The 2024 college football season is in full swing, which gives us a great opportunity to see the top prospects for the 2025 NFL draft in action. Which players are already impressing and look the part of future first-rounders?
After watching game tape over the summer and the first few weeks of the season, I'm updating my Big Board for 2025, stacking the top 25 prospects in the class. Defense is the strength of this group right now, but I have five quarterbacks on the list.
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 6 of the season, and underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.
Last updated: Oct. 10
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1. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185 | Prev. rank: 1
2024 stats through five games: 46 catches, 561 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs, 18 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 620 snaps through five 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 has at least seven catches in every game so far this season.
2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 202 | Prev. rank: 2
2024 stats through five games: 20 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 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 five games: 27 tackles, 3 sacks, 15 pressures, 9.5 tackles for loss, 7 run stops, 1 pass breakup
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 16.7% 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.
4. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 4
2024 stats through five games: 5 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Banks has 32 career starts under his belt, with every single snap coming at left tackle. And amazingly, he has given up only two 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.
5. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 5
2024 stats through six games: 24 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 15 pressures, 5 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 this season. His two sacks against Minnesota helped his cause.
6. Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 285 | Prev. rank: 14
2024 stats through six games: 19 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 19 pressures, 6 run stops, 2 pass breakups, 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 10 tackles for loss rank second in the nation.
7. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 6
2024 stats through five games: 13 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 14 pressures, 3.5 tackles for loss, 5 run stops, 1 pass breakup
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 two games. 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.
8. Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265 | Prev. rank: 7
2024 stats through three games: 4 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 run stops, 0 sacks, 3 pressures
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 against Alabama.
9. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 10
2024 stats through five games: 95 carries, 1,031 rushing yards, 16 rushing TDs, 6 catches, 19 receiving yards
After finishing just outside the top 10 in rushing last season with 1,347 yards, Jeanty has picked up where he left off, averaging 10.9 yards per carry. He's a determined runner with excellent contact balance, forcing an FBS-high 100 missed tackles last season. He already has 40 in 2024. And don't sleep on his receiving skills. Jeanty has sure hands out of the backfield, catching 43 passes in 2023.
Check out how Ashton Jeanty made more history in Boise State's win over Utah State.
10. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 8
2024 stats through five games: 23 tackles, 1 tackle 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.
11. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 208 | Prev. rank: 9
2024 stats through five games: 26 catches, 339 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 160 of his 339 total yards this season have also come once the ball is in his hands. He tracks the vertical throws well and makes some big plays down the field.
12. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 212 | Prev. rank: 11
2024 stats through five games: 37 catches, 664 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.
13. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 12
2024 stats through five games: 70.1% completion rate, 1,630 passing yards, 14 TD passes, 3 interceptions, 1 rushing TD
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.
14. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 225 | Prev. rank: 13
2024 stats through five games: 73.4% completion rate, 1,274 passing yards, 11 TD passes, 2 interceptions, 9 rushing TDs
Milroe has been an extremely accurate deep-ball thrower since he arrived at Alabama, but his accuracy to the short and intermediate areas of the field has now taken a step forward this season. That's key for his NFL projection, and it's a big part of why he is rising in the QB class. His huge performance against Georgia in Week 5 -- two TD passes and two rushing scores in a win -- also helps.
Despite his fantastic rushing ability, Milroe isn't always looking to run when the pocket gets messy; he slides around with ease, looking for a play. But when the 21-year-old does take off, look out. He's fast and powerful, and he knows when to get out of bounds to avoid unnecessary hits.
15. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 223 | Prev. rank: 16
2024 stats through six games: 69.2% completion rate, 2,219 passing yards, 20 TD passes, 5 interceptions, 3 rushing TDs
Ward has an unorthodox delivery, but he throws with accuracy and velocity from different arm angles. His 10.4 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.
After receiving just one scholarship offer out of high school, Cam Ward set out to prove to the world that he's the best quarterback in the country.
16. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220 | Prev. rank: 15
2024 stats through five games: 65.8% completion rate, 1,359 passing yards, 12 TD passes, 3 interceptions
Beck is a really good decision-maker who gets the ball out quickly and accurately to all levels of the field. He does a great job reading the field and finding the open target, with a career completion percentage of 69.8%. But he's also mobile and can frustrate defenses with his legs. That's definitely an underrated part of his game. And even though he sat for a few years early in his career at Georgia, Beck is still only 21 years old.
17. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210 | Prev. rank: 17
2024 stats through three games: 73.4% completion rate, 691 passing yards, 8 TD passes, 2 interceptions
Ewers can spin it effortlessly to any part of the field and hit his spots, thanks to elite arm talent. He also does a nice job avoiding pressure in the pocket, slipping and sliding to create time and room to operate. Ewers has the opportunity and traits to climb in this quarterback class, but he needs to keep improving his consistency as a passer. Though he has already taken big steps there since his freshman year -- his completion rate jumped from 58.1% in 2022 to 69.0% in 2023 -- he misses on too many throws. He also needs to get healthy. Ewers has missed 2½ games with an oblique injury but is expected to play against Oklahoma.
18. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 339 | Prev. rank: 19
2024 stats through six games: 11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 6 pressures, 2 run stops, 3 pass breakups
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.
19. 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.
20. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190 | Prev. rank: 21
2024 stats through five games: 17 tackles, 4 pass breakups
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.
21. Will Campbell, OT, LSU*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 323 | Prev. rank: 22
2024 stats through five games: 5 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.
22. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310 | Prev. rank: 24
2024 stats through five games: 5 starts, 0 sacks allowed
A former San Diego State right tackle, Simmons has looked really good on the left side since 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. His game is underrated, and Simmons could keep rising.
23. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 18
2024 stats through five games: 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 12 pressures, 2 run stops, 1 pass breakup
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.
24. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 330 | Prev. rank: 23
2024 stats through six games: 6 starts, 1 sack allowed
Ersery is a massive blocker who has made 33 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. Ersery is a rising prospect in the early parts of the season.
25. Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 345 | Prev. rank: 25
2024 stats through five games: 24 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 9 pressures, 3 run stops, 1 pass breakup
Thanks to his gap-filling 6-foot-6 frame, Walker recorded 22 run stops and 17 tackles for loss over the 2022-23 seasons. He's more than just a run stuffer, though, as he has an impressive array of pass-rush moves for a defensive tackle of his size and finished last season with 7.5 sacks. He's scheme-versatile, too.
Rankings at every position
Quarterbacks
1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
2. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
3. Cam Ward, Miami (Fla.)
4. Carson Beck, Georgia
5. Quinn Ewers, Texas
6. Drew Allar, Penn State
7. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
8. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
9. Will Howard, Ohio State
10. Kyle McCord, Syracuse
Jalen Milroe keeps it for a 47-yard rushing touchdown to cut into the Vanderbilt's lead.
Running backs
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
3. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
4. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
5. Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
6. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
7. Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M
8. Jonah Coleman, Washington
9. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
10. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
2. Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina
3. Brant Kuithe, Utah
4. Kalel Mullings, Michigan
5. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
6. RJ Maryland, SMU
7. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
8. Jake Briningstool, Clemson
9. Tyler Neville, Virginia
10. Jared Casey, Kansas
Wide receivers
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. Luther Burden III, Missouri
3. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
4. Isaiah Bond, Texas
5. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
6. Jalen Royals, Utah State
7. Tre Harris, Ole Miss
8. Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
9. Ja'Corey Brooks, Louisville
10. Xavier Restrepo, Miami (Fla.)
Tight ends
1. Colston Loveland, Michigan
2. Tyler Warren, Penn State
3. Elijah Arroyo, Miami (Fla.)
4. Mason Taylor, LSU
5. Luke Lachey, Iowa
6. Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
7. Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
8. Caden Prieskorn, Ole Miss
9. Gunnar Helm, Texas
10. Oscar Delp, Georgia
Offensive tackles
1. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
2. Will Campbell, LSU
3. Josh Simmons, Ohio State
4. Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
5. Emery Jones Jr., LSU
6. Cameron Williams, Texas
7. Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
8. Jalen Rivers, Miami (Fla.)
9. Charles Grant, William & Mary
10. Anthony Belton, NC State
Interior offensive linemen
1. Tyler Booker, Alabama
2. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
3. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
4. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
5. Tate Ratledge, Georgia
6. Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
7. Joshua Gray, Oregon State
8. Armand Membou, Missouri
9. Connor Colby, Iowa
10. Luke Kandra, Cincinnati
Defensive ends
1. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
2. Landon Jackson, Arkansas
3. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
4. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
5. Jared Ivey, Ole Miss
6. Jordan Burch, Oregon
7. Darius Alexander, Toledo
8. Tyler Baron, Miami (Fla.)
9. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
10. Davin Vann, NC State
Defensive tackles
1. Mason Graham, Michigan
2. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
3. Deone Walker, Kentucky
4. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
5. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
6. Zane Durant, Penn State
7. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
8. Joshua Farmer, Florida State
9. Derrick Harmon, Oregon
10. Andre Jefferson, Lenoir-Rhyne
Off-ball linebackers
1. Jalon Walker, Georgia
2. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
3. Barrett Carter, Clemson
4. Deontae Lawson, Alabama
5. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
6. Jack Kelly, BYU
7. Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA
8. Jay Higgins, Iowa
9. Eric Gentry, USC
10. Francisco Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Outside linebackers
1. Abdul Carter, Penn State
2. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
3. Mykel Williams, Georgia
4. Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
5. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
6. Patrick Payton, Florida State
7. David Walker, Central Arkansas
8. Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina
9. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech
10. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
Cornerbacks
1. Will Johnson, Michigan
-- Travis Hunter, Colorado*
2. Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
3. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
4. Tacario Davis, Arizona
5. Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
6. Jahdae Barron, Texas
7. Quincy Riley, Louisville
8. Denzel Burke, Ohio State
9. Tommi Hill, Nebraska
10. Sebastian Castro, Iowa
* 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. Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
6. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
7. Keon Sabb, Alabama
8. Andrew Mukuba, Texas
9. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
10. Jalen Catalon, UNLV
Kickers and punters
1. Dominic Zvada, Michigan (PK)
2. Jonathan Kim, Michigan State (PK)
3. James Burnip, Alabama (P)
4. Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida (P)
5. Trey Smack, Florida (PK)
6. Alex Raynor, Kentucky (PK)
7. Andres Borregales, Miami (Fla.) (PK)
8. Alex Mastromanno, Florida State (P)
9. Jonah Dalmas, Boise State (PK)
10. Noah Burnette, North Carolina (PK)