14 2025 NFL Draft prospects to watch during Notre Dame-Ohio State

The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff draws to a close tonight, when Ohio State and Notre Dame meet to decide a national champion.

But the NFL Draft is always looming.

Tonight several NFL Draft prospects will get a chance to not just help their team win a title, but also to put one last argument in front of NFL scouts ahead of draft season. For fans of NFL teams already looking ahead to April’s NFL Draft, here are some players to keep an eye on tonight.

Benjamin Morrison, CB

Perhaps the top prospect on Notre Dame’s roster — currently ranked at No. 22 on the NFL Mock Draft Database Big Board — Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison is a key player both tonight, and when it comes to the upcoming NFL Draft. His size, as well as his ability to play both along the boundary and in the slot, will make him a very intriguing option for NFL teams.

He will get a big test in Atlanta this evening squaring off with Ohio State’s receiving corp, including some NFL Draft prospects to watch as well as talented freshman Jeremiah Smith.

Xavier Watts, S

Another member of the Fighting Irish secondary that will be tested tonight is safety Xavier Watts. Watts is a dynamic defender with the ability to come downhill in run support, but also work in coverage near the line of scrimmage as well as in the intermediate area of the field. His best work may come in the box, but he has the potential to be a versatile safety at the next level.

Howard Cross III, DL

Howard Cross III is another member of Notre Dame’s defense with a chance to boost his stock tonight in the National Championship Game. Cross is a quick and athletic interior defender, and brings a solid arsenal of pass-rushing moves to the table. He will face some questions about his size when transitioning to the next level — Cross checks in at 6’1 and 288 pounds — but his athleticism and ability to get after the passer on the inside will be intriguing for many NFL teams.

Mitchell Evans, TE

Two tight ends from the Big Ten (Tyler Warren from Penn State and Colston Loveland out of Michigan) figure to be early options at the position in April.

But Notre Dame tight end Mitchell Evans has a chance to make some noise tonight. He caught 39 passes this season for 369 yards and 3 touchdowns, and is coming off a solid effort against Penn State, as he hauled in 5 passes for 58 yards against the Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl. He has ideal size (6’5 253 pounds) for the position, but might face questions about his athleticism at the next level.

Riley Leonard, QB

If you are reading this, you probably know that the incoming quarterback class has more questions than answers. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders seem as locks to go within the Top Five of the 2025 NFL Draft but after that, the questions begin.

Riley Leonard is among several quarterbacks vying for attention in this draft class. His draft stock has lingered in the Day 3 range throughout the season, as tracked by NFL Mock Draft Database and his legs have been more of a factor in the College Football Playoff than his arm. But a dream game against Ohio State could absolutely shift the narrative.

Ohio State 2025 NFL Draft prospects to watch

Emeka Egubka, WR

Jeremiah Smith may draw the headlines, but teams hoping to draft an Ohio State wide receiver will have to wait until he is eligible, or turn their attention to Emeka Egubka. Ohio State’s other big target in the passing game, Egubka led the Buckeyes with 75 receptions this season, gaining 947 yards and scoring ten touchdowns on those catches.

Egubka was utilized primarily out of the slot this season for Ohio State, but his route-running skills and ability after the catch make him a first-round prospect.

Tyleik Williams, DL

Ohio State’s front seven gives them a huge chance to win on Monday night, and Tyleik Williams is a big part of that group. Williams gives Ohio State a massive presence on the interior, but he is more than just a big body on the inside. His strength at the point of attack makes him a force against the run, but also gives him the ability to move the pocket and get after the QB in the passing game.

Jack Sawyer, EDGE

Jack Sawyer’s dynamic play to seal the win over Texas may live on in Ohio State lore, but it has also given his draft stock a noticeable bump. Sawyer entered the College Football Playoff as a mid-second round pick as reflected by NFL Mock Draft Database, but has climbed closer to the first round over the past few weeks:

Another big game could see his stock rise even higher.

J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE

Across from Sawyer on the Ohio State defensive line is another draft prospect in pass rusher J.T. Tuimoloau. He led the Buckeyes with 11.5 sacks this season, winning with strength and a solid spin move as a counter.

NFL evaluators might have questions about athleticism which he can answer throughout the draft process, but the production speaks for itself.

Quinshon Judkins, RB

Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson give Ohio State a tremendous one-two punch out of the backfield, and both players are draft prospects to watch tonight. Judkins runs with violence, as he showed early against Texas, a trait reminiscent of Isiah Pacheco. He also has enough speed to erase angles in the open field, and the footwork and vision to find creases when the blocking picture is cloudy in front of him.

He might face questions about handling pass protection at the next level, but is a solid prospect at the position.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB

TreVeyon Henderson is another solid running back option in the upcoming NFL Draft, and definitely a player to keep an eye on in the National Championship Game. His long touchdown before halftime against Texas highlighted his long speed and explosive play-making ability. But he also features tremendous vision and footwork as a ball-carrier.

Like many collegiate running backs, his ability in pass protection is a question, but he handles almost every other aspect of the position at a high level.

Denzel Burke, CB

Denzel Burke is a well-rounded prospect at cornerback for the Buckeyes, who is equally comfortable coming downhill in run support as he is tracking defenders downfield in the passing game. He has the size and length to be a man coverage corner on the outside at the next level, as well as the athleticism to match receivers in man coverage. Pair that with his willingness to play downhill in run support, and you have the makings of a starter at the next level.

Will Howard, QB

Similar to the quarterback across the field in the National Championship Game, Will Howard has a chance to make some noise Monday night, and position himself as a solid option in the draft outside the first round. His experience and arm talent stand out in Ohio State’s passing game, and he also has the athleticism to extend plays with his legs.

Ohio State has not often used him as a runner, but they have picked their spots with him, such as a key fourth-down run against Texas late in the game.

Donovan Jackson, IOL

Donovan Jackson is winding down his third year as a starter for the Buckeyes at left guard, and is a solid prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft along the interior offensive line. He might be best suited as a guard in a gap-heavy offensive scheme, with his ability to win blocking downhill and his experience pulling in trap or gap concepts. His strength and ability to anchor serve him well against power rushers in pass protection, but could benefit from improving against counters and more well-rounded pass rushers.

Josh Simmons, OT

Finally, a quick word about offensive tackle Josh Simmons. While Simmons is out tonight due to a season-ending knee injury he suffered in October, he projects as one of the top offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft.