The rise of Cameron Ward, Longhorn speedster Isaiah Bond, and other 2025 NFL Draft risers to know
Now that we are about halfway through the 2024 college football season, everyone is getting a deeper understanding of the overall landscape. Not only do we now know more about these teams and players, and what it could mean for the state of college football, we are also really getting to know a lot more […]
Now that we are about halfway through the 2024 college football season, everyone is getting a deeper understanding of the overall landscape. Not only do we now know more about these teams and players, and what it could mean for the state of college football, we are also really getting to know a lot more about the 2025 NFL Draft prospects. Players are rising, falling, and others introducing themselves to us seemingly every week.
Every year summer scouting allows us to try and gain understanding and appreciation for the particular class ahead of the season, but things change so quickly. We must not let our priors steer the evaluation, and come into the season with an open mind.
After diving into the film this first half of the season, it’s become very certain, things are definitely changing. There are several big risers worth talking about in this 2025 cycle, and more than a few who will challenge for top of their position. Here are some of the big ascensions we have seen so far.
QB Cameron Ward (Miami)
Coming into the 2024 college football season, there was a short list of quarterbacks that people were talking about near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft class. The most frequent names were Carson Beck (Georgia) and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado), with some Quinn Ewers (Texas) and even Drew Allar (Penn State) sprinkled in.
Now halfway through the season, a huge riser has shown himself in this class, and it is Cameron Ward (Miami), who was originally at Incarnate Word and Washington State.
Sanders has continued to see his name near the top, and we have already seen Jalen Milroe (Alabama) begin to see his name used more and more at the top of the class. Ward has, however, been the biggest riser so far. There is a real argument that Ward could be the top quarterback in the class when April comes around.
Quite simply, he makes some throws that other quarterbacks in this class just can’t. The ball pops off of Ward’s face, and he can make some absolutely bonkers plays out of structure.
RB DJ Giddens (Kansas State)
There is zero debate about who the top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft is. Boise State star Ashton Jeanty has already solidified his standing. Behind him, things are less and less certain right now.
Ollie Gordon (Oklahoma State) and Jaydn Ott (Cal) have both had slow starts to their seasons. Damien Martinez (Miami) has also been good, but not great so far this year. That has left the top of the board wide open.
Giddens has been awesome for Kansas State this season. Through six games, he has rushed for 786 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a stellar 7.3 yards per carry. Despite being a bigger running back (6001v, 216v), there is no one better at making second and third level defenders miss in space than Giddens. His short area movement skills are tremendous, and he’s a good pass receiver to boot.
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WR Isaiah Bond (Texas)
The Texas Longhorns lost wide receivers Xavier Worthy, AD Mitchell, and Jordan Whittington this offseason to the NFL. Surely there is no chance that the program can possibly be anywhere close to as talented out wide, right? Somehow, that group might be even deeper.
The first thing that stands out about Bond is the amount of explosiveness and speed he brings to the table. Make no mistake about it, however, he is far from just a speed receiver. Bond is also a tremendous route runner who is dynamite in and out of breaks.
For a wide receiver who is only listed at 5-11 and 180 pounds, Bond is also surprisingly strong. He has no problem elevating and fighting for the football in the air. While his size might limit consistency in that department, the fact that Bond is willing is a tremendous sign as an all around playmaker.
Coming into the season, everyone was talking about Luther Burden (Missouri) and Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) as the two candidates to be the top wide receiver in the 2025 class. About halfway through the season, Bond should absolutely be in that conversation. The NFL loves speed, and he has plenty of that, on top of a lot of overall upside.
TE Tyler Warren (Penn State)
Heading into the season, most people would have listed Colston Loveland (Michigan) as the early favorite to be the top tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a near consensus take. After several weeks of the college season, there are a few players who are threatening his position. It has been a heavy debate over the last couple of weeks in particular.
For my money, Warren has every pathway to become the top tight end drafted when draft day finally gets here. After sharing the spotlight with Theo Johnson previously, Warren has taken every advantage of having the spotlight. He isn’t just the best tight end on the team, but arguably the best one in all of college football.
Through six games, Warren has hauled in 40 receptions for 513 yards and four touchdowns. His combination of size (6057v, 260v) and outstanding athleticism could vault him into the first round conversation.
Warren can run routes, moving all over the formation. There isn’t a route he can’t run, projecting as a moveable chess piece and complete passing game weapon.
He is also surprisingly good after the catch as well. Penn State utilizes Warren’s after catch abilities. There are some big time flashes in that regard.
Warren has also cleaned up his drop issues this season. He possesses a massive frame, and has the ability to win above the rim. That big frame can pay off both working through contact, and elevating to the catch point.
EDGE Abdul Carter (Penn State)
If you asked anybody who followed the 2025 NFL Draft class before the season, the potential EDGE group had a strong argument as the top overall position in the entire class. We have seen a slow start from James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee), and an injury for Mikel Williams (Georgia). Texas A&M star Nic Scourton is starting to round into form now after another slow start as well.
Carter is an incredible athlete who is beginning to really tap into his overall potential. At 6-3 and 253 pounds, he is one of the more freaky talents you are going to find anywhere, in any class. He began his career as a linebacker for the Nittany Lions, but made the move to defensive end this offseason.
As you would expect, that was a major transition. The last two weeks have been tremendous for Carter, who is playing extremely fast. He has a path to be the first EDGE off the board, and could be in contention to be the first overall player drafted.
