Underclassman Tracker for the NFL Draft 2025: Which College Football Players Have Made Early Declarations?

The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting and eagerly anticipated events on the sports calendar, with college football players from across the country vying for the chance to take their talents to the professional stage. As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the underclassman declaration process is already taking shape. This process sees college players—those who have yet to exhaust their eligibility—declare their intentions to forgo their remaining college years and enter the draft.

In the years leading up to the draft, the early declaration trend has become more common. The allure of securing a high-paying contract, competing at the highest level, and beginning their professional careers sooner is simply too enticing for many underclassmen to ignore. For fans and analysts, keeping track of which players are entering the draft early is crucial to understanding the dynamics of the upcoming draft class.

In this article, we will explore some of the key underclassmen who have already made their declarations for the 2025 NFL Draft. We’ll also analyze the trends driving these decisions and look at some of the implications for college football and the NFL Draft process.

The Process of Declaring for the NFL Draft

Before delving into the players themselves, it’s important to understand the process that underclassmen must go through to declare for the NFL Draft. In general, underclassmen—defined as players who have not yet exhausted their college eligibility—must submit a formal declaration to enter the draft. This declaration typically happens in January, after the college football season concludes.

Once a player submits their declaration, the NFL evaluates their draft prospects. If a player is underclassman and has not been eligible for the NFL Draft before, they are evaluated by the NFL’s college advisory committee. This committee provides the player with feedback on where they could potentially land in the draft, whether that be in the first round, later rounds, or if they should consider returning to school for another year.

The key factor for many underclassmen is their draft stock. If they receive positive feedback from the advisory committee, they may decide to declare, understanding that they are likely to be selected high in the draft, which translates into a lucrative contract. If their feedback is not as favorable, players sometimes choose to return to college to improve their skills, boost their draft stock, and position themselves for a better opportunity down the road.

Early Declarations for the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft may still be more than a year away, but several underclassmen have already made the decision to leave college early and enter the draft pool. These players come from a variety of backgrounds, including standout quarterbacks, talented wide receivers, and dominant defensive players. Let’s take a closer look at some of the early declarations for the 2025 NFL Draft.

1. Caleb Williams – Quarterback, USC

One of the most highly anticipated declarations comes from Caleb Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Williams, a dynamic and versatile quarterback for the University of Southern California, is widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect for the 2025 Draft. His decision to declare early comes as no surprise, as he has been one of college football’s most exciting and consistent performers since taking over as USC’s starting quarterback.

Williams has the potential to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, making his early declaration a high-profile moment for both USC and the NFL Draft landscape. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability has drawn comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in the league. NFL teams looking for a franchise quarterback will be keeping a close eye on Williams as the draft approaches.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Another underclassman who has made waves by declaring for the 2025 Draft is Marvin Harrison Jr., the standout wide receiver from Ohio State. The son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. has more than lived up to his family name with stellar performances throughout his college career.

Harrison is considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2025 class due to his combination of size, speed, and elite route-running ability. With multiple seasons of dominance under his belt at Ohio State, Harrison’s decision to enter the draft early is a reflection of his readiness for the NFL and the high level of interest he is generating from scouts and NFL teams.

3. Jared Verse – Edge Rusher, Florida State

Jared Verse is another underclassman who is generating considerable buzz ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. The edge rusher from Florida State has been a force on defense, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks with his combination of size, speed, and explosiveness. As one of the top pass-rushers in the college game, Verse has the potential to go early in the draft, and his decision to declare early signals his readiness to make the leap to the NFL.

Verse’s early declaration reflects the increasing trend of underclassmen from the defensive side of the ball deciding to enter the draft. In recent years, pass rushers and defensive linemen have been highly sought after in the first round of the NFL Draft, and Verse will likely join that group.

4. Brock Bowers – Tight End, Georgia

Brock Bowers is another key underclassman who has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. The dynamic tight end from the University of Georgia has been one of the most versatile and productive players in college football, helping lead Georgia to national championships. Bowers’ athleticism, hands, and ability to create mismatches on the field have drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s best tight ends.

While tight ends are not always as highly valued in the first round of the NFL Draft, Bowers is a rare talent who could break that mold. His decision to enter the draft early is a reflection of his belief in his ability to contribute immediately at the next level.

5. Olumuyiwa Fashanu – Offensive Tackle, Penn State

Another highly rated underclassman who has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft is Olumuyiwa Fashanu, an offensive tackle from Penn State. Fashanu has developed into one of the top offensive line prospects in college football, known for his ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and dominate in the run game. With teams always in need of solid offensive linemen, Fashanu could be one of the first linemen selected in the 2025 draft.

Fashanu’s early declaration is a clear indication that he is confident in his draft stock and believes that he is ready to make the jump to the NFL. For many offensive linemen, the transition to the NFL can take time, but Fashanu’s skill set could help him make an immediate impact.

Trends and Implications of Early Declarations

The early declaration of underclassmen for the NFL Draft is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon. There are several key reasons why players are opting to leave college early:

1. Financial Incentive: The most obvious reason for underclassmen to declare early is the financial opportunity that comes with being selected in the NFL Draft. For many players, the prospect of securing a lucrative rookie contract is simply too enticing to pass up.
2. Increased Exposure and Marketability: The NFL Draft is one of the most widely televised and publicized events in all of sports, and being drafted early often opens doors for endorsement deals and other opportunities outside of football.
3. Early Development and Experience: Players often feel that their development is at its peak and are ready to compete at the highest level. Entering the NFL Draft allows them to start their professional careers sooner, gain experience, and develop their skills further under the guidance of NFL coaching staffs.
4. Coaching and Development Opportunities: Many underclassmen believe that they will have better opportunities to improve their craft in the NFL, where they can work with specialized coaches and top-tier trainers.