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Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst
The first week of the 2024 college football season is less than a month away, and NFL draft evaluators are already making plans to visit schools. Over the next five months, scouts and front office execs will hit the road to watch prospects, talk to coaches and begin building their boards for the class of 2025. But which schools will they visit most?
We picked the 10 programs most stacked with 2025 prospects. These are the schools that will likely send the most players to the pros next April — and the ones you should watch closely over the next few months. We sorted them into three tiers, in which we considered the number of draft prospects overall and how many of those playmakers will be first-rounders. We also picked an under-the-radar bonus school to watch.
Jump to a section:
Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3
Under the radar
Tier 1
Top prospect to know: Mykel Williams, Edge
Sleeper prospect to watch: Jared Wilson, C
Game circled on the schedule: at Texas, Oct. 19
Georgia is again loaded with NFL talent starting with quarterback Carson Beck, who could go No. 1 in the upcoming draft. Beck has prototypical size at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds and finished his first season as a starter with 3,941 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. He tied for the nation’s quickest release time last season at 2.38 seconds and completed 72.4% of his passes (fourth best).
“Think [Jared] Goff coming out of Cal. They have a lot of similarities,” said an NFC southeast area scout responsible for scouting Georgia.
Williams, meanwhile, enters the season as the No. 1 overall player on my preseason board. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound edge rusher is an NFL-ready defender, and switching from defensive end to outside linebacker this season should provide him more opportunities to rush the passer after 4.5 sacks in 2023.
“Can he finally put it all together this year? That’s literally the million-dollar question,” an NFC scouting director said about Williams.
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Junior safety Malaki Starks could be a top-20 pick based on what he showed in 2023. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder excels in coverage (three interceptions) and can be physical, as evidenced by his 52 tackles and 95% tackle percentage, the fourth-best among FBS defensive backs. Cornerback Daylen Everette is a Day 3 prospect with breakout potential as a second-year starter. Linebackers Smael Mondon Jr. and Jalon Walker currently have Day 3 grades but could move up, and defensive linemen Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson also have Day 3 grades entering the upcoming season.
The Bulldogs have four offensive linemen on the NFL’s radar. Guards Dylan Fairchild and Tate Ratledge have late-Day 2 grades, as Fairchild is a controlling interior blocker at the point of attack and Ratledge is a bruising, powerful player who creates run lanes. Tackles Earnest Greene III and Xavier Truss enter the season as Day 3 prospects with a chance to rise, and junior center Jared Wilson is a player to watch.
Wide receiver Dillon Bell and running back Trevor Etienne also have early-Day 3 grades. Tight ends Oscar Delp and Ben Yurosek are intriguing, with many scouts grading Delp as a late-Day 2 prospect and Yurosek as a mid-to-late-round talent.
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 3
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 16
Top prospect to know: Denzel Burke, CB
Sleeper prospect to watch: Josh Simmons, OT
Game circled on the schedule: at Oregon, Oct. 12
The Buckeyes’ draft class starts with Burke. After an inconsistent, injury-riddled 2022 season, the 6-foot-1, 193-pound corner rebounded to his freshman form, allowing a mere 38.5% completion percentage as the primary defender in 2023. If he’s able to repeat that performance, Burke will likely finish as a mid-to-late first-round pick. Fellow defensive backs Davison Igbinosun, Jordan Hancock and Lathan Ransom have a mixture of Day 2 and Day 3 grades.
Senior edge rushers JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer are surprise returnees, as they were expected to declare for the 2024 draft. They’re currently seen as Day 2 prospects, but scouts view Tuimoloau’s upside as greater because of his burst and NFL-ready power in his hands.
“If we could make every game the Penn State game, he’d be an easy top-15 pick,” an NFC area scout said about Tuimoloau, who has three sacks in his past two games against the Nittany Lions.
Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams could also be a top-50 pick.
Offensively, the Buckeyes have three skill players — running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson along with wide receiver Emeka Egbuka — who are being watched closely. Egbuka was plagued by a nagging ankle injury last season and saw his production suffer, going from 74 receptions, 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022 to a 41-515-4 line last season. If the crafty 6-foot-1, 205-pounder returns to form, he could rise into Round 1.
Judkins and Henderson form arguably the best backfield tandem in the country. The tough and rugged Judkins broke 53 tackles last season at Ole Miss, where he rushed for 1,158 yards and 15 TDs. Henderson has had injury issues the past two seasons, missing eight games and parts of several others. He ran for 834 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023 and could join Judkins as a Day 2 pick if he shows more durability.
The Buckeyes have three offensive linemen to watch, with Simmons showing the most room for growth if he can improve on the 10 pressures he allowed last season at left tackle. Left guard Donovan Jackson has received a mixture of Day 2 and Day 3 grades, while center Seth McLaughlin is seen as a late-round pick.
As for quarterback Will Howard, scouts see the 6-foot-5, 237-pound Kansas State transfer as a late-round possibility. He has dual-threat capabilities but must show more as a passer.
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 2
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 14
Top prospect to know: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT
Sleeper prospect to watch: Trey Moore, Edge
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Georgia, Oct. 19
The Longhorns haven’t had an offensive lineman drafted in the first round since 2002, but Banks — my top-rated offensive tackle — should break that streak. Banks has allowed only 12 pressures and two sacks in two seasons and is one of the most impressive pass protectors in the country. He is a physical road grader who creates clear running lanes reminiscent of what Ikem Ekonwu, the No. 6 pick in the 2022 draft, did at NC State. Banks could be picked at a similar spot.
“He gets by a lot off of his natural ability in pass pro, but you can’t coach the natural gifts that he has,” an NFC area scout said.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers returns following a strong finish to a sophomore season in which he threw for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdown passes and only six interceptions. Ewers is a laid-back, effortless thrower who can get the ball to all areas of the field, but he is plagued by inconsistency. He received a mixture of second- and third-round grades from scouts I spoke to but could ascend into the first round if he builds on his strong play from the end of last season. Receiver Isaiah Bond, a speedy 5-foot-11, 180-pound Alabama transfer, could rise if he becomes Ewers’ No. 1 receiver.
The Texas defense is led by Moore and defensive back Jahdae Barron, both of whom could become Day 2 selections. Moore was the AAC Defensive Player of the Year at UTSA in 2023, finishing with 17.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks at edge. He’ll be joined up front by defensive tackle Alfred Collins and defensive ends Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke. Collins is seen as a third-day selection, while Sorrell and Burke are also on NFL scouts’ radar.
Barron is viewed as a third- or fourth-round pick as one of the country’s best nickel corners. Safety Andrew Mukuba, a Clemson transfer, is seen as a Day 3 prospect, too.
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 3
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 11
Top prospect to know: Benjamin Morrison, CB
Sleeper prospect to watch: R.J. Oben, Edge
Game circled on the schedule: at Texas A&M, Aug. 31
Morrison leads the best Irish roster in some time. The corner finished with two interceptions last season and allowed a 35% defensive completion rate, which was 24th-best among all FBS defensive backs. His 13 pass breakups were tied for third most in the country, giving Morrison a first-round grade with top-15 upside. Safety Xavier Watts is another player to watch, as his seven interceptions last season tied for best in the FBS. Watts is viewed as a mid-to-late-round prospect.
The Notre Dame defensive line will be a force, with Oben leading the way at defensive end after transferring from Duke. He had five sacks last season, and his mature hands and diverse pass-rushing repertoire make him a candidate to rise up draft boards. Oben is joined by the interior duo of Rylie Mills (6-foot-5, 295 pounds) and Howard Cross III (6-foot-1, 288 pounds), who have early-Day 3 grades.
Looking for a quarterback who could rocket up boards? Riley Leonard could be that guy. Leonard will be working with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, who helped fuel Jayden Daniels‘ meteoric rise at LSU last season. Tight end Mitchell Evans could benefit from such a rise, too. The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder tore his ACL last season but had 29 catches for 422 yards and a touchdown in eight games. If he’s fully healthy, Evans is an effective enough route runner who could move up from his current early-Day 3 status.
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 1
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 11
Tier 2
Top prospects to know: Mason Graham, DT and Will Johnson, CB
Sleeper prospect to watch: Josaiah Stewart, Edge
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Texas, Sept. 7
The defending national champions set a school record with 13 draftees in April and will have several more in 2025, especially early on. Graham is my highest-ranked player on the Michigan defense. The 6-foot-3, 318-pound 3-technique is a disruptive force in the middle, as his 8% defensive pressure rate last season ranked within the top 40 of FBS interior defenders.
“No one could block him last year,” an NFC area scout said. “Just go watch him in every big game that they played last year — Ohio State, Alabama or Washington couldn’t do anything to slow him down.”
Graham could be the first defender off the board next April, but Johnson might beat him out. Some evaluators thought the junior cornerback would have been the best defensive prospect in the draft this year if he had been eligible.
“Sauce [Gardner], [Derek] Stingley, he’s that caliber of a corner prospect,” an NFC scouting director said. “I’d be shocked if he wasn’t a top-10 pick next year.”
Johnson was spectacular last season, picking off four passes while allowing 14 completions (42.4% defensive completion rate) and zero touchdowns as the primary defender. Safety Rod Moore would have late-Day 2, early-Day 3 grades if he enters the draft, but he suffered a torn ACL during spring practices in March, which clouds his status.
The Wolverines also have the top tight end on my board in junior Colston Loveland, who caught 45 passes for 649 yards and four touchdowns. The only returning starter on Michigan’s offense, Loveland will likely be the first tight end picked if he duplicates or exceeds last season’s production.
Graham isn’t the only Michigan defensive tackle with first-round potential, as junior Kenneth Grant is a massive (6-foot-3, 339 pounds) but agile nose tackle who can rush the passer, as evidenced by his 3.5 sacks in part-time duty. Improvement in run defense and playing against double-teams could cement his Round 1 status. Stewart is a sleeper at edge who is adept at rushing the passer but undersized at 6-1 and 245 pounds, which gives him a late-round grade.
One more Wolverine to watch is running back Donovan Edwards, who will finally be the featured back as a senior. He left scouts impressed with two long touchdown runs in the national title game, gaining 104 rushing yards on only six carries.
“We’ve seen it in spurts with him, but he’s been banged-up in between those flashes of good plays,” an AFC area scout said. “They’re trying to figure it out at QB, and I think now that it’s his show, we’ll see more of the good from him.”
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 4
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 8
Top prospect to know: Princely Umanmielen, Edge
Sleeper prospect to watch: Antwane Wells Jr, WR
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Georgia, Nov. 9
The Rebels secured several talented defensive players in the transfer portal, adding Umanmielen, defensive tackle Walter Nolen, linebacker Chris Paul Jr. and cornerback Trey Amos. The No. 1 high school recruit in 2022, Nolen hasn’t lived up to expectations, but the bursts of potential are impossible to ignore. He could turn into a Round 1 prospect with a bit more consistency.
Umanmielen is arguably the most flexible edge rusher in this draft class, as the 6-foot-5, 255-pounder can make offensive tackles retreat quickly and can win with power. Umanmielen has the traits to become a top-50 pick, but scouts want to see his sack total grow from the seven he had in 2023.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart has plenty of arm talent, but his QB-friendly scheme gives him isolation reads fixated on a single target. If Dart — who threw for 3,364 yards and 20 touchdowns to only five interceptions — can show growth in moving through progressions, his stock can rise. He’ll have three draftable prospects to throw to in receivers Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins and Wells. Wells, who is on his third school, is an explosive pass catcher with inside-out versatility. If he can conquer his injury issues, he could become Dart’s top receiver and see his stock rise.
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 0
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 10
Top prospect to know: Will Campbell, OT
Sleeper prospect to watch: Garrett Nussmeier, QB
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Alabama, Nov. 9
The Tigers are led by two of the top three tackles in the country. At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Campbell has been rock-solid at left tackle since arriving in 2022 and a model of consistency in pass protection. Campbell didn’t allow a sack in 2023 and is equally as good of a run blocker. Campbell will likely compete with Kelvin Banks Jr. as the top tackle on the board.
“He just makes playing the position look so easy at times,” a highly ranked AFC decision-maker said.
At 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds, Emery Jones Jr. is the muscle of the LSU front. His strength frequently overwhelms first-level defenders in the run game, and Jones is an asset in pass protection. He has experience at both tackle (653 snaps in 2023) and guard (27), and there are some in the league who believe Jones is better suited as a guard in the NFL.
“Honestly, Jones is the one that everyone’s sleeping on,” an AFC assistant general manager said. “Campbell gets the hype and notoriety, but that one on the other side is an absolute dog.”
Guard Miles Frazier is also a Day 3 prospect.
Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. could be one of the more polarizing prospects of this class. At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, he was deployed as an edge rusher in 2023 but projects best as a linebacker in the NFL. Perkins will have another opportunity to show he can play middle linebacker and utilize his unique closing speed and fearless nature to make plays. He has a mixture of late-first and early-second-round grades.
Nussmeier has upside potential at quarterback after giving a glimpse of what he could be in last season’s ReliaQuest Bowl, finishing 31-for-45 with 395 passing yards, three touchdowns and only one interception. If he can build on that in a full-time role, his stock will jump.
As usual, LSU has plenty of pass-catching talent, too. Receivers Kyren Lacy (6-2, 215) and Chris Hilton Jr. (6-0, 192) are seen as late-round prospects but could rise with more opportunity. However, tight end Mason Taylor is the player to truly watch. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor enters the season with a mixture of late-Day 2 and early-Day 3 grades.
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 3
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 8
Tier 3
Top prospect to know: Abdul Carter, Edge
Sleeper prospect to watch: Nicholas Singleton, RB
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Ohio State, Nov. 2
The Nittany Lions are again stacked with draft prospects, with Carter leading the way after transitioning from linebacker to edge rusher. Carter had a 19.5% defensive pressure rate in 42 rushes in 2023 but possesses the upfield burst and quickness that could make him a top-10 pick.
“You see him running around in No. 11 and just making play after play,” said an NFC area scout. “He sort of reminds you of Micah [Parsons] and that’s why [coach James] Franklin’s not waiting to convert him to the edge.”
Dani Dennis-Sutton is a potential-laden defensive end who is still working to become the sum of his 6-foot-5, 272-pound parts. Despite the fact he had only 3.5 sacks last season, Dennis-Sutton’s 2.31-second average time to first pressure was the fastest in the country and a reason why he could rise into the top 50.
Kevin Winston Jr. is the third-best safety on my board. A well-built third-level defender, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Winston is a physical enforcer who doesn’t hesitate to come downhill and make plays. He could also be a top-50 selection. Defensive tackle Zane Durant is getting Day 3 consideration from scouts, too.
Drew Allar is one of the biggest passing quarterbacks in this class, but the 6-foot-5, 243-pound junior needs to play better against top competition. He completed only 44.2% of his passes against Ohio State and Michigan last season. If he improves there, he has the pocket presence, accuracy and base (along with some escapability) to rise from his current late-Day 2, early-Day 3 status.
Singleton and Kaytron Allen are expected to make one of the better backfield duos in the country and are each projected as Day 3 picks entering the season. Tyler Warren is another key playmaker who could be a factor in a strong tight end class. The 6-foot-6, 257-pounder had seven touchdown receptions last season and could go as high as Day 2. Receiver Julian Fleming, an Ohio State transfer, is also being monitored by scouts.
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 1
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 9
Top prospect to know: Tyler Booker, G
Sleeper prospect to watch: Germie Bernard, WR
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Georgia, Sept. 28
The Alabama contingent is led by Booker, one of the top interior blockers in this class and a potential first-round pick. He’ll help protect quarterback Jalen Milroe, an exciting runner who is still learning how to be effective on short and intermediate passes. Milroe has excelled at the deep ball, though, as his 34 completions of 20-plus air yards ranked fourth in the FBS last year. That, combined with his mobility (531 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing), has most scouts giving him third- and fourth-round grades.
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Two of the transfers new coach Kalen DeBoer brought over from Washington, Bernard and center Parker Brailsford, currently grade as midround prospects who could raise their stock with the Tide.
Safety Malachi Moore, who was viewed as a top-100 pick in the 2024 draft, surprisingly returned and could move his way into the second round thanks to his ability to play safety and nickel. Linebacker Deontae Lawson had 67 tackles and three sacks last season and currently projects as a third- or fourth-round pick. And defensive linemen Tim Keenan III and Jaheim Oats are solid run stuffers but must increase their pass-rush effectiveness to move up from late-Day 3 status.
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 0
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 9
Top prospect to know: Evan Stewart, WR
Sleeper prospect to watch: Terrance Ferguson, TE
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Ohio State, Oct. 12
The Ducks are in good shape to exceed their seven players selected in April, with Stewart leading the charge. The Texas A&M transfer consistently flashes sudden and snappy routes but will need to become more consistent as a pass catcher (8.2% drop rate) and show more after the catch (only 27 yards after the catch last season) to be Oregon’s top receiver. If he can, he has first-round potential. Tez Johnson is another receiver to keep an eye on, as he had a mixture of middle- and late-round grades because of his small 5-foot-10, 160-pound stature. An electrifying slot target, he finished last season with 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns. And Ferguson has caught 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons and currently carries a late-round grade at tight end.
Oklahoma transfer QB Dillon Gabriel will be the beneficiary of that talent as he tries to improve his late-round/undrafted grade. Gabriel had an 82.4 QBR on throws of 10 or fewer air yards (seventh in FBS) with 20 touchdowns and only one interception — comparable to the FBS-best 86.9 that first-rounder Bo Nix recorded for the Ducks last season. Running back Jordan James could parlay his explosiveness (7.8 yards per carry) and an increased role into being drafted, too.
The Ducks also have two Day 2 picks at tackle in Josh Conerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius. Conerly was up-and-down last season at left tackle and needs more play strength if he wants to rise from being a top-75 pick. Cornelius was one of the country’s best pass protectors, giving up a nation-best 0.8% pressure rate. The 6-foot-5, 308-pound right tackle could be a Day 2 pick with more consistency with hand placement and not overextending on blocks.
The Oregon defense isn’t as deep with draft prospects, but there are a few to watch, including cornerback Jabbar Muhammad. A transfer from Washington, Muhammad is viewed as a Day 2 to early-Day 3 pick at nickel corner. Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, edge rusher Jordan Burch and defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell are also being watched by NFL scouts.
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 1
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 8
Under-the-radar team to watch
Top prospect to know: Tetairoa McMillan, WR
Sleeper prospect to watch: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G
Game circled on the schedule: at Utah, Sept. 28
McMillan is right there with Missouri’s Luther Burden III as the top receivers in the 2025 class, with some scouts preferring the Arizona receiver’s 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame.
“Burden is really good, but I just like the size, hands and leaping ability of McMillan more,” said an NFC executive.
McMillan finished last season with 90 catches for 1,402 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 107.8 receiving yards per game, which was fifth best in FBS. His size, strong hands and versatility compare favorably to Falcons receiver Drake London. I have McMillan as the No. 2 receiver, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he was the first wideout off the board.
0:26
Noah Fifita airs it out to Tetairoa McMillan for a 50-yard TD
Noah Fifita heaves one down the field to a wide-open Tetairoa McMillan for a 50-yard Arizona touchdown.
Savaiinaea is a prospect to watch due to his versatility, as he has played both tackle and guard. Scouts are split on where he projects best, but he enters the season as a top-40 pick with potential to rise.
“I’d give him a chance at tackle because that position is so valuable,” one AFC area scout said.
But an NFC executive said, “I liked him better at guard, and he looked more comfortable when they played him there a few times last year.”
Cornerback Tacario Davis‘ blend of long, rangy size (6-foot-4, 195 pounds) and youth (he turns 20 this month) has made him attractive to many scouts. He’s an easy mover despite his lanky body structure, which helped him break up 14 passes in 2023, tied for fourth in FBS. Davis is slotted as a late-first, early-second-round pick.
QB Noah Fifita dazzled during his first season as a starter, finishing with 2,869 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He excels at off-script playmaking, but scouts want to see him have more discipline within structure. That, plus his size (5-foot-10, 194 pounds), has Fifita carrying a late-round grade.
Predicted first-rounders in 2025: 2
Predicted total draft picks in 2025: 4