- 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
- The Best Bowl Game NFL Prospects | Bowl Week 2
- NFL Draft Prospects You Need to Watch | Saturday Bowl Games
- NFL Draft Prospects You Need to Watch | Bowl Week 3
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.
Wasabi Fenway Bowl | UConn vs. North Carolina
Saturday, 12/28 | 11:00 AM ET | ESPN
North Carolina | NFL Draft Prospects
Omarion Hampton | #28 | RB | 2025 | 6’0” | 220 lbs.
Omarion Hampton will be a name that’s hot like wasabi in dynasty rookie drafts. One of Garret Price’s favorite running backs in this upcoming class, Omarion Hampton has carried the offense for the North Carolina Tar Heels, earning a spot on the Walter Camp All-America Second Team after being First Team in 2023.
Despite being the focus of opposing defenses, Hampton rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns this season, and added 38 receptions. Wake up early to watch the dynamic Omarion Hampton, but be warned. He’s so dangerous, you’ll have to sign a waiver!
Kaimon Rucker | #7 | EDGE | 2025 | 6’2” | 265 lbs. | by Jon Glosser
Kaimon Rucker has been a solid EDGE defender for the North Carolina Tarheels since coming in as a 3-star recruit (247sports) in the 2020 recruiting class. Rucker is a versatile defender who can line up at multiple positions along the defensive line. He doesn’t have the prototypical size you see in top-level EDGE defenders. However, he works with what he has and continues to provide excellent results for his team. Kamion Rucker finished his collegiate career with 22 sacks, with 14.6 of those coming over his past two seasons. IDP managers should watch for the North Carolina EDGE defender who has opted out of this bowl game and declared for the 2025 NFL draft.
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl | Boston College vs. Nebraska
Saturday, 12/28 | 12:00 PM ET | ABC
Boston College | NFL Draft Prospects
Donovan Ezeiruaku | #6 | EDGE | 2025 | 6’2” | 247 lbs. | by Jon Glosser
There is one player who has the attention of IDP fantasy managers for Boston College: Donovan Ezeiruaku. The Boston College senior EDGE defender had a magnificent season, leading the ACC in tackles for loss (21) and sacks (16.5), earning himself All-American honors and being named the 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year. I’m not sure how much we see of him in this game, as he’s projected to be a late-1st Round or early-2nd Round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a unique talent with rare instincts as a pass rusher, and his ability to provide a high tackle floor is exceptional for the defensive end position.
Nebraska | NFL Draft Prospects
Dylan Raiola | #15 | QB | 2027 | 6’3” | 230 lbs.
Dylan Raiola, once the top high school quarterback of his class, chose Nebraska over Ohio State and started immediately as a freshman in 2024. However, his debut season disappointed, with a 6-6 record and modest stats (2,595 yards, 12 TDs, 10 INTs).
Lacking rushing upside, his dynasty value is uncertain. While he’s returning in 2025, a potential transfer could revive his NFL Draft prospects. For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation.
Isleta New Mexico Bowl | TCU vs. Louisiana
Saturday, 12/28 | 2:15PM ET | ESPN
TCU | NFL Draft Prospects
Josh Hoover | #10 | QB | 2027 | 6’2” | 200 lbs.
TCU is ready to roll the dice and bet big on Josh Hoover’s arm as he leads his Horned Frogs into the Isleta New Mexico Bowl. (Isleta is the name of a casino in New Mexico. Who knew?) Hoover burst onto the scene in 2023 as a freshman, with big games against BYU and Baylor. With continued development and consistent performance, Hoover could enhance his draft stock in the coming years. His strong arm, poise under pressure, and leadership qualities are attributes that NFL scouts will monitor closely. If he plays his cards right and goes all-in, he might be a future NFL pro.
Pop-Tarts Bowl | #18 Iowa St vs. #13 Miami
Saturday, 12/28 | 3:30PM ET | ABC
#18 Iowa St | NFL Draft Prospects
Jayden Higgins | #9 | WR | 2025 | 6’4” | 215 lbs.
Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 215 pounds, Jayden Higgins is the frosting on the Iowa State Cyclones game plan each and every week. Higgins is one of the top receivers in the Big 12, tallying 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and 9 touchdowns this season.
Despite their loss to Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship game, Higgins caught 7 passes for 115 yards. Projected as possibly a Day 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jayden Higgins may be one of the best, yet least-discussed wide receivers entering draft season.
Jaylin Noel | #13 | WR | 2025 | 5’11” | 200 lbs.
Across the field from Jayden Higgins is his dynamic partner in the Iowa State wide receiving corps, Jaylin Noel. Noel is best known for his speed, toasting the defense and leaving them crumb-ling. Named to the Associated Press All-Big 12 First Team this season after putting up over 1,300 all-purpose yards, Noel’s agility, quickness, and ability to create separation make him an intriguing prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.
#13 Miami | NFL Draft Prospects
Cam Ward | #1 | QB | 2025 | 6’2” | 223 lbs.
With a season so hot it felt like it was straight out of the toaster, Cam Ward is currently my top rookie for Superflex formats heading into the 2025 draft season. From running a “Wing T” offense in high school to the Miami Hurricanes with several stops along the way (get used to hearing about “Incarnate Word” this offseason), Cam Ward has exceeded expectations everywhere he has taken a snap.
Although he still needs some refinement in being more consistent as a passer, Ward’s combination of arm strength, mobility, and playmaking has positioned him as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. He can make every throw, and it is simply a question of exactly how highly is he drafted come April.
Xavier Restrepo | #7 | WR | 2025 | 5’10” | 198 lbs.
Xavier Restrepo is one of my favorite players in this upcoming draft class. His hands are stickier than a strawberry jam filling. This year, Restrepo became Miami’s all-time leader in receptions (200) and receiving yards (2,844). Like his quarterback, the aforementioned Cam Ward, he was recently named a Second-Team All-American. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 198 pounds, Restrepo likely projects as a slot receiver in the NFL. With outstanding short-area quickness, precise route-running, and reliable hands, his game should translate well to the pro game.
Damien Martinez | #6 | RB | 2025 | 6’0” | 232 lbs.
Finally, taking handoffs from Cam Ward is running back Damien Martinez. A transfer from Oregon State, Martinez’s expected role seemed dialed back with the emergence of the passing attack led by Ward. Despite this, Martinez still managed to rush for 823 yards on 145 carries, adding 9 touchdowns. At 237 pounds, Martinez has a bruising running-style but adds great contact balance and vision. He is a likely Day 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and will find his way into a backfield rotation early with room to grow into a larger role.
Tyler Baron | #9 | EDGE | 2025 | 6’5” | 260 lbs. | by Jon Glosser
Miami’s Tyler Baron is a potential sleeper at the defensive end position in the 2025 NFL Draft. He played four seasons at the University of Tennessee before transferring and playing for the Hurricanes this season. Baron is a very polished pass rusher, and his ability to convert speed to power makes him very intriguing. He has recorded 11.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss over his past two seasons. Tyler Baron is currently projected as a Day 3 pick in the draft. A big week at the Senior Bowl could help his draft stock rise.
Go Bowling Military Bowl | East Carolina vs. NC State
Saturday, 12/28 | 5:45PM ET | ESPN
NC State | NFL Draft Prospects
CJ Bailey | #16 | QB | 2027 | 6’6” | 190 lbs.
Looming over the opposition at 6’6”, CJ Bailey may be a freshman, but he is no turkey. He strikes fear into opposing defenses with an emergent passing attack for the Wolfpack. Coming in off the bench for injured starter Grayson McCall, Bailey showcased his talent and growth in spots. Despite losing, he played admirably against Clemson. Later, in a 59-28 victory over Stanford, he completed 18 of 20 passes for 234 yards and 3 touchdowns. Pro Football Focus loves his game, so despite being years after any type of dynasty rookie draft, CJ Bailey may be a name to follow in the coming seasons.
Valero Alamo Bowl | #17 BYU vs. #23 Colorado
Saturday, 12/28 | 7:30PM ET | ABC
#23 Colorado | NFL Draft Prospects
Shedeur Sanders | #2 | QB | 2025 | 6’2” | 215 lbs.
What more can be said about these two that hasn’t been said? Shedeur Sanders’ arm is a cannon, firing strike after strike as if defending the fort. With poise in the pocket, accuracy at every level, and the ability to perform under pressure, Sanders is one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders is Garret Price’s second-ranked quarterback in the class, behind only Cam Ward.
Travis Hunter | #12 | WR/CB | 2025 | 6’1” | 185 lbs.
Again, what more needs to be said about the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner? Whether on offense or defense, Travis Hunter is as reliable as the fort’s stone walls. Nothing gets past him. How will that translate to fantasy football scoring, though?
Will he play enough on offense to warrant being taken with a top rookie pick? Those questions are going to be among the most debated topics of this upcoming offseason, even among the Dynasty Nerds staff. Defensive analysis on Travis Hunter by Jon Glosser can be found here.
To find out more about the College Football Playoff, check out our overview by Keith Ensminger:
