With the college football transfer portal in flux and the NFL calling, many players are deciding their fates, impacting college teams and professional franchises alike.

The impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has made players weigh their options more than ever, traveling across the nation to secure the best opportunities for their futures.

Some athletes are poised to make the jump to the NFL, while others are holding off, recognizing they can improve their draft stock. Eight players stand out as having the potential for significant growth.

With many teams still in contention for the College Football Playoff, decisions are pending. Additionally, key players like Georgia’s Carson Beck, Notre Dame’s Rylie Mills, and LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr. are dealing with injuries, adding to the uncertainty about their futures.

Given the current unpredictability of the 2025 quarterback class, we’ll spotlight two returning players who could elevate it significantly.

Assessing an NFL quarterback goes beyond ability; it’s about consistency. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier has shown promise but faced ups and downs, particularly against high-tier opponents, leading to his decision to return for another year.

“I wasn’t as consistent as I wanted to be,” he stated post-announcement. “There’s another level I can tap into.”

Nussmeier is a formidable passer when he’s in rhythm, but after three seasons as a backup to Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, he’s still polishing his decision-making skills. In his first full season as a starter, he amassed 3,739 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

“This year was significant for my growth as a player,” Nussmeier reflected. “I hadn’t played football in three years.”

Though he has physical limitations, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 200 pounds, he still had the potential to be a first- or second-round pick in 2025. Instead, he’s opted to develop further at LSU.

Penn State’s Drew Allar exemplifies the ideal quarterback prototype.

At 6’5″ and 235 pounds, Allar possesses the size to excel in the pocket, along with impressive mobility, finishing third on the Nittany Lions with 289 rushing yards. His pocket awareness is a strong point as well.

Projected to be a top quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft, Allar opted to return to Penn State for another year.

“It was a football decision for me,” Allar explained. “My family and I deliberated extensively and concluded that staying was the best choice for my future.”

As a younger player who entered early, Allar recognizes that despite his skill set and the uncertain quarterback landscape, he is making a decision that suits him.

With a promising 2026 class on the horizon, Allar still has the potential to rise as a top prospect if he performs well next season.

Alabama center Parker Brailsford is acutely aware of his physical development needs.

Despite being one of the premier centers in the nation, he recognizes the NFL demands a higher level of physicality. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 290 pounds, he knows he needs to bolster his strength to compete at the next level.

While smaller centers have had success, the best in the NFL typically weigh around 300 pounds.

Brailsford has the opportunity to build on his existing skills and step up his game further. “I discussed it with my family and trusted advisors,” he stated. “The consensus was to come back.”

Impressive performances can change a player’s trajectory significantly.

Florida’s Caleb Banks was a standout in the Gators’ upset against LSU, creating a tremendous impact with seven quarterback pressures against Ole Miss a week later.

With Florida’s recent success, Banks chose to return for another season to help build on this foundation. “I can’t miss out on the chance to go for a National Championship,” he shared with Florida Victorious’ Nick de la Torre.

Given his size of 6’6″ and 325 pounds, Banks has the potential to be an early-round pick with solid performances leading up to the 2026 draft.

Mikail Kamara’s transition from James Madison to Indiana has enhanced his career significantly.

Under head coach Curt Cignetti, who brought several players from James Madison, Kamara flourished. He was named to the first-team Big Ten and third-team All-American squads, improving his sack total from 7.5 to 10.

Despite not having the prototypical size for an edge rusher at 6’1″ and 265 pounds, Kamara’s skills reflect the potential for success in the NFL.

If he continues to perform at a high level in the Big Ten, his draft stock will likely rise leading up to the next NFL draft.

Patrick Payton is returning to school to mend his draft stock after a lackluster season.

Once projected as a first-round talent, Payton struggled in 2024, recording only four sacks after a promising prior season at Florida State.

The 6’5″, 250-pound rusher has the physical tools for an NFL career but will benefit from returning to school to elevate his game and strength.

New surroundings at LSU may rejuvenate Payton’s game. With a top-tier roster and significant expectations, he has the opportunity to restore his draft status.

Mansoor Delane held a first-round grade prior to announcing his return to college, transferring to LSU for his final year.

With a blend of talent and areas to improve, he has the potential to excel in the NFL.

“He has all the tools to excel,” said B/R scout Cory Giddings. “Consistency is key for him to maximize his potential.”

Joining LSU could provide Delane the national stage needed to boost his draft status significantly.

Like Delane, Tacario Davis’s decision to forgo the draft surprised some, as he was projected as a first-round talent.

Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 190 pounds, Davis’s combination of size and physicality makes him a standout cornerback. However, he does have areas to refine, particularly in coverage transitions and ball awareness.

“His unique blend of size and ability places him in a strong position for success,” Giddings noted. “Improving technique could see him rise rapidly in the rankings.”

After spending three seasons at Arizona, Davis is exploring new opportunities in the transfer portal, aiming for a landing spot where he can reclaim his projected status.

With the right fit, Davis can assume a leading cornerback role, gaining the recognition needed to elevate his draft prospects.