It was a thrilling weekend in college football, aptly dubbed “Elimination Saturday.” The stakes were high, and the drama unfolded as two SEC teams saw their hopes for the College Football Playoff (CFP) dashed with unexpected losses. Alabama faced a surprising defeat against a mediocre Oklahoma squad, while Mississippi fell in a nail-biter against a revitalized Florida team. With three losses each, both teams now find themselves on the outside looking in as the playoff bracket looms.
Impactful Week 13: Not Just About the Losses
While the losses for Alabama and Mississippi were significant, they weren’t the only stories of the weekend. Indiana also faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Ohio State, further complicating their playoff aspirations. However, amidst the chaos, several players shone brightly, catching the attention of NFL scouts and boosting their draft stock. As the regular season winds down, let’s take a closer look at the risers and sliders in the 2025 NFL Draft landscape.
2025 NFL Draft stock: Risers after Week 13
#1 Oronde Gadsden II (TE/Syracuse)
The Syracuse Orange are on the brink of their best season since 2018, and much of that success can be attributed to the return of Oronde Gadsden II. After missing most of last season due to a Lisfranc injury, Gadsden has made a seamless transition from receiver to tight end, showcasing his natural talent. With one game remaining, he boasts a career-high 65 receptions for 810 yards and five touchdowns. Gadsden’s ability to stretch the field and make acrobatic catches positions him as a strong contender for a Day 2 selection in the upcoming draft.
#2 Pat Bryant (WR/Illinois)
In a dramatic clash against Rutgers, the Fighting Illini scored 21 points in the fourth quarter, with Pat Bryant emerging as the offensive star. He finished the game with seven receptions for 197 yards, including a game-winning 40-yard touchdown catch with just seconds left on the clock. With an impressive average of over 18 yards per reception, Bryant’s performance has forced scouts to reconsider their initial assessments of his speed and potential.
#3 Jamaal Pritchett (WR/South Alabama)
South Alabama’s Jamaal Pritchett has been a standout performer, helping his team secure bowl eligibility with a 35-14 victory over Southern Mississippi. Pritchett recorded eight receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown, bringing his season totals to 81 catches, 1,042 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. Despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-8.5, Pritchett’s speed and route-running ability have solidified his status as a Day 3 draft prospect.
#4 Max Iheanachor (T/Arizona State)
Arizona State has surprised many this season, and right tackle Max Iheanachor has been a key player in their success. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 320 pounds, Iheanachor combines size with athleticism, making him a formidable presence on the offensive line. His consistent improvement has caught the attention of scouts, and he is now projected as a fourth-round pick.
Sleeper Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft Class
#1 Jimmori Robinson (Edge/UTSA)
UTSA’s Jimmori Robinson has emerged as one of the most impactful defenders in college football. In a recent game against Temple, he recorded seven tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. With a total of 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks this season, Robinson has put himself on the radar as a potential late-round pick, proving that he can be a game-changer on the defensive side of the ball.
Small-school Prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft Class
#1 Ozzie Hutchinson (OL/Albany-NY)
Ozzie Hutchinson, the left tackle for Albany, has been a standout despite his team’s struggles this season. Missing the month of September due to injury, Hutchinson’s absence was felt during a three-game losing streak. However, his talent has not gone unnoticed. Well-built and athletic, Hutchinson is known for his powerful blocking and versatility, likely transitioning to guard at the next level. His ability to excel in both power gap and zone-scheme offenses makes him a valuable prospect.
2025 NFL Draft stock: Week 13 Sliders
#1 Jake Briningstool (TE/Clemson)
Once considered a potential Day 2 prospect, Jake Briningstool’s draft stock has taken a hit this season. After a strong performance last year, where he caught 50 passes for 498 yards, Briningstool has struggled to maintain that level of production. With only 38 receptions and 403 receiving yards this season, scouts have begun to question his potential, dropping him to a sixth-round projection.
As the college football season approaches its climax, the implications of these performances extend beyond the field. With playoff spots and draft positions on the line, every game counts, and every player has the opportunity to make a lasting impression. Who will rise to the occasion in the final weeks? Only time will tell.
