Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty pieced together an efficient first half of work against the Utah State Aggies. The Broncos’ primary ball-carrier took the ball 13 times for 186 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t play during the second half.

Jeanty leads the nation with 1,031 rushing yards. Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson ranks second, with 260 fewer yards. Jeanty is not a speed demon running through massive running lanes, either. He’d still rank fourth in rushing yardage if only his yards after contact were taken into consideration, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jeanty made people take notice early this season. He’s now appearing on the trending up list for the second time, because he’s created Heisman Trophy hopes and legitimate top-10 draft pick aspirations.

“No other 2025 NFL draft prospect has improved their stock more Jeanty,” Parson said. “Opposing defenses enter their matchups with Boise State knowing that Jeanty will get the football. They still cannot stop him. He neatly presents the best blend of vision, patience and contact balance in the draft. He continues to separate himself from the class with his stellar week-to-week performances.”

2. WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Emeka Egbuka looked like a future first-round pick with 74 receptions for 1,151 yards during the 2022 campaign. Egbuka required tightrope surgery last year that derailed his junior campaign. The wide receiver that showed up Saturday against the Iowa Hawkeyes looked like the 2022 version, with nine catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns.

“Egbuka is healthy and back to making routine plays for the Buckeyes’ passing offense,” Parson said. “The senior has 70 or more receiving yards in four straight games. Last week, Egbuka performed his best against Iowa, where he displayed his route running, quickness and ability to defeat man coverage to the catch point.”

3. DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

Walter Nolen entered the collegiate ranks with significant fanfare, as a 5-star recruit and the 2021 USA Today Defensive Player of the Year. He initially committed to the Texas A&M Aggies, where he played two seasons. But his talent level didn’t necessarily reflect his overall performance or production.

Now a member of the Ole Miss Rebels, the defensive lineman’s impact is starting to reflect his natural ability.

“Nolen is an intriguing defensive line prospect as he combines size (6’3 and 305 lbs) and strength, with impressive athleticism, to be a well-rounded player at the next level,” Holder said. “His skill set was on display last weekend against South Carolina, as he wreaked havoc in the Gamecocks’ backfield. The Rebel managed two sacks and three tackles for loss, which should help him shoot up draft boards.

“Even better, he doesn’t even turn 21 until next week.”

4. Edge Jack Sawyer, Ohio State

Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer has been on the NFL draft radar for some time. He entered last season as a preseason first-round possibility. He didn’t quite meet expectations and decided to return to Columbus for another season. He’s right back in the mix to become an early-round pick.

“Sawyer has been having a good year but flew under the radar with Ohio State’s weak schedule to begin the season,” Holder said. “He finally faced a formidable opponent last Saturday against Iowa and made everyone take notice by logging 1.5 sacks, including a strip-sack that led to a turnover. The Buckeye has potential as a power-rusher at the next level, and he’s a quality run defender to help boost his draft stock.”

The California Golden Bears feature a tremendous safety tandem in Nohl Williams and Craig Woodson. The former leads the nation with five interceptions. But his early-season accomplishments shouldn’t overshadow the latter’s all-around play.

“Woodson has a versatile skill set, combining physicality and coverage ability,” Giddings said. “His ability to excel both deep and near the line of scrimmage, along with his aggressive play style, is what drives his success. Additionally, his man-coverage skills, fluid movement and knack for delivering big hits have made him an intriguing prospect.

“With further development, especially in his ball skills, Woodson presents significant upside at the NFL level.”