The Ohio State Buckeyes have claimed the title of National Champions after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Monday night. The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff proved to be a great success, giving fans and analysts a chance to witness dream matchups come to life instead of just speculating on how they might unfold.

With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, the top talents from college football are now in the spotlight. In just three months, the outcomes of seven rounds of selections will play a crucial role in shaping future Super Bowl aspirations. 

While the leading names for the 2025 NFL Draft are well-known, several players have notably elevated their status as the competition heightened during the College Football Playoff.

We have identified six standout players who notably improved their stock compared to previous evaluations. While there were other noteworthy performers, particularly from the Buckeyes, these individuals had the most significant impact on their teams and saw the greatest enhancement in their draft prospects.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Matthew Golden may have only participated in 26 snaps against Ohio State, but his performances against Arizona State and the eventual champions were significant enough to label him a winner. Considering Isaiah Bond's underwhelming play and the limited depth in the 2025 class due to players opting to return to college, Golden has emerged as a prominent prospect. He is now likely to be a top-50 selection.

The former Houston standout, who transferred to Texas to succeed AD Mitchell, had an impressive 2024 season. With nearly 70% of his targets converted into 58 receptions, 987 yards, and nine touchdowns, Golden showcased his versatility, smooth route-running skills, after-the-catch abilities, speed, and reliability in contested situations. He represents a high-value asset who can make immediate contributions to any offense.

Golden's exceptional route-running and ability to generate separation are rooted in his excellent footwork and meticulous attention to detail. His nuanced movements enhance his athleticism. He has shown explosiveness in his gameplay, recording 26 forced missed tackles against only 14 drops over 202 targets throughout three seasons. His reliability and productivity have remained consistent regardless of his role or the offensive scheme, and his time at Texas saw him operating out of the slot more frequently than before.

While Emeka Egbuka stands as a more elite version of Golden in this class, both Golden and Tre Harris are prominent figures in the second tier of receiving talents before the gap widens at the position. An early rush on receivers could potentially propel Golden towards the end of the first round, especially after his back-to-back games with 166 yards against Georgia followed by a 149-yard performance against Arizona State, which are crucial highlights of his rising momentum.

Donovan Jackson, OT, Ohio State

The tale of how Donovan Jackson salvaged the Ohio State Buckeyes' season is truly significant. After the Buckeyes faced season-ending injuries to their top two blockers, Josh Simmons and Seth McLaughlin, many programs would have faltered as the competition intensified. Instead of watching their championship hopes fade, Jackson stepped up by moving from left guard to tackle right before the matchup against Abdul Carter and Penn State.

Although Jackson's first appearance at left tackle had its struggles, allowing two sacks, it served as a launching pad for an impressive eight-game run. His influence on the run game was notable, as the left side of Ohio State's offensive line excelled in creating opportunities for TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. The pass protection also saw marked improvement, with Jackson allowing no sacks and just three quarterback hurries following the Penn State game.

With nearly 2,000 career snaps at left guard, Jackson was projected as a Day 2 NFL pick, though concerns about his inconsistent technique lingered. However, his 529 snaps at left tackle showcased his 34-inch arms and downhill power more effectively than the confined space typically experienced by guards. NFL teams are now likely to view Jackson as a left tackle prospect, despite his 6-foot-4 stature.

This significantly boosts his draft prospects. If he’s recognized as a legitimate left tackle in the NFL— which he should be—Jackson could emerge as one of the top blindside blockers selected in the draft, potentially earning a first-round value.

Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Georgia may not have had a long run in the College Football Playoff, but their three standout defenders certainly made an impression. Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, and Damon Wilson Jr. are all leaving the program, but they exited on a high note with some memorable performances. Both Walker and Williams are set to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, where they are expected to be selected among the top 15 picks.

Walker, in particular, was exceptional. As a hybrid linebacker and pass-rusher, he showcases versatility and instincts that are reminiscent of Micah Parsons's time at Penn State. While not quite as fast as Parsons, Walker possesses a similar level of physicality and strength that enables him to consistently succeed at the point of attack.

In his matchups against Texas and Notre Dame, he generated 11 quarterback pressures, recorded one sack, made four run stops, and effectively split his 101 snaps across the defensive line, linebacker, and even in the slot. Walker's tape is not only impressive but also matched by his production.

No other defender in the class compares to the combination of skill and athleticism that the 6-foot-2, 245-pound Walker offers. It's possible he could be a top-six pick come spring.

Xavier Watts, SAF, Notre Dame

Notre Dame's journey to the National Championship Game and their valiant attempt to catch up to Ohio State, although falling short, was truly remarkable. Under the guidance of head coach Marcus Freeman, the Irish are in excellent hands, largely thanks to his ability to maximize the potential of every player on the roster. A prime example of this is Xavier Watts, who stepped up impressively when the team needed it most.

In three games against Ohio State, Penn State, and Georgia, Watts recorded 21 tackles, eight run stops, and only one missed tackle, establishing himself as a key component of an elite defense. Under former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, he showcased his versatility by lining up in various positions: 61 snaps in the box, 92 as a free safety, and 32 in the slot. Few defensive backs across the country exhibit such high-quality performance in so many roles against three distinct offensive strategies.

Additionally, the senior has made a name for himself with 13 interceptions over the past two years, making him a formidable player. Although he will turn 24 later this year, his impressive track record will likely lead teams to overlook his age when considering him as a Day 1 starter capable of excelling in multiple roles.

Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

Arizona State’s remarkable season concluded with a heart-pounding overtime defeat to Texas, but they left the field with pride. Cam Skattebo made a significant impression on the national stage throughout the year, amassing 1,712 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. He delivered his most outstanding performance against a formidable Longhorns defense that continually challenged him.

Skattebo went beyond just being a primary rusher, accumulating 39 touches for 284 yards and three touchdowns. His 42-yard touchdown pass shocked the audience and energized the Sun Devils as they mounted a final drive late in the game. This performance had scouts imagining a future for him that extends beyond just being a power back.

The 2025 running back class is filled with talent, making it difficult to determine when the rush for ball carriers will begin. While Skattebo may not possess the flashiest athleticism or the best pass-blocking skills, he is strong, resilient, and tough to bring down. His ability to catch passes and his determination ensure that there’s a place for him on top-tier teams.

He may not be selected until Day 3 of the draft, but his impressive display against Texas showcased what he can achieve against elite defenses.

JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

Both Ohio State pass-rushers played a crucial role in the team's recovery during the Playoffs following their surprising loss to Michigan. The senior pair, Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau had a remarkable performance that changed how they will be viewed in Columbus. Although both faced periods of inconsistency over the past few years, the Playoffs showcased their true potential.

While Sawyer's efforts may have positioned him for a first-round selection, Tuimoloau proved to be the more reliable player, consistently making impactful plays. During his impressive four-game Playoff run, Tuimoloau recorded 20 quarterback pressures, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and maintained his exceptional run defense. He managed to achieve at least three pressures and one sack in every game.

With over 2,000 snaps in his career, Tuimoloau is viewed as a polished prospect ready to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. His production surged this season, accumulating 12.5 sacks, a notable increase from the 12 he had across his first three years. Moreover, it's the enhanced consistency and the critical timing of his impactful plays that have led to a shift in perceptions about Tuimoloau.

His elite run defense, improved pass-rushing timing, and determination to play through an injured ankle—culminating in three sacks against Texas and Notre Dame—have significantly elevated his NFL prospects. He is now expected to be a lock for the second round.