With the collegiate regular season having come to an end, it’s become time for the elite at their positions to declare their intentions to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Right on schedule, Marshall’s Mike Green, the leader of the nation in sacks this season, has announced that he will forgo his remaining eligibility and head to the NFL, per ESPN’s Jordan Reid.

Green was not the most sought-after recruit coming out of Lafayette HS (VA). As a three-star athlete, Green fielded offers from schools like Ole Miss, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, and in-state colleges Virginia and Virginia Tech. He committed to the in-state Cavaliers, a short, two-hour drive away. After minimal use in Charlottesville as a true freshman, Green hit the transfer portal and found his way to Marshall.

At 6-foot-4 and nearly 250 pounds, Green was a physical specimen as a college athlete, but he needed time to develop his skills. Through his first 20 games, Green only managed a total of 5.5 sacks and 10.0 tackles for loss. This season, Green broke out for an incredible 17.0 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss, leading the FBS in both categories as a redshirt sophomore. Green graded out well analytically, as well. Per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Green ranked as the top pass-rusher in college football.

Reid and ESPN’s Field Yates each ranked Green in their top eight pass rushers with Reid placing Green at seven and Yates ranking him fourth. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler slotted Green in as the eighth best edge rusher and the 37th best prospect overall.

Green obviously possesses the pass-rushing talent to be a Day 1 or 2 pick. With impressive performances at the NFL Scouting Combine and Marshall’s Pro Day, along with some strong interviews, there’s a chance that Green can convince a team to take a chance on him in the first round.