The 2024 college football season is into the second half, and we’ve had plenty of time to see the top prospects for the 2025 NFL draft in action. Which players are impressing and look the part of future first-rounders?
After watching game tape over the first half of the season, I’m updating my Big Board for 2025, stacking the top 25 prospects in the class. Remember, this is not a mock draft or prediction of where players will be drafted. These are my personal rankings. Sure, I want to have a realistic board based on how the draft will play out, but my goal is to include the best players based on what I’m seeing and my own evaluations. In addition to the top-25 list, I also ranked the best prospects at every position at the bottom.
Let’s dig in, and be sure to check back regularly from now until Round 1 begins on April 24. I plan to update this Big Board often over the coming months as players rise and fall. All stats are through Week 8 of the season, and underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.
Last updated: Oct. 24
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1. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185 | Prev. rank: 1
2024 stats through seven games: 51 catches, 604 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs, 19 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
Hunter has a great feel for the game on both offense and defense, and he has played a whopping 712 snaps over seven games this season. I really think he has a chance to play both sides of the ball early in his pro career and make an impact both ways, though I’m ranking him as a receiver right now. The offensive and defensive coordinators for the team that ultimately drafts him are going to be battling each other to use him.
Hunter has tremendous hand-eye coordination and elite ball skills. His physical traits and quickness are off the charts, but he also thinks about the game at a high level. He is a highly competitive prospect who works hard to maximize his potential. Hunter left the Week 7 game against Kansas State with a right shoulder injury but returned against Arizona.
2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 202 | Prev. rank: 2
2024 stats through six games: 21 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, 2 defensive TDs
Johnson is so instinctive in coverage, and his ability to read quarterbacks jumps out when you watch him. He has great quickness in his transition, allowing him to make plays on the ball. Johnson has returned both of his interceptions this season for touchdowns, and you can see those instincts throughout his first pick-six back in Michigan’s opener against Fresno State — when he jumped a screen and took the ball 86 yards to the house. He now has nine career picks.
3. Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 259 | Prev. rank: 3
2024 stats through six games: 33 tackles, 4 sacks, 18 pressures, 11 tackles for loss, 9 run stops, 2 pass breakups
Carter is versatile and has plenty of experience effectively operating as an off-ball linebacker, helping him crack 60 tackles in each of the past two seasons at Penn State. But the hope this season was he’d make a dent in opponents’ game plans as a pass rusher off the edge. So far, so good. Carter has the traits to wreak havoc there, getting pressure on 15.5% of his pass-rush snaps. He is instinctive and fast flying to the football. Carter dominated against Illinois in Week 5 with two sacks and four tackles for loss. His 11 tackles for loss are tied for third in the nation.
4. Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265 | Prev. rank: 7
2024 stats through five games: 7 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 run stops, 2 sacks, 6 pressures, 1 forced fumble
Williams is extremely explosive and wins as a pass rusher with speed-to-power. His bend off the edge is outstanding. The tools are all there, and his upside is immense. Scouts just need to see more consistency in his game and some improvement in his sack totals — he had 4.5 in back-to-back seasons while playing in Georgia’s deep front seven. Williams recently returned from a Grade 2 left ankle sprain.
5. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 5
2024 stats through seven games: 31 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 18 pressures, 8 run stops
I love Graham’s technique. His leverage gives him an advantage at the point of attack, and interior offensive linemen struggle with his power and quickness. Graham has strong and active hands, and he has proven effective against both the run and pass from inside. He had 5.5 sacks in his first two seasons at Michigan, and I’d like to see him step up as a pass rusher to close this season. His two sacks against Minnesota helped his cause.
6. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 4
2024 stats through seven games: 7 starts, 1 sack allowed
Banks has 34 career starts under his belt, with every single snap coming at left tackle. And amazingly, he has given up only three sacks. He has the mobility to quickly block off the edge and then the frame and strength to take care of power rushers. He just needs to become more consistent in the run game as a blocker.
7. Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 285 | Prev. rank: 6
2024 stats through seven games: 21 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 22 pressures, 7 run stops, 1 forced fumble
Scourton joined the Aggies after two seasons at Purdue, and SEC run games are already feeling his presence in a big way. He uses his frame and strength to stop ball carriers in their tracks. Scourton is a power rusher off the edge, but he also shows impressive closing speed to the QB and is always hustling. His two sacks, four tackles for loss and big forced fumble in the Aggies’ win over Arkansas show how he can take over. And his 11 tackles for loss are tied for third in the nation.
8. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 8
2024 stats through seven games: 37 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 run stops, 1 interception
Starks has the skill set to affect the game in a variety of ways. He’s a force against the run from the back end and doesn’t miss many tackles. He closes so fast in coverage, allowing him to break up some passes, and he has spent some time lined up over the slot. Plus, he has outstanding hands to finish plays. We saw that in action in Week 1 against Clemson, when Starks made an incredible leaping interception in the fourth quarter.
9. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 9
2024 stats through six games: 126 carries, 1,248 rushing yards, 17 rushing TDs, 9 catches, 39 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD
After finishing just outside the top 10 in rushing last season with 1,347 yards, Jeanty has picked up where he left off, averaging 9.9 yards per carry. He’s a determined runner with excellent contact balance, forcing an FBS-high 100 missed tackles last season. He already has 48 in 2024. And don’t sleep on his receiving skills. Jeanty has sure hands out of the backfield, catching 43 passes in 2023.
10. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 24
2024 stats through seven games: 30 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 18 pressures, 3 run stops
Walker gets into the backfield as if he were shot out of a cannon, and his bend and explosion off the edge help him beat blockers and get to the quarterback or ball carrier. He’s a versatile defender, with experience both as an off-ball linebacker and a pass rusher. His sideline-to-sideline speed gets your attention when you watch the tape. In Week 8 against Texas, he picked up three sacks.
11. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 12
2024 stats through seven games: 72.2% completion rate, 2,268 passing yards, 19 TD passes, 6 interceptions, 2 rushing TDs
You won’t find a tougher or more resilient quarterback prospect than Sanders, who took 52 sacks last season but still put up really strong numbers. I’m always impressed watching him throw on the move, rolling either left or right. He is very accurate in those spots and has the arm to drive the ball. When his mechanics and footwork are sound, he can pick apart a defense. And while he’s not necessarily a major rushing threat, he can keep the chains moving with his legs when there is an opening.
12. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 223 | Prev. rank: 13
2024 stats through seven games: 68.7% completion rate, 2,538 passing yards, 24 TD passes, 5 interceptions, 3 rushing TDs
Ward has an unorthodox delivery, but he throws with accuracy and velocity from different arm angles. His 10.3 yards-per-attempt mark is a career high. He displays solid game management traits, and while he had some ball security issues last season at Washington State, that doesn’t appear to be an issue in 2024. And when things break down around him, Ward can extend plays with his legs, either throwing on the move or picking up first downs as a runner. To say Ward has been a perfect fit with the Hurricanes might still be an understatement; I like his toughness, swagger and confidence.
13. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 212 | Prev. rank: 11
2024 stats through seven games: 47 catches, 780 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs
McMillan is a big-bodied receiver who can be a mismatch for smaller corners. And his great size, body control, concentration and hands help him consistently win in contested-catch situations. He can snatch the ball and make it look easy. And while McMillan plays with more physicality than speed, he generates late separation to get open.
14. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 10
2024 stats through seven games: 27 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 28 pressures, 6.5 tackles for loss, 7 run stops, 1 forced fumble
Tennessee spent the early part of the season rolling its opponents, limiting Pearce to 56 snaps over the team’s first three games. But Pearce — who is coming off a 10-sack season in 2023 — has seen plenty of action over his past four matchups. I see a lot of speed off the edge, and he does a nice job mixing up his pass-rush moves to keep offensive tackles on their heels. Pearce could still add weight to his frame. But even at 243 pounds, he shows the ability to win with power. And when asked to help in run defense, he has the quickness to make plays in lateral pursuit.
15. Will Campbell, OT, LSU*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 323 | Prev. rank: 15
2024 stats through seven games: 6 starts, 1 sack allowed
Campbell has started for LSU since 2022 and has given up just one sack since that first season. He has a big frame, and his solid footwork and technique make him an effective pass protector at left tackle.
16. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 305 | Prev. rank: NR
2024 stats through seven games: 24 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 6 pressures, 8 run stops
The former top recruit has been disruptive this season, making an impact for Ole Miss against both the pass and run. He’s strong with active hands, and his explosive traits allow him to get interior pressure on the quarterback.
17. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 208 | Prev. rank: 17
2024 stats through seven games: 37 catches, 447 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs
Burden is an explosive playmaker who really stands out after the catch, using his quickness and elusiveness to pick up extra yards. His 710 yards after the catch last season ranked third in the nation, and 55% of his yards this season (245) have also come once the ball is in his hands. He tracks the vertical throws well and makes some big plays down the field.
18. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 339 | Prev. rank: 19
2024 stats through seven games: 15 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 8 pressures, 3 run stops
Grant started only five games before this season, which means 2024 should be huge for his draft stock. Considering his size, he has terrific athletic traits and explosion. His instincts stand out, too — he’s an extremely alert football player. And while he might not rack up sacks (3.5 last season), he is adept at batting down passes at the line of scrimmage, recording five pass breakups in 2023 and three more this year.
19. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 330 | Prev. rank: 22
2024 stats through seven games: 7 starts, 1 sack allowed
Ersery is a massive blocker who has made 34 career starts, nearly all of which at left tackle. He drives defensive ends off the ball with his power and uses his movement skills to keep quicker pass rushers in check.
20. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 193 | Prev. rank: 20
2024 stats through three games: 13 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups, 1 defensive TD
Revel’s 2024 season ended with a torn ACL after three games, so teams will be paying close attention to his recovery over the next few months. He came to East Carolina in 2022 after a few years at Louisburg College, and his physical traits and speed have impressed scouts. He’s big and long, and his ability to locate the ball down the field helps him make plays. His pick-six against Appalachian State in Week 3 showed his excellent instincts.
21. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190 | Prev. rank: 21
2024 stats through six games: 22 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 1 run stop
Morrison has extremely sound technique in the way he covers opposing receivers. He’s really good in press coverage and gets his hands on the ball before it arrives to the receiver. The ball skills are impressive. Morrison had nine interceptions and 17 pass breakups over his first two seasons. But his 2024 season is over after suffering a hip injury.
22. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 257 | Prev. rank: 23
2024 stats through six games: 40 catches, 513 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs
Warren is super versatile. He can be used as a traditional in-line tight end, at H-back, at fullback, out of the slot or lined up out wide. He’s a reliable pass catcher, and once the ball is in his hands, he can break free. Warren has 300 yards after the catch this season. He was incredible against USC, hauling in 17 catches for 224 yards and a TD. It tied for the most single-game catches by a tight end in FBS history.
23. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310 | Prev. rank: 25
2024 stats through six games: 6 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Simmons suffered a season-ending injury against Oregon. A former San Diego State right tackle, Simmons had looked really good on the left side after transferring to Ohio State before the 2023 season. He’s just very consistent, showing excellent footwork and balance in pass protection. I really like the way he drives defensive ends off the ball and gets to the second level.
24. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: NR
2024 stats through six games: 36 catches, 344 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs
If you are looking for a tight end who can consistently stretch the deep middle part of the field, Loveland is your guy. He has averaged 8.7 air yards per target over his three college seasons. The QB play has been subpar for Michigan this season, which has limited Loveland. But he is a difficult matchup for defenses, and he is averaging nearly nine targets per game. Loveland missed the Wolverines’ game against USC with an injury.
25. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 227 | Prev. rank: NR
2024 stats through seven games: 52 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 4 interceptions, 2 pass breakups, 2 run stops
Emmanwori is a former high-school middle linebacker, and you can tell; his size-speed combination is exactly what NFL defensive coordinators love on the back end. He jumps off the tape, and his ball skills are tremendous. Emmanwori had two picks against Oklahoma in Week 8, returning one for a touchdown.
Rankings at every position
Quarterbacks
1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
2. Cam Ward, Miami (Fla.)
3. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
4. Carson Beck, Georgia
5. Quinn Ewers, Texas
6. Drew Allar, Penn State
7. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
8. Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
9. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
10. Will Howard, Ohio State
Running backs
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
3. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
4. Jonah Coleman, Washington
5. Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
6. Jordan James, Oregon
7. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
8. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
9. Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
10. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
2. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
3. Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina
4. Jared Casey, Kansas
5. Tyler Neville, Virginia
6. Brant Kuithe, Utah
7. Kalel Mullings, Michigan
8. Jake Briningstool, Clemson
9. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
10. RJ Maryland, SMU
Wide receivers
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
3. Luther Burden III, Missouri
4. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
5. Isaiah Bond, Texas
6. Jalen Royals, Utah State
7. Evan Stewart, Oregon
8. Tre Harris, Ole Miss
9. Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
10. Xavier Restrepo, Miami (Fla.)
Tight ends
1. Tyler Warren, Penn State
2. Colston Loveland, Michigan
3. Mason Taylor, LSU
4. Elijah Arroyo, Miami (Fla.)
5. Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
6. Gunnar Helm, Texas
7. Luke Lachey, Iowa
8. Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
9. Joe Royer, Cincinnati
10. Gavin Bartholomew, Pitt
Offensive tackles
1. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
2. Will Campbell, LSU
3. Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
4. Josh Simmons, Ohio State
5. Emery Jones Jr., LSU
6. Cameron Williams, Texas
7. Blake Miller, Clemson
8. Charles Grant, William & Mary
9. Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
10. Anthony Belton, NC State
Guards
1. Tyler Booker, Alabama
2. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
3. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
4. Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
5. Tate Ratledge, Georgia
6. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
7. Armand Membou, Missouri
8. Joshua Gray, Oregon State
9. Connor Colby, Iowa
10. Jalen Rivers, Miami (Fla.)
Centers
1. Jared Wilson, Georgia
2. Parker Brailsford, Alabama
3. Jonah Monheim, USC
4. Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State
5. Connor Tollison, Missouri
6. Jake Slaughter, Florida
7. Logan Jones, Iowa
8. Jake Majors, Texas
9. Drew Kendall, Boston College
10. Bryce Foster, Kansas
Defensive ends
1. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
2. Landon Jackson, Arkansas
3. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
4. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
5. Jordan Burch, Oregon
6. Jared Ivey, Ole Miss
7. Davin Vann, NC State
8. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
9. Darius Alexander, Toledo
10. Tyler Baron, Miami (Fla.)
Defensive tackles
1. Mason Graham, Michigan
2. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
3. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
4. Derrick Harmon, Oregon
5. Deone Walker, Kentucky
6. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
7. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
8. Ty Robinson, Nebraska
9. Zane Durant, Penn State
10. Shemar Turner, Texas A&M
Off-ball linebackers
1. Jalon Walker, Georgia
2. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
3. Barrett Carter, Clemson
4. Jay Higgins, Iowa
5. Deontae Lawson, Alabama
6. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
7. Jack Kelly, BYU
8. Teddye Buchanan, California
9. Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA
10. Francisco Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Outside linebackers
1. Abdul Carter, Penn State
2. Mykel Williams, Georgia
3. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
4. Bradyn Swinson, LSU
5. Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
6. Josiah Stewart, Michigan
7. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
8. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech
9. Patrick Payton, Florida State
10. David Walker, Central Arkansas
Cornerbacks
1. Will Johnson, Michigan
— Travis Hunter, Colorado*
2. Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
3. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
4. Tacario Davis, Arizona
5. Jahdae Barron, Texas
6. Quincy Riley, Louisville
7. Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
8. Sebastian Castro, Iowa
9. Darien Porter, Iowa State
10. Tommi Hill, Nebraska
* Hunter is ranked positionally as a wide receiver, but he would slot in as the No. 2 cornerback.
Safeties
1. Malaki Starks, Georgia
2. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
3. Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
4. Jaylen Reed, Penn State
5. Jonas Sanker, Virginia
6. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
7. Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
8. Jalen Catalon, UNLV
9. Keon Sabb, Alabama
10. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
Kickers and punters
1. Dominic Zvada, Michigan (PK)
2. Jonathan Kim, Michigan State (PK)
3. Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida (P)
4. Brett Thorson, Georgia (P)
5. James Burnip, Alabama (P)
6. Maddux Trujillo, Temple (PK)
7. Eddie Czaplicki, USC (P)
8. Alex Raynor, Kentucky (PK)
9. Andres Borregales, Miami (Fla.) (PK)
10. Alex Mastromanno, Florida State (P)