Through 10 weeks of college football, it’s becoming clear around the country who is worthy of first-round hype and who isn’t. In a 2025 NFL Draft class, as a whole, that has remained underwhelming for league evaluators, an athlete on the defensive side of things has all but solidified himself as one of the premier blue-chip prospects in the class: Abdul Carter.
A versatile and uber-athletic defender who has made the full transition down to edge after living at off-ball linebacker the last few years, Carter has not only met but exceeded expectations thus far in 2024. Week 10 against Ohio State was another example of Carter’s dominance, as he totaled four pressures, three QB hurries, and a sack. Most importantly, he had a 27.3% pass rush win rate, his highest in a single game this fall.
Sure, a blanket can be thrown on his numbers considering the Buckeyes’ left tackle was Donovan Jackson, who will make his living in the NFL as a highly touted guard, but Saturday’s performance was just another afternoon in the long list of Saturdays that Carter has looked like the best player on the field.
What makes Carter such an intriguing ballplayer is his long-term projection. He’s only just now adjusting to life outside the shoulder of the tackle, yet his burst, power, and bend have consistently overwhelmed the opposition. He can win with speed to the outside shoulder and also showcases a violent inside spin and long arm. His pass-rush repertoire has shown signs of yearly improvement and is only expected to get better as he earns more snaps at the position. And away from his ability strictly as a pass-rusher, he can also serve as an additional body in the middle at linebacker, blitz the A and B gaps from depth, cover in space, and serve as a QB spy due to his speed in space.
Although the Nittany Lions’ chances of making the CFP dropped following their loss to the Buckeyes—a stage where you’d ultimately like to see a player like Carter compete come Christmas time—the first-round spotlight won’t be going anywhere any time soon.
For a 2025 defensive line class that was viewed as an elite positional group with top-end athletes and excellent depth this summer, there have only been a few prospects that haven’t forced second thoughts this fall. While 32 selections will ultimately be made in round one come April, the lack of consensus surrounding the names we’ll hear remains a topic of conversation. Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, Will Johnson, and Mason Graham are just a few names that are all but shoo-ins to hear their names called early in round one, and Carter is right in the middle of it.
His 26 pressures through eight weeks have showcased that Carter is just now beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. He’s not raw, nor is he refined technically (yet), but the tools and traits dripping from his 6-foot-3(v) frame highlight one of the premier prospects on either side of the ball in the 2025 class, a potential All-Pro at the next level, and what is expected to be a lock for the top 10 next spring.
