Early prep for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The college football regular season is coming down to the final weeks. Can you believe the end is already near? Luckily, there are still tons of great games left, including some high-profile matchups this weekend. Here are the top NFL Draft prospects I am watching. All listed times are Eastern.
Donovan Jackson, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State v. Penn State (12 PM on Fox)
The showdown between the Buckeyes and the Nittany Lions will reverberate throughout college football as both teams vye for a conference title and a shot at the playoffs. Penn State will be fielding their monstrous defense and Ohio State lineman Donovan Jackson will have the Herculean task of slowing down Abdul Carter. Jackson has been a stalwart interior lineman for OSU but moves to left tackle after an injury to Josh Simmons. Jackson is considered one of the top interior linemen in the draft and could really build his draft stock by keeping carter at bay.
Landon Jackson, Defensive Lineman, Arkansas v. Ole Miss (12 PM on ESPN)
Arkansas is not ranked, but they’re 5-3 and dangerous every week. Razorbacks lineman Landon Jackson is a massive presence on their defense, standing at 6’7” and nearly 280 pounds. Jackson can play inside and out, a versatility that will be needed against Ole Miss’ explosive offense. The Rebels are on upset alert and Landon Jackson could be a big reason why.
Michigan’s Defensive Line v. Oregon (3:30 PM on CBS)
If Michigan has any shot to upset #1 ranked Oregon, it will be because of the future NFL players on their defensive line. Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josiah Stewart might all go in the first round this April while Derrick Moore should go on the second day of the draft. This is an unbelievably talented group with a huge challenge facing the Ducks. Oregon has an explosive and balanced offense that can threaten Michigan in a ton of ways, but if the Wolverines can control the line of scrimmage for four quarters it could be a very different outcome.
Ja’Corey Brooks, Wide Receiver, Louisville v. Clemson (7:30 PM on ESPN)
Ja’Corey Brooks has been a revelation at Louisville this season after spending the first three years of his college career at Alabama. The 6’3” receiver has 799 yards on the year with eight scores while averaging over 18 yards a catch. He is a big play machine for the Cardinals and now he will be lining up against a talented Clemson secondary. Brooks is still a bit of a sleeper in a deep, talented receiver class but this is a game where he can really stand out.
Desmond Reid, Running Back, Pitt v. SMU (8 PM on ACC Network)
Desmond Reid is, at the moment, one of the coolest players in college football. The 5’8”, 175 pound running back is a weapon in the Pittsburgh offense. Reid leads the team in rushing with 541 yards and three scores while he is second on the team in receiving with 341 yards and four touchdowns. He’s averaging over 13 yards a catch which is absurd for a running back. Oh and he has a punt return touchdown. He is an electric, game changing player wherever he lines up on the field for the Panthers. Pittsburgh is unbeaten as they face down a ranked, one-loss SMU team and they’ll need big plays from Desmond Reid to stay perfect.
