The 2025 NFL Draft is underway and a handful of former FCS players are expected to hear their names called. The advent of the transfer portal has allowed players maximum flexibility towards finding the right fit, with FCS players often ending up in the FBS before being drafted. In 2024, 11 players were selected straight from an FCS program, with another 6 having previous experience at an FCS school. Below is a table showing all former FCS players who were drafted, even if they were at the FCS school for only a season or two.
Cam Ward was the number one overall pick out of Miami (FL) but Ward began his career at Incarnate Word in 2020. UIW went 3-3 in the 2021 spring season and Ward shined brighter in the 2021 fall season. The Cardinals went 10-3 overall, defeated Texas State 42-34, and reached the FCS second round. Ward threw for 4,648 yards with 47 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a 65.1 completion percentage. He transferred to Washington State for the 2022 and 2023 seasons before ending with the Hurricanes in 2024 as a Heisman trophy finalist. The table below will be populated as more picks are made with additional career highlights for each player.
| Player | Round/Pick | School (Years) | FCS School (Years) | Position | NFL Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Ward | 1st Round (1st Overall) | Miami (FL) (2024) | Incarnate Word (2020 – 2021) | Quarterback | Tennessee Titans |
| Travis Hunter | 1st Round (2nd Overall) | Colorado (2023 – 2024) | Jackson State (2022) | Wide Receiver/ Cornerback | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Grey Zabel | 1st Round (18th Overall) | North Dakota State (2020 – 2024) | North Dakota State (2020 – 2024) | Offensive Tackle | Seattle Seahawks |
Travis Hunter was the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman in 2024. He was a two-way player at Colorado as a wide receiver and cornerback but he began his career at Jackson State in 2022. While at JSU in 2022, Hunter was hobbled by an injury and finished the season with 18 catches for 188 yards and 4 touchdowns. On defense, he had 19 tackles, two interceptions, one pick-six, and 8 passes defended. With the Buffaloes, he recorded 57 receptions for 721 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2022 while adding another 30 tackles and 3 interceptions. In 2024, Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards, 15 touchdowns, added a TD on the ground, recorded 36 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 11 pass breakups.
Grey Zabel was the first player selected directly from an FCS school. Zabel played for North Dakota State from 2020 through 2024 at offensive guard and tackle. He made seven starts in 2022 and then became a full-time starter in 2023. He blossomed in 2024 after starting all 16 games. He garnered All-America First Team honors from the AP, STATS, AFCA, Phil Steel, and FCS Football Central. He was also named 2024 All-MVFC First Team and won Offensive Lineman of the Week twice.
Photo Credit to the University of the Incarnate Word Athletics
