College Football Week 1 Helmet Stickers: Cam Ward, Ashton Jeanty, others make a name for their 2025 NFL Draft stock

These 2025 NFL Draft prospects made a name for themselves in Week 1.

Florida defensive end Tyreak Sapp (94) pressures Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) during the season opener at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, August 31, 2024 against the University of Miami Hurricanes in the first half. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun] / Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

Week 1 of College Football has come and gone with plenty of 2025 NFL Draft prospects making a name for themselves. Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty led their teams to dominant wins with dominant performances, but they were not the only ones.

In our first full slate of games this season, we were baptized in good football all week and into the weekend. Multiple top-25 matchups lived up to the hype, one that was a blowout, and plenty of other games that finally fed the hunger for the return of football. So who led their respective teams with standout showings?

Choosing one player from each position, this will be a weekly column to give out helmet stickers to the draft-eligible guys who led their teams with standout performances. So who gets a helmet sticker in Week 1? These 2025 NFL Draft prospects put themselves firmly on the map and at the center of conversation after stellar showing in the first week of College Football.

Aug 31, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback: Cam Ward, Miami

Welcome to South Beach, Cam Ward! Not only did Ward put on a show, but he did it against an SEC and in-state rival as the Hurricanes clobbered the Florida Gators. Completing 75 percent of his passes, Ward threw for 385 yards and three touchdowns in Miami's 41-17 win in Gainesville. Inconsistency and willingness to put the ball in harm's way has been the knock on Ward as a draft prospect, but this was a step in the right direction.

.@CanesFootball QB Cam Ward has excelled at every stop. But it was this play vs Florida that brought back memories of another talented off-script gunslinger👀 pic.twitter.com/z3PnQSkE2v

— Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan) September 2, 2024

Aug 31, 2024; Statesboro, Georgia, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) gains yardage against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Paulson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News-USA TODAY Sports / Richard Burkhart-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

RB1 did RB1 things for the Boise State Broncos in their win against Georgia Southern. Averaging over 13 yards per carry is pretty good day on the ground. Shattering Boise State's single-game rushing record with 265 yards and a whopping six touchdowns takes it a step further. With a big game against Oregon next week, Jeanty looks to take his game to a new level.

Dominant start for Ashton Jeanty 🚀#RB1pic.twitter.com/EIOROGUf1T

— Marvin Elequin (@FF_MarvinE) August 31, 2024

Aug 31, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) dodges tackle by New Mexico Lobos safety Christian Ellis (8) during third quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-USA TODAY Sports / Aryanna Frank-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

The wide receiver class in the 2025 NFL Draft class has been heavily contested between Tetairoa McMillan and Missouri's Luther Burden III. McMillan put on a show in Week 1, however, racking up an astounding 304 yards and four touchdowns in Arizona's Week 1 win over New Mexico. At 6-foot-5, McMillan's movement skills are drawing comparisons to Drake London, a former top-10 pick. If he keeps it up, he'll stay on that track.

Tetairoa McMillan is putting New Mexico’s DB in a blender right now. https://t.co/LCXoLzMZ5z pic.twitter.com/K2fctT1Wlk

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) September 1, 2024

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (18) celebrates his touchdown against Fresno State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. / Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tight End: Colston Loveland, Michigan

Michigan's Colston Loveland came into the season as the undisputed TE1 in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he did nothing to disrupt that. New quarterback, no problem for Loveland who racked up eight catches for 87 yards and a touchdown against Fresno State. This was a career-high for the agile and explosive pass catcher.

Colston Loveland caught a career-high eight receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown to help fuel #Michigan! 👏https://t.co/AKyu5hGnSw pic.twitter.com/djG7Tyv34E

— Chas Post (@chas_post23) September 1, 2024

Purdue Boilermakers offensive lineman Marcus Mbow (63) runs a drill during football practice, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. / Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Offensive Tackle: Marcus Mbow, Purdue

After breaking his leg in Week 6 of the 2023 season, Purdue right tackle Marcus Mbow returned with perfection. On 29 pass snaps, Mbow did not surrender a single pressure, racking up a 100 percent pass blocking efficiency against Indiana State. One of my favorite sleepers in the class, Mbow has the makings of a top-64 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft if he can stay healthy for the Boilermakers this season.

Early 2025 NFL Draft crush is Purdue OL Marcus Mbow.

Projects to the interior, but has a nice vertical set, and excellent hands to snatch, stab, reset. Most importantly, he's a real football player who wants to bury the man across from him. pic.twitter.com/JVp0io6Nex

— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) May 11, 2024

Apr 13, 2024; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) shown during the G-Day Game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Interior Offensive Lineman: Tate Ratledge, Georgia

Georgia's Tate Ratledge had a pretty tough matchup against the interior guys of Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart from Clemson. Yet on 32 pass blocking snaps, Ratledge gave up no pressures, no sacks, and was penalized zero times. Not only that, but Georgia's run game was a catalyst of their success in the second half, led by Ratledge and the big boys upfront.

#Georgia RG Tate Ratledge is one of the Best Interior Offensive Linemen in the 2025 NFL draft. In his debut against Clemson today he showed really solid technique in pass pro. He Anchored down multiple times and had an overall impressive day. pic.twitter.com/bvdPoTaOvu

— Sanjit T. (@Sanjit__T) September 1, 2024

Aug 31, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Aaron Graves (95) sacks Illinois State Redbirds quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse (16) as offensive lineman Ryan Gudaitis (75) looks on during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports / Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Interior Defensive Lineman: Aaron Graves, Iowa

An underclassman, Aaron Graves enters his junior season with plenty of experience for the Hawkeyes as he has started games since he was a true freshman. How is this for a leap? He had just 2.5 sacks last year, and three sacks as a true freshman. Graves had three sacks against Illinois State in Iowa's Week 1 win. As the true junior looks to make a name for himself this year, he will have to continue to dominate when the stiff Big Ten competition opens up.

Aaron Graves days until Iowa football

DT #95 was a 4 star recruit out of high school. On a D Line loaded with veteran talent, he recorded 16 total tackles as a freshman - 6 were TFLs and 3 were sacks 😳 pic.twitter.com/lQxAf4dCKa

— Slater (@SlaterKinnick_) May 30, 2023

Sep 30, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A player of the Marshall Thundering Herd holds his helmet to celebrate the touchdown by tight end Ryan Yurachek (not pictured) against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports / Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

EDGE Rusher: Mike Green, Marshall

Get to know the name now. Marshall's Mike Green is bendy, explosive, and a menace off the edge for the Thundering Herd. After a stellar season in 2023, Green is right back at it in 2024. He started his season off with nine tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks as he is back for his senior season. At 6-foot-4 and 248 pounds, Green has a stellar frame to work with off the edge and could be a massive riser in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Turned on the film of Marshall EDGE Mike Green (#15)...he's got the #juice pic.twitter.com/qNOB7156oF

— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) August 19, 2024

Nov 25, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell (30) celebrates after defeating the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Alabama won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

Another year, another Alabama linebacker. This time Jihaad Campbell looks to follow in the footsteps of those who have come before him. The 6-foot-3 and 244 pounder is off to a great start, racking up a massive six stop tackles, 10 total tackles, and giving up just three catches for negative yards in the Cimson Tide's season-opener against Western Kentucky.

Watch the anticipation here from Jihaad Campbell. Knows where it’s going before the receiver ever even goes in motion before working his way over the top of the TE to force it back inside. The mental side of his game has improved so much. This guy is good. pic.twitter.com/hr4qM9DrCV

— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) September 1, 2024

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) runs with the ball after catching an interception as the Texas Longhorns take on Colorado State at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. / Mikala Compton/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cornerback: Jahdae Barron, Texas

The Longhorns look like they belong in the SEC early on after a dominant Week 1 game and a playoff berth a year ago. Among their standouts? Senior cornerback Jahdae Barron, who showed exceptional ball skills and coverage wits in zone coverage to peel off his assignment to snatch the football out of the air for his first interception of 2024. He played in the slot, in the box, and outside in Week 1, shining for the Longhorns. Barron could be looking to become the next nickel cornerback drafted on Day 2.

This is a hell of an INT by Jahdae Barron. It’s also a prime example of his football IQ, boundary CB with no responsibility finds some work and he’s rewarded with an INT. pic.twitter.com/rLnBc2OaZ3

— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) August 31, 2024

Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (24) picks off a pass from Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) during the second half of the NCAA Aflac Kickoff Game against Clemson in Atlanta, on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. / Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

Safety: Malaki Starks, Georgia

The best football player in the country might be found in Athens, Georgia once again. Minkah Fitzpatrick has been the highest-drafted safety we have seen in recent years, but Georgia's Malaki Starks has been putting out stellar tape since his freshman season and may challenge for that throne this upcoming Spring. Lining up all over the field, Starks gave up just one catch on two targets (for 12 yards) and came away with an unbelievable leaping interception after tracking and high-pointing the football out of the air. He's an early favorite for the Jim Thorpe Award.

Malaki Starks, my goodness

pic.twitter.com/8vPCJm8DlA

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 31, 2024

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