While the 2025 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players that will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 5.
Alabama has started off the season well and are undefeated. Jalen Milroe has become more comfortable in Kalen DeBoer’s offense and the results are showing. So far this season, Milroe has passed for 590 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions on 67.3 percent completion. He has added 156 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
In week 5, the Crimson Tide will face off with Georgia. Milroe will need to have a good game to give Alabama the win. He is a dynamic athlete with the football in his hands and if the passing game isn’t working, he can make big plays with his legs. His deep ball is solid, but his accuracy to other parts of the field need to improve. More time in DeBoer’s system can improve Milroe’s stock.
Georgia had a close call against Kentucky, but they are undefeated. Their defense has played extremely well and they have a star in the secondary. Malaki Starks has plenty of experience and is playing well this season. He has tallied 11 total tackles and one interception this year.
Starks could have his hands full stopping Alabama’s offense. He has good ball skills and really can cover well. In man to man, he can mirror well. Starks has great athleticism, but can get too physical in coverage at times leading to flags. He should be the first safety off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Louisville is another undefeated team. They haven’t been tested by great competition yet, but they have played well on the defensive side of the ball. Their best player is Ashton Gillotte, who has nine tackes, two tackles for loss and one sack.
This week, Louisville plays Notre Dame, a team they did beat last season. Notre Dame’s offensive line is banged up, which gives Gillotte a chance to really impact the game. He has a filled out frame and shows his strength as a rusher with a good bull rush. At the next level, Gillotte could be a bit of a tweener, as he isn’t the most athletic edge rusher, but also isn’t the biggest interior player, even though he can rush from there on passing downs.
Stanford wasn’t projected to have a great season, but they are 2-1 with a lot to play for moving forward. The Cardinal have scored over 30 points per game so far this season. What has aided them in that is having one of the best wide receivers in the country, Elic Ayomanor. So far this year, he has 17 catches for 234 yards and a touchdown.
The Cardinal play Clemson this week on the road. If they are going to win, they’ll need Ayomanor to cause problems for Clemson’s defense. He has solid size for a wide receiver and uses his strength well. Ayomanor has good releases at the line of scrimmage and understands leverage. He can improve as route-runner as he sometimes gets too high getting in and out of his breaks, lessening his ability to separate.
Illinois has surprisingly gone 4-0 to get ranked through four weeks. Their offense has been better than expected thanks to good play from their wide receiver core. The Fighting Illini have seen some development from Pat Bryant this season. He has hauled in 20 passes for 309 yards and six touchdowns.
This week, Illinois will have their biggest test yet as they play Penn State. Bryant will need to have a huge game to keep up with the Nittany Lions. Bryant has good size and uses it well. He makes contested catches when matched up one on one and is a threat in the red zone. His top-end speed isn’t elite and he can improve his route running, including the number of routes he runs.
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