In spite of overlying uncertainty and intra-conference movement, the ACC still lays claim to an exciting pool of 2025 NFL Draft prospects.
There are several early-round candidates at running back, as well as quarterbacks with undeniable talent and untapped potential.
Top 2025 NFL Draft Prospects in the ACC
Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
Barrett Carter can still improve his down-to-down consistency, but he has the potential to be LB1 in 2025. His electric athleticism is truly special for a linebacker, and it allows him to be a position-less force of chaos, with blitz, gap-penetrating, and big-nickel ability.
Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
No 2025 EDGE has quite the combination of physical tools that Patrick Payton has. And with those tools, he’s a playmaking prodigy. He logged seven sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 10 pass breakups in 2023.
Payton has burst, bend, length, and he’s adding mass to his frame.
Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
By physical talent and creation capacity alone, Cameron Ward is one of the most compelling passers in the 2025 NFL Draft. There’s still a level of discipline that Ward needs to reach before Round 1 is in the equation. Nevertheless, his upside is nearly unmatched.
Damien Martinez, RB, Miami (FL)
After cruising for 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023, Damien Martinez transferred from Oregon State to Miami. At 6’0″ and almost 240 pounds, Martinez has uncommon lean mass for a ball carrier, and yet, he can make swift, smooth cuts with his unique flexibility.
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
At 6’0″, 220 pounds, Omarion Hampton fits the “volume back” profile to a tee. He has the explosive vertical athleticism, mass, and leg churn to be a handful at contact. Hampton also shows bright flashes of corrective footwork and adaptability behind the line.
Oronde Gadsden II, TE/WR, Syracuse
A Lisfranc injury cost Oronde Gadsden II most of his 2023 season, but if he can stay healthy in 2024, he can revitalize his stock.
At 6’5″, 223 pounds, Gadsden blurs the line between WR and TE, and he has the athleticism and efficient feet to separate independently.
Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
Everyone knows Elic Ayomanor for his dominant, record-breaking 294-yard showing against Colorado in 2023. Yet, at 6’2″, 210 pounds, and with a 10.76-second 100m dash on record, Ayomanor’s physical talent bears noting for the 2025 cycle. He’s a dual-sided vertical and RAC weapon.
DJ Uiagalelei, QB, Florida State
DJ Uiagalelei still has plenty of work to do with his accuracy and down-to-down consistency in his final collegiate season. But the former five-star recruit is built like a linebacker and has a nuclear arm. A good year with the Seminoles could catalyze his rise.
Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
Two cycles ago, YaYa Diaby went in the Day 2 range. Ashton Gillotte could be the next Louisville product to follow suit.
At 6’3″, 275 pounds, Gillotte is explosive, forceful, and can sustain his acceleration around the arc while powering through contact.
Bryson Nesbit, TE, North Carolina
For the past two seasons, Bryson Nesbit was one of Drake Maye’s favorite targets up the seam, accruing 76 catches, 1,092 yards, and nine TDs over that stretch.
At 6’5″, 230 pounds, Nesbit is a smooth vertical athlete with speed, bend, and smooth body control.
Jaydn Ott, RB, California
Though he’s not the most imposing player in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jaydn Ott demands attention with his dynamic open-field burst and long-strider speed on the vertical plane. Beyond his running ability and vision, he’s a very capable receiving threat.
Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia
Jonas Sanker is a major sleeper to watch entering the 2025 NFL Draft cycle.
The explosive and energized 6’1″, 210-pound defender can play nickel or safety and racked up 107 tackles, four TFLs, and 11 pass breakups in 2023, producing in all phases of the game.
Other Top Prospects in the ACC
- Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
- Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson
- Jaylin Lucas, RB, Florida State
- Caullin Lacy, WR, Louisville
- Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL)
- Konata Mumpfield, WR, Pittsburgh
- Donavon Greene, WR, Wake Forest
- Jerand Bradley, WR, Boston College
- RJ Maryland, TE, SMU
- Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pittsburgh
- Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
- Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
- Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
- Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
- Branson Taylor, OT, Pittsburgh
- Walker Parks, G, Clemson
- Brian Stevens, C, Virginia
- Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
- Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
- DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
- Zeek Biggers, DT, Georgia Tech
- Davin Vann, DL, NC State
- Elijah Roberts, DL, SMU
- Akheem Mesidor, DL, Miami (FL)
- Kaimon Rucker, EDGE, North Carolina
- Fadil Diggs, EDGE, Syracuse
- Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami (FL)
- Jasheen Davis, EDGE, Wake Forest
- Nate Matlack, EDGE, Pittsburgh
- Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami (FL)
- Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
- Mansoor Delane, CB, Virginia Tech
- Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
- Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
- Joshua Pickett, CB, Duke
- Capone Blue, CB, Wake Forest
- LaMiles Brooks, S, Georgia Tech
- Sean Brown, S, NC State
