Another thrilling weekend of college football unfolded, showcasing the fierce competition as teams vie for a coveted spot in the college football playoffs. Georgia managed to stave off elimination by defeating Tennessee, a team that now finds itself on the brink of missing out on the 12-team tournament. Meanwhile, Oregon remained unbeaten at the top of the standings after a hard-fought victory against Wisconsin, while BYU, who had been living dangerously close to the edge all season, finally succumbed to Kansas.
Defensive Standouts Shine in Week 12
As we delve deeper into the performances of the weekend, it’s clear that the defensive players across the nation had a significant impact. The NFL prospect front saw defenders stepping up and showcasing their skills, making notable contributions to their teams. This week, we highlight the risers and sliders in the draft stock of these athletes.
2025 NFL Draft stock: Risers after Week 12 of college football
#1 Jahdae Barron (CB/Texas)
Jahdae Barron has been making waves this season, proving he deserves to be considered a top prospect. Coming into the season, his grades varied from the early part of Day 2 to the middle of the fourth round, but his performance has elevated him significantly. In Texas’s recent victory over Arkansas, Barron was a force to be reckoned with, recording seven tackles, two tackles for loss (TFLs), and a sack, along with an interception that led to the Longhorns’ first score.
His ability to play both man and zone coverage effectively, combined with his skills in covering slot receivers, makes him a valuable asset. Standing just under six feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, Barron could very well move into the first round if he continues to impress scouts leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
#2 Gabe Jacas (DE/Illinois)
Another player on the rise is Gabe Jacas, who has made a name for himself as a true freshman starter. In a recent game against Michigan State, he recorded five tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1.5 TFLs, bringing his season totals to ten TFLs and eight sacks. At 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds, Jacas showcases impressive natural pass-rushing skills while also being effective against the run. His versatility will likely draw interest from teams looking for a disruptive force on defense.
#3 Sonny Styles (LB/Ohio State)
Sonny Styles has made a seamless transition from safety to linebacker this season, and his performance against Northwestern was nothing short of spectacular. He finished the game with six tackles, two TFLs, and two sacks, showcasing his growth and adaptability. Scouts are already eyeing him as a potential Day 2 pick, thanks to his impressive size of 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, coupled with his athleticism and versatility in various defensive schemes.
#4 Nikhai Hill-Green (LB/Colorado)
While much of the attention has been on stars like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders at Colorado, linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green has stepped up significantly this season. After transferring from Michigan to Charlotte and finally landing in Colorado, Hill-Green has recorded a career-best 78 tackles, demonstrating marked improvement in pass coverage. At just under 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds, he’s expected to clock a 40-yard dash in around 4.60 seconds, enhancing his draft prospects.
#5 Chase Sowell (WR/East Carolina)
Chase Sowell has also caught the eye of scouts with his big-play ability. Despite the turmoil at East Carolina, he has managed to put together an impressive season with 34 receptions for 678 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 19.9 yards per catch. His long frame (6-foot-3) and speed make him a constant threat, as evidenced by his three catches of 50 yards or more.
#6 Carson Vinson (T/Alabama A&M)
Carson Vinson has emerged as a noteworthy small-school offensive lineman. Standing at 6-foot-7, he has been a key player in Alabama A&M’s offense, which ranks second in the SWAC. His blocking fundamentals and athleticism make him a valuable asset, and he may find himself in the late rounds of the draft as teams look to bolster their offensive lines.
2025 NFL Draft stock: Sliders after Week 12 games
#1 Yam Banks (S/Mississippi)
On the flip side, Yam Banks has seen his draft stock plummet. After being graded as a middle-round pick two years ago, his disappointing performance this season has left him fighting for playing time. Once a standout with 50 tackles and six interceptions in 2022, Banks has only managed 19 tackles and three pass breakups this year. Unless he can turn things around, his chances of being drafted in 2025 are dwindling.
As the college football season progresses, the stakes continue to rise, and players are stepping up or falling short in their quest for NFL glory. With the playoffs looming and the draft on the horizon, every performance counts. Fans and scouts alike will be watching closely as these athletes strive to make their mark.
