The 2025 NFL Draft is complete and over two dozen former FCS players heard 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. This year, a total of 26 players with FCS experience were drafted. 8 FCS players were selected directly from an FCS program while another 18 players previously played at an FCS school and then transferred to the FBS before being drafted.
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 |
| Jayden Higgins | 2nd Round (34th Overall) | Iowa State (2023 – 2024) | Eastern Kentucky (2021- 2022) | Wide Receiver | Houston Texans |
| Charles Grant | 3rd Round (99th Overall) | William & Mary (2020 – 2024) | William & Mary (2020 – 2024) | Offensive Tackle | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Bhayshul Tuten | 4th Round (104th Overall) | Virginia Tech (2023 – 2024) | North Carolina A&T (2021 – 2022) | Running Back | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Cam Skattebo | 4th Round (105th Overall) | Arizona State (2023 – 2024) | Sacramento State (2021 – 2022) | Running Back | New York Giants |
| David Walker | 4th Round (121st Overall) | Central Arkansas (2022 – 2024) | Central Arkansas (2022 – 2024) | Defensive End | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Jalen Travis | 4th Round (127th Overall) | Iowa State (2024) | Princeton (2020 – 2023) | Offensive Tackle | Indianapolis Colts |
| Teddye Buchanan | 4th Round (129th Overall) | California (2024) | UC Davis (2020 – 2023) | Linebacker | Baltimore Ravens |
| Carson Vinson | 5th Round (141st Overall) | Alabama A&M (2020 – 2024) | Alabama A&M (2020 – 2024) | Offensive Tackle | Baltimore Ravens |
| Shedeur Sanders | 5th Round (144th Overall) | Colorado (2023 – 2024) | Jackson State (2021 – 2022) | Quarterback | Cleveland Browns |
| Marques Sigle | 5th Round (160th Overall) | Kansas State (2023 – 2024) | North Dakota State (2020 – 2022) | Defensive Back | San Francisco 49ers |
| Jackson Slater | 5th Round (167th Overall) | Sacramento State (2021 – 2024) | Sacramento State (2021 – 2024) | Offensive Guard | Tennessee Titans |
| Zah Frazier | 5th Round (169th Overall) | UTSA (2022 – 2024) | Southern Illinois (2019) | Defensive Back | Chicago Bears |
| Jackson Hawes | 5th Round (173rd Overall) | Georgia Tech (2024) | Yale (2019 – 2023) | Tight End | Buffalo Bills |
| Bilhal Kone | 6th Round (178th Overall) | Western Michigan (2023 – 2024) | Indiana State (2022) | Defensive Back | Baltimore Ravens |
| Marcus Harris | 6th Round (183rd Overall) | California (2024) | Idaho (2020 – 2023) | Defensive Back | Tennessee Titans |
| Luke Newman | 6th Round (195th Overall) | Michigan State (2024) | Holy Cross (2020 – 2023) | Offensive Lineman | Chicago Bears |
| Ajani Cornelius | 6th Round (203rd Overall) | Oregon (2023 – 2024) | Rhode Island (2020 – 2022) | Offensive Tackle | Dallas Cowboys |
| Tommy Mellott | 6th Round (213th Overall) | Montana State (2020 – 2024) | Montana State (2020 – 2024) | Wide Receiver | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Cam Miller | 6th Round (215th Overall) | North Dakota State (2020 – 2024) | North Dakota State (2020 – 2024) | Quarterback | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Micah Robinson | 7th Round (237th Overall) | Tulane (2024) | Furman (2021 – 2023) | Defensive Back | Green Bay Packers |
| Jacory Croskey-Merritt | 7th Round (245th Overall) | Arizona (2024) | Alabama State (2019 – 2022) | Running Back | Washington Commanders |
| Julian Ashby | 7th Round (251st Overall) | Vanderbilt (2024) | Furman (2020 – 2023) | Long Snapper | New England Patriots |
| Junior Bergen | 7th Round (252nd Overall) | Montana (2021 – 2024) | Montana (2021 – 2024) | Wide Receiver / Return Specialist | San Francisco 49ers |
Travis Hunter was the second overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars 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 by the Seattle Seahawks with the 18th overall pick. 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.
Jayden Higgins was taken in the 2nd round as the 34th overall pick by the Houston Texans from Iowa State. Higgins began his career at Eastern Kentucky, where he played two seasons. Higgins caught 29 passes for 394 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2021 and followed that up the next season with 58 receptions for 757 yards and 10 touchdowns. He transferred to Iowa State for the 2023 season, where he caught 53 passes for 983 yards and 6 touchdowns. Higgins put up 87 catches for 1,183 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2024 en route to being named to the All-America Third Team by the Associated Press and Second Team All-Big 12 by the AP and Coaches.
Charles Grant was the second player selected directly from an FCS program by the Las Vegas Raiders in the third round as the 99th overall pick. Grant played at William & Mary his entire collegiate career from 2020 through 2024 as an offensive lineman. He played all 14 games and started 5 contests in his first two seasons in 2020 and 2021. He became a starter in 2022, playing all 13 games at left tackle without allowing a sack, and was named to the All-CAA First Team. In 2023, Grant started all 11 games, earning First Team All-America honors by the AFCA, Second Team All-America honors by the AP, Stats, FCS Football Central, and Phil Steele, and All-CAA for the second year in a row. In 2024, he was a consensus All-America First Team selection, All-CAA First Team for the 3rd year in a row, and was named a Finalist for the Payton Award Watch List given to the best offensive player in the FCS.
Bhayshul Tuten was selected in the fourth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 104th overall pick from Virginia Tech. Tuten spent his first two seasons with North Carolina A&T in 2021 and 2022. The first season saw Tuten rush for 215 yards and 3 TDs on 37 carries, while adding another 10 catches for 230 yards and a score. In 2022, he had a big season rushing for 1,363 yards and 13 touchdowns on 208 carries in 11 games. He also had 31 catches for 342 yards and 4 TDs while earning Third Team All-America honors from Stats. With Virginia Tech, Tuten ran for 2,022 yards and 25 TDs on 356 carries in two seasons and was named Second Team All-ACC both seasons.
Cam Skattebo was selected in the fourth round by the New York Giants with the 105th overall pick from Arizona State. Skattebo’s career began at Sacramento State in 2021, where he made an immediate impact with 520 yards and 6 TDs on 57 carries to earn Third Team All-Big Sky honors. In 2022, Skattebo ran for 1,372 yards and 7 touchdowns on 195 carries, and 31 catches for 371 yards and 3 TDs. He was named the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Big Sky, and Second Team All-American by Stats and the AFCA. The 2024 season with Arizona State put him on the map after rushing for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns on 293 carries. He also caught 45 passes for 605 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was named a First-Team All-Big 12 and First Team All-American while finishing 5th overall in the Heisman voting.
David Walker was the third player selected directly from an FCS school by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 121st overall pick in the fourth round. Walker was selected after playing three years at Central Arkansas as a defensive end. In 2022, Walker recorded 66 tackles, 22 tackles-for-loss, and 12 sacks en route to being named the ASUN Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-ASUN, numerous All-American teams, and a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award for the top defensive player in the FCS. In 2023, Walker finished with 57 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss, and 8.5 sacks while being named the UAC Defensive Player of the Year, a First-Team All-UAC pick, and various All-American honors. In 2024, he finished with 68 tackles, 23 tackles-for-loss, and 10.5 sacks while being named as the UAC DPOY and First-Team All-UAC for the second straight year. He garnered First-Team All-America honors from AP.
Jalen Travis was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 127th overall pick in the fourth round from Iowa State. He previously played four seasons at Princeton from 2021 through 2023. He was named Second-Team All-Ivy League in 2022 and 2023 before transferring to Iowa State for the 2024 season. With the Cyclones, Travis made 11 starts and earned an honorable mention on the All-Big 12 team.
Teddye Buchanan was selected with the 129th overall pick in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens out of California. Buchanan played at UC Davis from 2020 through 2023. He recorded 19 tackles in 2020, followed by 74 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and 2 interceptions in 12 games during the 2021 season. In 2022, Buchanan played in 8 games, recording 44 tackles, 3 tackles-for-loss, and 3 interceptions. In 2023, he was named Second-Team All-Big Sky after recording 72 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and three interceptions in 11 games. In his lone season with Cal, Buchanon finished with 114 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, and 5 sacks to earn First-Team All-ACC honors.
Carson Vinson was the fourth player drafted directly from an FCS program by the Baltimore Ravens with the 141st overall pick in the fifth round. Vinson played at Alabama A&M from 2020 through 2024 and was a starter for four seasons with the Bulldogs at left tackle. Vinson earned All-America honors from AFCA and Stats and was a First-Team All-SWAC selection in 2024.
Shedeur Sanders was selected with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. Sanders played at Jackson State in 2021 and 2022 under head coach and father Deion Sanders. The Sanders’ led Jackson State to back-to-back SWAC Championships both seasons with Travis Hunter part of the 2022 team. Shedeur Sanders threw for 3,231 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 2021 to be named the Jerry Rice Award winner, given to the best freshman in the FCS. Sanders followed that up with an even better season in 2022: 3,732 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions en route to being named the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year. The Sanders pair and Hunter moved to Colorado for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Sanders threw for 7,364 yards, 64 TDs, and 13 interceptions in his two seasons with the Buffaloes, earning AP Second-Team All-American honors, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Big 12, and the Johnny United Golden Arm Award in 2024.
Marques Sigle was drafted with the 160th overall pick in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49ers. Sigle began his collegiate career at North Dakota State in 2020 with a redshirt and then played 13 games as a freshman in 2021, recording 23 tackles and an interception to earn a spot on the MVFC All-Newcomer Team. In 2022, he played in 11 games, finishing with 27 tackles, a sack, 2 interceptions, and 5 passes defended. He transferred to Kansas State for 2023, started 12 games, recorded 63 tackles, and was an honorable mention for the All-Big 12 team as well as the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year. Sigle started all 13 games in 2024 and finished with 60 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, 3 interceptions, and 6 pass breakups.
Jackson Slater was the fifth player selected directly from an FCS school by the Tennessee Titans with the 167th overall pick in the fifth round. Slater was a four-year starter on the offensive line for the Sacramento State Hornets from 2021 through 2024. He was named First-Team Big-Sky in his final three seasons, named a Third Team All-American in 2022 by the AP, and voted First-Team All-American by the AP and Stats in 2024.
Zah Frazier spent the 2019 season with Southern Illinois but played only four games. He recorded one tackle and redshirted before ending up at UTSA, where he was named First-Team All-AAC with 25 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 9 passes defended. Frazier was drafted 169th overall in the fifth round by the Chicago Bears.
Jackson Hawes was selected with the 173rd overall pick in the fifth round by the Buffalo Bills out of Georgia Tech. Before joining GT, Hawes spent four seasons with the Yale Bulldogs. Hawes saw action in 29 games with Yale, including starts in 18 of the last 20 games. He recorded 35 catches for 371 yards and 6 TDs with Yale and was named Second-Team All-Ivy League in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, Hawes transferred to GT, where he started, finishing with 16 catches for 195 yards.
Bilhal Kone was selected in the sixth round with the 178th overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens. Kone transferred to Indiana State in 2022, where he recorded 34 tackles and six passes defended in 8 games but missed the end of the campaign due to injury. He transferred to Western Michigan to finish his career. Kone recorded 42 tackles, an interception, and 8 pass breakups in 12 games (4 starts) in 2023. In 2024, Kone became a starter at cornerback and finished the season with 70 tackles, 10 passes defended, and an interception.
Marcus Harris was selected in the sixth round with the 183rd overall pick by the Tennessee Titans out of Cal. He started his collegiate journey at Oregon State for the 2019 season, followed by four seasons at Idaho from 2020 through 2023. Harris recorded 49 tackles in 13 games during the 2021 spring and 2021 fall seasons. In 2022, Harris started all 12 games and was named Second-Team All-Big Sky after recording 53 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 14 passes defended, and 2 interceptions. In 2023, he finished with 51 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, 3 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups to earn First-Team All-American honors from the AP and a spot on the First-Team All-Big Sky selection board.
Luke Newman was selected with the 195th overall pick in the sixth round by the Chicago Bears. Newman began his career at Holy Cross in 2020, making three appearances. In 2021, Newman started all 13 games at left tackle on his way to making the All-Patriot League First Team. He started all 13 games in 2022, making the All-America First Team for AP and Stats and the All-Patriot League First Team. In 2023, he was named to various First and Second-Team All-American rosters and earned All-Patriot League First Team honors for the third straight year. Newman transferred to Michigan State in 2024, where he started 12 games at left guard and was an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten team.
Ajani Cornelius was selected with the 204th overall pick in the sixth round by the Dallas Cowboys. Cornelius began his college career at Rhode Island in 2020 with a redshirt season and started all 11 games at right tackle in 2021. In 2022, Cornelius started all 11 games at RT again but this time earned First-Team All-CA honors. He transferred to Oregon for the 2023 season, where he started all 14 games and was named an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention. He started all 14 games again in 2024 at RT and earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors and was named a finalist for the Joe Moore Award (top offensive lineman) for the second year in a row.
Tommy Mellott was the sixth player drafted directly from an FCS school by the Las Vegas Raiders in the sixth round (213th overall). Mellott played quarterback at Montana State from 2020 through 2024. He gained the starting job late in the 2021 season and the Bobcats made the FCS National Title game but Mellott was injured on the opening drive and did not return. n 2022, Mellot threw for 1,698 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding another 1,071 yards and 13 TDs on the ground. Mellott was injured again in 2023 but was still named Second-Team All-Big Sky for the second consecutive season. In 2024, Mellott threw for 2,783 yards with 31 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions while rushing for another 1,050 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was named First-Team All-American, First-Team All-Big Sky, Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, and the Walter Payton Award winner for the season. The Bobcats reached the FCS title game for a second time, losing to North Dakota State just as they did in 2024. Mellott is listed as a wide receiver as he attempts to make an NFL roster.
Cam Miller was the seventh player drafted directly from an FCS school. The Raiders selected Miller in the sixth round with the 215th overall pick out of North Dakota State. Miler became the starting quarterback in 2021 and recorded 1,444 yards passing with 14 touchdowns as the Bison won the FCS title. In 2022, he threw for 1,975 yards with 13 touchdowns and 5 interceptions while adding another 561 yards and 15 TDs on the ground. Miller took a step forward in 2023 by throwing for 2,687 yards, 19 TDs, and 4 interceptions, while rushing for 629 yards and 13 TDs on the ground. He was named Second-Team All-MVFC. Last season, Miller threw for 3,251 yards and 33 TDs with only 4 interceptions. He rushed for 631 yards and 12 TDs as the Bison won the National title and Miller was named Most Outstanding Player. Miller was selected as a First-Team FCS All-American, First-Team MVFC, and MVFC Offensive Player of the Year.
Micah Robinson was selected with the 237th overall pick in the seventh round by the Green Bay Packers out of Tulane. Robinson started his career at Furman in 2020, where he played in all seven games and recorded four tackles. He made 5 starts and played in all 11 games in 2021, recording 30 tackles. Robinson started 11 games in 2022 and finished with 35 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 10 passes defended. In 2023, he played in 11 games and finished with 34 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 passes defended. Robinson transferred to Tulane for the 2024 season and recorded 33 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 8 passes defended.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt was selected with the 245th overall pick in the seventh round by the Washington Commanders out of Arizona. He played four seasons at Alabama State from 2019 through 2022. In those four seasons, he totaled 1,253 yards and 13 TDs on 356 carries. He then transferred to New Mexico for the 2023 season where he posted 1,190 yards rushing and 17 TDs on 189 carries. He transferred to Arizona in 2024 but played in only one game due to uncertainty over his eligibility.
Julian Ashby was selected with the 251st overall pick in the seventh round out of Vanderbilt by the New England Patriots. Ashby was a long snapper at Furman from 2020 through 2023. He was responsible for all special teams snaps back to the kicker or punter. Punter Timmy Bleekrode earned All-Southern Conference honors in 2020 and 2021 with Ashby as the long snapper. Ashby was named to the 2023 Preseason All-Southern Conference First Team. Ashby transferred to Vandy for the 2024 season and was named a Third Team All-American by Special Teams U.
Junior Bergen was the eighth player drafted directly from an FCS team. The San Francisco 49ers selected him with the 252nd overall pick in the seventh round. Bergen played four years at Montana as a wide receiver and kick returner. He totaled 1,613 all-purpose yards and 12 TDs in his first two seasons combined. In 2023, Bergen had 59 catches for 791 yards and 5 TDs while adding another 863 yards and 4 TDs on kick and punt returns. In 2024, he finished with 542 yards and 3 TDs on 48 catches with 694 return yards and 3 return TDs. Bergen was named an All-American and All-Big Sky selection in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Photo Credit to the University of the Incarnate Word Athletics
