With the 2024 NFL Draft in the rearview, it’s time to shift our focus to the rookie draft season. A helpful tool in this process is to understand the state of the college football landscape. Who are the rising stars? And what’s the value of the 2025 picks – are they worth trading for or trading away in our 2024 rookie drafts?
Today we will dive into my way-too-early Top-50 Superflex Big Board for 2025 and take a more in-depth look at the top 20. This list showcases nine quarterbacks, 15 running backs, 21 wide receivers and five tight ends and provides a comprehensive overview of the talent pool.
Top 50 Superflex Big Board
1. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
In his second season at Texas, Quinn Ewers showcased a significant bounce-back campaign, with his completion percentage rising from 58.1% to 69%. We also saw a jump in his passing production, going from 2,177 to 3,479 yards. Both Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell are on to the NFL, but I expect Ewers to continue his strong play and continue his upward trajectory. His arm is extremely accurate at all levels and he can change up the velocity of his throws. There will be questions about his arm strength and injuries that are piling up, but I foresee him leading what appears to be a relatively weak quarterback class a year from now.
2. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
After lighting it up at Jackson State in consecutive seasons, Shedeur Sanders continued his success in his first year at Colorado, passing for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. Sanders is an extremely accurate pocket quarterback who has never seen his completion percentage dip below 69%. Although he doesn’t lean on it, Sanders possesses good mobility to extend plays, but I hope to see some more creativity in 2024. This season, he is getting a few reinforcements in the passing game that should only help his ascension to the top of draft boards.
3. Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
Luther Burden broke out in 2023 with 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, earning him First Team All-SEC honors. He is operating on a stout frame standing 5-foot-11, 208 pounds, but has next-level speed and acceleration. His ability after the catch to create in various ways has drawn early Deebo Samuel comparisons. In only his second full season at the receiver position, we should expect him to continue his upward trajectory, ultimately earning the top spot among a less-than-stellar WR class.
4. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
After two stellar seasons at Ole Miss where Quinshon Judkins amassed 2,725 yards and 31 rushing touchdowns, we will see him in a new uniform, taking his talents to Ohio State. Judkins stands on a sturdy 5-foot-11, 210-pound frame that he imposes on defenders. He also displays breakaway speed and quick feet, making him an extremely effective two-down runner. This season, he will have to overcome a split backfield to produce a third straight 1,000-yard season, but either way, he is the best pure runner in this strong class.
5. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
It was a disappointing season for Emeka Egbuka, who struggled the most from the change at quarterback, reflected in his production of a mere 515 receiving yards – less than half of his 2022 total. Compounding matters, an ankle injury that resulted in tightrope surgery also dampened the back half of his season. Egbuka pairs his acceleration with incredible routes, allowing him to easily create separation which makes up for his lack of elusivity after the catch. We should see him bounce back this year as the top receiver for the Buckeyes and reestablish himself as a top-flight receiver.
6. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
We saw flashes of Tetairoa McMillan’s upside as a freshman, but he truly broke out this past year, catching 90 passes for an impressive 1,402 yards and 10 scores. His combination of size and athleticism positions him as one of the most intriguing prospects in his class. In addition, his length and strong hands allow him to dominate contested situations, making him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenders. With more opportunities in 2024, we could see him refine his game even more and emerge as the top receiver.
7. Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State
This year, Ollie Gordon exploded onto the scene, producing an NCAA-leading 1,732 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns (second-most). On top of this, we saw him add over 300 receiving yards, giving him an NCAA-leading 2,062 scrimmage yards. Gordon stands on an imposing 6-foot-2, 216-pound frame that he marries with next-level patience and vision, allowing him to produce big plays regularly. With another strong 2024, he could push Quinshon Judkins for the top back in the class.
8. Damien Martinez, RB, Miami (FL)
Former Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2022), Damien Martinez is dawning new threads this year after producing over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns rushing for the Beavers in 2023. This 6-foot-2, 232-pound runner will inherit the lead role for the Hurricanes and could see a career-high in carries. His combination of speed and size makes him an effective slasher-style runner who displays elite vision and burst. He has been limited in the passing game, so he may struggle to edge the other top-flight backs in this class if this doesn’t improve.
9. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
After three years of little-to-no production playing behind Stetson Bennett, Carson Beck exploded for 3,941 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. He has elite ball placement that allows him to dissect defenses, no matter the coverage, at all three levels. Beck has a good feel inside the pocket and is creative in opening up throwing lanes for himself. With more reps under his belt in 2024, there is a future where Beck ascends into the top tier and emerges as the top quarterback.
10. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Omarion Hampton is another thick-framed runner in this class, standing 6-foot, 220 pounds, and runs low to the ground with a tremendous ferocity. He is fresh off a dominant season where he led the ACC with 1,504 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. His ferocity is complemented by elite burst and creativity in the second level to consistently produce big plays. With Drake Maye no longer in the picture, we should anticipate a lot of Hampton in 2024, as he will have a prominent role in the offense.
11. Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado
As many people’s top corner and receiver, Travis Hunter is one of a kind. At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, he is operating on a lean frame, which is concerning considering it has already cost him some time. In his first year with the Buffaloes, he produced 721 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Hunter has strong hands and displays comfort catching outside his frame, giving him a significant catch radius. If Hunter goes forward as a receiver, we could see him ascend to the top of this list.
12. Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
It was a disappointing 2023 for Evan Stewart, who was hindered by a nagging leg injury which limited him to only eight games. He still managed to produce 514 yards and four touchdowns on just 38 receptions. Even though he lacks prototypical size, standing only 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, Stewart has displayed the ability to win at all three levels leaning on his elite quickness and strong hands. His speed makes him a big-play threat and he is always one touch away from breaking a game open. With the change of scenery, we should expect him to step into the Troy Franklin role – this produced a Ducks single-season receiving record.
13. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
We have seen a gradual decline in production from TreVeyon Henderson since his explosive freshman year where he amassed over 1,200 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Injuries have been a significant hindrance, allowing him to appear in only 18 games, with 1,497 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in that span. With the addition of Quinshon Judkins, Henderson may continue to struggle, but his natural ability in the passing game sets him apart from Judkins and positions him to serve as the third-down back within the offense. His quick burst and exceptional vision in the second level make him a potent threat, capable of delivering game-changing plays with every touch.
14. Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
After two consecutive 1,000-plus rushing yard seasons, Devin Neal surprised many by opting to forgo the draft and return to Kansas. His vision and speed excel in their rushing scheme, but his patience and receiving ability shouldn’t be overlooked. His frame is leaner, standing only 5-foot-11, 208 pounds, but his quickness allows him to be an effective interior runner. He is a potent threat whose speed allows him to produce game-breaking plays with regularity. His size may limit his role at the next level along with his fantasy production.
15. Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
Tre Harris has continued his upward trajectory since transferring to Ole Miss from Louisiana Tech, setting career-highs in receiving yards with 985. With a prototypical perimeter stature of 6-foot-2, 204 pounds, Harris combines fluidity and quickness in his movements. A precise route-runner, he effortlessly creates separation and possesses the speed to outrun defenders after the catch. Entering his second year at Ole Miss, there’s anticipation that he could surpass the 1,000-yard mark, further elevating his status on draft boards.
16. Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
After three highly productive seasons at Troy, Tez Johnson set career-highs with 86 receptions, 1,182 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in his debut season at Oregon. He is a precise route-runner who excels in yards after the catch, utilizing his creativity and violent movements to elude defenders. Despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, Johnson is a three-level threat with an impressive catch radius. With Dillon Gabriel joining the team in Eugene, expectations remain high for Johnson’s 2024 performance.
17. Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
Riley Leonard’s sophomore season was stellar, producing over 2,900 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, alongside 699 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. In 2023, he faced challenges, including injuries, limiting him to just seven games with 1,102 passing yards and three touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Leonard possesses prototypical size, a strong arm and dual-threat capabilities. With his transfer to Notre Dame this year, expectations are high for him to rebound and emerge as one of the top-tier quarterbacks.
18. Dane Key, WR, Kentucky
Despite loads of talent, Dane Key has struggled to produce at a high level, with only a career-high of 636 receiving yards and six touchdowns. With a prototypical stature, standing 6-foot-3 195 pounds, Key pairs size with speed and fluidity to beat defenders at all levels. He has strong hands and a huge catch radius, making him an effective red-zone threat. If we can see him refine his game and put it all together, he is a star in the making.
19. Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
Trevor Etienne has struggled to emerge from a split backfield while at Florida, hindering his high-end production, amassing only 1,710 scrimmage yards in two years. Despite this, there have been flashes of game-breaking big plays sprinkled in there, in large part due to his tremendous burst and speed. Standing on a short but thick 5-foot-9, 208-pound frame allows him to bounce off defenders easily. Playing behind one of the best offensive lines in college football this year at Georgia should help him take the next step as a runner and hopefully get him his first 1,000-yard rushing season.
20. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
We saw an explosion from Colston Loveland this past season where he collected 649 yards and four touchdowns for the Wolverines. Loveland is extremely athletic, considering he stands on a strong but lanky 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame. In addition, he possesses the speed to threaten defenders down the seam and is savvy enough to create separation against man coverage. He will need to add some strength to his frame to become a force in the blocking game or else he could be relegated to a big slot role at the next level, which may limit his opportunities.
Rest of the Top 50
- Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
- Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
- Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
- Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
- Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
- Barion Brown, WR, Kentucky
- Will Sheppard, WR, Colorado
- Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan
- Raheim Sanders, RB, South Carolina
- Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- Ricky White, WR, UNLV
- Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
- Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
- Benjamin Yurosek, TE, Georgia
- Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
- Julian Fleming, WR, Penn State
- J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, UCLA
- Beaux Collins, WR, Georgia
- Jaydn Ott, RB, California,
- Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
- Bryson Nesbit, TE, North Carolina
- Colbie Young, WR, Georgia
- Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
- Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
- Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
- Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL)
- Antwane Wells Jr., WR, Ole Miss
- Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
- Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn