CBS Sports’ latest update to their 2025 NFL Draft first-round mock comes at a crucial time, with the holidays fast approaching. The projection sheds new light on the ever-changing dynamics of this pivotal draft round and provides insight into the prospects and programs expected to dominate the headlines come next year.

A key topic in this update is the quarterback position. Despite the premium placed on top-tier quarterbacks, CBS Sports forecasts that only two quarterbacks will be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft: Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. This comes as a stark contrast to the 2024 draft, which saw five quarterbacks drafted within the first twelve picks. This limited number of elite quarterback prospects makes them even more coveted, potentially leading to greater competition and maneuvering among NFL teams desperate to secure franchise players under center.

The trend of quarterback scarcity in the 2025 mock is expected to have ripple effects on how teams approach their draft strategies. Teams in dire need of a long-term answer at quarterback may need to position themselves aggressively, either through trades or strategic draft picks, to secure one of these two standout prospects. Ward and Sanders, while promising, represent a shift in focus compared to last year, emphasizing the continued scarcity of elite passers at the professional level.

On the broader team level, Michigan is a significant standout in the latest projection, with four of its players forecasted to be selected in the Top-20. This would be a remarkable achievement, reflecting the program’s ability to produce NFL-ready talent at various positions. Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s recruiting and development strategies seem to be paying off in a major way, potentially boosting Michigan’s standing as a pipeline for professional talent.

Following Michigan, Georgia and Ohio State continue to demonstrate why they are considered perennial powerhouses in college football. Each program has three players projected to be selected in the first round, although only one from each is expected to break into the Top-10. Georgia’s sustained success in producing NFL-caliber players has been particularly notable over recent drafts, further cementing its reputation as a defensive juggernaut and a reliable source of elite talent. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s knack for turning out skilled offensive and defensive players maintains its stronghold in producing top-tier prospects.

Several other programs have also contributed multiple players to the mock first round. Colorado, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M, and Tennessee each boast a pair of players projected to be among the first 32 selections. Colorado’s rise, in particular, is noteworthy, largely due to the impact of Deion Sanders as head coach and the team’s overall improvement in competitiveness and visibility on the national stage. The presence of Shedeur Sanders in the first round highlights the significance of this transformation, as he continues to be a leading figure and prominent draft candidate from the Buffaloes.

Penn State’s continued excellence in producing NFL-ready players underscores its status as a Big Ten powerhouse, while Texas and Texas A&M represent the ongoing resurgence of elite talent coming from the state of Texas. Tennessee’s presence with two first-round prospects adds another layer of depth and competitiveness to the Southeastern Conference, reinforcing the SEC’s continued dominance as the conference most likely to produce high-round NFL talent.

This update not only spotlights individual programs but also reflects the broader landscape of college football talent distribution as it feeds into the NFL. Teams with multiple projected first-rounders often experience an elevation in recruiting status, player development reputation, and overall national prestige. As the mock draft continues to evolve, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on the players expected to make the leap to the professional level and the programs contributing to their rise.

Ultimately, this mock draft update sets the stage for an exciting buildup to the 2025 NFL Draft, where the strategic moves by teams, the standout performances of college players, and the intricate dynamics of NFL talent acquisition will be on full display. The quarterback position remains a focal point, but programs like Michigan, Georgia, Ohio State, and others have proven that their overall depth and talent can influence the draft in profound ways.