Lingering questions following spring football from each Way-Too-Early Top 25 team
Spring football is over and the spring transfer portal window is closed, so it’s time to look at lingering questions surrounding the teams in our Way-Too-Early Top 25.
Who will win quarterback jobs for Ohio State and Michigan? Can Texas’ secondary improve?
Our reporters broke down spring overreactions already, and now they’re diving into what teams still need to figure out in the next few months.
Lingering question: What will the secondary look like this season?
The back end of Georgia’s defense remains in flux after it lost cornerback Kamari Lassiter and safeties Tykee Smith and Javon Bullard to the NFL draft. There’s plenty of talent left in the secondary, but coach Kirby Smart said the unit had a long way to go after the spring game.
Cornerback Daylen Everette and safety Malaki Starks are the returning starters; Starks was held out of contact drills in the spring after undergoing shoulder surgery. Julian Humphrey and Daniel Harris were working at the other cornerback spot, and Joenel Aguero and JaCorey Thomas were sharing snaps at the safety spots. Veteran Dan Jackson, freshman K.J. Bolden and transfer Jake Pope were in the mix at safety as well. — Mark Schlabach
Lingering question: Is Will Howard the answer at QB?
The Kansas State transfer was among Ohio State’s high-profile portal additions this offseason. Though the Buckeyes have yet to name a starter, Howard will head into the summer presumably as the favorite to win the job over incumbent backup Devin Brown and five-star recruit Julian Sayin.
The Buckeyes appear loaded on both sides of the ball. But Ohio State making noise in the College Football Playoff will hinge heavily on whether Howard — or another player — can give the Buckeyes improved quarterback play from last season. — Jake Trotter
Lingering question: Can the secondary defend the passing game this season?
We know the Ducks have the personnel and the mindset to be physical on the line of scrimmage, but how will they defend the pass game this coming season? Last year, Oregon allowed 3,022 passing yards all season, which ranked 95th in the country.
However, the Ducks did force 12 key interceptions too, and you get the feeling that their success on that side of the field this coming season will depend a lot on how much havoc they can wreak on opposing offenses and quarterbacks. The spring game was a positive sign in that regard, as true freshman cornerback Dakoda Fields made a great play downfield and snagged an interception. — Paolo Uggetti
Lingering question: Can the secondary turn it around?
A highlight of the Texas spring game was the big performances from quarterbacks Arch Manning and Trey Owens as they each threw three touchdown passes, with Manning throwing for more than 350 yards. That’s a positive way to look at a talented Texas offense. However, there’s also the matter of the secondary, which finished 113th in passing yards allowed last season at 254.4 yards per game, allowing all those big plays once again.
The fallout from the game was quick, as junior Terrance Brooks, who started 13 games last fall, entered the transfer portal three days later. Texas did get a commitment this week from San Jose State corner Jay’Vion Cole, who had seven interceptions in the past two seasons. — Dave Wilson
Lingering question: Are there any true stars at receiver?
The Irish haven’t had a receiver with 500 yards since 2021, and even those days weren’t full of elite talent. Since Chase Claypool departed after the 2019 season, it has been more of a patchwork corps, often more reliant on tight ends for big plays. Can this year be different?
The Irish believe this could finally be the breakout season for Jayden Thomas, and they added two potential impact transfers in Kris Mitchell (FIU) and Beaux Collins (Clemson). Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison each showed some flashes as freshmen last year, too, so there’s ample hope their development continues. It’s a group with great potential, but Notre Dame has heard that story before. — David Hale
Lingering question: How will the running back rotation shake out?
Ole Miss didn’t shed a lot of tears when leading rusher Quinshon Judkins bolted for Ohio State this offseason. Nonetheless, 2,725 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns over two seasons aren’t easily replaced. The projected starter, Ulysses Bentley IV, has experience as the primary ball carrier when he was at SMU in 2020 and 2021. He rushed for 540 yards and four touchdowns as Judkins’ backup last season after battling injuries in 2022 in his first season at Ole Miss. Bentley was limited this spring with turf toe on his left foot and underwent surgery. He should be ready to go for preseason camp and will have plenty of competition.
Henry Parrish Jr., who started his career at Ole Miss, returns after transferring from Miami. Jacory Croskey-Merritt also transferred in from New Mexico after rushing for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. The Rebels hope former LSU running back Logan Diggs can return from offseason knee surgery at some point during the 2024 season. Sophomore Kedrick Reescano got most of the carries this spring after not getting any carries last season. — Chris Low
Lingering question: Who will replace Cody Schrader?
It’s probably unrealistic to think that one person is going to replace Schrader, who was a star at running back last season for Missouri with an SEC-leading 1,627 rushing yards. Schrader’s consistency and ability to produce in key moments and games were a constant in what the Tigers were able to do on offense a year ago.
Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz may look to use more running backs in 2024. Transfers Marcus Carroll (Georgia State) and Nate Noel (Appalachian State) have both played a lot of football. Missouri running backs coach Curtis Luper said Carroll and Noel remind him of the Tyler Badie–Larry Rountree duo in 2020. Jamal Roberts and Tavorus Jones are the holdovers at running back, but they combined for just one carry last season. — Low
Lingering question: Who will QB Drew Allar be throwing to?
KeAndre Lambert-Smith transferred to Auburn last month, leaving the Nittany Lions without a single returning wideout to post more than 250 receiving yards last season. Harrison Wallace III, who had five grabs in Penn State’s spring game, and Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming, who started 22 games over his career for the Buckeyes, are sure to play key roles. Kaden Saunders, who caught a touchdown from Allar in the spring game, could give the Nittany Lions some pop as well. — Trotter
Lingering question: Who will be Alabama’s finishers off the edge on defense?
Edge rushers Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell have gone to the NFL, and they take with them a combined 18 sacks from a year ago. Alabama has been blessed with a bevy of elite pass-rushers over the years, but there are no obvious replacements for the 2024 season. That doesn’t mean the Crimson Tide are lacking in talent.
The new defensive staff liked what it saw this spring from redshirt junior Keanu Koht and redshirt freshman Qua Russaw. At 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, Russaw showcased both power and quickness. Redshirt senior Quandarrius Robinson has the most experience, and the Tide hope he can have a breakout season. Redshirt freshman Keon Keeley came to Alabama as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country, but has moved to bandit end in new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 scheme and could provide some pass-rushing punch. — Low
Lingering question: Can Cam Rising stay healthy?
Even though Rising is back and recovered from his knee surgery for one last college season, it remains unclear how he will play and react physically to live play and tackling. After the Utes’ spring game — during which he threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns in three series — Rising looked comfortable and said he felt “strong.”
One of Rising’s talents before his surgery was his ability to move out of the pocket and make plays with his feet. He didn’t do too much of that during the spring game, but that dimension of his game is one the Utes will certainly need in the fall. No matter what, Utah will benefit greatly from Rising’s experience and veteran presence on and off the field. Time will tell if and when he can get fully back to that version of himself that helped the Utes secure back-to-back Pac-12 titles. — Uggetti
Lingering question: How much will Jordan Morgan be missed?
The 2024 first-round draft pick selected by the Green Bay Packers was the lynchpin of the Wildcats’ offensive line — and subsequent offensive attack under quarterback Noah Fifita last season. The All-Pac 12 left tackle was a force who set the tone for the entire group. Even though Arizona returned the rest of its starting line to Tucson, not having Morgan as an anchor to build the line around has forced them to go back to the drawing board in figuring out what the unit will look like.
There’s plenty of talent remaining with players such as Jonah Savaiinaea, three-year starter Josh Baker, Wendell Moe and Raymond Pulido — a true freshman last year who earned a starting spot on the line. There’s no shortage of talent, but finding the right combination and chemistry, something the Wildcats tried to do this spring, will be a key factor in ensuring their offensive attack is one of the most prolific in the country. — Uggetti
Lingering question: Who will play defensive tackle?
The Tigers have two glaring holes on the interior defensive line after Mekhi Wingo and Maason Smith departed for the NFL. Veteran Jacobian Guillory will probably start at one spot after totaling 51 tackles and 0.5 sack in 39 games. Converted offensive lineman Kimo Makane’ole and Florida transfer Jalen Lee were working at the other spot during the spring.
Incoming freshman Dominick McKinley might provide some help this season, but the Tigers were still looking to add at least one more tackle via the transfer portal. Defensive end Ahmad Breaux moved inside to help in the spring. LSU missed out on a couple of big transfer targets in Damonic Williams (TCU to Oklahoma) and Simeon Barrow Jr. (Michigan State to Miami). — Schlabach
Lingering question: Who will win the QB job?
The battle to replace J.J. McCarthy remains wide open heading into the summer. Jack Tuttle, entering his seventh season, backed up McCarthy last fall and has the most experience but is coming back from an injury. Davis Warren was the star of the spring game. Alex Orji can run and throw. Jayden Denegal and freshman Jadyn Davis could factor in the mix, as well. Who emerges in the preseason will be the storyline to watch as Michigan enters into a new era. — Trotter
Lingering question: What will the full-strength offense look like?
Jackson Arnold took some deep shots in the spring game, going 10-of-20 for 233 yards with two touchdowns, including a 64-yard pass to Purdue receiver transfer Deion Burks, who was the star of the show with 174 yards and two scores on five catches. But the Sooners took the field without receivers Jalil Farooq, Andrel Anthony and Nic Anderson, and with no Jovantae Barnes at running back.
With so many bodies at the position, receiver Gavin Freeman has already opted to transfer to Oklahoma State. But with a new-look offensive line, a new offensive coordinator in Seth Littrell and a new starting QB in Arnold, there’s still plenty of curiosity about what shape the offense will take with all the starters back in the lineup. — Wilson
Lingering question: Who will step up in the front seven?
Florida State loses its top two linebackers and tacklers in Kalen DeLoach (drafted No. 68) and Tatum Bethune (No. 70), in addition to its sack leader in Jared Verse (No. 9). Those three are important players for the Seminoles to replace — particularly DeLoach, who did just about everything as the heart of the defense a year ago, with 10.5 tackles for loss, an interception and two forced fumbles.
Let’s start at linebacker, where Florida State expects veteran DJ Lundy to step up and become the leader of the unit. Coaches are also high on Blake Nichelson, who showed flashes as a true freshman. Up front, Florida State returns veterans who will take on bigger roles, including Pat Payton and Joshua Farmer, while it also expects a big year from transfer Marvin Jones Jr., who played well in the spring game. Watch for Darrell Jackson in the interior of the defense as well, after he sat out last year because of NCAA transfer rules. Finding the right rotation up front so Florida State can go two-deep will be an area to watch come fall camp. — Andrea Adelson
Lingering question: What will Tennessee’s secondary look like?
The Vols lost their top six defensive backs from a year ago, some who were multiyear starters, so there’s not really a veteran presence on the back end. But a handful of defensive backs return who played meaningful snaps during the latter part of the 2023 season, including cornerbacks Rickey Gibson III and safeties Andre Turrentine and Jourdan Thomas, who’s poised to take over at the hybrid “star” role.
The big get in the portal was Oregon State cornerback Jermod McCoy, who earned Freshman All-America honors a year ago. Temple transfer Jalen McMurray was one of Tennessee’s most consistent cornerbacks this spring, and true freshman Boo Carter and Middle Tennessee transfer Jakobe Thomas are both new faces to watch at safety. — Low
Lingering question: Who will start at defensive end?
Given the returning production for Oklahoma State, it’s much better positioned going into this season than it was last year. However, one area that we probably won’t know who starts until the season is at defensive end.
Kody Walterscheid has the most game experience at the position with 17 starts and 50 games played. Obi Ezeigbo is a Division II transfer the team hopes can make the leap to Big 12 football. There’s familiarity with Ezeigbo, since Gannon University is where defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo was before coming to Stillwater. — Harry Lyles Jr.
Lingering question: Can the Wolfpack run the ball?
Yes, we saw transfers Jordan Waters and Hollywood Smothers turn in nice performances in the spring game. But last year, NC State had to rely on QB Brennan Armstrong and receiver KC Concepcion to handle virtually all rushing duties.
Over the past three seasons, NC State’s running backs averaged less than 100 yards per game on the ground (119th in FBS in that span). And at the root of the problem is the run blocking, which has afforded tailbacks 1.67 yards before contact per carry since the start of 2021, good for 123rd nationally. The pieces looked much better this spring, but NC State’s backfield still has a lot to prove. — Hale
Lingering question: Is the secondary elite?
A year ago, Clemson’s defense was among the best in the country, led in large part by an elite secondary that just saw one of its corners — Nate Wiggins— selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Gone, too, are safety Andrew Mukuba (transferred to Texas), safety Jalyn Phillips and corner Sheridan Jones. Yet, there is certainly a case to be made that the new faces have a higher ceiling.
Junior Jeadyn Lukus was a five-star recruit when he arrived, and he has gotten snippets of playing time in each of the past two years, though he’ll be battling sophomore Shelton Lewis for playing time. Sophomore Avieon Terrell — the younger brother of former Clemson standout A.J. Terrell — should step seamlessly into a starting corner role, which he held for parts of last season. And returners R.J. Mickens and Khalil Barnes have flashed impressive potential. The question comes from a limited number of snaps, but the ceiling for the group certainly looks high. — Hale
Lingering question: Can Avery Johnson live up to the starting QB role?
We’re not going to know the answer to this question until the season starts, but it feels like the biggest lingering question remains how good can Avery Johnson be in replacing Will Howard. There’s reason for optimism on the ground, given the presence of Johnson, DJ Giddens and Dylan Edwards.
Elsewhere, this is a team that has lost its best pass-catchers in Phillip Brooks and Ben Sinnott, and four of its six offensive linemen who started in 2023, including new Dallas Cowboy Cooper Beebe. Adjustments have been made, but seeing how the final product forms remains the biggest question. — Lyles
Lingering question: Is the transfer portal helping Louisville?
Louisville has had great success using the transfer portal — in fact, its 27 additions a year ago helped the Cardinals make the ACC championship game in Year 1 under coach Jeff Brohm.
This spring, there have been a few question marks after incoming transfers Peny Boone and Tyler Baron quickly reentered the transfer portal after spending one semester with the Cards. Add in returning linebacker Jaylin Alderman, who also entered the portal in the spring and has since committed to Miami, and there are some lingering questions about what exactly happened. — Adelson
Lingering question: Will the new offensive line work, and will it be enough to keep QB Jalon Daniels healthy?
The Jayhawks allowed the fewest sacks in the Big 12 in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Coming out of 2023, they lose three starters in Dominick Puni, Mike Novitsky and Ar’maj Reed-Adams, as well as OL coach Scott Fuchs.
Daryl Agpalsa is Fuchs’ replacement and will be tasked with reshaping a line that will hopefully help keep Daniels healthy, which will be the key to any success the Jayhawks have this season. — Lyles
Lingering question: Who will replace Ray Davis?
There are some big shoes to fill in the backfield after Davis was a one-and-done starter at tailback for the Wildcats. The former Vanderbilt transfer accounted for 68% of Kentucky’s rushing yards and 78% of its rushing touchdowns in 2023.
That’s not good news for an offense that ranked 12th in the SEC with 127.9 yards per game. Chip Trayanum is a veteran runner who was stuck behind TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams at Ohio State the past two seasons. Former NC State transfer Demie Sumo-Karngbaye and freshman Jason Patterson seemed to be next in line during the spring. With four starting offensive linemen coming back, Kentucky has to figure out a way to be more efficient in the running game. — Schlabach
Lingering question: How will Miami’s revamped defensive front fare?
Miami returns freshman All-American Rueben Bain to anchor a unit that will have a different look in 2024. Seven players have entered the transfer portal since the season ended, but the Hurricanes have gone into the portal to help solidify the position.
Elijah Alston (Marshall), C.J. Clark (NC State) and Marley Cook (Middle Tennessee) participated in spring ball, and there are a few early enrollee freshmen who could contribute as well in Marquise Lightfoot and Armondo Blount. Plus, Miami is hoping Akheem Mesidor is back to full strength after he was hurt in Week 2 last year and missed the rest of the season. — Adelson
Lingering question: How will Conner Weigman look in the Aggies’ new offense?
The Aggies limped to the end of the Jimbo Fisher era with multiple quarterbacks starting games the past two seasons. With a new coach in Mike Elko and a new offensive coordinator in Collin Klein, there is new opportunity for a quarterbacks room that has already earned some confidence.
Weigman started eight games in the past two seasons and had moments where he looked like a star in the making (five TDs in last year’s season opener, 336 yards passing vs. Miami). But Jaylen Henderson looked like a star in relief, completing 25 of 35 passes for 294 yards and two TDs on the road against LSU late in the year, before freshman Marcel Reed took over for an injured Henderson in the Texas Bowl to throw for 361 yards and run for 44 more against Oklahoma State. Weigman (foot) was still limited this spring, going just 5-of-14 in the spring game, but Elko was all positive about Weigman’s trajectory and the work he put in this spring to learn the offense despite not being 100%. — Wilson
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Kiley McDaniel
The 2025 MLB draft begins at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN, so it is time for one final update as teams lock in their Day 1 boards.
The drama starts right at the top this year, as the Washington Nationals have a difficult decision to make with the No. 1 pick a week after firing their general manager.
In a year without a slam-dunk top player, Oklahoma high school star Ethan Holliday (yes, the son of former major leaguer Matt) and a group of college left-handers (LSU’s Kade Anderson, Tennessee’s Liam Doyle and Florida State’s Jamie Arnold) rank among the top prospects in the class.
Which direction will the Nationals go — and how will the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners follow with the No. 2 and No. 3 picks?
Since this is a last-minute update on what teams could do Sunday night, my writeups here are focused on what has changed since the previous edition. You can find a more detailed look at each team’s strategy in my mock draft 3.0. And remember, this is the order in which I think the players will come off the board, while my draft rankings are the order in which I’d pick the players.
Draft tracker: Results, analysis for every Day 1 pick
More coverage: Mock draft 3.0 | Big question for all 30 teams
Watch: Sunday at 6 p.m. on ESPN
1. Washington Nationals
Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU
Rank: 1
There have been a lot of rumors flying around over the past few days about what is happening in the wake of the firing of GM Mike Rizzo.
The industry feeling is that what has changed is 1) Anderson is a little more likely to be the pick mostly because Holliday is now a little less likely to be the pick, and 2) taking a bigger cut is a real option, with Eli Willits the main cut-rate possibility, though Aiva Arquette has also been mentioned.
All but Willits are advised by Scott Boras, and he’ll never tip his hand until he has to; now is not the time yet. Nothing is decided here and price will be a factor. If I turned this in 15 minutes before the draft, the Nats might still not have made the decision, so I’ll stick with what seems most likely, even if I don’t feel great about it. Landon Harmon is a rumored later round, overslot target.
For context, a scouting director for a team picking in the top 10 said I shouldn’t feel confident about anything happening in the top three picks specifically, adding, “I’m hearing there’s wars happening in all of those rooms right now” (as of Friday night). I ran that by another director picking up high: “Yeah, we’re hearing the same thing.”
2. Los Angeles Angels
Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee
Rank: 6
I’m going to stick with Doyle because he makes the most sense for what the Angels have proved they’re looking for in recent drafts: a polished, quick-moving college player who will come at a savings.
I’ve heard at least six players seriously connected to this pick in the past few days: Anderson, Doyle, Arnold, Arquette, Ike Irish and Willits. There are a couple more I’ve been told are under consideration who I’m not taking seriously as options here.
It could be any of these players based on final conversations and bonus pricing info on each player coming in at the last minute. Doyle has a real shot to slide to No. 9 or No. 10 if he doesn’t go here, so he is motivated to give a competitive number.
0:55
Liam Doyle’s MLB draft profile
Kiley McDaniel explains what makes Tennessee’s Liam Doyle one of the top prospects in this year’s MLB draft.
3. Seattle Mariners
Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona HS (CA)
Rank: 4
The hot rumor of the past few days is that Tyler Bremner will be the pick here at big savings, and that holds up to further analysis because, in style, Bremner and Hernandez (long connected to this pick) are pretty similar.
It’s pretty widely known that Anderson is the No. 1 player for Seattle and will be the pick if he gets here, which still has maybe a 20-30% chance of happening.
If Anderson isn’t here, I think the decision comes down to Bremner at the most savings, Irish at a little less savings or Hernandez at the least savings, broadly speaking. Some sources have said Arquette, Arnold and Kyson Witherspoon are also in play here, but they seem like tertiary options.
I think Bremner having more support in the No. 11-15 area that was reflected in the last mock will raise his price a bit to where Hernandez will be the pick, but this one is also wide open at the moment and will come down to a last-minute bonus price check if Anderson isn’t available.
Ethan Holliday, 3B, Stillwater HS (OK)
Rank: 2
There has been some waffling late in the process from sources who think maybe the Rockies wouldn’t pay the overslot price to get Holliday down here — but much of what I hear very late in the process is wrong or intentional misinformation, so I’ll stick with what I’ve been hearing for a literal year.
I think the other options for Colorado if Holliday doesn’t get here are all college pitchers: Anderson, Arnold and Witherspoon, with Willits and Arquette getting some mentions.
1:10
Ethan Holliday’s MLB draft profile
Kiley McDaniel explains what makes Ethan Holliday one of the top prospects in this year’s MLB draft.
Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS (OK)
Rank: 3
Willits seems securely in play at the top two picks and possibly at No. 4, so the Cardinals landing him here would be considered a solid outcome. I think Anderson and Holliday are the primary targets for this pick and Willits is next up, with Arnold and Irish as the possible underslot options.
Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State
Rank: 5
It sounds like Hernandez or Willits will be the pick if either is here, so the Pirates are rooting for Seattle to either land Anderson or opt for a cheaper alternative to Hernandez.
Otherwise, JoJo Parker, Arnold, Arquette and Irish are believed to be the four leading options here. Arnold has the most late support, but this one might also come down to money.
I hope you feel sympathy for me having to do this in public when none of these teams know what it will do and won’t for hours.
1:05
Jamie Arnold’s MLB draft profile
Kiley McDaniel explains what makes Florida State’s Jamie Arnold one of the top prospects in this year’s MLB draft.
JoJo Parker, SS, Purvis HS (MS)
Rank: 7
I think this will come down to Parker, Iris, and Billy Carlson — and I think Parker has the edge.
Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State
Rank: 9
I think the Jays will pick Parker if he gets here and will consider Arnold along with Arquette and Irish if they are still available here. This decision seems to come down to Arquette or Irish, with Carlson and Witherspoon also under consideration.
4:15 p.m. ET UPDATE: Ike Irish, RF, Auburn
Rank: 13
I’m getting some late-breaking info that Irish is more of a fit here than Hall, so shuffling a few picks that follow to accommodate for that.
Cincinnati seems to be the floor if Hernandez or Doyle slip, and otherwise the Reds seem to be the ceiling for Hall. Irish, Witherspoon and Carlson are also in the mix.
Billy Carlson, SS, Corona HS (CA)
Rank: 8
Carlson’s range seems to be No. 7 to No. 12 (or maybe No. 14). I think the White Sox really want to land the Parker brothers (JoJo and Jacob) but can’t get JoJo to this pick.
The White Sox have been all over high school hitters all spring, and Carlson gets the nod over Gavin Fien.
Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
Rank: 18
Bremner is picking up steam at this pick, and I think his floor is now Boston’s pick at No. 15. It’s a bit surprising he could go ahead of Witherspoon, but Bremner clearly has been getting interest in the top half of the first round that just hadn’t leaked out to the industry at large until late. I think this will be a college player, likely a pitcher, with Witherspoon and Brendan Summerhill also mentioned here a lot.
4:15 p.m. ET UPDATE: Steele Hall, SS, Hewitt-Trussville HS (AL)
Rank: 13
A few names shuffled around late Sunday, and now one of the Rangers’ top targets will be available. Marek Houston is also in the mix here.
I think Hall and Carlson are the targets here, but neither will make it to the pick, so Cunningham will become the pick, narrowly over Josh Hammond. I was hearing Cunningham would fit more 20-30, and the late chatter is that he has multiple homes in the teens. As with the White Sox, the belief all spring was that the Rangers want a prep hitter here.
4:15 p.m. ET UPDATE: Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Oklahoma
Rank: 10
In a last-minute update, I shuffled four players and Witherspoon fits here as a solid value.
Irish is in play at most picks starting at No. 2 all the way down to the middle of the first round, but I think his slide would stop here. The Giants have long been tied to Marek Houston and Charles Davalan (a long shot at this pick, but gone by their next one), with Andrew Fischer getting some love as well.
4:15 p.m. ET UPDATE: Kayson Cunningham, SS, Johnson HS (TX)
Rank: 25
I think this pick will come down to Cunningham or Sean Gamble in this situation; Gamble could make it to their next pick.
The Rays are tied to prep position players for later picks and could pull a shocker, as I projected in my previous mock, by taking Jaden Fauske here.
I think Hall, Carlson and Cunningham are the main targets, but none of them is available in this projection. Witherspoon is from Florida and is a great value, while the Rays still have a chance to land Fauske at their next pick.
Gavin Fien, 3B, Great Oak HS (CA)
Rank: 12
I’ll stick with Fien here as one of the steadiest projections all spring. It sounds like Tyler Bremner will be the pick if he gets here, but that’s now looking unlikely.
Gavin Kilen, SS, Tennessee
Rank: 20
Kilen fits the type of prospect the Twins have targeted for a while. I could see Houston, Caden Bodine or Gage Wood being options here, too.
Josh Hammond, SS, Wesleyan Christian HS (NC)
Rank: 17
I think the Cubs are targeting in-game power here, and Hammond makes a lot of sense. They’ve scouted Quentin Young pretty hard this spring as well, but this is too early for that kind of risk. Xavier Neyens, Wehiwa Aloy and Wood all fit, as well.
Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest
Rank: 22
I think Cunningham is the target here, but he isn’t available in this scenario. Hammond and Bodine are also mentioned here and I think Slater de Brun will be the selection at Arizona’s next pick.
Jace LaViolette, CF, Texas A&M
Rank: 21
LaViolette should go in one of the next three picks and fits Baltimore’s style. He won’t get to the Orioles’ next pick, but they may be able to float targets down there with their extra pool muscle, as covered in the previous mock.
Brendan Summerhill, CF, Arizona
Rank: 14
Summerhill has a very unclear and wide range of teams that are interested but could fit here. Daniel Pierce, Houston, Bodine and Coy James are all in the mix for this pick.
Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Arkansas
Rank: 15
I think LaViolette, Neyens, Southisene and Aloy are all in the mix here, along with possible underslot deals for Davalan or de Brun.
Gage Wood, RHP, Arkansas
Rank: 16
It now looks like Bremner won’t get here, but the Braves have been tied to Wood for about a month. Otherwise, the hit-first shortstops like Houston and Pierce are tied here.
Daniel Pierce, SS, Mill Creek HS (GA)
Rank: 19
Hammond seems to be the target, but he doesn’t make it to K.C. in this edition. I think the Royals will take a prep pitcher with one of their high picks, likely either Watson or Fisher, and maybe another later on Day 1. Eyanson and Wood are two college arms being considered.
Coy James, SS, Davie County HS (NC)
Rank: 69
James has a good shot at being a Tiger, and some of Detroit’s primary options go right ahead of this spot in this scenario, so I think this could be a curveball pick to most viewers.
Fauske is another possibility here, along with Kruz Schoolcraft, Pierce, Watson, Dax Kilby (more at their next pick), de Brun (same), Southisene and Fischer.
Anthony Eyanson, RHP, LSU
Rank: 45
There’s lots of late momentum for Eyanson here, which is counter to the history of A.J. Preller’s time making picks for the Padres, so I’m going out on a limb.
Kilby on a cut, Young, Schoolcraft, Alec Blair, Josh Owens and de Brun all seem like high schoolers in the mix here.
Caden Bodine, C, Coastal Carolina
Rank: 23
Philly normally takes high-ceiling high school players, but this is too good of a value to pass up. Matthew Fisher, Sean Gamble and Blair are the leading prep targets, and Fischer is also mentioned.
Tate Southisene, SS, Basic HS (NV)
Rank: 37
Kane Kepley on a big cut, Devin Taylor on a smaller one, Kilby and Watson are all options here.
Note: No. 27 is the final pick of the first round of the 2025 MLB draft. You can read mock draft 3.0 for my thinking and potential targets for teams making the comp and second-round picks that follow and see the full draft order here.
28. Kansas City Royals: Aaron Watson, RHP, Trinity Christian HS (FL)
29. Arizona Diamondbacks: Slater de Brun, CF, Summit HS (OR)
30. Baltimore Orioles: Xavier Neyens, 3B, Mount Vernon HS (WA)
31. Baltimore Orioles: Andrew Fischer, 3B, Tennessee
32. Milwaukee Brewers: Charles Davalan, LF, Arkansas
33. Boston Red Sox: Marcus Phillips, RHP, Tennessee
34. Detroit Tigers: Jaden Fauske, RF, Nazareth Academy HS (IL)
35. Seattle Mariners: Zach Root, LHP, Arkansas
36. Minnesota Twins: Devin Taylor, LF, Indiana
37. Baltimore Orioles: Jordan Yost, SS, Sickles HS (FL)
38. New York Mets: Patrick Forbes, RHP, Louisville
39. New York Yankees: Dax Kilby, SS, Newnan HS (GA)
40: Los Angeles Dodgers: Quentin Young, 3B, Oaks Christian HS (CA)
41. Los Angeles Dodgers: Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP, Sunset HS (OR)
42. Tampa Bay Rays: Sean Gamble, 2B, IMG Academy HS (FL)
43. Miami Marlins: Alec Blair, CF, De La Salle HS (CA)
44. Chicago White Sox: Ethan Conrad, RF, Wake Forest
45. Colorado Rockies: Cam Cannarella, CF, Clemson
46. Miami Marlins: Josh Owens, SS, Providence Academy HS (TN)
47. Los Angeles Angels: J.D. Thompson, LHP, Vanderbilt
48. Athletics: J.B. Middleton, RHP, Southern Miss
49. Washington Nationals: Max Belyeu, RF, Texas
50. Pittsburgh Pirates: Luke Stevenson, C, North Carolina
51. Cincinnati Reds: Taitn Gray, C, Grimes Community HS (IA)
52. Texas Rangers: Michael Oliveto, C, Hauppauge HS (NY)
53. Tampa Bay Rays: Dean Moss, CF, IMG Academy HS (FL)
54. Minnesota Twins: Josiah Hartshorn, LF, Orange Lutheran HS (CA)
55. St. Louis Cardinals: Cooper Flemming, SS, Aliso Niguel HS (CA)
56. Chicago Cubs: Alex Lodise, SS, Florida State
57. Seattle Mariners: Malachi Witherspoon, RHP, Oklahoma
58. Baltimore Orioles: Mason Neville, CF, Oregon
59. Milwaukee Brewers: Mitch Voit, 2B, Michigan
60. Atlanta Braves: Kane Kepley, CF, North Carolina
61. Kansas City Royals: Riley Quick, RHP, Alabama
62. Detroit Tigers: Dean Curley, 3B, Tennessee
63. Philadelphia Phillies: Matthew Fisher, RHP, Evansville Memorial HS (IN)
64. Cleveland Guardians: A.J. Russell, RHP, Tennessee
65. Los Angeles Dodgers: Chase Shores, RHP, LSU
66. Cleveland Guardians: Cade Obermueller, LHP, Iowa
67. Tampa Bay Rays: Briggs McKenzie, LHP, Corinth Holders HS (NC)
68. Milwaukee Brewers: Daniel Dickinson, 2B, LSU
69. Baltimore Orioles: Brandon Compton, LF, Arizona State
70. Cleveland Guardians: Aiden Stillman, LHP, Trinity Prep HS (FL)
71. Kansas City Royals: Angel Cervantes, RHP, Warren HS (CA)
72. St. Louis Cardinals: Joseph Dzierwa, LHP, Michigan State
73. Pittsburgh Pirates: Ethan Petry, 1B, South Carolina
74. Colorado Rockies: Easton Carmichael, C, Oklahoma
75. Boston Red Sox: Jake Cook, CF, Southern Miss
The 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby is fast approaching — and the field is set.
Braves hometown hero Ronald Acuna Jr. became the first player to commit to the event, which will be held at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 14 (8 p.m. ET on ESPN). He was followed by MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, James Wood of the Washington Nationals, Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, Brent Rooker of the Athletics and Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees.
On Friday, however, Acuna was replaced by teammate Matt Olson.
With all the entrants announced, let’s break down their chances at taking home this year’s Derby prize.
Full All-Star Game coverage: How to watch, schedule, rosters, more
2025 home runs: 17 | Longest: 434 feet
Why he could win: Olson is a late replacement for Acuna as the home team’s representative at this year’s Derby. Apart from being the Braves’ first baseman, however, Olson also was born in Atlanta and grew up a Braves fan, giving him some extra motivation. The left-handed slugger led the majors in home runs in 2023 — his 54 round-trippers that season also set a franchise record — and he remains among the best in the game when it comes to exit velo and hard-hit rate.
Why he might not: The home-field advantage can also be a detriment if a player gets too hyped up in the first round. See Julio Rodriguez in Seattle in 2023, when he had a monster first round, with 41 home runs, but then tired out in the second round.
2025 home runs: 36 | Longest: 440 feet
Why he could win: It’s the season of Cal! The Mariners’ catcher is having one of the greatest slugging first halves in MLB history, as he’s been crushing mistakes all season . His easy raw power might be tailor-made for the Derby — he ranks in the 87th percentile in average exit velocity and delivers the ball, on average, at the optimal home run launch angle of 23 degrees. His calm demeanor might also be perfect for the contest as he won’t get too amped up.
Why he might not: He’s a catcher — and one who has carried a heavy workload, playing in all but one game this season. This contest is as much about stamina as anything, and whether Raleigh can carry his power through three rounds would be a concern. No catcher has ever won the Derby, with only Ivan Rodriguez back in 2005 even reaching the finals.
2025 home runs: 24 | Longest: 451 feet
Why he could win: He’s big, he’s strong, he’s young, he’s awesome, he might or might not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. This is the perfect opportunity for Wood to show his talent on the national stage, and he wouldn’t be the first young player to star in the Derby. He ranks in the 97th percentile in average exit velocity and 99th percentile in hard-hit rate, so he can still muscle the ball out in BP even if he slightly mishits it. His long arms might be viewed as a detriment, but remember the similarly tall Aaron Judge won in 2017.
Why he might not: His natural swing isn’t a pure uppercut — he has a pretty low average launch angle of just 6.2 degrees — so we’ll see how that plays in a rapid-fire session. In real games, his power is primarily to the opposite field, but in a Home Run Derby you can get more cheapies pulling the ball down the line.
2025 home runs: 20 | Longest: 479 feet
Why he could win: Buxton’s raw power remains as impressive as nearly any hitter in the game. He crushed a 479-foot home run earlier this season and has four others of at least 425 feet. Indeed, his “no doubter” percentage — home runs that would be out of all 30 parks based on distance — is 75%, the highest in the majors among players with more than a dozen home runs. His bat speed ranks in the 89th percentile. In other words, two tools that could translate to a BP lightning show.
Why he might not: Buxton is 31 and the Home Run Derby feels a little more like a younger man’s competition. Teoscar Hernandez did win last year at age 31, but before that, the last winner older than 29 was David Ortiz in 2010, and that was under much different rules than are used now.
2025 home runs: 16 | Longest: 463 feet
Why he could win: If you drew up a short list of players everyone wants to see in the Home Run Derby, Cruz would be near the top. He has the hardest-hit ball of the 2025 season, and the hardest ever tracked by Statcast, a 432-foot missile of a home run with an exit velocity of 122.9 mph. He also crushed a 463-foot home run in Anaheim that soared way beyond the trees in center field. With his elite bat speed — 100th percentile — Cruz has the ability to awe the crowd with a potentially all-time performance.
Why he might not: Like all first-time contestants, can he stay within himself and not get too caught up in the moment? He has a long swing, which will result in some huge blasts, but might not be the most efficient for a contest like this one, where the more swings a hitter can get in before the clock expires, the better.
2025 home runs: 23 | Longest: 425 feet
Why he could win: Although Caminero was one of the most hyped prospects entering 2024, everyone kind of forgot about him heading into this season since he didn’t immediately rip apart the majors as a rookie. In his first full season, however, he has showed off his big-time raw power — giving him a chance to become just the third player to reach 40 home runs in his age-21 season. He has perhaps the quickest bat in the majors, ranking in the 100th percentile in bat speed, and his top exit velocity ranks in the top 15. That could translate to a barrage of home runs.
Why he might not: In game action, Caminero does hit the ball on the ground quite often — in fact, he’s on pace to break Jim Rice’s record for double plays grounded into in a season. If he gets out of rhythm, that could lead to a lot of low line drives during the Derby instead of fly balls that clear the fences.
2025 home runs: 19 | Longest: 440 feet
Why he could win: The Athletics slugger has been one of the top power hitters in the majors for three seasons now and is on his way to a third straight 30-homer season. Rooker has plus bat speed and raw power, but his biggest strength is an optimal average launch angle (19 degrees in 2024, 15 degrees this season) that translates to home runs in game action. That natural swing could be picture perfect for the Home Run Derby. He also wasn’t shy about saying he wanted to participate — and maybe that bodes well for his chances.
Why he might not: Rooker might not have quite the same raw power as some of the other competitors, as he has just one home run longer than 425 feet in 2025. But that’s a little nitpicky, as 11 of his home runs have still gone 400-plus feet. He competed in the college home run derby in Omaha while at Mississippi State in 2016 and finished fourth.
2025 home runs: 17 | Longest: 442 feet
Why he could win: Chisholm might not be the most obvious name to participate, given his career high of 24 home runs, but he has belted 17 already in 2025 in his first 61 games after missing some time with an injury. He ranks among the MLB leaders in a couple of home run-related categories, ranking in the 96th percentile in expected slugging percentage and 98th percentile in barrel rate. His raw power might not match that of the other participants, but he’s a dead-pull hitter who has increased his launch angle this season, which might translate well to the Derby, even if he won’t be the guy hitting the longest home runs.
Why he might not: Most of the guys who have won this have been big, powerful sluggers. Chisholm is listed at 5-foot-11, 184 pounds, and you have to go back to Miguel Tejada in 2004 to find the last player under 6 foot to win.
CHICAGO — Chicago White Sox great Paul Konerko got a present from one No. 14 to another in honor of the 20th anniversary of the 2005 World Series championship run: a jersey signed by noted Chicago fan Pope Leo XIV.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, presented Konerko a jersey with the new pontiff’s signature on the back during a ceremony prior to the game against the Cleveland Guardians. It had the six-time All-Star’s last name and “Pope Leo” above the No. 14.
Robert Prevost became the first pope from the U.S. in the history of the Catholic Church when he was elected on May 8. The Chicago-born missionary, who took the name Leo XIV, is a White Sox fan.
Prevost attended the 2005 World Series opener against Houston in Chicago. He watched from Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2 as the White Sox beat the Astros 5-3 on the way to a four-game sweep and their first title since 1917.
In May, the team unveiled a graphic installation near the seat paying tribute to Pope Leo and that moment. The pillar artwork features a waving Pope Leo XIV, along with a picture from the TV broadcast of the future pope sitting with good friend Ed Schmit and his grandson, Eddie.
Members of the 2005 team are in Chicago this weekend to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the championship run. The White Sox debuted uniform patches honoring late closer Bobby Jenks, who died last week in Portugal, where he was being treated for stomach cancer. On Friday, the team unveiled a statue of former ace Mark Buehrle.
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