ESPN ranks Top 10 college football teams with most 2025 NFL Draft prospects

The 2024 college football season has yet to begin, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from discussing which schools might produce the most 2025 NFL Draft talent.

Right on cue, ESPN has released a ranking of its top 10 teams when it comes to the next crop of next-level talent. Many of the usual suspects line the list, but there might be one or two that surprise you. Moreover, the influence of transfers on the draft pool has become apparent.

A handful of schools even boast double-digit potential draft prospects, so let’s take a look at which programs are expected to have the most 2025 NFL Draft talent.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

An annual powerhouse, Georgia figures to once again have a boatload of talent entering the 2025 NFL Draft. And it all starts with quarterback Carson Beck, who could be the top quarterback taken in the draft and potentially even the No. 1 overall pick. But there are literally more than a dozen other prospects who could hear their names called next spring, including EDGE Mykel Williams, who might be the team’s top draftee.

Predicted first rounders: 3
Predicted total draft picks: 16
Top projected prospect: EDGE Mykel Williams

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

Like Georgia, Ohio State has more than a dozen players who could be drafted next spring. Cornerback Denzel Burke leads the way as a very polished defensive back who can do it all. He’s not the only one, as running back Quinshon Judkins, receiver Emeka Egbuka and EDGE JT Tuimoloau could all work their way into the first round, potentially. It’s a loaded crop for the Buckeyes.

Predicted first rounders: 2
Predicted total draft picks: 14
Top projected prospect: CB Denzel Burke

3. Texas Longhorns

After the first two teams we’re into teams that have fewer than a dozen projected draft picks — which still leaves room for plenty. The Longhorns will have plenty. While most will focus on quarterback Quinn Ewers as one of the top potential draft prospects, ESPN sees offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. as the top prospect to know. He could be Texas’ first offensive lineman drafted in the first round since 2022, leading a flurry of draft activity for the Longhorns.

Predicted first rounders: 3
Predicted total draft picks: 11
Top projected prospect: OT Kelvin Banks Jr.

4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Fighting Irish are projected to have roughly the same number of total draft picks as the Longhorns, but perhaps without quite as many first-rounders. The guy who could hit the first round is cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who allowed one of the lowest completion rates in college last season and broke up 13 passes. ESPN notes he has a first-round grade with top-15 upside. Others that could hear their names called with a big season are quarterback Riley Leonard and EDGE RJ Oben.

Predicted first rounders: 1
Predicted total draft picks: 11
Top projected prospect: CB Benjamin Moore

5. Michigan Wolverines

The above teams were listed as ESPN’s ‘Tier 1’ schools when it comes to the 2025 NFL Draft, and Michigan represents a step down to ‘Tier 2.’ There are two prospects to watch as the Wolverines’ top draft offering, with defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson both impressing. ESPN thinks the two could battle each other as the first defensive prospect off the board next spring, so they’re likely going pretty high in the draft. In fact, Michigan could have as many as four first-round prospects if ESPN is correct.

Predicted first rounders: 4
Predicted total draft picks: 8
Top projected prospect: DT Mason Graham, CB Will Johnson

6. Ole Miss Rebels

The Rebels might not quite have the first-round talent they would have potentially boasted if Judkins hadn’t transferred, but there’s still plenty of overall talent. And that shows up in the overall draft numbers projected. Many of the top projected prospects are transfers into the program this year, like Florida EDGE Princely Umanmielen, Texas A&M defensive tackle Walter Nolen and South Carolina receiver Juice Wells. Expect the Rebels to be plenty involved in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Predicted first rounders: 0
Predicted total draft picks: 10
Top projected prospect: EDGE Princely Umanmielen

7. LSU Tigers

The talent for the Tigers starts in the trenches, where offensive lineman Will Campbell will have a chance to be the first at his position off the board. He’s not the only one, as Emery Jones also boasts a high draft grade heading into the 2024 season. Linebacker Harold Perkins has the potential to play his way into the first round if he can recover his freshman form. Then there are a handful of skill position players who could round out the later rounds of the draft.

Predicted first rounders: 3
Predicted total draft picks: 8
Top projected prospect: OT Will Campbell

8. Penn State Nittany Lions

Dipping into ‘Tier 3’ on ESPN’s list, Penn State is the first team up. EDGE Abdul Carter is the headliner, a versatile prospect with an outstanding pressure rate when he gets after the passer. There’s also defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and safety Kevin Winston, two prospects who could easily go early in the draft. Quarterback Drew Allar could play his way into being a higher pick than his currently projected late Day 2, early Day 3 pick, according to ESPN.

Predicted first rounders: 1
Predicted total draft picks: 9
Top projected prospect: EDGE Abdul Carter

9. Alabama Crimson Tide

It’s a little jarring to see Alabama this far down the list, but the Crimson Tide still have plenty of top talent. It just might not be as concentrated toward the first round or two of the 2025 NFL Draft this time around. Guard Tyler Booker is viewed as ESPN’s top prospect, while receiver Germie Bernard is seen as a potential sleeper prospect to monitor in 2024. Quarterback Jalen Milroe could obviously play his way into an early draft pick next spring.

Predicted first rounders: 0
Predicted total draft picks: 9
Top projected prospect: OG Tyler Booker

10. Oregon Ducks

Not the only program that has benefited greatly from some high-impact transfers, Oregon’s top draft prospect according to ESPN is Texas A&M receiver transfer Evan Stewart. While quarterback Dillon Gabriel could play his way into a higher draft slot, he’s not viewed as one of the top quarterbacks this cycle. Running back Jordan James and tackles Josh Conerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius should also earn a selection somewhere. That gives the Ducks a decent crop of draft talent.

Predicted first rounders: 1
Predicted total draft picks: 8
Top projected prospect: WR Evan Stewart

BONUS: Arizona Wildcats

The final team in ESPN’s ranking, the Worldwide Leader lists the Wildcats as an “under-the-radar team to watch” when it comes to potential 2025 NFL Draft selections. Like Oregon, a receiver is the top prospect. This time it’s Tetairoa McMillan who takes the top spot, ahead of a prospect like offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea. Cornerback Tacario Davis and quarterback Noah Fifita both also earned mention from ESPN as potential draft picks.

Predicted first rounders: 2
Predicted total draft picks: 4
Top projected target: WR Tetairoa McMillan