The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff draws to a close tonight. ohio and notre dame cathedral A competition to determine the national champion.
But the NFL Draft is always looming.
Tonight, several NFL Draft prospects will not only help their teams win a title, but will also get a chance to make their final argument in front of NFL scouts ahead of draft season. For fans of NFL teams who are already looking forward to April's NFL Draft, here are the players to watch tonight.
Notre Dame 2025 NFL Draft Top Prospects
Benjamin Morrison, CB
Arguably the top prospect on Notre Dame's roster, he currently ranks No. 22 in the rankings. NFL Mock Draft Database Big Board — Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison is an important player not only tonight, but also for the upcoming NFL Draft. His size and ability to play both on the perimeter and in the slot would make him a very interesting option for NFL teams.
He'll get a big test tonight in Atlanta, where he'll face off against an Ohio State receiving corps that includes a high-profile NFL draft pick and talented freshman Jeremiah Smith.
Xavier Watts, S
Another member of the Fighting Irish's secondary that will be tested tonight is safety Xavier Watts. Watts is a dynamic defender who can provide downhill run support as well as coverage near the line of scrimmage and in the middle areas of the field. His best work may be in the box, but he has the potential to be a versatile safety at the next level.
Howard Cross III, DL
Howard Cross III is also part of the Notre Dame defense and has a chance to boost his stock in tonight's National Championship Game. Cross is a quick and athletic interior defender who brings solid weapons in his pass-rushing moves. He will face some questions about his size when he transitions to the next level — he crosses check in at 6-foot-1 and weighs 288 pounds — but his athleticism and ability to chase the passer inside , which will be of interest to many NFL teams.
Mitchell Evans, Tennessee
Two tight ends from the Big Ten (Penn State's Tyler Warren and Michigan's Colston Loveland) will be early options at the position in April.
But Notre Dame tight end Mitchell Evans has a chance to make some noise tonight. He caught 39 passes for 369 yards and three touchdowns this season, and had a solid performance against Penn State, including catching five passes for 58 yards against the Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl. are. He has the ideal size for the position (6'5 253 pounds) but may face questions about his athleticism at the next level.
Riley Leonard, QB
If you're reading this, you probably know that the incoming quarterback class has more questions than answers. Cam Ward and Shedule Sanders seem to be the keys to finishing in the top five of the 2025 NFL Draft, but then the questions start.
Riley Leonard is one of several quarterbacks gaining attention in this draft class. His draft stock has remained in the Day 3 range all season. NFL Mock Draft Database And legs are more important than arms in the College Football Playoff. But a dream game against Ohio State could completely change the narrative.
Ohio State's 2025 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
Emeka Egbuka, WR
Jeremiah Smith may grab the headlines, but teams hoping to draft the Ohio State wide receiver will either have to wait until he's eligible or take a look at Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka, another big target for Ohio State in the passing game, led the Buckeyes with 75 receptions this season, gaining 947 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns on those catches.
Egbuka was primarily used outside of Ohio State this season, but his route-running skills and after-the-catch ability make him a first-round candidate.
Tyreke Williams, DL
Ohio State's front seven gives them a great chance to win Monday night, and Tyreke Williams is a key part of that group. Williams gives Ohio State a big presence inside, but he's more than just a big body inside. His strength at the point of attack not only gives him power against the run, but also the ability to move the pocket and get after the QB in the passing game.
Jack Sawyer, EDGE
Jack Sawyer's dynamic play that clinched the victory over Texas may live on in Ohio State legend, but it also resulted in a notable increase in his draft stock. Sawyer entered the College Football Playoff as a mid-second round pick, as reflected in the following results: NFL mock draft database, But we've been getting closer to the first round in recent weeks.
His stock could rise even higher with his next big fight.
JT Tuimorow, EDGE
Across from Sawyer on the Ohio State defensive line is another draft pick in pass rusher JT Tuimoloau. He led the Buckeyes with 11.5 sacks this season, winning with strength and solid spin moves on counters.
NFL evaluators may have questions about his athleticism, which he can answer throughout the draft process, but the production speaks for itself.
Quinshon Judkins, RB
Quinshon Judkins and Treveillon Henderson give Ohio State a tremendous one-two punch out of the backfield, and both players are draft prospects to watch tonight. Judkins displayed a violent run reminiscent of Isaiah Pacheco, as he did early against Texas. He also has enough speed to erase angles in the open field and the footwork and vision to find the crease when the blocking picture in front of him is cloudy.
He may face questions about how he will handle pass protection at the next level, but he has a solid future at the position.
Treveyon Henderson, RB
Treveyon Henderson is another solid running back option in the upcoming NFL Draft and is definitely a player to watch in the National Championship Game. His long touchdown before halftime against Texas highlighted his long speed and explosive playmaking ability. But he also has incredible vision and footwork as a ball carrier.
Like many college running backs, his ability in pass protection is questionable, but he handles nearly every other aspect of the position at a high level.
Denzel Burke, CB
Denzel Burke is a versatile prospect at cornerback for the Buckeyes, comfortable going downhill in run support as well as tracking defenders downfield in the passing game. He has the size and length to be an outside man coverage corner at the next level, and he also has the athleticism to match a receiver in man coverage. Combine that with his willingness to play downhill in run support and you have the makings of a next-level starter.
Will Howard, QB
Like any quarterback running across the field in the national championship game, Will Howard has a chance to make some noise Monday night, establishing himself as a solid option outside of the first round of the draft. His experience and arm talent stand out in Ohio State's passing game, and he also has the athleticism to extend plays with his legs.
Ohio State hasn't used him often as a runner, but he has been selective in his position, including a crucial fourth-down run against Texas late in the game.
Donovan Jackson, IOL
Donovan Jackson is completing his third year as the Buckeyes' starter at left guard and is a surefire prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft along the Interior offensive line. He may be best suited as a guard in a gap-heavy offensive scheme due to his ability to win downhill blocking and experience drawing out trap and gap concepts. His strength and anchoring ability work well against power rushers in pass protection, but he could benefit from improvement against counters and more balanced pass rushers.
Josh Simmons, OT
Lastly, a quick word about offensive tackle Josh Simmons. Simmons is out tonight due to a season-ending knee injury suffered in October, but is projected to be one of the top offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft.
