Ohio State vs. Tennesse: Top NFL draft prospects to watch in CFP round one

Posted by Admin December 21, 2024 NFL

The first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) finishes up Saturday night in Columbus, Ohio with the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes hosting the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers.

Ohio State is back in the CFP for the first time since 2022 and is in its sixth appearance overall. The Buckeyes went 10-2 this season with the only losses to CFP top seed Oregon 32-31 on Oct. 12 and to Michigan 13-10 in the regular season finale. Tennessee is 10-2 as well, has made its first playoff and is looking for the team’s first national championship since 1998.

There will be plenty of future NFL talent on the field in this game and some of those players will hear their names called in the first few rounds of the 2025 draft. If you’re unfamiliar with them, we have you covered. Here are the top three prospects from each team playing in Saturday’s CFP game:

Ohio State’s top NFL draft prospects

WR Emeka Egbuka (#2): Egbuka looks to be the next Buckeyes receiver to go early in the NFL draft. The 6-foot-1, 205 wideout is a standout route runner who elevates the short and intermediate passing game. He’s not a burner but is a ready-made slot receiver and could become a playmaker from that spot in the NFL.
- Projection: Late Round 1/early Round 2
DT Tyleik Williams (#91): Williams is an explosive athlete at 6-foot-3 and nearly 330 pounds, which gives him a lot of NFL upside as an interior pass rusher. His hand usage is solid already in the run game. He needs to improve his consistency and high pad level but has the tools to be a rotational defensive lineman early on.
- Projection: Late Round 1/early Round 2
Edge JT Tuimoloau (#44): Tuimoloau isn’t an elite athlete but at 6-foot-5, 269 pounds with a high motor, he can be an asset against the run. None of his traits jump out on tape except for his impressive ability to identify screens. He has netted multiple interceptions off that alone. His pass rush technique needs to improve because he can’t win on athleticism alone but he’s already a good run defender.
- Projection: Early Round 2

Tennessee’s top NFL draft prospects

Edge James Pearce Jr. (#27): The Volunteers‘ pass rusher had 10 sacks last season and has another 7.5 this year. He’s 6-foot-5, 242 pounds but he can likely add more size to his frame. His athleticism jumps off the tape immediately, as does his change of direction, and he can work speed-to-power at will. He will need to improve his hands and block recognition but the rare traits are there to become an impact edge in the NFL.
- Projection: Round 1 (top 15)
DT Omarr Norman-Lott: (#55): Norman-Lott’s size (6-foot-3, 315 pounds) and burst off the line means he can likely line up at multiple spots in the NFL. His agility and motor will also earn him at least a rotational role early on as he acclimates to the professional level. He has missed time with injuries, which may cause some concern for teams come draft weekend.
- Projection: Late Round 2/early Round 3
RB Dylan Sampson (#6): In a loaded running back class, Sampson leaves his mark with elite burst and lateral quickness that make him a threat to score most any time he touches the ball. The 5-foot-11, 190 runner has the hands to operate as a receiving back as well. He’s a bit undersized so he’d be more of a change-of-pace back instead of a bell-cow starter.

How to watch Ohio State vs. Tennessee in CFP first round

Date: Saturday, Dec. 21
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
TV: ESPN, ABC
Streaming: ESPN+ | fuboTV

Watch select CFP games with Fubo

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.