High school football in the Golden State has consistently produced talent for the NFL, resulting in 32 players from California being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
This makes it the leading state represented in Canton.
From Hall of Famers like John Elway (Granada Hills High School), Ronnie Lott (Eisenhower-Rialto), and Junior Seau (Oceanside) to current stars like Davante Adams (Palo Alto), Joe Mixon (Freedom-Oakley), and the reigning MVP, Josh Allen (Firebaugh), California is home to numerous success stories in the NFL.
In 2025, the most populous state in the nation minted 16 promising players into the next level through the NFL Draft, ranking fourth behind Texas (38), Florida (26), and Georgia (22).
Here’s a look at each selection, ordered from the least likely to most likely to reach the NFL based on their high school performances, along with their chances of making an NFL roster come September.
(Note: All recruiting rankings are from 247Sports Composite, which incorporates its own ratings alongside those from rivals.com and ESPN)
2025 NFL Draft: Picks from Texas High Schools
California High School Football Players Picked in 2025 NFL Draft
(2025 NFL draft picks/high school snapshots/NFL projections)
LB Carson Schwesinger, Oaks Christian High School (Westlake Village)
NFL team: Browns
Round picked (No. overall): 2nd (33)
College: UCLA
Recruiting stars out of high school: 0
If you had told any scout back in high school that Carson would reach the NFL, they probably would have chuckled. Hailing from a family of athletes—both his brothers played football at Cal Lutheran—Schwesinger graduated from Oaks Christian with no offers and was unranked as a recruit. He played offense and defense for the Lions, amassing 268 tackles and 1,670 receiving yards throughout four years. Enrolling at UCLA, where his sister studied, he fought for a walk-on position and made the most of his opportunity.
Chance of sticking: 99%. While uncertainty accompanies any non-first-round pick, the determination Schwesinger displayed in transitioning from a no-offer athlete to the 33rd NFL pick is apparent in his gameplay. He excelled during his final season at UCLA, recording 136 tackles and two interceptions. The Browns could greatly benefit from his athletic and instinctual style at linebacker, making him a strong candidate not only to secure a roster spot but also to contribute significantly as a rookie.
RB Cam Skattebo, Rio Linda
NFL team: Giants
Round picked (No. overall): 4th (105)
College: Arizona State
Recruiting stars out of high school: 0
Despite a remarkable senior year, rushing for 3,550 yards and 42 touchdowns while leading to a CIF 5-A state title, Skattebo finished high school with only two scholarship offers. He ultimately chose Sacramento State over William and Mary. Skattebo later transferred to ASU, where he played for two seasons, including a remarkable campaign last year, racking up 2,300 all-purpose yards and 24 total touchdowns.
Chance of sticking: 90%. Teams are always in need of effective runners, and although Cam may not boast the same speed as some other backs, his ability to break tackles is unparalleled. The Giants had success finding Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the later rounds last year, and they’ll likely position Skattebo as a power rusher or goal-line specialist early in the season.
WR Tory Horton, Washington Union (Easton)
NFL team: Seahawks
Round picked (No. overall): 5th (166)
College: Colorado State
Recruiting stars out of high school: 3
Though rated as a 3-star recruit, Horton was the 264th player in California from the Class of 2020 and received just four offers: Boise State, Montana, Northern Colorado, and ultimately chose Nevada. In his time with the Washington Union Panthers, he recorded a total of 37 receptions for 821 yards and 15 touchdowns—meaning he scored on 40% of his receptions. Horton later transferred to Colorado State to play under coach Jay Norvell. Notably, he excelled in basketball and baseball as well during his time in high school.
Chance of making the roster: 70%. Although Horton’s final year at Colorado State was marred by a knee injury, he showcased impressive speed with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. This rapid pace is his most significant asset as he vies for a spot, potentially serving as both a receiver and return specialist. While he may not yet be the most refined route runner, he finds himself in a receiving corps alongside Cooper Kupp, regarded as one of the best route runners in football history, offering Horton a valuable opportunity to learn from one of the game’s elite.
LB Teddye Buchanan, St. Ignatius (San Francisco)
NFL team: Ravens
Round picked (No. overall): 4th (129)
College: Cal Berkeley
Recruiting stars out of high school: 3
This linebacker boasts an impressive high school career marked by accolades, including CCS and West Coast Athletic League player of the year, along with two-time WCAL first team honors. Finishing as the 253rd-ranked player in the state, Buchanon played both linebacker and quarterback on the 2019 team that captured the school’s third WCAL title and handed Serra High School its first loss of the season. Achieving 18 passing touchdowns, 83 tackles, and six sacks while competing in varsity track is commendable, but his impact on the community is even more significant. Buchanon dedicated time to a mentorship program aimed at supporting underprivileged freshmen, accumulating over 100 hours of community service.
Chance of making the roster: 80%. The fourth round is notoriously tricky to evaluate compared to the earlier rounds of the draft, but Buchanan possesses both athleticism and cognitive skills that will enable him to adapt to the role he is assigned. Additionally, he will benefit from learning alongside Baltimore’s wealth of linebacker talent, including superstar Roquan Smith.
LB Fransico Mauigoa, Aquanis (San Bernardino)
NFL team: Jets
Round picked (No. overall): 5th (162)
College: Miami
Recruiting stars out of high school: 3
Although he spent his junior season at Aquanis High School, Mauigoa primarily resided in American Samoa during his high school tenure. In that single season in California, he earned the title of Ambassador League offensive player of the year, confirmed by his role as a quarterback and linebacker. Ranked as the 142nd linebacker in his class, he received multiple offers, including one from Yale, but chose to commit to Washington State before ultimately transferring to finish his career at the University of Miami.
Chance of making the roster: 75%. As with most late-round picks, the likelihood of securing a spot on the roster diminishes; however, Mauigoa’s performance at Miami, coupled with his senior season captaincy, enhances his prospects. Even if his collegiate speed doesn’t fully carry over, his powerful hits and special teams capabilities should keep him on the roster for an extended period.
CB Nohl Williams, Pacifica (Oxnard)
NFL team: Chiefs
Round picked (No. overall): 3rd (85)
College: Cal Berkeley
Recruiting stars out of high school: 3
One of several California products selected by the Chiefs in this draft, Nohl Williams was pivotal for the Pacifica Tritons during their remarkable 2019 campaign, where they finished 15-1 and clinched both the Southern Section Championship and the school’s inaugural CIF state championship. His stellar senior year featured 74 tackles and seven interceptions, in addition to his contributions as a receiver and punt returner. Although he ranked 211th in the state, the versatile defensive back had eight offers, primarily from mid-major programs, before choosing to attend UNLV. His strong performance during three years with the Rebels boosted his profile, leading him to transfer to UC Berkeley for his final two seasons.
Chance of making the roster: 90%. While Williams may not have been the first cornerback selected, the Chiefs have a solid track record of unearthing effective starters in the mid-rounds. Williams has consistently improved through each stage, matching his high school senior career-high with another seven interceptions during his college senior year. Known for his clutch performances, Williams scored on a punt return touchdown during Cal’s home opener against UC Davis and had an impressive outing against their rival, Stanford. At the Chiefs, where big moments are crucial, Williams seems to have the makings of a standout performer when the pressure is on.
DE Ahmed Hassanein, Loara (Anaheim)
NFL team: Lions
Round picked (No. overall): 6th (196)
College: Boise State
Recruiting stars out of high school: 3
Hassanein was ranked nationally as the No. 1,250th senior overall out of high school, placing him as the 149th best defensive lineman, and the 101st top player in California. Although there’s more data available regarding his basketball background than his football career, his teams posted a strong combined record of 24-8 during his three years at Loara. Originally from Egypt, he only began playing competitive football in 2019 as a sophomore. However, he quickly distinguished himself, earning Gorden Grove League Lineman of the Year and All-CIF accolades as a junior, ultimately attracting offers from five colleges besides Boise State: Duke, Fresno State, Kansas, Northern Colorado, and Colorado.
Chance of sticking: 70%. Hassanein is certainly on an upward trajectory. As a talented cross-fit competitor, his blend of size, fitness, competitive spirit, and intelligence signifies that he’ll adapt successfully. The Lions are also known for providing opportunities to underdogs, exemplified by linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, a 2022 sixth-round pick (188th overall) who became a starter in 15 of 16 games during his rookie season. Look for Rodriguez to offer guidance to Hassanein.
WR Kyle Williams, St. Monica (Santa Monica)
NFL team: Patriots
Round picked (No. overall): 3rd (69)
College: Washington State
Recruiting stars out of high school: 3
A former high school quarterback who played for Hawthorne, Narbonne, and St. Monica High schools, Williams fully transitioned to a wide receiver when he reached St. Monica, finishing with 763 yards and nine touchdowns while his senior team had a 7-2 record. By the end of high school, Williams received nine offers and ultimately committed to the UNLV Rebels, ranked as the 131st best recruit in California. After spending three years in the Mountain West, the route-runner finished his eligibility at Washington State.
Chance of sticking: 90%. The Patriots have made it clear they are in search of additional weapons for young QB Drake Maye, and Williams appears poised to step into that role opposite Stephon Diggs. Following a stellar college season in which he scored 14 touchdowns, Williams has received high praise, notably from Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith, who remarked, “Kyle Williams reminds me of me… I really like him.”
EDGE Eluwafemi Oladejo, Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove)
NFL team: Titans
Round picked (No. overall): 2nd (52)
College: UCLA
Recruiting stars out of high school: 3
Another Bruin joining the ranks, although “Femi” Oladejo did not start his collegiate journey at UCLA. As a first-generation American from a Nigerian family in Sacramento, Femi played just two years of varsity football at Cosumnes Oaks, with the pandemic interrupting his senior year. In those two seasons, he recorded 124 tackles and five sacks, earning a California ranking of 68th to complement his three-star rating. Femi initially played for the Cal Bears for two seasons before making the move to UCLA.
Chance of sticking: 95%. Typically, second-round selections secure roster spots as rookies; the uncertainty in Femi’s case arises from his recent position shift. Oladejo transitioned to an edge rusher in his final year with the Bruins and excelled, achieving a career-high 4.5 sacks. With his impressive size and athletic potential, he has all the tools to succeed as an NFL edge rusher, although initial challenges stemming from inexperience may arise.
DT Omarr Norman-Lott, Grant (Sacramento)
NFL team: Chiefs
Round picked (No. overall): 2nd (63)
College: Tennessee
Recruiting stars out of high school: 4
The Chiefs’ second selection from California in the draft, Norman-Lott, stands as a formidable lineman from Sacramento, measuring in at 6-foot-3 and weighing 315 pounds. Ranked 29th among California recruits for his class, he notched 10 sacks during his junior year with the Pacers and garnered 11 offers after an impressive season. In 2019, the Sacramento Bee recognized him as Lineman of the Year. Despite offers from USC and Texas A&M, Norman-Lott chose to join the Arizona State Sun Devils, although he started only three games before opting to enter the transfer portal, eventually landing at Tennessee for the 2023-24 season.
Chance of sticking: 95%. It’s uncommon for a player who was highly regarded in high school and continues to excel in college to not make the roster come fall. Every strong team is always in need of a pass rush, and Norman-Lott labels himself a relentless pass rusher. This trait should allow him to blend seamlessly into Kansas City’s specialized pass rush sets, particularly in Steve Spagnola’s renowned NASCAR package.
OT Josh Simmons, Helix (La Mesa)
NFL team: Chiefs
Round picked (No. overall): 1st (32)
College: Ohio State
Recruiting stars out of high school: 4
Simmons’ high school experience mirrors his collegiate path, starting at Madison High School before transferring to Helix. Playing on both sides of the line for the Highlanders led many college scouts to see his potential as a nose tackle or an offensive lineman. As he rose to a 35th overall rank in California, the scholarship offers began to pour in. Simmons initially committed to Oregon but soon decommitted and ultimately chose to play at hometown San Diego State. Weighing in at 311 pounds, he later transferred to Ohio State, where he proudly contributed to last year’s national championship title.
Chance of sticking: 95%. Joining the Chiefs amid their successful run gives him some buffer. If not for a knee injury he suffered in October last year, Simmons would have likely been a top-half first-round pick, which adds a slight uncertainty. Before his injury, he displayed the qualities necessary for long-term success at the professional level.
C Jonah Monheim, Moorpark
NFL team: Jaguars
Round picked (No. overall): 7th (221)
College: USC
Recruiting stars out of high school: 4
The final Californian drafted in 2025 was a 4-star offensive guard from Moorpark, achieving a ranking as high as 29th in the state. Before joining the Trojans, Monheim earned co-offensive lineman of the year honors in the Camino League, alongside multiple all-league first-team selections.
Chance of sticking: 55%. Monheim’s versatility is a significant asset. During his time at USC, he logged 12 starts at left tackle, 4 at right guard, 18 at right tackle, and spent his entire senior season at center. Although he was selected as a center, his adaptability allows him to be utilized at various positions along the offensive line during camp. This flexibility might set him apart in the competition typical of late-round selections.
DL Mason Graham, Servite (Anaheim)
NFL team: Browns
Round picked (No. overall): 1st (5)
College: Michigan
Recruiting stars out of high school: 4
The first Californian selected during the 2025 draft was a standout from the get-go. Graham, who played both defensive and offensive line at his school and even competed as a varsity wrestler, had multiple athletic opportunities. Collecting 18 sacks in just 27 games at Friar earned him impressive rankings—16th in the state and 209th nationally in his graduating class. Referred to as “The Human Hand Grenade” by Nate Tice, he attracted numerous college offers before committing to the Harbaugh-led Michigan Wolverines, choosing them over schools like USC, Fresno State, and Oregon. This decision proved fruitful as Graham was instrumental in anchoring the Wolverines’ national championship defense in 2023.
Chance of sticking: 100%. Few prospects present as reliable a choice in the NFL as a defensive lineman with his skills.
Graham’s instincts and raw strength are compelling attributes. Being selected in the top five means that the Mission Viejo-native game-wrecker will have the opportunity to work through any initial challenges he might face. If his college tape is indicative of his potential, he is poised to create a formidable defensive line in Cleveland alongside future Hall of Famer Myles Garrett.
DT Jay Toia, Grace Brethren (Simi Valley)
NFL team: Cowboys
Round picked (No. overall): 7th (217)
College: UCLA
Recruiting stars out of high school: 4
Ranked 16th among recruits in California, Toia attracted 10 offers before choosing to join USC. However, he spent only a couple of months there before transferring to rival UCLA. Growing up in Tonga, Toia honed his strength and ferocity through rugby, which he translated onto the football field for the Grace Brethren Lancers. The 324-pound defensive tackle played on both the offensive and defensive lines, notching seven tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in his standout season.
Chance of sticking: 60%. Late-round selections often resemble a coin flip in terms of longevity. What can aid these picks is possessing a unique trait that sets them apart. In Toia’s case, his combination of size and power embodies the ideal NFL nose tackle profile, standing at 6-3 and weighing 325 pounds. His ability to handle double teams could establish him as a rotational tackle or goal-line defender, offering room for advancement up the depth chart.
WR Tetairoa McMillan, Servite
NFL team: Panthers
Round picked (No. overall): 1st (8)
College: Arizona
Recruiting stars out of high school: 4
Although he was born in Waimanalo, Hawaii, the latest addition to the Panthers’ roster moved to Southern California at the age of 12, where he eventually teamed up with fellow first-round pick Mason Graham at Servite. McMillan excelled in both volleyball and football during his time at Servite, yet football proved to be his stronger sport, as evidenced by his recruitment opportunities. The Friars wrapped up their senior season with a 10-3 record, bolstered by “T-Mac’s” impressive tally of 18 touchdown receptions. Following a nomination for Gatorade Player of the Year, McMillan decided to attend the University of Arizona, ultimately choosing the Wildcats over 23 other offers, including Stanford, Penn State, and a hometown bid from the University of Hawaii.
Chance of sticking: 100%. There is little doubt about T-Mac securing a place on the Panthers’ roster this fall, and it’s likely he will quickly ascend to the top wide receiver position. With comparisons being drawn to stars like Mike Evans and Drake London, the 6-4, 220-pounder is expected to play a pivotal role in the Panthers’ offense, which will be centered on fellow standout and former first-round pick, Bryce Young.