2025 National Championship: A Showcase for Future NFL Stars
The 2025 National Championship game isn’t just a battle for college football supremacy; it’s also a prime prospect for NFL scouts to evaluate top prospects. With the spotlight shining brightly on every play, these athletes have a chance to solidify their draft stock adn make a lasting impression. Let’s delve into some of the standout players from both Ohio State and notre Dame who are poised to make waves in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Ohio State Buckeyes: A Wealth of Talent
The Buckeyes boast a roster brimming with future NFL talent.
Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver:
Egbuka, a seasoned receiver with remarkable production, has consistently delivered for Ohio State. Despite battling injuries in 2023,he’s amassed 75 receptions for 947 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Egbuka possesses a solid frame and excels at route running, allowing him to create separation from defenders. while he may not possess the elite athleticism of a true number one receiver,his reliable hands,blocking prowess,and ability to thrive in zone coverage make him a valuable asset for any NFL team.Projected Draft Range: 1st Round – 2nd Round
Tyleik Williams, Defensive Lineman:
Williams has been a force on the Buckeyes’ defensive line as his freshman year. His consistent performance over the past three seasons has steadily elevated his draft stock. This season, he’s recorded seven tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, showcasing his disruptive capabilities. At 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, Williams commands attention with his size and surprising agility for his stature. While he can refine his pad level and expand his pass rush repertoire,his potential is undeniable.
Projected Draft Range: 2nd round – 3rd Round
Other Notable Buckeyes Prospects:
several other Ohio state players are generating buzz among scouts:
Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle: A projected first or second-round pick, Simmons is sidelined for the championship game due to injury.
Seth McLaughlin, Interior Offensive Lineman: McLaughlin, a late-round prospect, is also unavailable due to injury. JT tuimoloau, EDGE: Projected to be selected in the second or third round.
Jack Sawyer, EDGE: Another potential second or third-round pick.
Donovan Jackson,Interior Offensive Lineman: Projected to be selected in the second or third round.
Quinshon Judkins, Running Back: A versatile back with a projected draft range of the second to fourth round.
Denzel Burke, Cornerback: Burke’s coverage skills have him projected as a third to fifth-round pick.
TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back: Henderson’s explosiveness could land him in the third to fifth round.
Davison Igbinosun, Cornerback: Igbinosun’s potential has him projected as a third to fifth-round pick.
Lathan Ransom,Safety: Ransom’s playmaking ability could see him drafted in the fourth to sixth round. Ty Hamilton, Defensive Lineman: Hamilton’s size and strength make him a potential fourth to sixth-round pick.
Sonny Styles, Linebacker: Styles’ athleticism and versatility could land him in the fifth to seventh round.
Will Howard, Quarterback: Howard’s potential as a passer could see him drafted anywhere from the sixth round to undrafted free agency.
Carson Hinzman, Interior offensive Lineman: Hinzman’s size and strength make him a potential sixth-round to undrafted free agent.
Jordan Hancock, Cornerback: Hancock’s coverage skills could land him in the sixth round to undrafted free agency.
CJ Hicks,Linebacker: Hicks’ athleticism and instincts could see him drafted as an undrafted free agent.
Kenyatta Jackson, EDGE: Jackson’s potential as a pass rusher could land him as an undrafted free agent.
Tegra Tshabola, Offensive Tackle: Tshabola’s size and athleticism make him a potential undrafted free agent.
Gee scott, Tight End: Scott’s receiving skills could see him drafted as an undrafted free agent.
Cody Simon, Linebacker: Simon’s tackling ability could land him as an undrafted free agent.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Defensive Standouts
Notre Dame’s roster features several players who are expected to make an impact at the next level.
Xavier Watts, Safety:
Watts has been a mainstay in the Notre Dame secondary, showcasing his talent and leadership over the past few seasons. His breakout performance in 2023 and 2024 solidified his status as one of the top defensive backs in the country. This season, he recorded 74 tackles, nine passes defensed, and six interceptions, demonstrating his playmaking ability and ball-hawking skills. At 6 feet and 203 pounds, Watts possesses the size and instincts to excel at the next level.
Projected Draft range: 2nd Round – 3rd Round
Howard cross III,Defensive Lineman:
Cross,a veteran presence on the Notre Dame defensive line,has steadily improved throughout his career. while he may lack the prototypical size for an NFL defensive lineman at 6-foot-1 and 288 pounds, he compensates with natural leverage and quickness. His ability to penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays makes him a valuable asset.
Projected Draft range: 3rd Round - 5th Round
other Notable Irish Prospects:
Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback: A projected first-round pick, Morrison will miss the championship game due to injury.
Rylie Mills,Defensive Lineman: Mills,a projected mid-round pick,will also be sidelined for the game.
2025 National Championship: A Preview of Future NFL Stars
The 2025 National Championship game is more than just a clash of titans for the collegiate crown. It’s a primetime showcase for the future of the NFL, a platform where future superstars will etch their names in the minds of scouts and fans alike. Both Ohio State and Notre Dame are laden with talent poised to make a significant impact at the professional level. Let’s break down some of the top prospects on each side:
ohio State Buckeyes: A Talent Factory Firing on All Cylinders
The Buckeyes are no strangers to producing NFL-caliber talent, and this year’s roster is no exception.
Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver: Emeka Egbuka presents a fascinating case study. Even while battling nagging injuries in 2023,he remains Ohio State’s most reliable target. His strong route running and sure hands translate well to the next level. While he may lack the explosive speed of a top-tier receiver, Egbuka’s consistency and ability to thrive in zone coverage make him a valuable asset to any NFL offense. He projects as a solid 1st or 2nd Round pick.
Tyleik Williams, Defensive lineman: Williams has been a force since stepping onto the collegiate scene. His consistent production and disruptive play have caught the eye of NFL scouts. He’s a powerful presence at 6’3″ and 330 pounds, capable of collapsing pockets and anchoring the run defense. With continued progress of his pass rush repertoire, Williams has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL.Expect him to be selected in the 2nd or 3rd Round.
Ohio State boasts a wealth of additional talent that could make waves in the draft:
Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle: Simmons, a projected 1st or 2nd Round pick, is sadly sidelined due to injury for the championship game.
Seth McLaughlin, Interior Offensive Lineman: Another valuable piece on the Ohio State offensive line, McLaughlin is also unavailable for the championship due to injury, but remains a late-round prospect.
The Buckeyes’ notable defensive line continues:
JT Tuimoloau, EDGE: A projected 2nd or 3rd Round pick, Tuimoloau brings versatility and athleticism to the edge.
Jack Sawyer, EDGE: Sawyer, like Tuimoloau, projects as a 2nd or 3rd Round pick and offers similar explosiveness and pass-rushing potential.
And don’t forget about the Buckeyes’ potent offensive weapons:
Donovan jackson, Interior Offensive Lineman: Jackson’s strength and technique make him a valuable asset in the interior of the offensive line. He is projected to be selected in the 2nd or 3rd Round.
Quinshon Judkins, Running back: Judkins is a versatile back capable of both powering through tackles and making defenders miss in space. He is projected as a 2nd to 4th Round pick.
Denzel Burke, Cornerback: Burke’s excellent coverage skills and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect. He projects as a 3rd to 5th Round pick.
TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back: Henderson possesses extraordinary speed and big-play potential. He projects as a 3rd to 5th Round pick.
Davison Igbinosun, cornerback: Igbinosun’s potential for growth is exciting. He projects as a 3rd to 5th Round pick.
Lathan Ransom, Safety: Ransom’s playmaking ability and range will appeal to teams looking for a ball-hawking safety. He is projected in the 4th to 6th Round.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Ready to Rumble
* A full analysis of Notre Dame’s top prospects will be available in the next installment of our 2025 National Championship preview. Stay tuned.
This year’s National Championship game promises to be a thrilling battle between two powerhouse programs. But beyond the immediate competition, it’s also a glimpse into the future of the NFL,
containing a plethora of future stars poised to reshape the professional landscape. We will continue to delve deeper into Notre dame’s standout performers in future posts.
