Regardless of the outcome in the Peach Bowl, Cam Skattebo and the Arizona State Sun Devils have already achieved the improbable.

Coming from FCS Sacramento State, Skattebo has transformed into a bona fide star in his second season with the Sun Devils. His bruising running style and clutch performances earned him a top-five finish in Heisman Trophy voting, cementing his status as one of college football's most dynamic players.

Arizona State’s Cinderella story parallels Skattebo’s rise. In their first season in the Big 12, the Sun Devils skyrocketed from a 3-9 record in 2023 to conference champions. A playoff upset of Texas would take the Sun Devils from feel-good underdog to legitimate title contender.

As the college season winds down, Skattebo’s focus will shift to the NFL. Here’s a breakdown of his draft prospects and potential fit in the league.

Cam Skattebo's NFL Draft Outlook

Despite a dominant season, Skattebo isn’t listed among the elite running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. He currently sits at No. 147 in the consensus rankings according to the NFL Mock Draft Database and doesn’t crack the top 100 on Sporting News' big board.

But this ranking marks a significant leap for a player who wasn’t on NFL radars at the start of the season. Skattebo’s meteoric rise has put him in the mix as a potential mid-round pick. With examples like Bucky Irving — a mid-round selection who became a 1,000-yard rusher with the Buccaneers — Skattebo’s goal is clear: get his foot in the door and make an impact.

What Makes Skattebo Unique?

Skattebo's playing style sets him apart, but it also raises questions about his NFL fit. Lacking breakaway speed or elite athleticism, he doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional every-down NFL running back. However, his strength and physicality are undeniable. Whether he’s bouncing off tackles or trucking defenders into the dirt, Skattebo embodies the gritty, hard-nosed football player that teams love.

In the NFL, he could thrive as a change-of-pace back, similar to the role Mike Alstott once played. While Skattebo may not be a flashy prospect, his toughness and work ethic suggest he could carve out a long career as a reliable contributor.

The Rise of Running Backs in the 2025 NFL Draft

This year has been a resurgence for running backs in the NFL, and the 2025 draft class reflects that trend. After a down year for the position in 2024, the big board now features nine running backs ranked in the top 90 prospects.

Can Skattebo Continue to Defy Expectations?

Skattebo’s story is one of persistence and grit. From his humble beginnings at Sacramento State to a breakout season with Arizona State, he’s already defied the odds. If the Peach Bowl is any indication, Skattebo thrives when the stakes are highest.

As he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, the question isn’t whether Skattebo can succeed at the next level—it’s where he’ll get his chance to prove himself.