From College Stardom to Draft Day Shock: Why Three Top 5-Star Recruits Were Completely Overlooked
You ever stop and wonder if recruiting stars really mean all that much? The 2025 NFL Draft just threw a wrench in that whole notion — a no-star recruit snagged the top pick, while three former five-star blue-chippers were left twiddling their thumbs come draft day. It’s a stark reminder that hype and rankings might get you noticed in college, but pro success? That’s a whole different beast. Take Miami’s Cam Ward, for instance — a guy who flew under the radar out of high school, took the scenic route through small-school ball, and still climbed all the way to first overall. Meanwhile, big names like DJ Uiagalelei, Bru McCoy, and Logan Brown, who once had NFL scouts buzzing, found themselves passed over for various reasons, from injuries to murky off-field situations. So here’s the million-dollar question: If you had the GM’s clipboard, which of these “undrafted” talents would you be gambling on? It’s a fascinating case study in talent, timing, and plain ol’ luck.
In a draft that saw a former no-star recruit go first overall, three ex five-star prospects reportedly didn’t hear their name called in the 2025 NFL Draft.
As much as recruiting ranks can matter when it comes to a players’ success and chances of getting on the field — they’re not the be-all end-all when it comes to predicting who can develop into a pro and who can’t.
Miami’s Cam Ward didn’t have any fanfare coming out of Columbia High School in West Columbia, TX. But after enrolling at Incarnate Word, and parlaying that into a chance at Washington State and eventually Miami, Ward was able to turn himself into a No. 1 pick.
Among the 257 names drafted to the National Football League there was a mix of prospect grades. However, 247Sports‘ Brad Crawford pointed out that these three big names weren’t among them:
- QB DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State
- WR Bru McCoy, Tennessee
- OL Logan Brown, Kansas
Notable 5-stars who went undrafted …
DJ Uiagalelei, QB, Florida State
Bru McCoy, WR, Tennessee
Logan Brown, OT, Kansas— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) April 26, 2025
In the case of DJU, his FSU tenure did him no favors after appearing to turn his career around at Oregon State the previous year.
As for McCoy, he was never really able to turn his elite physical traits into high-level production in college but it’s hard to imagine a team not taking a flier on him down the line.
And when it comes to Brown, he only had one season of starting under his belt due to injuries and an “internal incident” that got him dismissed from the Wisconsin Badgers.
It’s also worth noting that Michigan running back Donovan Edwards (an former five-star recruit himself) didn’t receive any NFL interest either despite some of the big moments he’s had in his Wolverines career.
Which of these players would you most be willing to take a chance on if you were an NFL GM?
Related: Mel Kiper Names ‘Biggest Loser’ In First Round Of 2025 NFL Draft
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