The excitement of college football is palpable as the playoffs unfold, but for many teams, the focus is already shifting to the future. With the College Football Playoff (CFP) nearing its conclusion and a significant number of NFL teams sidelined from postseason play, attention is turning toward the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft. This event promises to spotlight some of the brightest young talents in the sport.
Upcoming draft deadlines for college players
Before these standout athletes can hear their names called on draft day, they must first decide whether to declare for the NFL Draft. This year, new NFL rules have introduced specific deadlines for players. For those on teams whose seasons have concluded, there’s an early soft deadline of January 6 to declare their intentions. The traditional hard deadline follows closely on January 15.
However, for players whose teams advance to the CFP championship game, there’s a silver lining. They’ll have a little extra time to contemplate their futures, with a deadline of January 24 to declare their draft eligibility. This extension allows NFL teams to compile a comprehensive list of prospects by January 25, ensuring they have all the information they need to make informed decisions.
Notable players declaring for the draft
As the draft approaches, several high-profile college football players have already announced their intentions to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at some of the standout prospects making headlines:
- Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
- Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
- Jordan James, RB, Oregon
- Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
- Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
- Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
- Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
- Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
- Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
- Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
- Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
- Will Campbell, OT, LSU
- Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
- Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
- Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona
- Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
- Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
- Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
- Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
- Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss
- Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
- Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
- Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
- Shemar Stewart, DT, Texas A&M
- Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
- Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
- Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
- Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
- Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
- Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Profiles of top prospects
Among these talented players, some stand out for their exceptional skills and potential. For instance, Will Campbell is generating buzz as one of the top offensive line prospects in the draft. Standing at 6-6 and weighing 320 pounds, Campbell earned consensus first-team All-American honors this season and is expected to be a first-round pick.
Mason Graham is another name to watch. Alongside teammate Will Johnson, both defenders from Michigan have garnered All-American accolades and played pivotal roles in securing the 2023 National Championship. Their performances have solidified their status as early selections in the draft.
As for the quarterbacks, Jalen Milroe may not be the first off the board, but his impressive stats from the 2024 season—2,844 passing yards, 726 rushing yards, and 36 total touchdowns—demonstrate his dual-threat capability, making him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.
Malaki Starks is projected to be the top safety in the 2025 draft. Over three seasons at Georgia, he amassed 198 total tackles and six interceptions, showcasing his ability to impact the game from the backfield.
Another standout defender is Mykel Williams, a pass rusher who consistently made his mark during his time with the Bulldogs. Williams recorded at least 16 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in each of his three seasons, earning second-team All-SEC honors twice.
Dynamic offensive talents
On the offensive side, Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, boasts an unparalleled skill set. His versatility as a two-way player in 2024 resulted in 35 total tackles, 11 passes defended, and four interceptions on defense, along with 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. How will NFL teams utilize such a unique talent? That’s a question many are eager to see answered.
Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman runner-up, also made waves in the college football scene. Although he fell just short of the NCAA single-season rushing record, Jeanty’s 2,601 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns in 2024 speak volumes about his explosive playmaking ability.
Another exciting prospect is Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona. With strong hands, a solid frame, and impressive route-running skills, McMillan is projected as an early first-round pick. He finished the season with 1,319 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, earning consensus All-American honors.
As the countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft continues, the anticipation grows. Which of these young stars will make their mark in the NFL? With so much talent ready to take the next step, fans and teams alike are in for an exhilarating ride.
