The start of the New Year marked the final few bowl games in the college football season. Meanwhile, the NFL regular season has also concluded, leaving just a couple of College Football Playoff matchups remaining. As players announce their early declarations, the 2025 NFL Draft class is starting to take shape.

Recently, several prominent names have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, including Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Georgia's Carson Beck. Only time will tell if these players made wise choices. With a significant lineup of games to analyze, we are focused on the on-field performances to identify this week's top risers and fallers.

Let’s take a look at three players who boosted their stock for the 2025 NFL Draft and those who saw their stock decline.

---

CFB New Year's Stock Up Players

Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

Stats: 13/25, 171 yards, 3 TDs, 1 fumble lost

The raw statistics alone don't capture the complete picture of Drew Allar as a top prospect for 2025. He embodies the prototypical quarterback that NFL teams seek, standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, armed with a powerful arm. However, he doesn't play recklessly; instead, he adopts a more calculated approach that minimizes turnovers.

In the game against Boise State, the Nittany Lions performed well, and Allar's skills were a significant factor in their success. He made several impressive throws that showcased his NFL potential while only committing one turnover, reminiscent of current Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert. 

---

With Penn State having just one solid pass-catcher at his disposal, Allar demonstrated that his transition to the next level might be smoother than expected.

His combination of timing, accuracy, and occasional boldness complements his physical attributes and his tendency to avoid mistakes. While there are still aspects he can improve, the 20-year-old has much going for him. Although Allar hasn’t yet decided on entering the 2025 draft, he may want to reconsider, given the weak quarterback class that could propel him into the top-five picks.

---

Cam Skattebo RB, Arizona State

Stats: 30 carries, 143 yards, 2 TDs, 8 receptions, 99 yards, 1/1 passing, 42 yards, 1 TD

Arizona State's remarkable season came to a dramatic conclusion with an overtime defeat to Texas, but the team left the field with pride. Cam Skattebo made a name for himself on the national stage this year, amassing 1,712 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. He delivered his most impressive performance against a tough Longhorns defense that kept absorbing blows.

Skattebo's contributions extended beyond rushing; he recorded 39 touches for 284 yards and three touchdowns. His stunning 42-yard touchdown pass electrified the crowd and reignited the Sun Devils as they mounted a final comeback late in the game. This performance had scouts imagining his future potential beyond just being a traditional power back.

---

The 2025 running back class is packed with talent, making it difficult to predict when the demand for running backs will rise. While Skattebo may not be the most explosive athlete or the top pass blocker, he is strong, gritty, and tough to bring down. His ability to catch passes and his determination suggest that he can fit into competitive teams.

He may not be drafted until Day 3, but his display against Texas showcased his capabilities against premier defenses and caught the attention of many.

---

Michael Taaffe, SAF, Texas

Stats: 10 tackles, 2 PBUs 

Texas has another standout safety besides Andrew Mukuba, and that's Michael Taaffe, who has seen a significant rise in his performance during the 2025 season. As a free safety, Taaffe has been a stabilizing presence, which is becoming increasingly rare in college football. 

When offenses targeted him in coverage, they gained only 157 yards and faced a passer rating of 45.8, all while he recorded 19 stops against the run.

---

While his performance against Arizona State had its flaws, it showcased aspects of his game that are not usually highlighted. Overall, Taaffe had an impressive outing, allowing five catches on 10 targets for 71 yards, of which only 13 yards came after the catch.

Despite not being the most versatile safety in this class, as evidenced by his 21.4% missed tackle rate, his effective man coverage and ability to roam on the field could very well lead to him being projected as a top-100 pick. Given that he was a part-time player in 2023, this marks a significant improvement for the 6-foot, 195-pound third-year player.

---

CFB New Year's Stock Down Players

Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

Stats: 29/41 passing, 299 yards, 2 TDs

After Dillon Gabriel's nearly flawless performance against Ohio State, he struggled in their Rose Bowl matchup. The Buckeyes' revamped pass rush consistently pressured him, leading to missed reads and inaccurate throws. Aside from a brief period of effectiveness in the middle of the game, Gabriel appeared overwhelmed.

Ohio State also let several interception opportunities slip away, further highlighting Gabriel's difficulties in maintaining composure and adapting to a larger role. He took seven sacks and found himself without answers when the game plan failed to simplify his reads.

---

Gabriel's average arm strength and history of relying on RPO-based schemes have already made it tough for evaluators to view his future positively. His failure to perform against a strong opponent when things got tough is another significant concern. 

While less promising quarterback prospects like Stetson Bennett have been selected in the later rounds, the case for Gabriel being picked ahead of more talented players in that range largely hinges on his experience in quick passing scenarios rather than any real potential to become a starter.

---

Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia

Stats: 11 carries, 32 yards, 1 TD

Carson Beck kept the Georgia Bulldogs competitive this season, but it wasn't enough to maintain their status as a dominant force. With Beck sidelined due to an elbow injury, Georgia was in need of a young quarterback to step up or rely heavily on the supporting cast. When Gunner Stockton faced challenges, Trevor Etienne was not there to save the day.

The junior running back concluded a lackluster debut season with Georgia by producing a subdued yet significant performance against Notre Dame. Etienne struggled to find running lanes and was unable to evade defenders even when he saw openings. 

---

His average of 3.43 yards after contact per carry was already worrisome prior to this game, and his underwhelming 2.64 average with just two forced missed tackles against the Irish heightened concerns.

Many running backs find it difficult to be more than a supportive element in a well-rounded offense, and Etienne may not even possess the qualifications to fulfill that role at the NFL level. After this disappointing performance, his decision regarding the 2025 NFL Draft should be much clearer.

---

LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

Stats: 4 tackles, 3 QB hurries

LT Overton is returning to Alabama for his senior season, a decision that could enhance his chances of being a top-10 overall prospect next year. After an impressive breakout in the 2024 season, which put him on track to be selected in the top 45, it seems he's made a wise choice for his future. So, why is his stock dropping?

The 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide may face even greater challenges than the 2024 team that struggled to finish with a 9-4 record. With Jalen Milroe departing for the NFL and the Tide relying heavily on a talented freshman class while the transfer additions have been lackluster, Kalen DeBoer has a tough task ahead to maximize this roster's potential. Although Overton will be a valuable asset, he might be better off continuing his development at the next level.

---

Overton’s ability to finish tackles and secure sacks should improve with experience and physical growth. Despite fading a bit during the second half of the 2024 season, scouts are intrigued by his raw talent and positional flexibility at 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds. It’s essential that he doesn't get lost in the mix next year as the Tide works to find its footing.