Expectations can be high, but not meeting them for any reason can lead to a ripple effect. The 2025 NFL Draft class has been experiencing this reality throughout the season. For every player who has successfully capitalized on opportunities to showcase their growth, there’s been another who is struggling to complete the 2024 college football season.

Now that the regular season has concluded, our evaluations for the 2025 NFL Draft are just weeks away from finalization ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine. By that time, draft-eligible underclassmen will face a significant decision regarding their future. Opting to declare early can position a player favorably at the next level, potentially benefiting from a new coaching staff and teammates.

However, this choice comes with its risks. While gaining more live game experience at the collegiate level could be beneficial, it may not always lead to positive outcomes. With this in mind, we have pinpointed five 2025 NFL Draft prospects who are facing tough decisions ahead. Among them are two quarterbacks and two other players who have been in the spotlight since before their college careers began.

Toughest 2025 NFL Draft Decisions

Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

2024 stats: 224/324, 69.1 completion rate, 2,894 yards, 21 TDs, 7 INTs

Drew Allar undoubtedly elevated his performance in 2024. While his physical abilities might suggest a more reckless style of play, he has proven to be one of the most prudent and intelligent passers in his class. He takes smart risks when necessary, and his career turnover-worthy-throw rate of 1.2 percent is comparable to that of highly efficient NFL quarterbacks.

Scouts and coaches will appreciate his progress, particularly as he has raised his average depth of target by a full yard since 2023, alongside an improved adjusted completion rate. With better-receiving options, he's shown greater accuracy and a readiness to make deeper throws, aided by the breakout performance of Tyler Warren. Given these factors, he's seen as a strong candidate for Round 1.

However, there's another aspect that complicates his decision. While Allar could be a first-round selection in a less competitive quarterback class, if Penn State successfully utilizes the transfer portal to acquire superior receivers, he could take another significant step forward. This would allow him to pursue more ambitious, NFL-level throws, potentially positioning him as a top contender for the No. 1 overall pick in 2026.

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Jaydn Ott, RB, Cal

2024 stats: 105 carries, 301 yards, 4 TDs

If you’re just looking at Jaydn Ott’s 2024 stats, you might question why he’s even in the conversation as an NFL prospect. However, rewind to a year ago, and Ott was widely regarded as one of the top five running backs on many lists. He had just led Cal’s offense with impressive numbers: 246 carries for 1,311 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 210 pounds, there was strong belief that he could become an NFL starter after overcoming significant challenges in college football. A notable 833 of his rushing yards came after contact, showcasing him as one of the most effective gap scheme runners in the country. He skillfully combined power with excellent vision and timing.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what went wrong in 2024. Ott saw his playing time cut to half compared to the previous year, which also affected his yards after contact per carry. Cal shifted to calling more zone plays, but regardless, Ott’s performance didn’t reflect the same level of success.

While returning to Cal may not be the best choice for Ott, his prospects for the NFL are currently uncertain as well.

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Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

2024 stats: 189/287, 65.9 completion rate, 2,652 yards, 15 TDs, 10 INTs

The top athlete at the quarterback position in this class has the potential to become an elite player in the NFL right from the start. However, excelling at the next level isn't solely about athleticism. Jalen Milroe can serve as an offensive catalyst when he effectively reads the field and delivers accurate passes, but his progress faced challenges in 2024.

Kalen DeBoer introduced new strategies and a distinct identity to an Alabama offense that lacked top-tier playmakers apart from Ryan Williams. Milroe struggled to build on the growth he demonstrated in his first two seasons, displaying hesitation and unrefined skills rather than the finesse that allowed DeBoer and Michael Penix Jr. to elevate Washington into a powerhouse. The offense at Alabama became overly dependent on an unusual mix of short passes and deep throws.

Nonetheless, it will be challenging for teams to overlook the opportunity to help Milroe improve. His exceptional running ability and deep-ball accuracy indicate a high ceiling. Even during underwhelming performances, he typically avoids making poor throws that lead to turnovers. Transitioning to a different offensive system could alleviate some of the challenges that impacted the Tide's performance this season.

Whether he returns to Alabama or transfers to a program with an offense that better fits his style, such as Oregon, Ohio State, or Miami, could prove to be as advantageous as making the jump to the NFL.

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Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon

2024 stats: 48 receptions, 613 yards, 5 TDs

Making the switch from Texas A&M's struggling passing game to Oregon's more dynamic and spread offense was expected to elevate Evan Stewart's profile, but his impact remained relatively low-key. He had an impressive performance against Ohio State, yet as the season unfolded, the 170-pound speedster largely faded into the background behind Tez Johnson. Most of Stewart's production in 2024 reflected his earlier achievements.

Standing at just 5-foot-11 and weighing 170 pounds, Stewart doesn't precisely fit the prototype of a high-draft candidate. Recent NFL drafts have seen several standout, lighter playmakers like Tank Dell, Zay Flowers, and Xavier Worthy, but each brought significant production and traits that bolstered their draft prospects. Stewart is likely to perform well at the Combine, potentially clocking in under a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and impressing in agility drills.

However, the question lingers: can he demonstrate that he's more than just a secondary option in a healthy offense? There is a possibility that Stewart could return to Oregon with fewer targets going to Johnson, revealing a greater upside. He would also be relying on whether Oregon's offense can maintain its effectiveness without Dillon Gabriel or if it is willing to broaden his role beyond what he's currently experiencing.

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Harold Perkins, LB, LSU

2024 stats: 17 tackles in four games

A star emerged as soon as Harold Perkins arrived at LSU. The exceptionally athletic defensive standout recorded 72 tackles and 7.5 sacks during his freshman year, showcasing a Jamal Adams-like presence even as a teenager competing in the SEC. The prospects ahead were incredibly promising.

In his sophomore season, Perkins continued to excel, although he took on more snaps at linebacker with the goal of transitioning to a more traditional role at LSU. However, at 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, his impressive pass-rushing abilities and quick closing speed didn’t quite align with his new position. To prepare for the NFL in 2024, he and LSU attempted to adjust his role to off-ball linebacker, allowing him to focus on run keys and block shedding.

The transition proved to be challenging in 2024, and a torn ACL cut Perkins' junior season short after just four games. He faced difficulties with the physical nature of the position, leading to a missed tackle rate exceeding 21% and exposing him as a liability in coverage. Struggling to manage blockers and lacking confidence in coverage responsibilities, Perkins' NFL draft stock began to tumble.

Now, after recovering from his torn ACL, Perkins finds himself at a crossroads. He can either return to LSU to demonstrate his recovery and continue his development or make the leap to the NFL, presenting an opportunity for a team to secure a discounted star who is most effective as a situational player and edge blitzer, despite his size limitations.