Top 20 Conference USA NFL Prospects
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight is shining brightly on a new wave of talent emerging from Conference USA. Often overlooked in comparison to powerhouse conferences, C-USA has consistently produced standout players ready to make an impact at the next level. This year is no exception, with a mix of explosive playmakers, versatile athletes, and game-changing defenders who have caught the eyes of scouts across the league. In this article, we’ll break down the top 20 Conference USA prospects, exploring their college careers, strengths, and what makes them poised to succeed on Sundays. Whether you’re a draft enthusiast or just curious about the next generation of NFL talent, these are the names to watch in 2025.
- Clay Webb, OL, Jacksonville State
Webb was a 5 star athlete at Oxford HS in Alabama where he was also a standout wrestler, having a career record of 45-1. Rated as one of the top center prospects in the nation, he spent his first 2 seasons of college football at Georgia where he barely saw the field. After transferring to Jacksonville State, Webb blossomed into a solid prospect, showcasing his ability to move his opponents against their will. Even though he has mainly played LG throughout his career, most scouts see Webb as a solid option at center. - Maurice Westmoreland, EDGE, UTEP
Long before Westmoreland was striking fear into his CUSA opponents, he dominated the JUCO ranks for Kilgore College and was named first team NJCAA All-American in 2021. Coming to UTEP, he quickly earned the respect of his peers and was named a team captain. His relentless motor makes him a good prospect for teams who need an edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme. - Sean Brown, TE, Jacksonville State
Brown has been a pivotal part of the Jacksonville State offense since transferring to the team from Tennessee. He definitely passes the eye test with ideal size at the position (6’5 250 lbs). Brown is a solid athlete and a reliable receiver who’s a decent route runner. He displays good toughness and contact balance and also has the strength to hold his own when lined up as an in-line blocker. - Kisean Johnson, WR, Western Kentucky
Johnson is an underrated prospect whose stock continues to rise. He came to WKU after a great outing in 2023 for Alabama State where he was an All-SWAC athlete and HBCU All-American. He’s been one of the main targets this season, demonstrating good hands and route running ability. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on as the season wears on. - Quantavious Leslie, OG, Western Kentucky
Leslie has been a solid fixture on the WKU OL, having 44 starts to date. He’s a wall who rarely lets opponents get by, having a sound anchor and good play strength. He’s a good competitor who plays with a nastiness which typically ends with him slamming his opponents to the ground. - Quinton Cooley, RB, Liberty
Cooley proved himself as a workhorse back for Liberty, rushing for 1401 yards and 16 TDs. In 2023, he was named First Team All-CUSA and Newcomer of the Year, transferring from Wake Forest. Despite his sub-par height, Cooley demonstrates good value as a strong runner with good vision. He also exemplifies leadership on and off the field and was named to both Wuerffel Trophy and AFCA Good Works Team Watch Lists. - Treon Sibley, WR, Liberty
Sibley was an All-State WR out of Coventry HS in Akron, Ohio where he also played basketball and was a standout track & field athlete. He’s put on good mass over the years and currently exhibits a good build with broad shoulders. He’s a tough, physical receiver who currently leads CUSA in receiving yards through the first 4 games of 2024. He’s an unselfish team player who also does the dirty work when asked to block. Best to keep an eye on Sibley as the draft process unfolds. - TJ Finley, QB, Western Kentucky
Finley is the only senior QB mentioned on this list of CUSA players. Once upon a time, Finley was an Elite 11 QB coming out of HS who began his college journey at LSU and then at Auburn. He started a few games at each SEC school, yet came into his own when he transferred to Texas State. With his massive 6’7” body in the pocket, he takes command of the offense and goes through his progressions. He utilizes impressive arm strength to move the ball down the field. Taking his extra year of opportunity due to the pandemic, Finley ends his college career at WKU in a system that is known for its impressive offensive passing attack. WKU has dominated the CUSA airways since 2021, having Bailey Zappe at the time who was eventually drafted by the Patriots. If Finley continues to develop, he would potentially follow suit. - Cedric Woods, CB, Louisiana Tech
Woods is a diamond in the rough for a team seeking a quality DB. He has an interesting story of being a former HS QB who turned into a DB/WR prospect from Monroe, Louisiana. He was also a standout track & field athlete at Carroll HS, running a 10.99 in the 100m and 21.16 in the 200m. Coaches rave about his overall technique and leadership. He has serviceable size as a DB and also thrives on special teams. - Bert Hale, OG, Louisiana Tech
Hale embodies the mauler mentality on the offensive line. Possessing good size and power, he knows how to manhandle his opponents and move them against their will. He begins with a good initial punch and stands his ground with a good anchor. Hale would make a good asset to a team with his solid run blocking skills. - Holden Willis, TE/H-B, Middle Tennessee State
Willis is an interesting prospect who adds value as a receiver. In 2023, he was named First Team All-CUSA. Listed as a TE, he doesn’t quite have the girth to play in-line, yet he’s mostly utilized in the slot. He displays solid hands and the toughness to run into traffic and shed tackles. He’s a bit of a tweener who would be considered a pass catching TE in 12 personnel or even line up at fullback. - Josiah Miamen, TE, Florida International
Miamen plays more of a traditional style TE in FIU’s offense. He’s got decent strength and solid hand usage that help him be an effective blocker. He’s not limited to just that quality though. Miamen is a capable route runner who shows good contact balance and nice hands. His ability to be a complete TE is what impresses scouts. - Jay Hardy, DT, Liberty
Hardy came into college as a 4 star recruit from McCallie HS in Chattanooga, TN. Rated as the #1 overall prospect in the state of Tennessee, he began his career at Auburn. He sought better playing opportunities and transferred to Liberty where he worked his way into the DL rotation. Recently, Hardy went down with an injury and is expected to return mid-October. With more playing time, he’s expected to prove his worth as the season unfolds. - Anthony Johnson Jr., CB, Western Kentucky
Johnson began his collegiate journey as a D2 athlete playing on offense and defense for West Florida. Transferring to WKU, he played a pivotal role for the team, finishing the 2023 season at the Famous Toastery Bowl where he had a game changing interception and was ultimately named the game’s Defensive MVP. Johnson continues to make his impact this year as well and was listed on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. - Ife Adeyi, WR, Sam Houston State
Adeyi is an electric player whose 2023 season was cut short due to injury. He plans to bounce back this season and solidify his draft stock. He brings excellent speed to the table as well as returner potential. To give you an idea of his exceptional speed, Adeyi helped Mansfield Legacy HS win a track & field state championship. He boasts a personal best in the 100m of 10.41 seconds and 21.11 seconds in the 200m. If speed is the name of the game, Adeyi has it to spare. - Jordan White, OL, Liberty
White transferred to Liberty in 2023 after 3 seasons at West Virginia. He was very efficient at center in 2023, yet is currently playing LG for the team. Not only is he a solid run blocker who plays with good strength and toughness, but he’s also efficient in pass pro. Last season, he was part of Liberty’s OL that led the nation in rushing yards per game (293.3) and helped QB Kaidon Salter win CUSA MVP. Even though White doesn’t possess ideal size, he brings the versatility to play guard and center and has the mental toughness to persist when moments matter most. - Dakerric Hobbs, CB, New Mexico State
Hobbs is yet another member of this list who began his collegiate journey at Kilgore College. He continues to progress throughout his journey, proving his worth at every stop. In 2023, he played for Sam Houston State and started 8 games. He had a breakout game against Louisiana Tech where he recorded 2 PBUs, 8 tackles with 1 TFL. His performance helped Sam Houston State in its first win against an FBS opponent in the team’s first year in CUSA. Hobb parlayed his 2023 season into an opportunity with New Mexico State where he has started at outside CB every game so far this season. - Isaiah Cash, S, Sam Houston State
Cash has been money for Sam Houston State this season. He was a solid addition as a transfer from Houston Christian. At HCU, Cash accumulated over 200 tackles over the seasons and also was a standout track & field long jumper with a personal best of 24’ 9”. Cash presents good potential as an athlete who would look great in combine workouts. Referencing his HS track days, he also has a personal best of 39.82 seconds in the 300m hurdles as well as 46′ 3.75 ” in the triple jump. Suffice it to say, Cash can move. He’s already a proven playmaker as a starter in Sam Houston State’s defense, and will continue to see his stock rise this season. - CJ Christian, S, Florida International
FIU has a solid pair of safeties in CJ Christian and JoJo Evans. Evans is listed as a redshirt junior and wasn’t quite qualified for this list, yet I still wanted to give him a shout out as a solid tackler on the back end. Christian has been very productive this season for the Panthers. He splits time at both safety positions and will also come down and play in the slot. Christian is currently on pace to notch about 100 tackles on the season. He is certainly a name to keep an eye on. - Ben Shellenback, OL, Florida International
Shellenback is a prospect out of Melbourne HS in Florida. The previous 2 seasons, he was an all-conference offensive tackle for D2 Tusculum University. Since coming to FIU, he’s made a solid transition to guard and has the starting LG position locked down. His professional ceiling will be determined by his overall performance this season, and so far, his run blocking ability has exceeded expectations.
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