Max Llewellyn is an under-the-radar pass rusher who could surprise in 2025.
The 2025 college football season is rapidly approaching, with programs hard at work this summer putting their plans together for the upcoming campaign.
For most top programs, every season provides a chance for their players to audition in front of NFL scouts and prove themselves worthy of being drafted next April.
The offseason also provides the media the chance to project which names are early first round candidates, and who could emerge as worthy of a selection after a breakout season in the collegiate ranks.
Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson picked out his six most likely breakout candidates for 2025, with Iowa edge rusher Max Llewellyn amongst them.
Parson is intrigued by Llewellyn’s physical profile and sees the traits necessary to become a top prospect.
“His process for rushing the passer breeds good results, and he clears offensive tackles with nuanced and well-timed hand counters,” he writes. “His motor doesn't stop. If his first move is stymied, there is another on the way. He goes from rotating in to playing heavier snap counts for a full season. This can result in more sack/pressure production, as well as the opportunity to display his run defense.”
The junior from Urbandale, Iowa played sparingly in 2022 before appearing in all 14 games in 2023. That season, Llewellyn posted 13 total tackles (2.5 tackles for loss) and 2.5 sacks before taking a solid step forward in 2024. In a non-starting role, he recorded 22 tackles (8 for loss) and 5.5 sacks.
Parson anticipates another step up from the 22-year-old in 2025 now that he’s a starter.
“A strong season in the competitive Big Ten will ensure he's on the radar heading into the 2026 draft.”
Llewellyn still has a lot to prove in 2025 before cracking the top of any draft analyst rankings, but it’s clear that he’s well-equipped to potentially become an under-the-radar star in college football this season.
Category: General Sports
