The newly expanded College Football Playoff format has begun and is already providing a great look at some 2025 NFL draft prospects.
For teams like the New Orleans Saints, the draft is nearing the center of attention already. This will give them extra insight on their potential draft crushes playing in high-pressure situations.
The last matchup of the first round is the Tennessee Volunteers taking on the Ohio State Buckeyes. There is NFL talent all over the field in this one.
The top draft prospect in this matchup is certainly one that the Saints should be paying attention to in Volunteers defensive end James Pearce Jr.
Pearce is an ultra-productive pass rusher with 19.5 career sacks and 110 total pressures forced, with just two real seasons of real play time. New Orleans could desperately use someone that can actually get to the quarterback.
Tennessee has another intriguing defensive lineman, this time on the interior. Omarr Norman-Lott is an intriguing Day 2 option. He is a large presence that has potential both against the run and in pass rush. Pairing him with Bryan Bresee could be deadly.
Taking a look at a Day 3 option, the Buckeyes have safety Jordan Hancock that has improved a lot during his career.
Hancock has played both safety spots, but has also spent much of this campaign defending the slot. He has three career interceptions and four forced fumbles. The defensive back also has 82 tackles with 2.5 sacks.
How to Watch
While some of the playoff games were broadcast on TNT and Max, this matchup will be back on ESPN and ABC. It will also be available to watch on ESPN+ and in some Disney+ plans.
