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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Urben

2025 NFL draft: Our 5 favorite prospects on new teams this season

The transfer portal has become the Wild West in recent years and you literally have to keep a scorecard to keep track of the comings and goings of many of the top players. But make no mistake, some of the best prospects in the 2025 NFL draft are playing in new spots this season and they are hopeful the change of scenery helps their draft stock.

After pouring over all the players who utilized the transfer portal for this upcoming season who are draft eligible, here are our five favorites to watch this season to see if they made the right choice.

QB Cam Ward – Miami

Nov 17, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward (1) takes a snap during a game against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington State won 56-14. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

The move to Miami from Washington State should allow Cam Ward to showcase a more pro-ready game and hopefully help him consistently make more good plays than bad.

WR Isaiah Bond – Texas

Texas White wide receiver Isaiah Bond runs the ball in to score a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ spring Orange and White game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, April 20, 2024.

Bond comes to Texas from Alabama and falls into a great situation with Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell both off to the NFL and Quinn Ewers one of the best quarterbacks in college football.

EDGE Nic Sourton – Texas A&M

Nov 25, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Nic Scourton (5) reacts after bringing down Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Brendan Sorsby (15) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Nic Scourton made a wise choice heading to The Aggies and the SEC where he can really build a strong resume on a high-profile program.

QB Riley Leonard – Notre Dame

Sep 4, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard (13) passes during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C.Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

The 2025 quarterback class is a real mixed bag but Riley Leonard could crash the party if he can take advantage of the opportunity he has in the Notre Dame offense.

EDGE Princely Umanmielen - Ole Miss

Florida Gators defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) sacks Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tate Rodemaker (18) during first half action as Florida takes on Florida State at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 25, 2023. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

The move here by Princely Umanmielen might feel like a lateral switch but we love the idea that he can go into the season as the top dog on defense for Ole Miss and dominate off the edge.

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