We’re finally here! After decades of demand, the NCAA has relented and are giving the fans what they want – and will make a boat load of cash doing so! Four playoff games are in store for fans with the opening round being played at the site of the higher seed. And for fans of cold weather football, three of the games are being played where temperatures are expected to be below freezing at kickoff! Let’s take a look at some of the NFL prospects that will be playing this weekend in pursuit of a national championship. These reports are all works in progress as the evaluation process is just getting started with the upcoming playoff games being an important data point in that process.
(10) Indiana at (7) Notre Dame
Kurtis Rourke (#9) / QB / Indiana
Transfer from Ohio. Possesses prototypical height and frame. Canadian. Former All-MAC QB and 2022 MAC Conference MVP. Good arm strength. Good arm mechanics with a quick release. Displays very good timing, touch, and accuracy, especially when operating from a clean pocket. Very good field vision – reads coverages and handles progressions well. Decent athlete but not a true running threat. Mature and calm in the pocket – not easily rattled. Suffered a knee injury while at Ohio. Brother, Nathan, has started in the NFL for the Jaguars and is the current starting QB for the British Columbia Lions (CFL).
Mikhail Kamara (#6) / EDGE / Indiana
Transfer from James Madison. Lacks desired height but has the frame, mass, and long arms desired for a 4-3 DE. Typically lines up in a three-point stance. Very athletic and quick. Very good first step quickness. Knows how to get skinny and slice through the LOS. Breaks down well to secure the tackle. Hustles and chases from the backside – non-stop motor. Flashes the desired ability to flatten, bend, and close on the QB. Lacks many pass rush moves and needs to add some techniques to aid pass rush. Stays blocked for too long more than desired. Needs to improve hand use to shed blocks more efficiently but fights hard and usually maintains containment on the edge. Uses length well to disrupt passing lanes.
Riley Leonard (#13) / QB / Notre Dame
Transfer from Duke. Good height, frame, and mass. Good arm strength but ball sails when his feet are not set. Fundamentally solid with good footwork. Good release speed with a slightly odd delivery. Throws well rolling to the left or right when his feet are set and his shoulders are parallel to the LOS. Good field vision and deciphers defensive coverages well. Developing ability to throw with timing and anticipation. Throws with nice touch. Very good athlete with mobility and running ability – fast and instinctive open field runner with good vision. Willing to stand tall in the pocket and take a hit to deliver the ball. Good ball-handler on play action. 2023 season ended by injury.
Rylie Mills (#99) / DL / Notre Dame
Good combination of height, frame, mass, and length – ideal size for 5T and good size for DT. Great initial twitch displayed at the snap. Height can work against him – does not bend as well as desired. When he shoots low out of his stance, his quickness is superb. Excellent hands fighter – strong grip and use of moves to shed blocks. Uses length well to discard blocks. Knows how to get skinny and squeeze through gaps at the LOS. Very good agility and range to be used on twists and stunts. Flashes a powerful bull rush. Disciplined and smart.
(11) SMU at (6) Penn State
Breshard Smith (#1) / RB-WR / SMU
Transfer from Miami, Fl. Average height with a thin build. Has experience at WR, RB, and KR. All-ACC in 2023 as a returner. Very quick – light feet and loose hips – can change directions easily. Very good burst through the hole. Good vision. Light on his feet while going through the hole – difficult to get a clean shot on. Accelerates quickly through the hole and reaches top end speed quickly. Lacks size, strength, and power desired for inside running. Soft hands out of the backfield. Quality route runner.
Tyler Warren (#44) / TE / Penn State
Prototypical Penn State TE with NFL height, frame, mass, and length. Complete TE with route running skill and NFL-caliber in-line blocking ability. Versatile enough to line up at FB, in the slot, as an H-back, on the line, at QB, and even center (see TD catch v USC). Moves well and can create separation against man coverage. Gets good fits in the run game and can generate some movement. Good hands catcher. Good separation ability and is dangerous down the seam. Deceptive speed.
Abdul Carter (#11) / EDGE / Penn State
Good height and frame for a 4-3 DE with good length and adequate mass. Extremely athletic and agile with light feet and loose hips. Quick first step. Displays explosive qualities including, foot speed, elite closing ability, and the ability to flatten and bend around the corner that few Edge Rushers can match. Developing instincts – will sometimes run himself out of a play by being over aggressive. Very effective run and chase player with LB range – his former position. Needs to improve his ability to set an edge and force the run inside more effectively. 2024 Big Ten Defensive P.O.Y.
Jaylen Reed (#1) / CB-S / Penn State
Plays slot CB for the Nittany Lions. Very good frame and size with solid, well-distributed mass. Very active in run support. Very good tackler who seems to relish contact. Matches up well with TEs and most WRs operating out of the slot. Displays the ability to stay in-phase in man coverage with most TEs and WRs. Very effective in zone coverage where he can read the QB’s eyes and jump the route.
(12) Clemson at (5) Texas
Cade Klubnik (#2) / QB / Clemson
Looks the part with desired height and frame for the position. Former 5-star and #1 QB recruit in the country. Very good throwing motion – clean, over the top delivery. Very good release speed. Very strong arm capable of making every NFL throw. Throws with good accuracy, timing, and touch. Athletic and can break off a long run but is primarily a pocket passer. Stands tall in the pocket, takes the hit, and delivers a well thrown ball. Needs to throw with better anticipation – waits for the receiver to get open and takes unnecessary hits in the pocket as a result. Has improved steadily throughout the season.
Phil Mafah (#7) / RB / Clemson
Very good-sized RB with solid mass throughout his body. Strong and powerful inside runner with enough agility and change of direction to get outside. Very good burst. Solid vision for the cutback lane. Physical and tough inside runner with very good contact balance. Has been the primary ball carrier for the Tigers for the last two-plus seasons and the first option in short yardage situations. Durability has been good until this year where the physicality of his style has started to take a toll on his availability and effectiveness.
Quinn Ewers (#3) / QB / Texas
Transfer from Ohio State. Good height, frame, and mass. Very good throwing mechanics – easy, over the top delivery with a quick, efficient release. Very strong arm capable of making every throw in the NFL route tree. Ball arrives with zip. Capable of throwing with fantastic accuracy/timing/touch but needs to develop consistency. Improving his ability to read coverages and go through progressions. Surprisingly athletic and mobile – buys time well to allow receivers to uncover. Decision making has improved and is beginning to become a strength. Has missed at least two games each of his three seasons in Austin and his consistent availability is a concern going into the NFL.
Jahdae Barron (#7) / CB / Texas
Average size and length. Excellent zone CB who reads the QB’s eyes well and jumps routes. Excellent ball skills with five INTs and nine passes defensed this season. Solid vertical jump and competes at the catch point. Plays bigger than his size and is physical in man coverage. Good tackler who does not shy from contact. Closes quickly on the ball in front of him. Not as quick-twitched and explosive in man coverage and is best in zone. 2024 Thorpe Award winner as nation’s best defensive back, winning the award over Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
(9) Tennessee at (8) Ohio State
Dylan Sampson (#6) / RB / Tennessee
Good frame with adequate mass. Displays light feet and the ability to bounce inside or out to avoid contact. Physical and does not shy away from contact – churns legs and pushes the pile. Very good contact balance. Patient runner with very good vision. Excellent burst. Good receiver out of the backfield. Very good long speed and he can pull away from defenders. Very little wear and tear on his body and is relatively healthy after the best season of his career in 2024.
James Pearce (#27) / EDGE / Tennessee
Ideal height, frame, and length but lacking some desired mass. Very good athlete with light feet and loose hips rarely seen in a 4-3 DE. Chases plays down from the backside and is very active in run support. Has the athletic profile to line up in as a 4-3 or 3-4 Edge and matches up well with TEs in coverage. Used as a chess piece and lines up all around the defense to create mismatches. Rarely asked to set the edge or perform typical 4-3 DE duties. Needs to become stronger and improve hand use to shed blocks better when run at. Great first step and initial quickness. Can bend and flatten exceedingly well. Great closing burst on the QB or ball carrier. Lacks much of a pass rush plan and needs to add some moves to his pass rush arsenal.
Emeka Egbuka (#2) / WR / Ohio State
Good height, frame, length, and mass. Good-sized catch radius. Very good route runner – smooth and gets separation at the break point. Instant acceleration after the catch – gains YAC through speed and agility. Natural hands. Tough and works the middle of the field well. Athletic and smooth with special play making ability. Can adjust to the off-target pass due to great body control. Very good sideline awareness. Overshadowed by freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith but Egbuka should work out extremely well this spring and has a game similar to former Buckeye Chris Olave (Saints).
JT Tuimoloau (#44) / EDGE / Ohio State
Ideal physical measurements – very good height, frame, mass, and length. Large Wingspan. Possesses an extremely powerful bull rush. Good quickness and foot agility. Sets a strong edge in the run game – difficult to get around out wide. One of the best run stuffers in his class. Very aggressive pass rusher – sometimes loses track of containment responsibilities against a mobile QB (see Oregon game v D. Gabriel). Lacks a great closing burst but is a persistent and physical pass rusher. Does not bend or flatten exceptionally well and is not true a speed rusher.
2025 Notable Draft Declarations
Mark Gronowski / QB / South Dakota State (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Brady Cook / QB / Missouri (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
DJ Uiaagalelei / QB / Florida State
Devin Neal / RB / Kansas (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Montrell Johnson / RB / Florida (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Micah Bernard / RB / Utah (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Mario Anderson / RB / Memphis (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Corey Kiner / RB / Cincinnati
Omarion Hampton / RB / North Carolina
Kyren Lacy / WR / LSU (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Tai Felton / WR / Maryland (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
KeAndre Lambert-Smith / WR / Auburn (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Nick Nash / WR / San Jose State (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Roc Taylor / WR / Memphis (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Jamaal Pritchett / WR / South Alabama (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Darius Lassiter / WR / BYU (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Jake Briningstool / TE / Clemson (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Gunnar Helm / TE / Texas (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Jalin Conyers / TE / Texas Tech (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Caden Prieskorn / TE / Ole Miss (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Brandon Crenshaw-Dixon / OT / Florida (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Hollin Pierce / OT / Rutgers (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Bryce Cabeldue / OT / Kansas (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan / OT / Oregon State (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Jordan Williams / OT / Georgia Tech (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Reid Holskey / OT / Miami, Oh (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Emery Jones / OT / LSU
Marcus Wehr / IOL / Montana State (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Joe Huber / IOL / Wisconsin (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Joshua Gray / OL / Oregon State (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Addison West / IOL / Western Michigan (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Jacob Gideon / IOL / Western Michigan (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Eli Cox / IOL / Kentucky (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Clay Webb / IOL / Jacksonville State (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Antwaun Powell-Ryland / EDGE / Virginia Tech (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
JJ Weaver / EDGE / Kentucky (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Jasheen Davis / EDGE / Wake Forest (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Garmon Randolph / EDGE / Baylor (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Jordan Burch / DL / Oregon (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Shemar Turner / IDL / Texas A&M (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Joshua Farmer / IDL / Florida State (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Ricky Barber / IDL / UCF (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Chidozie Nwankwo / IDL / Colorado (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Jordan Phillips / IDL / Maryland
Walter Nolen / IDL / Ole Miss
Tyreem Powell / LB / Rutgers (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Nick Martin / LB / Oklahoma State (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Chris Paul / LB / Ole Miss (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Jamon Dumas-Johnson / LB / Kentucky (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Nick Jackson / LB / Iowa (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Seth Coleman / LB / Illinois (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Power Echols / LB / North Carolina (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Ruben Hyppolite / LB / Maryland (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Mello Dotson / CB / Kansas (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Fentrell Cypress / CB / Florida State (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Myles Purchase / CB / Iowa State (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Alijah Huzzie / CB / North Carolina (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Bihal Kone / DB / Western Michigan (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Billy Bowman / S / Oklahoma (Accepted invitation to Senior Bowl)
Kenny Gallop / S / Howard (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Alijah Clark / S / Syracuse (Accepted invitation to Shrine Game)
Xavier Nwankpa / S / Iowa (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Bryan Addison / S / UCLA (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Donovan McMillon / S / Pittsburgh (Accepted invitation to Hula Bowl)
Kevin Winston / S / Penn State
2025 All-Star Game Dates
Hula Bowl
January 11th
Orlando, Florida
East-West Shrine Game
January, 30th
Arlington, Texas
Senior Bowl
February 1st
Mobile, Alabama
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