Trailing behind the SEC is the Big Ten with a strong showing of 11 picks, proving its place as a consistent contributor of pro-ready players. The gap between these two Power Five titans and the rest of the field, however, is striking.

The Big 12 managed only 2 draft picks this year, tying with the ACC, which also saw just 2 of its athletes selected—far below expectations for conferences that typically pride themselves on depth and visibility. The sharp decline may raise questions about development pipelines and national competitiveness moving forward.

Meanwhile, two smaller conferences also made their mark: the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) and the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) each had one player drafted, a reminder that NFL talent can emerge from beyond the Power Five spotlight.

The 2025 draft class underscores a growing disparity between the SEC and its peers. With premier facilities, deep recruiting pools, and high-profile coaching staffs, the SEC continues to set the standard—and the NFL is watching.

As draft analysts and fans alike break down the class in the weeks to come, one thing is clear: the path to the pros still runs strongest through the South.

The Auburn Tigers

One of the most highly anticipated teams coming into the 2015 season is the Auburn Tigers. With the addition of the defensive coach Will Muschamp, the Tigers are looking to capitalize on their momentum coming into the season. The quarterback, Jeremy Johnson, has grown leaps and bounds during the off season and is looking to leave the shadow of Nick Marshall and make his own name at the university. Although it will be a hard fought battle, the Auburn Tigers have all of the elements to have a championship team.

The LSU Tigers

With all of the issues that have dogged the LSU Tigers for a season, many people are looking to turn the tides and get back on top in the SEC. One of their strengths is recruiting and this year’s class is no different. Coach Les Miles, the Mad Hatter himself, knows what it will take to get his team back on track and has made strides to get his team back on good footing. With all of the additions to the team during the off season, LSU has a strong chance to come back onto the national stage and take the title.

The Alabama Crimson Tide

When talking about the SEC, you cannot leave out the powerhouse at Alabama. Although they have struggled in the last few years, they always a great team and are intensely competitive. There are always a lot of wild cards in the SEC and this year the Crimson Tide is the one. Many analysts have put them near the top in the preseason rankings and it is sure to be a great season with Nick Saban at the helm once again. The addition of Lane Kiffin has proven to be a great thing and has revitalized the offense of this team.

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Now keep in mind that there is a lot of football left to be played. A lot of these guys could end up completely shattering expectations, or fizzing out the rest of the way. But for right now, here is where I have them.

1. Ryan Mallett – QB Arkansas

Even though he had that bad second half vs. Alabama I still have to rank him #1.  At 6’7 and over 240 lbs. he is the biggest QB prospect since Jamarcus Russell.  I know, not exactly a compliment but Mallett has an NFL arm and is making tough throws right now.  He plays in a pass happy offense so he also throws a lot more picks than you’d like to see but all in all no one in the nation is outplaying Mallett right now.

Yoo! Im going to the 49ers!

2. Andrew Luck- QB Stanford

Andrew Luck was a very interesting prospect going into the season.  I personally wanted to see what he could do without Toby Gerhart behind him.  Well all he did was throw for 1200 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions so far this year with a 62% completion rate.  He struggled in the second half against Oregon and threw two picks during that game, but all in all he has the accuracy and poise you look for in any prospect.

3. (Tie) Christian Ponder- QB Florida State, Jake Locker- QB Washington

I almost don’t want to rank him here because of how slow he started the season.  Needless to say, CP7ForHeisman.com became pretty obselete quickly as Ponder threw for 117 yards and 2 interceptions vs. Oklahoma.  On top of that he had a 39% completion rate in the game. Ouch.  Ponder bounced back with over a 64% completion rate in the next two games.  His stock is still relatively hot because Ponder has all the talent in the world and the mobility to make any NFL team interested.

Then there is Locker, who has all the physical talent in the world but no signature moments or big games to display it so far.  Yes, he beat USC once (this seasons game with USC Washington won as well but Locker was injured) but that has been about it.  He really has not put it all together in a big time passing display.

You also have to go back to the 4/20 completion rate against Nebraska and wonder if Locker is really on the same level passing the ball as the other top prospects.  To this Broncos fan, Jake Locker reminds me all too well of one Jay Cutler.

Nick Foles has a 74% completion rate this season

4. Nick Foles – QB Arizona

Foles is a junior and should stay in school to cement his selection as the first QB taken in 2012.  But if he takes a page from Jevan Snead’s playbook and comes out early, he will find a suitor on day one in the draft.  Foles has thrown for an amazing 74% completion rate so far.  The 6 touchdown to 4 interception rate has to get better though.