We are deep into the 2025 college football season at this point, and several players are beginning to establish themselves as top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. Many of these college football players have put up impressive performances over the past few weeks, cementing themselves as solid options to consider when looking forward to rookie drafts next year.
The college football landscape is capable of change at any given moment, so these rankings will naturally shift drastically before the end of the regular season. However, it’s worth checking in with these players to see who has risen or fallen over the past few weeks.
1. Jordyn Tyson (WR, ASU)
2. Jeremiyah Love (RB, ND)
3. Fernando Mendonza (QB, IND)
4. Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
5. Justice Haynes (RB, MICH)
6. Carnell Tate (WR, OSU)
7. Elijah Sarratt (WR, IND)
8. LaNorris Sellers (QB, SC)
9. Dante Moore (QB, ORE)
10. Denzel Boston (WR, WAS)
11. Jonah Coleman (RB, WAS)
12. Jadarian Price (RB, ND)
13. John Mateer (QB, OKL)
14. Antonio Williams (WR, CLE)
15. Aaron Anderson (WR, LSU)
16. KC Concepcion (WR, TA&M)
17. Kenyon Sadiq (TE, ORE)
18. Cade Klubnik (QB, CLE)
19. Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU)
20. Ja’Kobi Lane (WR, USC)
21. Brett Norfleet (TE, MIZ)
22. Darius Taylor (RB, MIN)
23. Eli Stowers (TE, VAN)
24. Eric Singleton Jr. (WR, AUB)
Risers
Kenyon Sadiq (TE, ORE)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq has really risen up my rankings over the past few weeks despite being fairly uninvolved as a receiver in the Ducks’ loss to Indiana on Saturday. Sadiq is a very well-rounded player who excels as a receiver and as a blocker.
The NFL is looking for multi-dimensional tight ends who can not only contribute as blockers, but also make an impact as athletic receivers. Sadiq is one of the most athletic tight ends in recent NFL Draft history. He has fantastic speed and ability after the catch, along with an effective hurdle that he is able to employ against opposing defenders.
Overall, I expect NFL teams to be very interested in Kenyon Sadiq due to his multi-faceted gameplay. He is a tight end who is capable of completing any job on the football field.
Sadiq was previously unranked, but he has flown up my rankings because of his unique skill set and ability to immediately contribute to any NFL offense. He is a player whose draft stock may end up rising significantly in the coming weeks.
KC Concepcion (WR, TA&M)
A transfer from NC State, KC Concepcion was a player whom I was fairly high on heading into the 2025 college football season.
After a stellar freshman season at NC State, including a statline of 839 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, Concepcion had a down year in 2024 before transferring to Texas A&M for the 2025 season. Concepcion took on the challenge of the SEC and has been very solid so far.
The new Aggie has already almost surpassed his yardage total in 2024, marking a significant improvement in the situation around him. Against Florida on Saturday, Concepcion put up four receptions for 46 receiving yards, adding yet another solid game to his impressive season.
As a prospect, Concepcion is a versatile receiver who is capable of making some insane catches outside of his frame and earning extra yards after the catch. These qualities could make him a productive fantasy receiver and potentially separate him from the competition in 2026 rookie drafts.
Concepcion will obviously need to finish the 2025 season strong, but he is already on the right track, scoring five touchdowns in just six games.
Overall, I am extremely excited to see how Concepcion and Texas A&M perform during the rest of the season. There are a variety of outcomes, but Concepcion could be a draft riser after securing his spot as one of the most productive receivers in the SEC this season.
Fallers
Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU)
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will likely be a sought-after prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. This fact, however, does not make him a top dynasty prospect in 2026 rookie drafts next year.
Nussmeier is a good pocket-passing quarterback, but lacks upside with his limited mobility. However, I think he has the talent to be a starting quarterback in the NFL at some point, so it’s hard to ignore his potential.
Over his past two games, Nussmeier has accounted for three interceptions. This is a worrying trend, especially against two quality SEC opponents in Ole Miss and South Carolina.
However, I trust Nussmeier’s ability to make any throw on the field. He has flashed some incredible ball placement, making him a solid draft prospect heading into the next dynasty season. He will be an interesting prospect to evaluate, and a lot will depend on his landing spot.
Overall, I believe that Garrett Nussmeier is a talented quarterback who should be considered a serious prospect in 2026 despite a few tough SEC games. He has the ceiling to be a very effective quarterback and should be drafted as such.
John Mateer (QB, OKL)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has had a rollercoaster 2025 season after transferring in from Washington State in the offseason.
Mateer came back earlier than expected from thumb surgery, starting against Texas on Saturday. However, the transfer quarterback struggled against the Longhorns during his first game back, passing for three interceptions.
John Mateer was viewed as one of the Heisman Trophy frontrunners a few weeks ago, but his next few games will be vital in determining his 2025 season as a whole.
He possesses the ideal size for the position and has upside both as a passer and a runner heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Washington State Cougar has compiled nearly 200 rushing yards so far, and his ability in that area could make him a solid fantasy quarterback.
His game against Texas may have been somewhat of a disaster, but Mateer had put together some quality tape before his thumb injury, showing the ability to throw with solid touch.
Overall, Mateer has the chance to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country, but he needs to respond from this down week to do so.