Top-5 Division 3 Prospects Entering the 2024 Season

Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, all eyes are typically on the powerhouse programs from Division I schools, where the most heralded prospects often hail from. However, talent knows no bounds, and every year, a few exceptional players from Division III emerge as draft prospects who are more than ready to make their mark on the professional stage. These athletes have demonstrated extraordinary skill, dedication, and resilience, proving that you don’t need to come from a major conference to catch the attention of NFL scouts. In this article, we spotlight the top five Division III football players who are poised to shake up the 2025 NFL Draft. From dominant defenders to game-changing offensive stars, these players have what it takes to compete at the highest level and could be the hidden gems that NFL teams are searching for.

5. Thomas Burke, TE, The College of New Jersey- Burke is a prospect out of Falls Church, VA who was a 3-sport athlete at George C Marshall HS, playing football, basketball and lacrosse. Boasting a solid 6’5” 240+ lbs frame, Burke has the ideal size that teams like to see. He’s a 2-time First Team All New Jersey Athletic Conference athlete, tallying 1000 yards receiving over the past 3 years. Look for him to have another standout performance this fall.

4. Carson Steen, DT, Wisconsin River Falls- Steen is a player hailing out of the small town of Big Lake, MN. With his exceptional size (6’5”, 295 lbs), it’s a mystery how Steen fell to the D3 ranks. He’s definitely on the radar of pro teams with his ability to maintain gap assignments and dominate against the run.

3. Dylan Brown, DB, Wisconsin River Falls- Brown locks down receivers for the Falcons using his great size (6’3”, 198 lbs). He’s a prospect out of Mequon, Wisconsin who was a standout football player and track & field athlete out of Homestead HS. He displayed impressive speed on the track, running a 49.57 in the 400m and 22.25 in the 200m. That athleticism translates to an absolute ballhawk on the field, racking up 38 pass defenses over the past 3 seasons. He demonstrates good ball skills and is a solid run defender.

2. Devon Frenchko, WR, Alma College- Out of St. Joseph HS in Michigan, Frenchko began his collegiate days at Saginaw Valley State. While waiting for his opportunity and facing the pandemic days, Frenchko’s football career was looking bleak. Transferring to Alma College gave him the opportunity to shine. In 2023, Frenchko was First Team All-Conference with 1259 yards and 14 TDs, and amazingly led all collegiate levels of football in yards per reception (32.29). He’s obviously a deep threat who opponents need to keep an eye on at all times. Frenchko also contributes on Alma College’s track team, recently placing 5th in the 100m at the MIAA Outdoor Championship running a 10.97. He also jumps a 40” vertical and a 10’9” in the broad jump.

1. John Schirger, OT, Wisconsin Oshkosh- Schirger came to Oshkosh from Living Word Lutheran in Jackson, Wisconsin. He grew into an impressive offensive lineman at the D3 level, standing at 6’6”, 323 lbs. He’s a confident RT who implements his excellent arm length of 35 ½ inches in the Titans explosive offense.