By Mark Pszonak
Success on the college football field is important, but the NFL has long shown that it doesn’t translate to success at the next level. In fact, it doesn’t even translate to success in the NFL Draft, which was once again proven this year as several college stars didn’t hear their name called. Here are some of the top players who became undrafted free agents:
WR Isaiah Bond – Texas (still unsigned)
Bond looked ready to explode in 2024 after totaling 48 receptions for 668 yards and four touchdowns in 2023 with Alabama. And while he performed well with Texas after a transfer with 34 receptions for 540 yards and five touchdowns, even his big play ability and speed (4.39 at combine) weren’t enough, as he was one of the biggest non-draft surprises of the day.
OT Logan Brown – Kansas (signed with Minnesota Vikings)
Brown spent four seasons with Wisconsin before playing his last two with the Jayhawks. He enjoyed his best collegiate season in 2024, being named Second-Team All-Big 12. He followed that up with a successful NFL Combine, with a 5.18 40 time and 1.75 10-yard split with a 6-foot-6, 311-pound frame.
WR Nick Nash – San Jose State (signed with Atlanta Falcons)
Nash was one of three Biletnikoff Award finalists, along with Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan, after a 2024 season that saw him finish with 104 receptions for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns. That along with a 6-foot-2 ½” and 203-pound frame should have been enough to get him drafted, but that was not the case.
© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
WR Xavier Restrepo – Miami-Florida (signed with Tennessee Titans)
Restrepo enjoyed a fantastic final two seasons with the Canes, totaling 154 receptions for 2,219 yards and 17 touchdowns. This included 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, which both led the ACC. However, horrible 40 times at the Miami pro day (4.83 and 4.80) that he claimed was due to a hamstring issue, killed his draft stock.
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OC Seth McLaughlin – Ohio State (signed with Cincinnati Bengals)
After transferring in from Alabama, McLaughlin enjoyed an All-American season while winning the Remington Trophy as the nation’s top center during his one season with Ohio State. Despite suffering a torn Achilles which trimmed his season to only 10 games, he was still expected to be drafted.
WR Elijhah Badger – Florida (signed with Kansas City Chiefs)
Badger totaled 181 receptions for 2,446 yards and 14 touchdowns during his collegiate career with Arizona State and then Florida. But even with his production, a very respectable 40-time (4.43) and vertical (35.5”) in the combine and a 6-foot-1 and 192-pound frame, he will need to earn his roster spot in Kansas City.
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DL Jared Ivey – Ole Miss (still unsigned)
At 6-foot-6 and 274-pounds, Ivey enjoyed an extremely productive collegiate career with Georgia Tech and then Ole Miss. Overall he totaled 165 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, five fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. Considering his level of production at the P4 level and size, this was another big surprise.
