2025 NFL Draft: 10 Mountain West Draft Prospects to Watch This Season

The Mountain West Conference was one of the most competitive in college football throughout the 2023 season. With UNLV, Boise State, and San Jose State all posting 6-2 records within conference play, Boise State ultimately claimed the title by defeating UNLV 44-20 in the championship game.

As the 2024 season approaches, the Mountain West is once again loaded with talent, ready to make an impact. With the season fast approaching, we’ve identified the top 10 Mountain West prospects to watch for the 2025 NFL Draft.

10 Mountain West Draft Prospects to Watch This Season

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Ashton Jeanty is a supremely talented dual-threat back who projects as an eventual difference-maker in an NFL offense. Standing at 5’8” and 217 pounds, Jeanty’s blend of elusiveness, agility, contact balance, and pass-catching ability is unmatched in the Mountain West. After producing nearly 2,000 yards of offense and 19 touchdowns last season, Jeanty enters the 2024 season as one of the top running backs in the nation.

2. Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

Tory Horton has been a consistent force since transferring to Colorado State from Nevada. Over the past two seasons, Horton has accumulated 2,267 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. With his proportional length, physicality, and sure hands, Horton is poised for a third consecutive 1,000-yard season, making him one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

3. Ricky White III, WR, UNLV

Ricky White III emerged as the focal point of UNLV’s offense last season, totaling 80 receptions for 1,314 yards and seven touchdowns. At 6’1” and 190 pounds, White is a well-rounded receiver with the ability to create big plays at all three levels of the field. His speed, route-running flexibility, and hands make him an exciting prospect to watch.

4. Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Boise State

Ahmed Hassanein is a dynamic pass rusher who captured First-Team All-Mountain West honors in 2023. The Cairo, Egypt native totaled 16.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks last season, showcasing his ability to dominate in the trenches. Hassanein’s return for another season firmly places him on the NFL draft radar.

5. Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

Jalen Royals is a certified separation specialist who scored double-digit touchdowns in 2023. Known for his quickness and foot speed, Royals has the ability to create space and compete at the catch point despite his average size. He enters the 2024 season with early-round potential.

6. Jack Howell, DB, Colorado State

Jack Howell has been the defensive leader for Colorado State, recording 222 tackles across the past two seasons. His versatility and football IQ make him a valuable player in the secondary, though increasing his ball production will be key in 2024.

7. Tony Grimes, CB, UNLV

Tony Grimes, a former five-star recruit at North Carolina, has the athleticism, change of direction, and length to be a buy-low bargain in the 2025 NFL Draft. Consistency has been an issue, but if he can put it all together, Grimes could rise quickly up draft boards.

8. Ike Larsen, DB, Utah State

Ike Larsen was a playmaker for Utah State in 2023, totaling 103 tackles, 10 pass breakups, four interceptions, and 4.5 tackles for loss. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a key player to watch in the Mountain West this season.

9. Mikey Keene, QB, Fresno State

Mikey Keene was very productive in his first season with Fresno State in 2023, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. While he has average size and tools, Keene’s accuracy and competitive nature make him a sleeper quarterback prospect in the Mountain West.

10. Nofoafia Tulafono, C, Wyoming

Nofoafia Tulafono is a mauler at the center position, holding up extremely well at the point of attack with his strength and leverage. At 6’2” and 320 pounds, Tulafono’s ability to climb to the second level and dominate in open space makes him one of the top interior linemen in the conference.