The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish collide in Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday night for the right to be named the national champion.
While the ultimate team prize is up for grabs, there is also the opportunity for multiple 2025 NFL Draft prospects to solidify their stock in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
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)
* not playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game due to injury.
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. He needs just 95 yards in the national championship game to become the all-time leader for receiving yards and just three receptions to break the career catch record.
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.
Notre Dame 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Benjamin Morrison, CB (Rounds 1-2)*
- Xavier Watts, S (Rounds 2-3)
- Howard Cross III, DT (Rounds 4-5)
- Rylie Mills, DL (Rounds 4-5)*
- Mitchell Evans, TE (Rounds 5-6)
- Riley Leonard, QB (Rounds 4-6)
- Jack Kiser, LB (Rounds 4-6)
- RJ Oben, DE (Round 7-UDFA)
- Beaux Collins, WR (UDFA)
- Jaylen Sneed, LB (UDFA)
- Pat Coogan, OL (UDFA)
* not playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game due to injury.
Benjamin Morrison’s NFL Draft Projection
Benjamin Morrison’s season came to an unfortunate end in October 2024 due to a hip injury. However, as the top-rated NFL prospect from the Fighting Irish, he remains a key figure at the top of this list.
Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 190 pounds, Morrison is widely regarded as one of the most technically refined cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. He combines solid athleticism with smooth movement, intense physicality, and a natural ability to anticipate plays. However, the injury concern may cause him to fall to the second round.
Xavier Watts’ NFL Draft Projection
Xavier Watts leads Notre Dame in 2024 with six interceptions and nine passes defensed, solidifying his place as one of the top safety prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. The phenomenal season builds on his impressive seven interceptions in 2023. Known for his ability to generate turnovers, Watts combines elite anticipation and physicality. His explosive reactions and strong instincts make the 6’0”, 205-pound safety a standout Day 2 prospect.
Howard Cross III’s NFL Draft Projection
Howard Cross is a bully up front and a creative disruptor. He possesses dominating strength and underlying awareness to penetrate the backfield, leading to 27 tackles, six TFLs, and four sacks in 12 appearances this season. However, at 6’1” and 288 pounds, the former four-star recruit is undersized, which will limit his immediate appeal to NFL teams.
Rylie Mills’ NFL Draft Projection
Rylie Mills, who led the team with 7.5 sacks in 2024, is poised to excel as a 3-technique in the NFL, where his pass-rushing skills, explosive athleticism, and overpowering strength will be key assets.
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The 6’5″, 295-pound defensive lineman from Notre Dame is a remarkable athlete, but his postseason was prematurely cut short due to a knee injury, as he was ruled out after the first round of the playoff.
Mitchell Evans’ NFL Draft Projection
Mitchell Evans shares the team lead at Notre Dame in 2024 with three receiving touchdowns, which may highlight some limitations in the passing game at South Bend.
Nevertheless, the 6’5″, 253-pound tight end is a highly skilled receiver, leveraging his substantial frame and exceptional spatial awareness to exploit mismatches against defenders. His ability to create separation and effectively position himself in the passing game showcases his natural talent and high football IQ.
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