Back in August, Reese's Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy and his experienced scouting staff released their watch list for next year’s game, which spotlighted 859 prospects from more than 180 college football programs. The list included underclassmen for the first time, a product of the NFL changing its rules last November to allow for draft-eligible underclassmen to participate in all-star games.
In mid-October, I provided midseason rankings of the top prospects on the Senior Bowl watch list. Now, with the college football regular season in the books -- aside from the annual Army-Navy game -- it's time for an updated pecking order. Below, you'll find my rundown of the top 20 players.
The 2025 Senior Bowl will be held at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, on Feb. 1, 2025 and broadcast live on NFL Network (2:30 p.m. ET).
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- * denotes player is an underclassman.
- Heights and weights are via school measurements.
- Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. are not included below because they have accepted invitations to the East-West Shrine Bowl (Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network).
20) Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon (6-foot-4, 315 pounds)*
One reason the top-ranked Ducks are flying high this season is their excellent offensive line. Conerly locks down the left tackle spot for Oregon (which was the blind side for Bo Nix in 2023, but it's in the field of vision for lefty QB Dillon Gabriel this season). Nimble but tough, Conerly pushes around defensive ends and hits second-level targets in the run game while adeptly stoning pass rushers around the pocket with fluid movement and a solid anchor. He's a reliable and athletic lineman who reminds me of Troy Fautanu, the No. 20 overall pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in this past April's draft.
19) Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama (6-3, 244)*
Campbell started eight games for the Crimson Tide in 2023, but his experience and athleticism were on full display during his junior campaign. He's a downhill run defender and effective blitzer between the tackles. He also makes plays in zone coverage and exhibits the ability to man up receivers and tight ends. Campbell had four tackles and an interception in the September win over Georgia, and after two down games against Vanderbilt and South Carolina, he bounced back to stuff the stat sheet against LSU with 10 tackles (including 2.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks) and a forced fumble. Beating blocks with his hands more consistently will make him a top-notch starter at the next level.
18) Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 205)
Egbuka may not be considered an explosive playmaker by some because he's averaged around 12.5 yards per catch over the past two seasons. Don't underestimate his ability to be a primary target in a pro offense, however; I think he can put up similar numbers to his former teammate, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has exploded for 441 receiving yards and three scores the past four games with the Seahawks. Egbuka can win at all three levels with savvy routes, quick feet and reliable hands. He'll earn an NFL quarterback's trust early in his career.
17) James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee (6-5, 243)*
After a slow start to the year, Pearce has racked up 5.5 sacks in the past six contests. He is speed personified on the edge when one-on-one against either offensive tackle, getting upfield fast on the outside or cutting inside to create chaos in the pocket. Pearce has a leaner build with more linear movement than other defenders on this list, but he can chase plays, shed run blocks and long-arm bigger tackles into the lap of the quarterback. He'll be a great fit for a team seeking an effective designated pass rusher in Year 1 who can blossom into a starter in time.
16) Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (6-1, 205)*
For the second straight year, Starks was named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top defensive back. The Georgia safety is tied for the team lead with 65 tackles, often lining up in the box or quickly attacking plays from deeper in the secondary. Starks missed some tackles during a few mediocre team defensive efforts by the Bulldogs this season and has just one interception and three pass break-ups to his name. Still, he's had plenty of good tape over the past three years, showing he can play tight man coverage in the slot, create turnovers at free safety and handle his responsibilities in the run game.
15) Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia (6-5, 265)*
Williams inevitably draws comparisons to former Bulldog (and 2022 No. 1 overall pick) Travon Walker. Williams registered just 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in 10 games this season because of an ankle injury and regular alignment in a three-man front; Walker had similar numbers (7.5 and six, respectively) during his final year at Georgia but has 18.5 sacks in the past two years with the Jaguars. Production is an important evaluation factor, but if Williams excels at the NFL Scouting Combine like Walker did, a pro team will spend a premium pick on his size and length off the edge.
14) Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi (6-3, 305)*
The former No. 1 overall recruit played well at Texas A&M in 2023 (8.5 tackles for loss with four sacks) but has been unblockable at times for Ole Miss this season (14, 6.5). Rebels defensive coordinator Pete Golding compared Nolen to Jets Pro Bowler Quinnen Williams, whom he coached at Alabama. While not the biggest tackle in the class, Nolen is explosive off the ball, chases plays outside the box and wins one-on-one with leverage and strong hands. Don't be surprised if he climbs up this list through the evaluation process.
13) Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan (6-3, 339)*
In 2019, Clemson defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence were top-20 picks of the Dolphins and Giants, respectively. Grant and fellow Michigan DT Mason Graham (more on him in a bit) could accomplish that kind of feat. Grant is a great athlete for his (gargantuan) size, presenting quickness off the snap and in the box to hassle ball-carriers coming into his sights. It's also not easy to move him in the run game, as Ohio State just saw in a shocking upset loss to the Wolverines. He projects as a three-down player who could grow into making a Lawrence-type impact in time.
12) Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (6-6, 261)
Warren's been more than just a tight end for the Nittany Lions this season. Sure, the guy just set the Big Ten record for TE receptions in a season (81), but Penn State also relies on him to be a ball-carrier (21-189-9.0, four TDs), Wildcat quarterback (3-for-5, 35 yards, one TD passing) and blocker. Warren's outstanding hands and short-area agility should earn him similar grades to this past April's No. 13 overall pick (and 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate), Brock Bowers.
11) Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (5-9, 215)*
Averaging an astounding 190.7 rushing yards per game this season, Jeanty needs 341 more yards in the postseason to break Barry Sanders' 36-year-old FBS single-season rushing record (2,628 yards). His combination of short-area agility and strength allow him to avoid would-be tacklers in the box and run through defenders in space. He's a home run threat on every touch because of his vision, balance through contact and open-field acceleration. Jeanty ran for 226 yards in his latest game (a 34-18 win over Oregon State), but fumbled for the third time in seven weeks, dropped a pass and missed a blitz pick-up. Still, he's an elite prospect at the position.
10) Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (5-11, 205)*
Burden's stats are not as impressive this season (61-676-11.1, six receiving TDs) as they were in 2023 (86-1,212-14.1, nine receiving TDs), but his elite traits are still obvious. He wreaks havoc on defenses when he gets the ball in space, spinning off tackle attempts, accelerating downfield in a hurry or powering through defensive backs for extra yards. Burden also possesses the body control and strong hands to adjust to high throws and back-shoulder passes. His numbers this year may not scream "top-10 pick," but don't be surprised if he ultimately goes that early.
9) Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas (6-4, 320)*
Banks is a smooth mover off the snap at left tackle, getting into perfect position to stop advances from even the quickest pass rushers. He handled probable first-rounder Landon Jackson when the Longhorns took on Arkansas (though Jackson got a sack when Quinn Ewers stepped up in the pocket). Banks looks like an All-American guard getting out in front of screens and pulling in the run game, as well. He bends at the waist and misses his punch on some run blocks, but assuming the ankle injury suffered against Texas A&M is not serious, Banks will be a highly sought-after tackle prospect.
8) Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia (6-2, 245)*
Pop on some Micah Parsons tape from his days at Penn State and then watch Walker; the similarities don't end with the jersey number. Walker is tied for the Georgia team lead in sacks with 5.5 this fall (after leading the Bulldogs with five as a reserve last year) but also looks right at home playing off the ball. His closing speed allows him to reach either sideline, while his thick upper body and strong hands help him beat blocks inside when playing the run.
7) Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (6-5, 212)*
McMillan's large frame and strong hands will be quite enticing to NFL teams. The Hawaii native ranks top 10 nationally in receptions (84) and receiving yards (1,319), often working inside to take advantage of his size (and surprising quickness in his cuts) against smaller corners. His long strides and physicality make him a tough cover for outside corners, as well. And the big-bodied wideout unsurprisingly excels in the red zone, racking up 26 receiving scores in his 37 games at Arizona.
6) Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (6-2, 202)*
Johnson's junior season has been derailed by injury; he missed one game with a shoulder injury and the last five contests with a foot issue. He worked through leg injuries last season, as well, while helping lead Michigan to a national title with four interceptions. Johnson possesses the hip flexibility, speed, length and quickness to star on the outside in the NFL. He returned both his interceptions for touchdowns this season (against Fresno State and USC) and is not afraid to bring physicality to coverage or run support. General managers will consider him an elite prospect if his injuries are not deemed long-term problems.
5) Will Campbell, OT, LSU (6-6, 323)*
Scouts have seen plenty of Campbell over the past three seasons, as the elite high school recruit stepped into LSU's starting left tackle job as a true freshman. He's continually gained strength in college, allowing him to overpower defenders in the run game, but is still mobile enough to climb to linebackers. Edge rushers do not get much traction outside when Campbell's hands land quickly and he widens his base to anchor. The Louisiana native is my top tackle prospect in the class and has a great future in the NFL.
4) Cam Ward, QB, Miami (6-2, 223)
Ward guided the Hurricanes to just their second 10-win season in the past 21 years, ranking first in the FBS with 36 passing touchdowns. He has greatly improved his ability to read defenses from his days as a starter at Incarnate Word. (Ward then spent two seasons at Washington State before transferring to Miami for the 2024 campaign.) His quick delivery and Sunday arm strength make him dangerous when in the pocket, as does his ability to change arm angles without losing velocity or accuracy. Ward's improvisation skills and running ability make defenses cringe, though he makes his own coaches woozy by throwing across his body into traffic. That's the price of having a confident playmaker at the position.
3) Abdul Carter, Edge/LB, Penn State (6-3, 252)*
The departure of Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac to the NFL pushed Carter from linebacker to the defensive line, where his quick get-off, straight-line speed and flexibility to turn the corner have helped him rank among national leaders with 19.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Rushing the passer wasn't exactly new to the impending All-American, though, as he led the team with 6.5 sacks as a freshman. Carter also hustles down plays to the opposite side of the field and stacks and sheds larger tackles to force plays inside -- two signs he's ready to contribute immediately on a three-down basis at the next level.
2) Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (6-3, 320)*
The Wolverines' 2024 season was saved by a win over Ohio State in "The Game," and Graham was a significant reason why they got the huge road victory. While not among the NCAA leaders with seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, he's consistently stopping run plays near the line of scrimmage by squaring his shoulders and playing with leverage. Graham can play inside or at five-technique because of his quick hands and feet off the snap, forcing quarterbacks to unload passes before they wish and chasing plays outside the box. In other words, he's a complete player.
1) Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado (6-1, 185)*
Hunter recently stated that he is "for sure" entering the draft. The clear top prospect in the class and Heisman Trophy favorite stars at receiver (ranking second in the FBS with 14 touchdowns) and cornerback (tied for 15th with four interceptions) while playing over 120 snaps in most contests. NFL offensive coaches will want his elite speed, agility and ball skills on their side of the ball; he's a human highlight reel who leaps high and contorts his body to make amazing catches. Hunter also could star on defense because of those receiver skills, his stamina, toughness and football intelligence. It's hard to find things this rare talent can't do on a football field.
