As the college football season approaches, it’s a good moment for NFL enthusiasts to start looking at the upcoming draft class for 2025. This class, while maybe not having a standout at the very top, does boast some exciting prospects, especially in key positions. The talent at quarterback and tackle is gaining praise, although we haven’t delved into those specifically yet. I sense a lot of potential here. The excitement generated by these top-tier players is palpable, but there are several others who could rise in the rankings as the season progresses. Honestly, some of my favorite prospects at this stage are on the Edge.
Let’s dive into the top 10 Edge rankings for now. Keep in mind that these rankings will likely shift as we head deeper into the college football season.
Edge rankings for the pre-2026 season
| Rank | Name | School | Year | Grade year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keldric Fork | Auburn | Junior | Early |
| 2 | TJ Parker | Clemson | Junior | Early |
| 3 | David Bailey | Texas Tech | Senior | Mid early |
| 4 | Overton LT | Alabama | Senior | Late first half |
| 5 | R Mason Thomas | Oklahoma | Senior | Late first half |
| 6 | Tyreak Sapp | Florida | Senior (RS) | Early second |
| 7 | Rueben Bain Jr. | Miami | Junior | Early second |
| 8 | Matayo Uiagalelei | Oregon | Junior | Second half |
| 9 | Dani Dennis-Sutton | Penn State | Senior | Second half |
| 10 | Cashius Howell | Texas A&M | Senior | Second half |
1. Keldric Fork, Junior, Auburn
Fork reminds me of some intriguing prospects from last year’s draft, like Michael Williams and Shemar Stewart. He has the ideal size and strength to take on offensive linemen effectively in both run and pass situations. He’s quite adept in various alignments, which is promising for his pass-rushing potential moving forward. For the time being, he stands out as my number one Edge in this class.
2. TJ Parker, Junior, Clemson
Parker is definitely one of the standout prospects in this class. At 6’3 and 265 pounds, he transforms speed into power, and he exhibits impressive versatility. Working alongside DT Peter Woods at Clemson, they form a formidable duo. I’d like to see Parker enhance his strength in run-blocking scenarios during the upcoming season, but he seems on track for a top NFL Draft spot.
3. David Bailey, Senior, Texas Tech
Bailey is a notable transfer, showcasing impressive speed that causes issues for offensive linemen. His hand placement during bull rushes is quite effective, allowing him to grip his opponents before moving past them. Texas Tech is likely to give him more chances for reps, and his performance thus far makes him an easy choice for a top five Edge prospect.
4. Overton LT, Senior, Alabama
I was taken aback that Overton returned to school. He embodies what it means to be a ‘grown man’—standing at 6’5 and weighing 283 pounds. He’s powerful and uses his size well, but I’m curious about his position in the NFL. He shines in situations where he’s lined up above guards, but he lacks the lateral speed needed to push around tackles effectively. He could be an interesting piece for defensive coordinators at the next level.
5. R Mason Thomas, Senior, Oklahoma
R Mason Thomas possesses a unique ability to gain leverage against tackles by using his speed effectively. Though he’s lighter at 6’2 and 249 pounds and still developing his run defense, there’s a lot to be intrigued about with his potential production this season.
Remaining notes
- Florida’s Edge Tie Leaksup has a remarkable motor and plays with an intensity that stands out. I think he can refine his primary pass rush skills while establishing himself as a credible draft prospect.
- Matayo Uiagalelei and Reuben Bain Jr. both caught my eye for different reasons. Uiagalelei works hard and is good with blocking schemes, though he lacks some explosiveness. Bain Jr. had a strong freshman year but struggled with injuries last season; he has potential to bounce back.
- Dani Dennis-Sutton from Pennsylvania intrigues me; he shows impressive size but is slightly reliant on speed. Improving his run defense could enhance his draft stock, especially with coaching changes on the horizon.
- Cashius Howell from Texas A&M rounds out my top ten. He’s quick off the edge, and while he’s still developing in terms of strength, I find his potential as a specialized pass rusher quite interesting.
- Derrick Moore from Michigan just missed the top ten; he has great power but faces challenges finishing plays.
- Though not mentioned earlier, prospects like Antosaka from Northwestern and Traymoor from Texas have piqued my interest, along with others from successful programs.
