There were many unexpected outcomes during the 2025 NFL Draft, but few were as startling as the well-known college football players who were not selected. Despite stellar collegiate careers, several well-known athletes were left without a team at the end of the draft.
Top College Football Players Who Shockingly Went Undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft
For a list of every UDFA signing: 2025 NFL Draft UDFA Signings by School
Gee Scott Jr. (TE, Ohio State)
An Ohio State standout, Gee Scott Jr., was overlooked. Though he was a reliable receiving tight end, questions about consistency and blocking skills might have led teams to pass. Scott is expected to get free agent offers quickly.
Xavier Restrepo (WR, Miami)
Miami’s Xavier Restrepo, known for his sharp routes and dependable hands, surprisingly slipped through all seven rounds. Some projected him as a late-round gem, and he’s now a prime target for teams seeking wide receiver depth.
The CSN Scouting Report on Restrepo had this to say:
Xavier Restrepo was, without a doubt, Cam Ward’s favorite target in the 2024 Miami offense. Restrepo eclipsed 1,000 yards for the second straight season, racking up 69 catches for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He was incredibly productive in college, but how he projects to the NFL is less clear. Restrepo has a strong frame at 5’10”, 209 pounds, and his superpower is his short-area quickness as a route runner and RAC threat. But Restrepo lacks great speed and explosiveness, and his sub-30″ arms greatly reduce his catch radius and viability against press coverage.
Restrepo likely projects as a slot-only target at the NFL level, and his limited athletic ceiling may impact his draft capital. Still, in the right role, he can go on to exceed his draft billing with his toughness, separation IQ, and sturdy hands.
Jared Ivey (DE, Ole Miss)
Defensive end Jared Ivey from Ole Miss was another notable omission. A strong pass rusher with good size, Ivey’s undrafted status puzzled analysts. His athletic traits could still earn him a spot in training camp.
The CSN Scouting Report on Ivey mentioned his athleticism:
Jared Ivey is a long, athletic edge rusher with an explosive first step and the ability to disrupt both the run and pass games. He uses his length well to create separation from blockers and flashes a quick swim move to penetrate the backfield. Ivey shows good motor and discipline when setting the edge, and his versatility allows him to shift inside on passing downs.
He plays with a physical edge and has the frame to add more strength. However, his hand usage can be inconsistent, and he occasionally stalls out when his initial move is stopped, limiting his finishing ability.
Cobee Bryant (CB, Kansas)
Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant had a knack for creating turnovers and locking down receivers. Many thought he could sneak into the later rounds, but he now faces a longer road to the NFL through free agency.
The CSN Scouting Report on Bryant mentioned his knack for making plays and his ball-hawking skills:
Bryant is an instinctive cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft with a knack for making plays on the ball. At 6’0” and 170 pounds, he combines length and athleticism to challenge receivers at the catch point.
A natural ballhawk, he’s also a physical defender who isn’t afraid to step up against the run — but as his eight interceptions and 12 pass breakups over the past two seasons show, Bryant’s best trait is his playmaking ability, and the speed he utilizes to close gaps and hawk in front of ill-fated passes.
There are questions surrounding how his lighter frame will translate, but in heavy off-man and zone schemes, he could survive and thrive.
Logan Brown (OL, Kansas)
Offensive lineman Logan Brown had the size and starting experience teams often covet late in the draft. Though he wasn’t selected, his versatility makes him a name to watch in free agency.
The CSN Scouting Report also noted Brown’s size and experience:
Logan Brown is a former five-star recruit who brought impressive pedigree with him to Wisconsin. His career with the Badgers didn’t work out, but he experienced a resurgence at Kansas, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition in 2024.
Brown has a unique blend of experience and untapped potential. At 6’6″, 311 pounds, with near-34″ arms, he tested with elite athletic numbers, and he’s played at both left and right tackle. While his medical history may sow unease among teams, his physical gifts, positional versatility, and easy leverage acquisition skills and flexibility could make him a steal of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Gottlieb Ayedze (OL, Maryland)
Maryland’s Gottlieb Ayedze, a tackle with excellent strength and technique, also went undrafted. Teams needing offensive line depth are already rumored to be reaching out.
KEEP READING: Biggest Question Marks From Day 3
Although it’s difficult to be undrafted, history demonstrates that many outstanding NFL players, including Hall of Famers, began their careers as undrafted free agents. Now, these college standouts have the opportunity to disprove opponents and establish their own careers.
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