The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers face the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the 2024 CUSA Championship Game under the lights on Friday night. However, for some players, more than a championship will be at stake.
For 2025 NFL Draft prospects, this could be the last time they put on their school jersey and the final opportunity to showcase their talent to the NFL. Let’s look at which players the NFL could potentially have their eyes on.
Western Kentucky 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Upton Stout, Defensive Back (Rounds 4-5)
- Hosea Wheeler, Defensive Line (Round 7-UDFA)
- Quantavious Leslie, Offensive Line (UDFA)
- Kisean Johnson, Wide Receiver (UDFA)
- TJ Finley, Quarterback (UDFA)
- Dalvin Smith, Wide Receiver (UDFA)
- Devonte’ Mathews, Defensive Back (UDFA)
Upton Stout’s NFL Draft Projection
Stout is expected to be the highest-drafted prospect in the CUSA Championship Game and currently holds an early Day 3 grade from NFL scouts. The Hilltoppers’ cornerback has spent three seasons at WKU after playing his first two seasons with the North Texas Mean Green.
In Bowling Green, Kentucky, Stout has demonstrated the intelligence and instincts typical of a highly rated cornerback, along with a physicality that exceeds expectations for his size, earning him a Reese’s Senior Bowl invitation.
However, Stout’s size is a limitation. At 5’9” and 182 pounds, he doesn’t meet the traditional measurable benchmarks that would typically lead to an early selection in the draft. Nevertheless, the prospect has showcased enough explosiveness, purposeful movement, and toughness to be considered a slot NFL cornerback.
Hosea Wheeler’s NFL Draft Projection
Wheeler has been a prominent figure on WKU’s defensive line. The former JUCO player has shown consistent improvement year after year, gaining national attention following his standout performance against Ohio State in 2023. In that game, despite a tough 63-10 loss in Columbus, Wheeler recorded one forced fumble, a sack, and an interception.
In 2024, Wheeler has accumulated 59 total tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. His athletic playing style and increasing presence on the defensive front suggest that teams may consider taking a chance on the 6’3”, 300-pound defensive tackle in the later rounds of the draft. However, as a redshirt junior, returning to school in 2025 is also possible.
Jacksonville State’s 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Clay Webb, Offensive Line (Rounds 4-5)
- Antonio Carter II, Defensive Back (Rounds 6-7)
- Tre Stewart, Running Back (Round 6-UDFA)
- Morven Joseph, Linebacker (UDFA)
- Cam Jones, Offensive Line (UDFA)
- Derek Carter, Cornerback (UDFA)
- Tyler Huff, Quarterback (UDFA)
- J-Rock Swain, Defensive End (UDFA)
Clay Webb’s Draft Projection
Webb has been on the radar of NFL scouts for several seasons. The 2023 CFN Offensive Guard of the Year has locked down the left guard spot on the Gamecocks’ offensive line but may project best as a center in the NFL.
After starting his career with the Georgia Bulldogs, the former five-star recruit has developed into one of the best interior offensive linemen in the conference and projects as a potential early Day 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Antonio Carter’s Draft Projection
Carter has emerged as one of the top safeties in Conference USA and is seen as a potential late-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Measuring 6’0″ and 200 pounds, the defensive back led JSU with 97 total tackles in 2024 and recorded one interception after transferring from Notre Dame.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Carter is a two-time transfer, having previously played 28 games for the Rhode Island Rams and nine games at Notre Dame. After participating in 12 games as a Gamecock, Carter has enhanced his draft stock, making himself a viable candidate with his strong tackling skills and effective pursuit angles.
Tre Stewart’s Draft Projection
Stewart has had an outstanding senior season at the FBS level. As the lead rusher for the Gamecocks, he currently leads the conference with 1,403 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
After spending three seasons at Limestone University, where he accumulated 2,994 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, the Winston-Salem native has positioned himself as a potential draft prospect due to his excellent vision, physical playing style, and contributions in the receiving game.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.