Mel Kiper releases new Big Board Top 25 player rankings for 2025 NFL Draft after National Championship Game

The 2024-25 college football campaign is officially in the rearview mirror. However, NFL scouts’ jobs are far from over. On Tuesday, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. provided his latest NFL Big Board, including the top 25 prospects in the upcoming draft.

Kiper’s list is not based on where he believes the players will be drafted but instead is consistent with his personal rankings. It won’t be much longer before Kiper finds out if teams around the league agree with him.

The NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With so many talented prospects to discuss, let’s dive into Kiper’s updated rankings.

1. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Previous ranking: 1
In no surprise, Travis Hunter retained his No. 1 spot in Kiper’s latest rankings. Hunter was the most unique talent in college football this season, taking home the Heisman Trophy for his efforts. With the ability to contribute on both sides of the ball, teams will have trouble passing on Hunter if given the chance to draft him.

Kiper: “Hunter has a great feel for the game on offense and defense, and he played a whopping 1,458 snaps over 13 games this season. I really think he has a chance to play both sides of the ball early in his pro career and make an impact both ways. … Hunter has tremendous hand-eye coordination and elite ball skills. His physical traits and quickness are off the charts.”

2. Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State

Previous ranking: 2
At 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, Carter is an NFL prototype. And it’s not just his size that’s so enticing. In the 2024 campaign, Carter tallied 12 sacks, 61 pressures, an NCAA-best 23.5 tackles for loss and 68 total tackles, his third straight season with at least 60 tackles in Happy Valley.

Kiper: “Carter is versatile and has plenty of experience effectively operating as an off-ball linebacker. … Carter has the traits to wreak havoc there, getting pressure on 18.5% of his pass-rush snaps. He is instinctive and fast flying to the football.”

3. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Previous ranking: 3
Carter isn’t the only one with outstanding size on Kiper’s list. Graham is 6-foot-3 and a whopping 320 pounds of pure dynamite. He racked up 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 26 pressures and 14 run stops this season to lead one of the best defenses in the nation.

Kiper: “I love Graham’s technique. His leverage gives him an advantage at the point of attack, and interior offensive linemen struggle with his power and quickness. Graham has strong and active hands, and he has proved effective against the run and pass from inside.”

4. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Previous ranking: 4
Shedeur Sanders is the No. 1 quarterback prospect in Kiper’s eyes this year and it’s difficult to blame him. Sanders was fantastic in his two seasons at Colorado. In this season alone, Sanders erupted for 4,134 passing yards, 37 TD passes and four rushing scores while completing 74% of his pass attempts.

Kiper: “I’m always impressed watching him throw on the move, rolling either left or right. He is very accurate in those spots and has the arm to drive the ball. When his mechanics and footwork are sound, he can pick apart a defense.”

5. Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Previous ranking: 5
Cam Ward transferred to Miami this past offseason and made the most of his opportunity in the spotlight. Ward finished the 2024 regular season with 4,123 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, the most in the nation.

Kiper: “Ward has an unorthodox delivery, but he throws with accuracy and velocity from different arm angles. … When things break down around him, Ward can extend plays with his legs, either throwing on the move or picking up first downs as a runner. I like his toughness, swagger and confidence.”

6. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Previous ranking: 6
One man doesn’t make a defense. While Mason Graham posed issues upfront for opposing offenses, Johnson anchored the Wolverines’ secondary. Despite missing six games this season due to a turf toe injury, Johnson finished this season with 21 tackles, a tackle for loss, two interceptions, three pass breakups and two defensive TDs.

Kiper: “Johnson is so instinctive in coverage, and his ability to read quarterbacks jumps out when you watch him. He has great quickness in his transition, allowing him to make plays on the ball.”

7. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Previous ranking: 8
Although Tetairoa McMillan didn’t receive the same attention as many of the prospects on this list this past season, he’s arguably the most talented receiver in the draft. With rare height and agility, McMillan showed off his potential this season, hauling in 84 catches for 1,319 receiving yards and eight receiving scores.

Kiper: “McMillan is a big-bodied receiver who can be a mismatch for smaller corners. And his great size, body control, concentration and hands help him consistently win in contested-catch situations. He can snatch the ball and make it look easy.”

8. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

Previous ranking: 9
Jalon Walker was one of the most feared defenders in the country this season, and for good reason. Walker caused endless issues for his foes, collecting 62 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss in 2024.

Kiper: “Walker gets into the backfield as if he were shot out of a cannon, and his bend and explosion off the edge help him beat blockers and get to the quarterback or ball carrier. He’s a versatile defender, with experience as an off-ball linebacker and a pass rusher.”

9. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Previous ranking: 7
Ashton Jeanty fell two spots in Kiper’s rankings this week but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s an immense talent. The unexpected star turned the college football world on its head this year with his highlight runs and seemingly endless reserves of energy. Jeanty led the nation this season with 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in the ground game.

Kiper: “Jeanty displays excellent contact balance and toughness, which help him skirt past the first line of defense and through traffic. … And don’t sleep on his receiving skills. Jeanty has sure hands out of the backfield and can be a true all-purpose back in the NFL.”

10. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Previous ranking: 10
Kelvin Banks was the best security guard in college football this season. Starting all 15 games at left tackle for the Longhorns, Banks gave up just one sack this season. With a 6-foot-4, 320-pound frame, Banks is NFL-ready.

Kiper: “He has the mobility to quickly block off the edge and then the frame and strength to take care of power rushers. He just needs to become more consistent in the run game as a blocker.”

Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board — Nos. 11-25:

11. Will Campbell, OT, LSU
12. Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia (+3)
13. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (-1)
14. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State (-1)
15. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (+1)
16. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (-2) 
17. Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama (NR)
18. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (NR)
19. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (+2)
20. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
21. Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M (+2)
22. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina (-5)
23. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame (NR)
24. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (NR)
25. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss (-7)