this are Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix. Both quarterbacks had impressive rookie seasons and were expected to be top-10 quarterbacks in the 2025 season. However, in their second year, they both experienced a drop-off in performance.
But while the sophomore slump is a common occurrence in the NFL, there are also players who defy the odds and have a second-year leap, surpassing even their own rookie year performance. One such player is Drake Maye, who is currently in his second year at the University of North Carolina.
Maye, a highly touted recruit, had a solid freshman year for the Tar Heels in 2020, throwing for 1,000 yards and 5 touchdowns in limited playing time. However, it was his second year that truly showcased his potential and put him in the conversation with some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
In his sophomore year, Maye has already thrown for 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 70%. He has also led his team to a 9-1 record and a top-10 ranking in the country. These numbers are not only impressive for a college quarterback, but they also stack up against some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL since 2000.
Let’s take a look at how Maye’s second-year leap compares to some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL since 2000, including Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.
Tom Brady, widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, had a solid rookie year with the New England Patriots in 2000, throwing for 2,843 yards and 18 touchdowns. However, it was his second year that truly put him on the map, as he threw for 2,843 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading his team to a Super Bowl victory.
Similarly, Patrick Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, had a great rookie year with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, throwing for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns. But it was his second year that solidified his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the league, as he threw for 4,031 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading his team to a Super Bowl victory as well.
Maye’s numbers in his second year are not far off from these two elite quarterbacks. In fact, his 2,500 passing yards and 20 touchdowns are on par with Brady’s and Mahomes’ second-year numbers. And while he may not have the same level of success as them in terms of team accomplishments, Maye’s individual performance is certainly on par with some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
But what sets Maye apart from other quarterbacks who have had a second-year leap is his consistency. While some quarterbacks may have a great second year but struggle in their third or fourth year, Maye has shown that he can maintain a high level of performance year after year. This bodes well for his future in the NFL, as consistency is a key factor in a quarterback’s success.
In conclusion, while the sophomore slump is a common occurrence in the NFL, there are also players like Drake Maye who defy the odds and have a second-year leap. Maye’s performance in his second year at the University of North Carolina not only stacks up against some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL since 2000, but it also showcases his potential for a successful career in the league. With his consistency and determination, Maye has the potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL in the years to come.