This Monday, the Ohio State Buckeyes will face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the national championship game, airing on ESPN at 7:30 PM ET.
Both squads boast numerous players expected to be picked in the 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay. With that in mind,here are 10 prospects likely to make their mark in the NFL come 2025.
1. Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer
Sawyer’s draft stock is poised to soar with a standout performance in the College Football Playoff.In his last three games, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound defender has racked up 4.5 sacks and six pass breakups. His 83-yard scoop-and-score against Texas in the semifinals sealed a 28-14 victory for the Buckeyes.
According to Tankathon’s latest mock draft, the Chicago Bears (5-12) have him pegged as the 41st pick in the second round. Though, another stellar showing in the national title game could push Sawyer into first-round consideration.
“He has shown enough this season to warrant Day 2 interest,but his pass-rush skills have developed rapidly,making him a potential late-first-round pick,” noted Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team.
2. Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts
Watts (6-foot, 203 pounds) has risen to the occasion as star cornerback Benjamin Morrison’s season-ending hip injury last October. In 15 games, the senior has notched six interceptions and a career-high eight passes defended.
“Watts possesses average size and speed and needs to refine his tackling,” wrote Dan Brugler of The Athletic during the CFP semifinals. “however, his instincts, awareness, and ball skills consistently put him in position to make plays—a trait that translates well to the NFL.”
In a recent 3-round mock draft by Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus, the Indianapolis colts (8-9) selected Watts with the 45th pick in the second round.
3.Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
While freshman WR Jeremiah Smith has stolen some of the spotlight, Egbuka (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) remains one of the most accomplished receivers in Ohio State history.
Over four seasons with the Buckeyes, he ranks first in receiving yards (2,804) and second in receptions (199), while tying for seventh in touchdown catches (24), according to Sports Reference.
In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports’ 1. Pittsburgh Steelers Eye Egbuka at Pick 21
The Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing the season with a 10-7 record, are reportedly targeting Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with their 21st overall pick.egbuka’s versatility and consistent performance have made him a standout prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
2.JT Tuimoloau: A Defensive Force for the Bengals
JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State’s imposing edge rusher, has been a dominant presence on the field this season. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 269 pounds, he has recorded 11.5 sacks in 15 games. Despite some concerns about his athleticism, Bleacher Report has projected him as a second-round pick. The Cincinnati Bengals,with a 9-8 record,are expected to select him at the 49th pick.
“Tuimoloau thrives as a customary defensive end in an even front,” noted a recent scouting report. “His size, strength, and endurance make him a formidable defender at the point of attack.”
3. Howard Cross III: A rising Star for Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s defensive tackle Howard Cross III has been a key player for the Fighting Irish this season. At 6-foot-1 and 288 pounds, Cross has tied for third on the team in tackles for loss (six). His ability to exploit weaknesses in opposing offensive lines, such as Ohio State’s 103rd-ranked pass-blocking unit, has caught the attention of scouts. however, concerns about his size and skill set have led to a projected 6th-7th round grade.
4. Mitchell Evans: Notre Dame’s Promising Tight End
Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame’s 6-foot-5, 260-pound tight end, has shown flashes of potential despite limited opportunities in the passing game. in 15 games, he has amassed 39 receptions for 369 yards and three touchdowns. While his production has been modest, his prototypical size and athleticism make him an intriguing project for NFL teams.
“Evans suffered an ACL tear in 2023 and has been working through the recovery process,” said a draft analyst. “His size and potential suggest he could have a long NFL career.”
5. Tyleik Williams: Ohio State’s Defensive Anchor
Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams has been a standout performer this season, earning recognition as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. at 6-foot-3 and 327 pounds, Williams has been praised for his relentless play and ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage. Fox sports analyst Rob Rang has ranked him as the No. 3 prospect in the national championship game,projecting him as a potential first-round pick.
“Williams’ passion and ability to reset the line of scrimmage make him a first-round talent,” Rang wrote. “He’s a player I’d be thrilled to draft.”
Williams has the potential to be a game-changing run-stopper for whichever team secures him. According to PFF, he recorded an extraordinary run defense grade of 88.6 over 12 games, ranking him eighth among FBS interior defensive linemen.
8.Quinshon Judkins: Ohio State’s Rising Star Running Back
Standing at 6 feet and weighing 219 pounds, Judkins made a strategic move before the season began. As highlighted, he transferred from Ole miss to Ohio State to enhance his NFL draft prospects. This decision appears to have paid off.
In 15 games, Judkins amassed 960 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 183 carries. Kyle crabbs of The 33rd Team recently projected him as a late first-round or early second-round pick, praising his potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
“Judkins has the tools to excel at the professional level,” Crabbs noted. “With his agility, sturdy build, and breakaway speed, he’s capable of delivering explosive plays as a lead rusher.”
9. TreVeyon Henderson: Ohio State’s Dual-Threat Backfield weapon
Despite sharing carries with Judkins, Henderson (5-foot-10, 208 pounds) delivered a standout season. Over 15 games,he rushed for 967 yards and 10 touchdowns on 132 attempts.
Analysts suggest Henderson could be a hidden gem in the draft. Some believe he might slip to Day 3, where he could become a steal for a savvy team.
“If Henderson is still available in the later rounds, he could mirror the success of Kyren Williams, a fifth-round pick in 2022 who has thrived with the Rams,” one scout remarked.
10. Donovan Jackson: Ohio State’s Versatile Offensive Lineman
Jackson (6-foot-4, 320 pounds) showcased his adaptability by transitioning from guard to left tackle after a teammate’s injury.Despite the position change, he surrendered just two sacks in 13 games, as reported by PFF.
“Jackson’s ability to excel in multiple roles is a testament to his planning and skill,” wrote Ryan Fowler of The Draft network. “His versatility is a rare trait that sets him apart from other prospects.”
According to Tankathon, the Chicago Bears could target Jackson with the 39th overall pick in the second round—a move that would address their league-worst 68 sacks allowed this season.
Defenders. His ability to anchor the defensive line and disrupt opposing offenses has made him a highly coveted prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 NFL Draft Prospects:
- Jack Sawyer (Ohio State DE): A dominant pass rusher with 4.5 sacks and six pass breakups in his last three games. His 83-yard scoop-and-score against Texas showcased his playmaking ability. Currently projected as a second-round pick, but a strong showing in the national title game could push him into first-round consideration.
- Xavier Watts (Notre Dame S): Stepped up after benjamin Morrison’s injury, recording six interceptions and eight passes defended in 15 games. His instincts and ball skills make him a Day 2 prospect, with the Indianapolis Colts possibly targeting him at pick 45.
- Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State WR): A versatile and consistent receiver with 2,804 career receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly eyeing him at pick 21 due to his proven production and NFL-ready skills.
- JT Tuimoloau (Ohio State DE): A powerful edge rusher with 11.5 sacks this season. Despite concerns about his athleticism, his size and strength make him a second-round target for the Cincinnati Bengals at pick 49.
- Howard Cross III (Notre Dame DT): A disruptive defensive tackle with six tackles for loss. His ability to exploit offensive line weaknesses has drawn attention, though his size may limit him to a late-round selection.
- Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame TE): A promising tight end with prototypical size and athleticism. despite recovering from an ACL tear, his potential makes him an intriguing project for NFL teams.
- Tyleik Williams (Ohio State DT): A dominant run-stopper with an 88.6 PFF run defense grade. His ability to reset the line of scrimmage and disrupt plays has him projected as a potential first-round pick.
These prospects highlight the depth of talent in the 2025 NFL Draft, with players like Sawyer, Egbuka, and Williams potentially making an immediate impact at the next level. Teams like the Steelers,Bengals,and Colts are already positioning themselves to secure these standout players.
