The 2025 NFL Draft is starting to take shape as we reach the midpoint of the college football season. While some dedicated draft enthusiasts have a solid grasp of which players have truly emerged in 2024, many others will only catch up once the NFL season concludes in February. We’ve done the legwork to keep an eye on games from every weekend.

Through our analysis, we've spotted some standout players who might not yet be on everyone's radar, but their skills and performance indicate they could become significant contributors to the NFL. 

Here are my five top players to keep an eye on now so you’ll be ahead of the game when next year's draft rolls around.

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Must-Watch Stars for 2025 NFL Draft Entering Week 8

All advanced stats are courtesy of PFF.

RJ Harvey, RB, UCF

RJ Harvey has established himself as one of the most effective rushers in college football over the past three seasons. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 208 pounds, he might not seem physically imposing at first glance, but he excels at evading tackles and gaining yards after contact. 

With an impressive track record of 2,909 rushing yards, an average of 6.4 yards per carry, 648 receiving yards, and 33 total touchdowns, it's clear that Harvey possesses NFL-level talent.

For him to secure a role as a high-end No. 2 back at the next level, his ability to break tackles is crucial. He averages over four yards after contact for each carry, with 436 of his 694 rushing yards this season coming after dodging defenders. 

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Additionally, he's tied for the fifth-most carries, resulting in at least 10 yards, and only five running backs boast a higher yards-per-route-run rate and total receptions.

His film reflects a running back capable of handling 10 carries while being a constant threat to NFL defenses. His speed in tight spaces and low pad level enables him to navigate through crowded areas without taking direct hits.

Projected to be drafted in the early part of Day 3, Harvey would be a valuable asset for a zone-based rushing offense.

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Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Despite Donovan Ezeiruaku's impressive career, it’s not surprising that a 6-foot-2 edge rusher with only two sacks in 2023 has gone somewhat unnoticed. 

After a breakout year in 2022, where he recorded 61 tackles and 8.5 sacks, concerns about his size and build in comparison to other NFL edge rushers arose. However, those worries are fading as he excels this season.

The 2025 edge rusher class isn't particularly strong, and Ezeiruaku is currently showcasing the best performance of his career. He has already achieved nine sacks and leads the nation with 12 tackles for loss. 

A standout moment came at the end of September when he racked up a career-high 14 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble against Western Kentucky.

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Only three draft-eligible defenders have registered more total quarterback pressures than Ezeiruaku, establishing him as one of the most formidable players in the country. 

His quickness off the edge and agility allow him to outmaneuver blockers with ease, often combining various techniques to keep them guessing.

Crucially, Ezeiruaku has also shown himself to be a strong run defender over the past three seasons. He has notably reduced his missed tackle rate from 12 percent to under six percent in 2024, positioning himself to be a strong contender for a first-round selection in upcoming mock drafts.

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Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

Harold Fannin Jr. stands out among tight ends, leading in receiving yards with four additional receptions and 189 yards. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he has gained 406 of his 702 yards after the catch, showcasing his exceptional combination of size, speed, quickness, and dependability at the catch point. This makes him one of the top tight end prospects in the past five years.

Fannin embodies the modern tight end, lining up in the slot or out wide for 65.3 percent of his plays and participating in 92.4 percent of routes. While his pass-blocking skills are rated as average, it’s not a primary aspect of his role.

Bowling Green’s strategy is understandable, given Fannin’s prowess as a receiver. He has yet to record a drop this season and can threaten defenses at all levels. Remarkably, no other eligible tight end has forced more than 10 missed tackles, whereas Fannin has achieved 18.

He's expected to be a strong contender for a top-40 pick in the 2025 draft.

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Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

At 6-foot-3 and weighing 192 pounds, with an estimated speed in the 4.3 range, Darien Porter is poised to impact the NFL. The real question isn’t if he’ll make a roster but rather where he’ll be drafted. A former wide receiver, Porter has showcased impressive ball skills in his debut season as a cornerback.

Currently, he ranks as one of the top draft-eligible cornerbacks, with only one having a better passer rating against him. His ability to create turnovers is notable; he has recorded two interceptions on just 10 targets across 89 snaps in coverage and has allowed only four receptions for 36 yards. 

Unfortunately, injury has limited him to 40 snaps over the past two games, but his potential is undeniable.

With exceptional speed, impressive length, and a natural instinct for locating the ball, Porter has the makings of an early Day 2 draft pick. His raw ability will take him far as he hones his technique.

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Ricky White, WR, UNLV

The depth of the 2025 receiving class diminishes quickly, giving Group of Five players a chance to outshine some big names. One standout option is Ricky White, who has excelled at UNLV since transferring from Michigan State in 2020. He's back at it this year after leading the nation with 1,483 receiving yards in 2023, showcasing remarkable highlights.

He’s already tied his career-high with eight touchdowns, largely due to his effortless ability to create separation. Whether playing in the slot or on the outside, White excels at making plays before the catch. 

Just 199 of his 517 receiving yards have come after the catch, and he’s only forced six missed tackles, proving that he can succeed on isolation routes without needing an elaborate scheme.

Standing at an athletic 6-foot-1, he boasts a wide catch radius and moves faster than his speed might suggest. Of course, he’s valuable on special teams, having recorded two blocked punts against Syracuse this season.