Top Future NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in 2025 College Football Season

Names will soon be flying off the board at the 2025 NFL draft, and the next wave of stars in college football will undoubtedly be watching closely.

One year from now, it'll be their turn.

As the 2025 draft approaches, we here in the college universe are thinking ahead to the 2026 cycle. First, we looked at recent 5-star prospects who could be first-rounders. This time, it's a more general outlook.

The list is subjective but considers a player's college performance, expectations for 2025 and (very) early NFL perception.

Oh, how quickly this position will change. When the 2024 draft concluded, the "way too early" mocks featured Carson Beck and Quinn Ewers as possible top picks. Cam Ward, meanwhile, wasn't in that group.

That's the long version of saying: Be patient.

Right now, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier is among the most respected group of QBs. You'll see plenty of praise for Clemson's Cade Klubnik, Penn State's Drew Allar, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers and Texas' Arch Manning, too.

Arizona State's Sam Leavitt and Oklahoma's John Mateer are two more players worth watching on this impossible-to-be-comprehensive list.

Within the skill positions, who's going to emerge as a Round 1 talent?

The group of running backs probably starts with Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love and Penn State's Nick Singleton. Both players are dynamic, versatile and proven against top competition—a pretty good mix, if you ask me.

Also, a pair of transfers should be monitored. Cal standout Jadyn Ott is now at Oklahoma, and Tulane star Makhi Hughes is set to play at Oregon.

Wide receiver, meanwhile, looks like a wide-open position.

Might a former top prospect like Oregon's Evan Stewart lead the way? How about Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson after a breakout year? Where do Clemson's Antonio Williams, Ohio State's Carnell Tate and NC State-to-Texas A&M transfer KC Concepcion fit in?

You could easily pick out a handful of others to include

There is plenty of uncertainty at wideout, but that also should make for intriguing draft-centric conversations in the fall.

For good measure, we should see a couple of tight ends—like Georgia's Oscar Delp and Ole Miss' Luke Hasz—rise on draft boards.

We previously covered Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor and Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa, two players you'll likely see with top-10 projections.

Beyond them, it's an interesting exercise.

Positional value dictates NFL teams will prioritize tackles over guards and centers. Knowing that, keep an eye on Clemson's Blake Miller, Florida's Austin Barber, Tennessee's Lance Heard and Utah's Spencer Fano—again, among so many more.

As for the interior crowd, Alabama's Parker Brailsford and Missouri duo Cayden Green and Connor Tollison (once healthy) stand out. Florida's Jake Slaughter is a well-respected center, too.

Want a pass-rusher? There are plenty of good ones in the Southeast part of the country—and not simply the SEC.

Clemson boasts edge-rusher T.J. Parker and tackle Peter Woods, while Miami is hoping Rueben Bain Jr. reclaims his form after an injury-riddled year. Florida State D-tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. is another high-quality ACC talent.

Of course, there's no shortage of stars in the SEC.

The pass-rushing talent includes Alabama's LT Overton, Auburn's Keldric Faulk, Florida's Tyreak Sapp and Ole Miss' Suntarine Perkins. Then, there's LSU's Harold Perkins Jr. and Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. at linebacker.

Illinois edge Gabe Jacas, Oregon edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Penn State edge Dani Dennis-Sutton and Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles all deserve a mention from the Big Ten, as well.

Let's call a shot: I believe Ohio State safety Caleb Downs will be viewed as the best prospect in the 2026 cycle. No, he won't be the No. 1 pick, but it's hardly a shock to suggest a two-time All-American is a tremendous player.

Joining him in early first-round consideration is teammate Davison Igbinosun, a returning starter at cornerback.

So, so many other corners are worth monitoring: Alabama's Domani Jackson, Colorado's DJ McKinney, Penn State's AJ Harris, Tennessee's Jermod McCoy (once healthy), Texas' Malik Muhammad and Washington's Tacario Davis.

Purdue-to-Oregon transfer Dillon Thieneman is among the best safeties behind Downs, along with Bama's Keon Sabb and Michigan's Rod Moore.