These standout high school players once topped recruiting boards across the nation. Now, they’re eyeing the 2025 NFL Draft, and many have become household names in college football. Here’s a look at former five-star recruits who are hoping to hear their names called early.
2025 NFL Draft Prospects Who Were Once 5-Star Recruits
Jordan Burch
Defensive Lineman | 6’6″ | 295 lbs | Senior @ Oregon
Jordan Burch took a few years to develop into the player scouts projected, but his 2024 season at Oregon showed why he was once a five-star. With 8.5 sacks, Burch showcased elite physical tools and improved consistency. Though not quite a first-round lock, his size and upside have him firmly in the Day 2 conversation.
Luther Burden
Wide Receiver | 6’2″ | 205 lbs | Junior @ Missouri
Luther Burden lived up to the hype from Day 1 at Missouri. The explosive playmaker out of East St. Louis, Illinois, had a career year in 2024, tallying 86 receptions for 1,212 yards. His production, route running, and YAC ability have him projected as a first-round pick.
Jihaad Campbell
Outside Linebacker | 6’3″ | 230 lbs | Junior @ Alabama
One of Alabama’s top defenders, Jihaad Campbell, emerged as a force this past season with 117 tackles. Once a five-star recruit from IMG Academy, he now projects as the only linebacker to hear his name in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Barrett Carter
Inside Linebacker | 6’1″ | 220 lbs | Senior @ Clemson
Barrett Carter, a Georgia native and Clemson standout, racked up 233 tackles during his college career. While his production is first-round worthy, the positional value of inside linebackers may push him into Day 2 of the draft.
Josh Conerly Jr.
Offensive Tackle | 6’6″ | 275 lbs | Junior @ Oregon
Josh Conerly Jr. was one of the most technically sound tackles in his recruiting class. After choosing Oregon over USC, he developed into a reliable blindside protector. He’s currently a fringe first-rounder, with the NFL Combine potentially boosting his stock.
Emeka Egbuka
Wide Receiver | 6’1″ | 180 lbs | Senior @ Ohio State
Egbuka quietly led Ohio State in catches last season despite being overshadowed by stars like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith. With over 200 career catches and nearly 3,000 yards, the former five-star is a polished, NFL-ready receiver vying for a late-first-round selection.
Quinn Ewers
Quarterback | 6’2″ | 210 lbs | Junior @ Texas
Quinn Ewers was the No. 1 recruit in the 2021 class, but his path has been anything but typical. After brief stops at Ohio State and then Texas, Ewers showcased NFL-caliber arm talent but struggled with consistency. A strong Combine showing could revive his first-round hopes.
Myles Hinton
Offensive Tackle | 6’6″ | 342 lbs | Senior RS @ Michigan
Once a top offensive line prospect, Myles Hinton’s college journey didn’t quite match the hype. After transferring from Stanford to Michigan, he showed flashes but lacked consistency. Like his brother Chris, Hinton might slip into the late rounds, or even go undrafted.
Travis Hunter
Defensive Back/Wide Receiver | 6’1″ | 185 lbs | Junior @ Colorado
Arguably the most electrifying player in the draft, Travis Hunter played both ways at Colorado and never left the field. A five-star turned national sensation, he’s in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick thanks to his rare versatility and elite instincts.
Donovan Jackson
Offensive Guard | 6’4″ | 295 lbs | Senior @ Ohio State
Donovan Jackson, a multi-year starter at Ohio State, has been a rock on the interior line. A top recruit from Houston’s Episcopal High School, Jackson combines strength with high football IQ. He’s a borderline first-round pick and one of the draft’s best interior linemen.
Shemar James
Inside Linebacker | 6’3″ | 210 lbs | Junior @ Florida
A hard-hitting linebacker from Mobile, Alabama, Shemar James had a promising start at Florida but was hampered by injuries. His junior season was solid, but not spectacular. While he has NFL traits, James is likely a late-round selection.
Will Johnson
Cornerback | 6’2″ | 182 lbs | Junior @ Michigan
Will Johnson has all the traits NFL teams covet: size, speed, and ball skills. He was a lockdown corner in Ann Arbor and often erased top receivers. A likely Day 1 selection, Johnson could be the first cornerback off the board depending on how he tests.
Bru McCoy
Wide Receiver | 6’3″ | 220 lbs | Senior @ Tennessee
Bru McCoy’s college journey was turbulent, bouncing between USC, Texas, and finally Tennessee. Though his production hasn’t matched his five-star billing, his size and flashes of dominance give him a shot at a late-round selection.
Tetairoa McMillan
Wide Receiver | 6’5″ | 210 lbs | Junior @ Arizona
McMillan emerged as Arizona’s top offensive weapon, showcasing elite ball skills and body control. He enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most coveted receivers, with clear first-round potential.
Walter Nolen
Defensive Tackle | 6’4″ | 290 lbs | Junior @ Ole Miss
Nolen transferred from Texas A&M to Ole Miss and had a breakout year with 6.5 sacks and 48 tackles. His size, power, and interior disruption make him a likely first-round pick.
Tate Ratledge
Offensive Guard | 6’6″ | 320 lbs | Senior @ Georgia
A three-year starter for Georgia, Ratledge was a consistent anchor on the offensive line. While not a flashy pick, he’s a steady Day 2 option with plug-and-play potential.
Jack Sawyer
Edge Rusher | 6’4″ | 265 lbs | Senior @ Ohio State
Jack Sawyer took time to blossom but delivered big in his final season with 10 sacks and several game-changing plays. With strong testing numbers, he could sneak into the first round.
Shemar Stewart
Defensive End | 6’6″ | 280 lbs | Junior @ Texas A&M
Despite a five-star pedigree, Stewart’s college production has been modest, with just 4.5 career sacks. Still, his physical upside may tempt a team to take a Day 2 gamble.
J.T. Tuimoloau
Defensive End | 6’5″ | 270 lbs | Senior @ Ohio State
Tuimoloau was a four-year contributor with game-wrecking potential, especially during Ohio State’s playoff run. He’s a fringe first-rounder with plenty of tools to develop further.
Theo Wease
Wide Receiver | 6’3″ | 205 lbs | Senior @ Missouri
Wease never quite broke out at Oklahoma but found new life at Missouri, where he became a reliable target. He’s a late Day 3 prospect hoping to stick as a depth piece in the league.
Clay Webb
Center | 6’3″ | 295 lbs | Senior @ Jacksonville State
Webb’s career didn’t follow the expected five-star arc, playing sparingly at Georgia before transferring to Jacksonville State. With limited tape and some off-field concerns, he’s a long shot to be drafted.
KEEP READING: 7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft: After Cam Ward, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders Come Off the Board
These former five-star high school stars have taken different paths, but they all share one thing in common: elite talent. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many will look to cement their legacies and prove that the hype was always real.
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