The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2025 Cure Bowl.
Zach Barlev, IOL
Barlev was a three-star recruit who started his career at Illinois. He played mostly on special teams over the 2022-2023 seasons with the Illini. In 2024, he transferred to Old Dominion and was named Third Team All-Sun Belt for his play. This season, he played well again and was named First Team All-Sun Belt.
At 6-foot-4 and 318 pounds, Barlev has solid size for an NFL offensive lineman. He has experience at guard and tackle over the last two seasons, which will help his value a bit. His two solid years at Old Dominion could help him be invited to a camp to prove himself to an NFL team.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Ryan Joyce, IOL
Joyce started his career at the FCS level for Fordham in 2019. After getting plenty of experience over six seasons with the Rams, he transferred to Old Dominion for the 2025 season. He played guard for the Monarchs and was named Second Team All-Sun Belt for his play.
He is 6-foot-4, but could fill out his frame a bit more to fit in on the interior of an NFL offensive line. Joyce is an older prospect, but doesn’t have a lot of reps against top competition. The step up to Old Dominion helps him, but he’ll likely have to prove himself at a camp to have a chance to make a roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Byrum Brown, QB
Brown joined USF in 2022. He played sparingly as a freshman, passing for 404 yards and five touchdowns. In 2023, he took over as the starting quarterback. He passed for 3,292 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 64.6 percent completion, helping the Bulls make a bowl game in the process. In 2024, he was injured, but passed for 836 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions on 59.1 percent completion when he was able to play. This season, he passed for 3,158 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 66.3 percent completion. He also rushed for 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-3 and 231 pounds, Brown has good size for an NFL quarterback, specifically one who runs. He can develop more as a passer, but his dual-threat abilities are enticing. Brown could opt out of this bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft or to transfer, as he could follow former head coach Alex Golesh to Auburn.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Mac Harris, LB
Harris joined USF in 2020 and has developed a lot during his time in the program. He played safety originally before moving to linebacker. In his first three seasons, he played sparingly. He jumped into the starting lineup for six games in 2023, registering 33 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. During the 2024 season, he registered 82 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four sacks. This season, he was an All-American Conference First Team Selection with 100 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.
He isn’t the biggest linebacker at 6-foot and 235 pounds, but his frame is at least filled out. His ability in pursuit and as a pass rusher could get him some looks from NFL teams. He has developed well and might put him in a position to be invited to some camps.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
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