As we head deeper into the 2024 college football season, the 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and there are a handful of players in college who could make an immediate impact once they hit the professional ranks. Among them are standout prospects who are already drawing attention for their potential to be major contributors at the next level. From dynamic quarterbacks to game-changing wide receivers and explosive running backs, the 2025 draft class is loaded with talent.In this post, we’ll take a look at three of the top prospects who could be poised to compete for the 2025 NFL Rookie of the Year award. These players have the potential to shake up the league, so let’s dive into what makes each of them a future star.
Cade Klubnik, the talented quarterback from Clemson, is quickly establishing himself as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. After taking over as Clemson’s starting quarterback, Klubnik has showcased his leadership, arm strength, and ability to read defenses with poise and precision. His performances in big games have solidified his status as one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
What stands out about Klubnik is his ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move. His strong arm allows him to make deep throws with accuracy, while his mobility enables him to extend plays when the pocket collapses. His decision-making has improved as the season has gone on, and he’s become more comfortable taking control of the offense. Klubnik’s combination of size, mobility, and arm strength gives him the potential to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL. His ability to make all the necessary throws, along with his leadership qualities, make him a prime candidate to make an immediate impact in the NFL. If he can continue to improve and showcase his skills in the remaining games of the college season, he’ll be a strong contender for Rookie of the Year once he transitions to the NFL.
Next, Jeremiyah Love, the dynamic running back for Notre Dame, has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 draft class. Love’s blend of speed, vision, and power makes him an intriguing weapon in the backfield. With the ability to break tackles, accelerate in the open field, and catch passes out of the backfield, Love is a versatile threat who can contribute in a variety of ways.Through the 2024 college season, Love has put up eye-popping numbers:
Love’s ability to make defenders miss with his lateral quickness and his powerful lower body allow him to churn out yards after contact. He’s also shown that he can be a threat in the passing game, making him an all-purpose back with the potential to thrive in any NFL offense. His ability to hit the home run on any play adds an extra layer of excitement to his game. In today’s NFL, running backs who can contribute in both the running and passing game are highly valued. Love’s versatility and explosiveness give him a strong chance to make an immediate impact as a rookie. His natural ability to read defenses, combined with his vision and speed, make him a top candidate to take the NFL by storm right out of the gate.
Lastly, Jeremiah Smith is one of the most highly regarded wide receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’4” and possessing an elite combination of speed, size, and hands, Smith has become a nightmare for college defenders. His ability to win contested catches, dominate at the catch point, and separate from defenders with ease has made him one of the top playmakers in college football.Through the first part of the 2024 season, Smith has racked up:
Smith’s big-play ability is what sets him apart. He’s capable of turning any catch into a long touchdown with his ability to accelerate quickly and make defenders miss. His size and physicality also make him a dominant force in the red zone, where he’s regularly called upon to make plays. He’s a precise route runner, and his strong hands allow him to haul in difficult catches with ease. Wide receivers with Smith’s skill set are highly coveted in the NFL. His ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and create separation makes him a weapon who can contribute immediately as a rookie. Smith has the potential to be a game-changer in the NFL, and if he continues to dominate at the college level, he could very well be a top contender for Rookie of the Year in his first season.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, these three players—Cade Klubnik, Jeremiyah Love, and Jeremiah Smith—are all shaping up to be key contributors at the next level. Whether it’s Klubnik’s poise as a quarterback, Love’s explosiveness as a running back, or Smith’s game-breaking ability as a wide receiver, each of these players has the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL.The race for Rookie of the Year in 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting one, and if these players continue to shine in their final college seasons, they will undoubtedly be in the mix for the award. With talent like theirs, the future of the NFL looks incredibly bright, and fans can look forward to seeing these players compete at the highest level.