NIL

Post-combine list includes some newcomers

Published

7 months ago

May 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

With the NBA draft lottery (hello, Dallas Mavericks) and draft combine over, teams and prospects now turn their attention to pro days and mostly private workouts where even more impressions are made.

Those impressions lead to decisions at the June 25-26 NBA draft. Maybe it makes the difference between getting selected 16th or 13th.

Also, per NCAA rules, underclassmen have until Wednesday, May 28, to withdraw from the draft and retain NCAA eligibility. Among potential first-round picks who are weighing the decision to remain in the draft or return to college are Alex Condon, who won a title with Florida in April; Tahaad Pettiford, who helped Auburn reach the Final Four; and Yaxel Lendeborg, who played for UAB in 2024-25 but has pledged to play at Michigan next season if he returns to college.

Here’s a look at USA TODAY’s post-combine NBA mock draft:

(Age listed is age at time of the draft; for U.S. college players, height (without shoes) and weight taken at NBA draft combine)

2025 NBA mock draft

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7¾ , 221, 18 years old
2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg, 48.1% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 84% FT

The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama. Flagg had 27 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a Final Four loss to Houston.

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Freshman, guard, 6-4½ , 213, 19
2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT

The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper’s best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers’ lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7½ , 202, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT

Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn’t easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC.

4. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Freshman, guard, 6-4, 193, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT

The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA Tournament second-round loss to Duke.

5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas

Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 190, 19
2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT

Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He had three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA Tournament loss to Xavier.

6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Freshman, guard, 6-2½, 180, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT

Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA Tournament first-round loss to UConn.

7. New Orleans Pelicans: Kon Knueppel, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5, 219, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT

He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games. He had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in an Elite Eight victory against Alabama, and 16 points and seven rebounds in a Final Four loss to Houston.

8. Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, Duke

Freshman, center, 7-0½, 253, 18
2024-25 stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.2% FG, 76.6% FT

Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA Tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. He struggled to make an impact in the Final Four loss to Houston with just six points and no rebounds.

9. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 205, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT

Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Xavier.

10. Houston Rockets: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Sophomore, forward, 6-6½, 239, 20
2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT

Although he’s a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC’s No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Derik Queen, Maryland

Freshman, center, 6-9¼, 248, 20
2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT

An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida.

12. Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Forward, 6-10, 198, 18
2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 51.6% FG, 27% 3PT, 70.5% FT

The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up.

13. Atlanta Hawks: Egor Demin, BYU

Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 199, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT

The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field.

14. San Antonio Spurs: Carter Bryant, Arizona

Freshman, forward, 6-6½, 215, 19
2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT

The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA Tournament.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Asa Newell, Georgia

Freshman, forward, 6-9, 224, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT

Based off of his size, Newell wouldn’t appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga.

16. Orlando Magic: Jase Richardson, Michigan State

Freshman, guard, 6-0½, 178, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT

Richardson improved as the season progressed and turned into the Spartans’ steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA Tournament in four games – 5-for-11 shooting and 15 points against Bryant, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, and 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Danny Wolf, Michigan

Junior, forward-center, 6-10½, 252, 21
2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT

The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in a NCAA regional semifinals loss to Auburn.

18. Washington Wizards: Liam McNeeley, UConn

Freshman, forward, 6-6¾, 215, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT

What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year’s Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA Tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s.

19. Brooklyn Nets: Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

Guard, 6-4, 175, 19
2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.9% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 72.8% FT

Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He’s quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February.

20. Miami Heat: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

Freshman, forward-center, 6-9¼, 263, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT

The standout freshman required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who’s just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame.

21. Utah Jazz: Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)

Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18
2024-25 stats: 5.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 61.5% FG, 58.4% FT

Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn’t have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, has made him a first-round prospect. Another player who has improved throughout the season.

22. Atlanta Hawks: Nique Clifford, Colorado State

Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-5¼, 202, 23
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT

Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot of things – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams’ final six games before the NCAA tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland.

23. Indiana Pacers: Will Riley, Illinois

Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 186, 19

2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.2% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 72.4% FT

Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many, looks for offensive rebounds. His shot is a work in progress but the mechanics are there and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini’s final six games.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s

Junior, forward, 6-8¼, 232, 20
2024-25 stats: 14.75 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 apg, 53.1% FG, 39% 3PT, 74.3% FT

Fleming is a mobile forward who plays a physical game and has strong footwork to finesse his way around defenders. He likes to get easy buckets in transition, his 3-point percentage in nearly five attempts per game is encouraging and he is valuable in pick-and-rolls as the screener. Defensively, he deflects passes and can protect the rim. Fleming averaged 18.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.9% in the last six regular-season Atlantic 10 Conference contests.

25. Orlando Magic: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Guard, 6-6, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 45.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 72.7% FT

He’s just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect.

26. Brooklyn Nets: Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB

Senior, forward, 6-8½, 235, 22
2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 4.2 apg, 52.2% FG, 35.7% 3PT, 75.7% FT

Lendeborg is active defensively, likes to attack in transition, is active in the paint and cuts to the rim and looks for the ball. Possesses good size and strength for his position and initiates contact. His shooting percentage inside and outside the 3-point line (specifically as catch-and-shoot on 3s) are good signs for the forward from Puerto Rico. Depending on his draft evaluation, Lendeborg, the 2024-25 American Athletic Conference player of the year, could end up at Michigan for another season of college basketball.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)

Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19
2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT

One of Europe’s top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He’s still raw.

28. Boston Celtics: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

Senior, guard, 6-2, 199, 22
2024-25 stats: 18.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.2 spg, 44.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT, 85.7% FT

Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Clayton had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators’ final three games. Has range on 3-point shots and can shoot off the dribble or pass but needs to improve as a playmaker and defender.

29. Phoenix Suns: Noah Penda, Le Mans (France)

Forward, 6-8, 225, 20
2024-25 stats: 10.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 spg, 45.8% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 67.9% FT

A solidly-built wing, Penda may not be the most explosive athlete, but he has flashed excellent footwork in the low block, has steady enough ball-handling abilities and can knock down 3s with relative efficiency. Penda has also shown that he can move well without the ball, often slashing through a defense on cuts for easy buckets. Improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed.

30. Los Angeles Clippers: Drake Powell, North Carolina

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5¼, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 64.8% FT

Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn’t possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential. Was an efficient scorer in limited opportunities and can be a solid rebounder from the perimeter.

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Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman Trophy as college football’s top player :: WRALSportsFan.com

Published

12 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By EVERETT MERRILL, Associated Press

NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) — Fernando Mendoza, the enthusiastic quarterback of No. 1 Indiana, won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, becoming the first Hoosier to win college football’s most prestigious award since its inception in 1935.

Mendoza claimed 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes. He beat Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435 points), Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (719 points) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 points).

Mendoza’s Heisman win was emphatic. He finished first in all six Heisman regions, the first to do so since Caleb Williams in 2022. He was named on 95.16% of all ballots, tying him with Marcus Mariota in 2014 for the second highest in the award’s history and he received 84.6% of total possible points, which is the seventh highest in Heisman history.

“I haven’t seen the numbers yet,” said Mendoza, “but it’s such an honor to be mentioned with these guys (Pavia, Love and Sayin). It’s really a credit to our team. It’s a team award.”

Mendoza guided the Hoosiers to their first No. 1 ranking and the top seed in the 12-team College Football bracket, throwing for 2,980 yards and a national-best 33 touchdown passes while also running for six scores. Indiana, the last unbeaten team in major college football, will play a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

Mendoza, the Hoosiers’ first-year starter after transferring from California, is the triggerman for an offense that surpassed program records for touchdowns and points set during last season’s surprise run to the CFP.

A redshirt junior, the once lightly recruited Miami native is the second Heisman finalist in school history, joining 1989 runner-up Anthony Thompson. Mendoza is the seventh Indiana player to earn a top-10 finish in Heisman balloting and it marks another first in program history — having back-to-back players in the top 10. Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke was ninth last year.

With his teammates chanting “HeismanDoza” as he addressed the media, he said there felt like a realistic chance of winning the Heisman when the Hoosiers routed then No. 19 Illinois 63-10 on Sept. 20.

“At that point my boys (teammates) said we might make it to New York (for the award ceremony),” he said. “It was lighthearted at the time, but that’s when it started. “

Quarterbacks have won the Heisman four of the last five years, with two-way player Travis Hunter of Colorado ending the run last season.

Mendoza is the 43rd quarterback to win the Heisman and the second winner of Latin American descent to claim the trophy. Stanford’s Jim Plunkett was the first in 1970.

“Although I grew up in America, my four grandparents are all from Cuba,” he said. “I had the opportunity to go there and that was important to me. I credit the love to my grandparents and the Hispanic community.”

The Heisman Trophy presentation came after a number of accolades were already awarded. Mendoza was named The Associated Press player of the year earlier this week and picked up the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards Friday night while Love won the Doak Walker Award.

Mendoza and Pavia clearly exemplify the changing landscape of using the transfer portal in college football. Mendoza is the seventh transfer to win the award in the last nine years. Vanderbilt is Pavia’s third school.

Pavia finished second with 189 first-place votes. He threw for a school-record 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Commodores, who were pushing for a CFP berth all the way to the bracket announcement. He is the first Heisman finalist in Vanderbilt history.

Generously listed as 6 feet tall, Pavia led Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season along with six wins against Southeastern Conference foes. That includes four wins over ranked programs as Vandy reached No. 9, its highest ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 since 1937.

Pavia went from being unrecruited out of high school to junior college, New Mexico State and finally Vanderbilt in 2024 through the transfer portal.

Vandy next plays in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Iowa on Dec. 31.

The last running back to win the Heisman was Alabama’s Derrick Henry in 2015. Love put himself in the mix with an outstanding season for Notre Dame. He finished with 46 first-place votes.

The junior from St. Louis was fourth in the Bowl Subdivision in yards rushing (1,372), fifth in per-game average (114.3) and third with 18 rushing touchdowns for the Fighting Irish, who missed out on a CFP bid and opted not to play in a bowl game.

He was the first player in Notre Dame’s storied history to produce multiple TD runs of 90 or more yards, a 98-yarder against Indiana in the first round of last year’s playoffs and a 94-yarder against Boston College earlier this season.

Sayin led the Buckeyes to a No. 1 ranking for most of the season, throwing for 3,329 yards while tying for second in the country with 31 TD passes ahead of their CFP quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31.

The sophomore from Carlsbad, California, arrived at Ohio State after initially committing to Alabama and entering the transfer portal following a coaching change. He played four games last season before winning the starting job. He led the Buckeyes to a 14-7 win in the opener against preseason No. 1 Texas and kept the team atop the AP Top 25 for 13 straight weeks, tying its second-longest run.

Sayin follows a strong lineage of Ohio State quarterbacks since coach Ryan Day arrived in 2017. Dwayne Haskins (2018), Justin Fields (2019), C.J. Stroud (2021), and Kyle McCord (2023) averaged 3,927 passing yards, 40 TDs, and six interceptions, along with a 68.9% completion rate during their first seasons.

___

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Here’s how much money Heisman Trophy finalists Mendoza, Pavia and Love made from NIL deals this season

Published

1 hour ago

December 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By Weston Blasi

The Heisman Trophy award may not come with a cash prize, but these finalists have already scored millions through their name, image and likeness deals

Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 6.

It pays to be the Heisman.

The final voting for the 2025 Heisman Trophy will take place on Saturday, as the top players in college football compete for the game’s highest individual honor.

The Heisman Trophy, given to the most outstanding player in college football, doesn’t come with any cash prizes – just prestige. But while the Heisman finalists may not be paid for winning, they’re still among the highest earners in college sports when it comes to name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.

College athletes have been allowed to leverage their influence and make money from NIL deals since 2021, after decades of having to avoid any form of payment that could compromise their amateur status and NCAA eligibility. Now, many of the top student-athletes earn millions of dollars each year from NIL arrangements.

The four finalists for the Heisman this year are Fernando Mendoza, Diego Pavia, Julian Sayin and Jeremiyah Love.

Here’s at look at what the 2025 Heisman finalists are estimated to have made from NIL deals this year, according to On3’s deal tracker.

Fernando Mendoza, QB, $2.6 million

Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers runs the ball in a game against the Oregon Ducks.

Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza was not a highly rated Heisman contender headed into the season – but Mendoza had a great 2025 campaign, leading Indiana to its first Big Ten conference title since 1967, a 13-0 record and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

Mendoza won a separate Associated Press player of the year award, and is the betting favorite to win Heisman, according to DraftKings (DKNG) odds.

Mendoza has an NIL deal with sports-apparel giant Adidas (XE:ADS) (ADDYY).

“At the beginning of the year, I saw the list of the top 10 Heisman contenders, and evidently [my name] wasn’t there,” he said about the award.

But that didn’t discourage Mendoza. “I was like, ‘Wow, I want to make a goal for myself.’ I prayed about, like, if I could make it to the ceremony, how cool that would be,” he said. “Now that it’s come to fruition, I’m able to share that moment with people who appreciate it. It’s such a cool moment.”

Related: A $100 million NFL contract isn’t enough money to last a lifetime, says former football star Odell Beckham Jr.

Diego Pavia, QB, $2.5 million

Quarterback Diego Pavia on the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrates after defeating the Auburn Tigers.

Vanderbilt University quarterback Diego Pavia threw 27 touchdowns this season, leading his team to the eighth-best scoring offense in the country.

Pavia, who has the second-best odds to win the Heisman, behind Mendoza, is expected to declare for April’s NFL draft.

Pavia has NIL deals with AutoPro, Raising Cane’s and the NIL Store.

He also recently joked on “The Pivot Podcast” that he would donate his 2025 NIL money if one of the lower-ranked teams like Tulane or James Madison won the College Football Playoff this year.

Julian Sayin, QB, $2.5 million

Quarterback Julian Sayin of the Ohio State Buckeyes enters Ohio Stadium prior to a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Ohio State University quarterback Julian Saying led his team to yet another College Football Playoff bid this year, in addition to his Heisman-hopeful season. It’s the fifth time in the last eight years that an Ohio State signal-caller has been a Heisman finalist.

Sayin threw 31 touchdown passes this season, which was third in the nation. He has NIL deals with The Foundation (Ohio State’s collective), Panini and EA Sports (EA).

Related: Why Michigan’s Sherrone Moore probably won’t get paid the millions left on his contract – unlike other recently fired college football coaches

Jeremiyah Love, RB, $1.6 million

Jeremiyah Love of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a touchdown.

University of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the only non-quarterback among this year’s Hesiman finalists.

Love was fourth in the nation with 1,372 rushing yards, and led Notre Dame to a 10-2 record. Unfortunately for the Fighting Irish, they narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff.

Love has NIL deals with Samsung (KR:005930), Celsius (CELH) and New Balance.

The 2025 Heisman winner will be announced at 7 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday, Dec. 13, on ABC.

From the archives: The number of millionaire college athletes has tripled

-Weston Blasi

This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.


  (END) Dow Jones Newswires

  12-13-25 1439ET
Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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NIL

Donald Trump Looks at Federal Government While Hinting at NIL Changes Amid ‘Disastrous’ Run

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

US President Donald Trump’s dislike for the NIL system in college sports may end up bringing a major reform as he reportedly looks pursue federal measures to address NIL issues or regulate the system more strictly.

During his appearance honoring the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team at the White House, Trump said the current NIL system is “a disaster for college sports.” He added that it will highly impair the US’s ability to compete at the Olympics, as several universities are looking to shut down programs because they don’t result in good revenue, as football and men’s basketball do.

“I think the NIL is a disaster for sports. It’s horrible for the Olympics, and I think it’s actually horrible for the players,” Trump said. “Those sports don’t exist because they’re putting all their money into football, and by the way, they’re putting too much money into football.”

This is a result of the House v. NCAA settlement that allows universities to pay up to $20.5 million per year to their athletes. Because of this, the universities are largely using this sum to attract top talent in football and basketball through NIL money, resulting in the elimination of non-generating revenue sports.

“You can’t pay a quarterback $14 million to come out of high school. They don’t even know if he’s going to be a very good player,” Trump said. “Colleges cannot afford to pay the kind of salaries you’re hearing out there.”

In order to keep these NIL dealings in check or maybe even put a stop at it, Trump indicated a possible interference of the federal government.

“You’re going to have these colleges wipe themselves out. And something ought to be done and I’m willing to put the federal government behind it,” Trump said.

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Donald Trump Fears the Worst For College Sports If NIL System Continues

Given the spike in NIL payments, US President Donald Trump thinks that this could wipe out some of the top programs in the country if nothing is done to control, regulate or eliminate.

“But if it’s not done fast, you’re going to wipe out colleges. They’re going to get wiped out, including ones that do well in football,” Trump said. “Colleges cannot afford to play this game, and it’s a very bad thing that’s happening.”

Overall, Trump thinks that this NIL payments are not for the betterment of the sports and are instead dragging the entire college sports ecosystem into the toilet.

NIL

Rising $54 million college football HC linked to major NFL coaching vacancy

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

One of college football’s most accomplished young head coaches is now among the candidates being considered by a fledgling NFL franchise for its coaching vacancy.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has emerged as a candidate for the open position with the New York Giants, according to The Athletic’s Diana Russini.

Interest in Marcus Freeman is rising

New York isn’t the only place that could be taking a close look at Freeman, as the Tennessee Titans may also become interested in him, according to the report.

Freeman, who will turn 40 next month, signed a contract extension with Notre Dame last year that will lock him in with the school through the 2030 season, but if this carousel has proven anything, it’s that almost any contract can be gotten out of.

Notre Dame is a private school and is not obligated to publish its coaching salaries, but insiders contend his deal pays him $9 million per season and is worth a total of a reported $54 million.

But that raise is already somewhat out of date after Indiana recently inked Curt Cignetti to a new deal that will pay him $11.7 million per season.

Rising $54 million college football HC linked to New York Giants job — Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Notre Dame knows Freeman is getting that interest

“Everybody has eyes on Marcus,” Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua said.

“College has eyes on Marcus. NFL has eyes on Marcus. I bet Hollywood has eyes on Marcus. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in the next Leo DiCaprio movie with Martin Scorsese.

“Marcus is Marcus. All the credit to him. He deserves it. He’s the absolute best coach in the country for Notre Dame, full stop. One of the greatest college coaches in the country.

“And people forget how young he is, so I get it. That’s a compliment to him and his success and the way he represents himself and the way he prepares and who he is and how he talks.”

What Freeman has done at Notre Dame

Freeman has just completed his fourth season at the helm of the Fighting Irish program and boasts a 43-12 overall record, winning more than 78 percent of his games.

Freeman led Notre Dame to a No. 2 national ranking and an appearance in the national championship game against his alma mater a year ago.

His team went 10-2 this season and seemed poised for another berth in the College Football Playoff, before the committee reversed course on Selection Day and left the Irish out of the field, leading the school to decline playing in a bowl game.

Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman targeted by New York Giants — Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Notre Dame won’t let him go

Cognizant of the talk around his head man, Bevacqua is not willing to watch from the sidelines if his successful football coach is going to be courted by opportunities in the NFL, or anywhere.

“I would never say we wouldn’t match anything when it comes to Marcus,” Bevacqua said recently.

“I make sure that he knows that he will be where he deserves to be, and that is at the top, top, top tier of college football coaches when it comes to compensation every year.

“I view his contract, although a multiyear contract, as a living, breathing document that we will revise every year as need be to make sure he’s where he deserves to be. He knows he has that commitment from me and more importantly from the university.”

(Athletic)

Nike Signs 10 LSU Athletes to NIL deals

Published

4 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Nike announces a new NIL venture, and it has chosen LSU as the first school to partner with.

Nike, along with other equipment manufacturers, have been partnering with university athletic departments for decades. But Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program is the first to partner with the athletes themselves.

Zach Greenwell, LSU’s deputy athletic director for external affairs, said Nike is partnering with ten athletes on a very extensive campaign to promote Nike products.

“They brought in a very large-scale production company from out of town to work with those athletes, and it was 15-hour days with our athletes doing individual shoots,” Greenwell said. “They did a big group shot, which was a big part of our roll-out.”

Among the LSU student-athletes joining Nike’s growing roster of elite NIL athletes are: Kailin Chio, Gymnastics, Derek Curiel, Baseball, Tori Edwards, Softball, Casan Evans, Baseball, Trey’Dez Green, Football, Jayden Heavener, Softball, ZaKiyah Johnson, Basketball, DJ Pickett, Football, Jurnee Robinson, Volleyball and Dedan Thomas Jr., Basketball. Greenwell said Nike is working with them on product that they like, and they’re promoting products on the Nike store that’s specific to them and their respective sports.

“It’s a big thing for Nike to work with this demographic whether it be college kids, teenagers, so they’re going to work with all of those ten athletes across seven sports to tap into that demographic and they think LSU is a great place to start,” Greenwell said.

Greenwell said it’s a tremendous honor for LSU to be the first school that Nike selected for its new Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program.

“I think we’re the envy of a lot of people around the country to be able to launch this program with them (Nike) and we know they’ll work with other teams as they go, but our first immediate thoughts are, ‘How can we grow this? How can we take this to the next level?’” Greenwell said.

Along with the Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program, LSU Athletics and Nike have announced an extension to their five-decade long partnership through 2036.

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NIL

Let’s give Kirby Moore an immediate infusion of $5 million in NIL support

Published

5 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

WSU President Betsy Cantwell delivers strong appeal to Cougar fans. (Photo: WSU)

WASHINGTON STATE President Betsy Cantwell took to social media Friday evening to deliver as clear a picture as you’ll hear as to why support for NIL is critical not just to the success of Cougar football but to the entire athletic department and the broader university.

Just hours after WSU announced Kirby Moore as the new head coach of the Washington State football team with what is believed to be a five-year contract, Cantwell videotaped a two-minute message asking WSU alums and fans to help push NIL funding to new heights through the CAF’s tax-deductible coaches excellence funds.

“By now, you know we’ve announced a phenomenal new football coach,” she said. “He’s ready to lead us into winning in the new Pac-12 Conference. What will get us there and show the world that we are deadly serious about winning will be our willingness to give this coach the tools to win. And for us, that means building $5 million in new NIL support immediately to compete — a fund that acknowledges the modern world and says, we are ready. We are in it.

“We all know that NIL isn’t an option. It’s an essential tool today,” she added. “Whether we love it or not, it’s part of the game. But NIL isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about giving our Cougs every chance to excel on the field, in the classroom, and in life beyond sports. Your investment in NIL through the Cougar Athletic Fund helps us recruit, retain, and elevate our WSU student-athletes.”

Last month Cantwell told Cougfan.com that WSU Athletics needs to raise an additional $20 million per year for revenue sharing and NIL to compete at the highest levels of the new Pac-12, which kicks off in 2026.

Related: New Cougar coach Kirby Moore’s background remarkably similar to legendary Mike Price’s

“Athletics is the front porch of our university,” Cantwell noted in her Friday video. “It’s the place that draws people to us. That means that winning football leads to healthy sports across the spectrum, leads to higher enrollment, leads to a healthier WSU.

“So strong Cougar teams lift the entire WSU family. We boost pride, we boost enrollment, we boost national visibility. This is the moment for Cougs everywhere. Let’s hit $5 million together. Let’s set our new coach and our student -athletes up for success. Go to the Cougar Athletic Fund website and choose NIL. Do it now.”

You can watch her full commentary in the Twitter post embedded at the bottom of this story.

CANTWELL’S COMMENTS echoed remarks earlier in the day by former WSU and Seattle Seahawks standout Robbie Tobeck when he was asked for his reaction to Moore’s hiring.

“In this day and age, I don’t care how good your coach is, you need the resources to compete and win,” Tobeck said. “It’s imperative the university, regents and alums back up this program and give Kirby a chance to excel. If you want to boost enrollment, field a good football team. It’s time to step up to the plate and invest in winning.

“I’m talking about dominating the new conference and going to the playoffs. We have an opportunity at WSU if we invest. We should be the bell cow of this new conference and we need to come out of the gate quickly.”

Related: Instant reaction from WSU luminaries to Kirby Moore’s hiring at WSU

INSUFFICIENT NIL SUPPORT was a growing frustration for former WSU coach Jimmy Rogers and his staff. While WSU has kept the numbers tight, Rogers apparently shared them with his new athletic director at Iowa State, Jamie Pollard, who somehow felt at liberty this week to disclose that Rogers told him WSU had a $2.5 million NIL budget in 2025. That number is believed to be the combined total of WSU’s revenue sharing program and the fundraising efforts of the independent NIL organization Cougar Collective.

At the CougsFirst! Show in Spokane last month, Cantwell told WSU partisans that “we’re at the bottom of every team coming into the Pac for football in NIL. We’re at the bottom. We cannot stay there and compete and win.”

She added, “We must be winners, we must, in football, within four years (sit atop the Pac-12) because that is the time that every single media rights contract across all of college football, every conference, is up for grabs again,” she said.

Cougar Nation, the time is now! Success starts with $5M in NIL support to recruit, retain, and elevate student-athletes—setting the stage for a winning future in the Pac-12. #GoCougs

Support: https://t.co/nJgxBwVXgr pic.twitter.com/6s3Apt3DsX

— WSU Office of the President (@WSU_Cougar_Pres) December 13, 2025

Also from CF.C: Why the ‘front porch’ of WSU, athletics, is more important than ever

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