Top Programs See Players Go Undrafted, Sign NFL Deals

The 2025 NFL Draft featured notable undrafted players from top college programs, including Nebraska, Alabama, Kentucky, USC, and Pittsburgh, who subsequently signed free agent deals with NFL teams. Surprising omissions included Alabama's CJ Dippre and James Burnip, Kentucky and Nebraska's multiple undrafted players, and USC's Ray Guy Award-winning punter Eddie Czaplicki. Pitt's linebacker Brandon George was also among those who went undrafted but secured an NFL contract. These developments illustrate the unpredictable nature of player evaluation and the opportunities available for undrafted players to pursue professional careers. The event also serves as a reminder that even highly touted prospects or draft picks can fall short of expectations, sometimes impacting NFL franchises for years. The unpredictability of the draft process remains a central theme in both team strategies and player outcomes.