- The 2024-25 College Football Playoff | Everything You Need to Know About the New 12-Team Format
- NFL Draft Prospects You Need to Watch | Bowl Week 1
It’s hard to believe that the college football season is nearly over. The beginning of bowl season means we will soon crown a champion of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff and are hastily approaching the offseason and the pre-draft process. For diehard Dynasty Nerds like us, that means it’s time to dive into the film and look at the potential 2025 NFL Draft prospects. We know that the bowl game schedule is a bit hectic. So, the goal of this Bowl Preview Series is to provide you with the names of the top upcoming NFL Draft prospects and where to watch them.
College Football Bowl Game Previews
NOTE: We have done our best to track all of the opt-outs and potential transfers. Bowl game rosters often don’t look exactly like the roster that played all season. We will note absences where we can but the important thing to take away is that these players are deserving of being on your dynasty radar.
Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl | #25 Memphis @ West Virginia
Tuesday, 12/17 | 9:00 PM ET | ESPN
#25 Memphis
Mario Anderson Jr. | #2 | RB | 2025 | 5’9” | 208 lbs.
Mario Anderson Jr. is the engine that drives the Memphis offense. The Senior RB has unquestionably had the best season of his collegiate career in 2024. Anderson has turned 219 carries into 1,292 rushing yards and 17 TDs! He has also been an extremely productive pass catcher chipping in 46 catches for 290 yards and another 2 TDs. He is a short compact RB that is fun to watch. Unfortunately for him, he will be part of an extremely deep RB class. This doesn’t mean that he couldn’t be a nice late addition to an NFL team.
Art of Sport LA Bowl | California @ UNLV
Friday, 12/18 | 8:00 PM ET | ABC
California
Jaivian Thomas | #25 | RB | 2026 | 5’10” | 190 lbs.
When watching these bowl games, there are players you want to track as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft. There are other players you want to monitor moving forward in the college ranks. Jaivian Thomas falls in the latter category. The diminutive speedster has made some really nice plays for the Golden Bears this year. Despite being chained down in a committee, he has stood out as a player to watch moving forward. He can take the ball to the house on any given play.
UNLV
Ricky White III | #1 | WR | 2025 | 6’1” | 190 lbs.
In a class that is thin at the WR position, Ricky White III could see his name rising up draft boards as the draft process moves forward. Long and lean, White has put up back-to-back 1,000 seasons in the Mountain West Conference. White has the looks of a versatile playmaker at the next level. He is capable of playing on the outside as well as in the slot, giving him a real chance to hear his name called early on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl | Florida @ Tulane
12/20 | 3:30 PM ET | ESPN
Florida | NFL Draft Prospects
Elijhah Badger | #6 | WR | 2025 | 6’1” | 192 lbs.
Florida’s Elijah Badger is one of the most explosive athletes in the SEC. The Arizona State transfer has averaged an insane 21.3 yards per catch. He has never put together a big statistical season, but his speed and play-making ability could ingratiate him to an NFL staff this coming spring. He is yet another player that could benefit from a thin WR class. If he tests well this spring, which I anticipate he will, he could hear his name called relatively early on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tulane | NFL Draft Prospects
Mario Williams | #4 | WR | 2025 | 5’9” | 178 lbs.
Mario Williams is one of the most well-traveled players in the entire nation. The Top WR for the Tulane Green Wave also spent seasons at Oklahoma and USC prior to this final go-around in the AAC. Williams is lightning-quick and specializes in creating separation at the line of scrimmage. His size will limit him at the next level, but he certainly has the quicks to start in the slot at the next level. If he lands in the right situation, he could absolutely be dynasty relevant. I expect Day 3 draft capital.
College Football Playoff 1st Round | #10 Indiana @ #7 Notre Dame
12/20 | 8:00 PM ET | ABC/ESPN
#10 Indiana | NFL Draft Prospects
Elijah Sarratt | #13 | WR | 2026 | 6’2” | 209 lbs.
Elijah Sarratt is the best weapon on the Hoosiers offense. The 6’2” junior has been a protege of Indiana coach Curt Cignetti going back to their days together at James Madison. Sarratt has been mum on if he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a route-running specialist who gets open with technique as opposed to raw speed and athleticism. Despite that, he has averaged an impressive 18.2 yards per catch. When a player gets the nickname of “The Waffle House” because of his ability to get open, you know you should pay attention. If he does decide to come out this year, I would expect early Day 3 draft capital and an upside of Jakobi Meyers.
#7 Notre Dame | NFL Draft Prospects
Mitchell Evans | #88 | TE | 2025 | 6’5” | 260 lbs.
The 2025 TE class looks like one of the better groups in the past several years. Notre Dame senior Mitchell Evans fits right in with this group. The “Big Y” TE has the ability to makes plays as a blocker and receiver, which should help him transition smoothly to the next level. His numbers are a little bit down in 2024, but he has still flashed NFL upside nonetheless. Evans’ productivity at the next level will heavily depend on the landing spot, but he has the ability to be a TE2 for fantasy in the right system. Expect to hear his name called off sometime during Day 3 of the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Jeremiyah Love | #4 | RB | 2026 | 6’0” | 206 lbs.
Over the course of the 2024 college football season, Notre Dame underclassman Jeremiyah Love has established himself as the lead back for the Fighting Irish. The former 4-star recruit has been a big play waiting to happen for the Irish. He boasts an impressive 7.1 YPC to go along with 15 TDs. Love is also a capable weapon in the passing game where he has turned 22 catches into 206 yards and 2 TDs. Keep an eye on him in this game and file him away as a name to pay attention to for the 2026 running back draft class.
College Football Playoff 1st Round | #11 SMU @ #6 Penn State
12/21 | 12:00 PM ET | TNT
#11 SMU | NFL Draft Prospects
Brashard Smith | #1 | RB | 2025 | 5’10” | 196 lbs.
The second leading rusher in the ACC, Brashard Smith has put together a wonderful final year at SMU. The senior RB has been the focal point of an offense that took the Mustangs back to prominence and a spot in the ACC Championship game and College Football Playoff. He is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands, succeeding as both a runner and receiver. Despite his wonderful season, he finds himself in a crowded RB group within the 2025 NFL Draft class. He will likely have to wait until Day 3 of the draft to hear his name. But, he could be a great stash for your dynasty squads depending upon his landing spot.
#6 Penn State | NFL Draft Prospects
Tyler Warren | #44 | TE | 2025 | 6’6” | 257 lbs.
Tyler Warren is my top TE in the 2025 class. The 2024 Mackey Award winner set Penn State and Big-10 records alike during his historic season. The 88 catches for 1,062 yards and 6 TDs only tell part of his story. Warren has also been a dynamic runner for the Nittany Lions, carrying the ball 23 times for 191 yards and 4 TDs and has also thrown a TD! Warren has everything an NFL franchise could want and will be drafted in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft this spring. He is the closest thing to Brock Bowers in this class. He has TE1 potential and will be an absolute asset for your dynasty squads.
Nicholas Singleton | #10 | RB | 2025 | 6’0” | 227 lbs.
Nicholas Singleton is a hard player to evaluate. The dynamic runner was the top RB in his high school recruiting class according to to 247sports. Singleton had an amazing freshman year before dropping off over the past couple of years. However, despite his drop in production, he continues to flash immense potential and is an absolute workout warrior in the gym. Singleton has run in tandem with Kaytron Allen, meaning there is little wear and tear on his body. Singleton’s testing numbers at PSU have consistently been just behind the numbers Saquon Barkley put up at Penn State. I expect Singleton to destroy the NFL combine this coming spring and secure a Day 2 draft slot this year.
Kaytron Allen | #13 | RB | 2025 | 5’11” | 229 lbs.
Kaytron Allen has been the Robin to Nicholas Singleton’s Batman. He has been a battering ram of a runner, putting up over 800 rushing yards each year. He has never had that monster campaign working in tandem with Singleton but he has absolutely displayed NFL chops. While I don’t believe the odds of Singleton returning to Penn State are good, there is a much better chance that in a deep RB class Kaytron Allen will return for his senior season and enter the league next year in a weaker RB class. Right now, he has Day 3 draft potential and could be a nice stash player for your dynasty squads.
Drew Allar | #15 | QB | 2026 | 6’5” | 238 lbs.
Drew Allar has been somewhat of a late riser over the 2024 season. The former No. 1 pro-style QB in his recruiting class has been an extremely cautious signal caller during his time in Happy Valley. He has thrown only 9 INTs over his three-year starting tenure. This QB offers a huge frame with an elite arm to match. He is mobile for his size, but will never be confused with Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson. He recently announced that he would be returning to for his senior year and has a chance to be a top-end QB in next year’s class.
College Football Playoff 1st Round | #12 Clemson @ #5 Texas
12/21 | 4 PM ET | TNT
#12 Clemson | NFL Draft Prospects
Phil Mafah | #7 | RB | 2025 | 6’1” | 230 lbs.
Clemson’s senior RB Phil Mafah is another old-school type of player. He is a workhorse back who can handle a ton of carries and punish defenders with his size. He has steadily gotten better each season at Clemson. Mafah is somewhat of a one-dimensional runner as he hasn’t been used extensively in the passing game. Despite his limited work in that department, he could easily carve out a niche in the NFL as the power half of a thunder-and-lightning combo for an NFL team. He is a Day 3 prospect.
Cade Klubnik | #2 | QB | 2025 | 6’2” | 210 lbs.
Cade Klubnik is a somewhat divisive prospect. Many had him tabbed as one of the top signal callers in the nation but a slow start to the year saw his draft prospects take a hit. Despite his early season struggles, Klubnik managed to course-correct and lead Clemson to an ACC Championship. He is an athletic playmaker who is as adept at using his legs as he is with his arm. Klubnik accounted for 3,303 passing yards and 458 rushing yards with a total of 40 TDs! He will be an interesting prospect if he chooses to enter the 2025 NFL Draft and could hear his name called on Day 2.
Jake Briningstool | #9 | TE | 2025 | 6’6” | 240 lbs.
The athletic “move” TE for the Clemson Tigers has shown steady development throughout his career. He is a bit undersized at only 240 pounds but has a frame that could add some bulk to it with an NFL strength and conditioning regiment. He has put up over 400 receiving yards each of the past two seasons and is a Day 3 prospect who could make some noise at the next level if he finds himself in the right spot.
#5 Texas | NFL Draft Prospects
Quinn Ewers | #3 | QB | 2025 | 6’2” | 210 lbs.
Quinn Ewers is yet another divisive QB prospect in the potential 2025 NFL Draft class. The Longhorns QB has managed to hold off all-world prospect Arch Manning for the last two years. Truth be told, Ewers has one of the best arms in all of college football. There have been rumors swirling around the college landscape that Ewers could decide to return to the classroom for one final season. That may be good for his final draft stock, but only time will tell if he heads to the pros or not. If he does decide to come out, he will likely fall somewhere between the end of Day 2 and the early portion of Day 3.
Isaiah Bond | #7 | WR | 2025 | 5’11” | 180 lbs.
Isaiah Bond might just be the fastest player in all of college football. The undersized speedster will unquestionably light the track on fire at the NFL Combine this coming spring. However, he is still an unfinished product who may be more valuable as a coverage-clearer at the NFL level. Despite his immense talent, Bond has failed to put up gaudy numbers, maxing out at 668 yards in a single season. While there is certainly room for improvement, Bond will ultimately hear his name called before the end of Day 2 of the upcoming draft. He has rare speed and there will be at least one if not multiple teams looking to add that type of player to their roster.
Gunnar Helm | #85 | TE | 2025 | 6’5” | 250 lbs.
Gunnar Helm is yet another elite TE prospect in the 2025 draft class. The 6’5” Helm offers excellent size and athleticism for the position. He has gotten better each season leading up to his 2024 breakout where he has put up 49 catches for 611 yards and 5 TDs. He is a smooth runner with an excellent pair of hands. Helm has all the talent to be an every-week NFL starter and will hear his name called before the end of Day 2. However, his eventual draft slot will depend on just how fast he tests in Indianapolis at the combine.
College Football Playoff 1st Round | #9 Tennessee @ #8 Ohio State
12/21 | 8:00 PM ET | ABC/ESPN
#9 Tennessee | NFL Draft Prospects
Dylan Sampson | #6 | RB | 2025 | 5’11” | 205 lbs.
The leading rusher in the SEC, Dylan Sampson, is an electric player with the ball in his hands. His 256 carries for 1,485 and 22 TDs were easily career-bests across the board. He has been used sparingly as a receiver to this point of his career at Tennessee, but that doesn’t mean he cannot develop that part of his game. In fact, he could be a dynamic committee RB at the next level. I see him along the lines of James Cook-type player. Even in a class loaded at the RB position, I believe that Sampson has the talent to hear his name called on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Dont’e Thornton Jr. | #1 | WR | 2025 | 6’5” | 214 lbs.
Tennessee WR Dont’e Thornton is a big play waiting to happen. The towering playmaker has averaged an absurd 25.9 yards per catch in his final season in Rocky Top, TN. Thornton has never managed to cobble together a full and productive season. I see something of a Martavis Bryant-style player when watching him play. Just like Bryant, it will all depend on who is throwing him the ball and what type of system he lands in. With how thin this WR class is, I wouldn’t be shocked to hear his name called sometime on Day 3 of the draft.
#8 Ohio State | NFL Draft Prospects
Quinshon Judkins | #1 | RB | 2025 | 6’0” | 219 lbs.
Quinshon Judkins is an old-school running back. He is a downhill bruiser who combines excellent speed and vision into a 219-pound frame. His numbers are down in 2024, but only because his transfer to Ohio State has landed him in a committee with TreVeyon Henderson. Despite not getting all the work, he has maintained his efficiency averaging a robust 5.5 YPC. While he has never been used as a true weapon in the passing game, I do believe Judkins offers a three-down skillset. He is a top-5 back in this deep class and will almost certainly hear his name called on Day 2 of the draft.
TreVeyon Henderson | #32 | RB | 2025 | 5’10” | 208 lbs.
The original half of the Ohio State tandem, TreVeyon Henderson is a true weapon out of the backfield. His 7.0 YPC in 2024 is a career-best. These numbers suggest to me that he is best served working in tandem with a bruiser. He could fill a role like Jahmyr Gibbs does in Detroit. Just how high he goes in the NFL Draft will depend immensely on how fast he runs at the NFL Combine. Much like his running mate, Quinshon Judkins, I believe that Henderson will be selected on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. He will make an excellent dynasty asset for your squad.
Emeka Egbuka | #2 | WR | 2025 | 6’1” | 205 lbs.
Emeka Egbuka has been a quality WR for his entire career at Ohio State. He has never been able to recapture the magic he had in 2022 when he put up a 74/1,151/10 stat line. However, that doesn’t mean he has disappeared from the Ohio State passing game. He is a nuanced route runner with plenty of speed to win against defenders. He has the talent to play on the outside or in the slot at the NFL level. When I watch him play, I get a lot of Terry McLaurin vibes. Despite his lack of consistent high-end production, he is a top-5 WR in this class and will get picked on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
To find out more about the College Football Playoff, check out our overview by Keith Ensminger:
