The matchup between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes is among the most exciting in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Both teams have a wealth of 2025 NFL Draft prospects who have the opportunity to boost their draft stock with strong performances in front of a national audience.
Tennessee 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- James Pearce Jr., EDGE (Round 1)
- Omarr Norman-Lott, DT (Rounds 3-4)
- Dylan Sampson, RB (Rounds 3-4)
- Donte Thornton, WR (UDFA)
- Chris Brazzell, WR (UDFA)
- Bru McCoy, WR (UDFA)
- Squirrel White, WR (UDFA)
- Cooper Mays, OL (UDFA)
- Javontez Spraggins, OL (UDFA)
James Pearce Jr.’s NFL Draft Projection
James Pearce Jr. is considered among the top five edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft. His pass-rushing tape is among the best in the class, featuring 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons that highlight his elite athleticism and exceptional bend.
However, at 6’5” and 240 pounds, the Tennessee edge rusher lacks the necessary density and pure strength to consistently hold his position on the edge in the NFL. He must add significant mass to compete effectively on all three downs.
Omarr Norman-Lott’s NFL Draft Projection
At 6’5” and 335 pounds, Omarr Norman-Lott is a physical specimen and combines initial quick movements with outstanding power to create and maintain leverage.
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The former four-star recruit is more flexible than his frame suggests and has the translatable hand-fight and technique to thrive in the NFL.
Dylan Sampson’s NFL Draft Projection
The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with outstanding running backs, and Dylan Sampson has earned the right to be considered among that group. The Volunteers’ rusher led the SEC with 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024, showcasing explosive movement and elite vision.
Ohio State 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Emeka Egbuka, WR (Rounds 1-2)
- Josh Simmons, OT (Rounds 1-2)
- Tyleik Williams, DL (Rounds 2-3)
- Donovan Jackson, OL (Round 3)
- Quinshon Judkins, RB (Rounds 3-4)
- Jack Sawyer, EDGE (Rounds 3-4)
- Denzel Burke, CB (Rounds 3-4)
- Treveyon Henderson, RB (Rounds 3-4)
- J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE (Rounds 3-4)
- Davison Igbinosun, CB (Round 4-6)
- Jordan Hancock, CB (Rounds 6-UDFA)
- Lathan Ranson, S (Rounds 6-UDFA)
- Sonny Styles, LB (Rounds 6-UDFA)
- Seth McLaughlin, OL (Rounds 6-UDFA)
- Ty Hamilton, DL (Rounds 6-UDFA)
- Will Howard, QB (UDFA)
- Josh Fryar, OT (UDFA)
- Gee Scott Jr., TE (UDFA)
- Cody Simon, LB (UDFA)
Emeka Egbuka’s NFL Draft Projection
Emeka Egbuka is one of the most clear-cut evaluations for the 2025 NFL Draft, making him likely to be selected in the first two rounds. In our latest 3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, he was the 33rd overall selection.
The Ohio State wide receiver has built an impressive resume highlighting his elite route-running skills, outstanding athleticism, and excellent field awareness.
With 2,600 career receiving yards, he ranks fifth in Ohio State’s all-time history and needs just 147 more yards to surpass Michael Jenkins at the top of the prestigious list.
Josh Simmons’ NFL Draft Projection
Josh Simmons was on track to be the top offensive tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, a season-ending knee injury in October that required surgery has cast a shadow over those expectations.
The Ohio State offensive tackle has officially declared for the draft, and if his medical evaluations come back clear, he could still be a contender for the first round. At 6’5” and 310 pounds, the Buckeye demonstrates remarkable strength and fluid movement, showcasing his dominance when he is healthy.
Tyleik Williams’ NFL Draft Projection
A versatile defensive lineman, Tyleik Williams has the potential to be drafted on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. He has masses of potential, showcasing excellent mobility and strength profiles. However, inconsistency has plagued his 2024 season and should, therefore, limit his draft stock ascending to the first round.
That being said, Williams has a fantastic physical profile. A powerful mover and dangerous aggressor, the Buckeyes’ DT has flashed pocket penetration, pass rush moves, and the ability to shed blocks. We just haven’t seen enough of it.
Donovan Jackson’s NFL Draft Projection
Donovan Jackson should be one of the top interior offensive linemen taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, having put together a comprehensive resume in Columbus.
At 6’4” and 320 pounds, he plays with outstanding intelligence, explosive mobility, and violent strength. The Buckeyes’ interior protector is an adequate athlete, has punchy hands, and should be a stalwart on an NFL offensive line for years.
Quinshon Judkins’ NFL Draft Projection
Quinshon Judkins has been one of the top running backs in college football since becoming a starter three seasons ago. While he isn’t the same electric play threat as during his breakout freshman season for the Ole Miss Rebels, the Buckeyes back can still cause significant damage out of the backfield.
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The former Rebel has an explosive first step and is a patient rusher. Judkins has a thunderous running style that forces missed tackles, and while his vision is adequate, it doesn’t challenge the top of the class. The Ohio State rusher plays more powerfully, using his dense frame to gather yards after contact.
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