Devonte’ Mathews enters 2025 NFL Draft

Cole Scott,

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — While the talk of the town around Western Kentucky University football has been centered on the college football transfer portal, Christmas day saw the fourth Hilltopper declare for the 2025 NFL Draft following his senior season in Bowling Green.

Defensive back Devonte’ Mathews spent just one year at WKU, but in his senior season had an immense impact on the Tops defense.

After stops at the University of West Georgia and Nicholls State University, 2024 saw Mathews lead the Hilltoppers in total tackles with 98, lead the team in fumble recoveries with four, and tie for the most interceptions with two.

His stellar defense late-game in the team’s victory over Toledo back in September led to WKU’s only weekly honor on the defensive side of the football, with Mathews earning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week on September 23.

Following the regular season, his efforts were awarded by the league with a spot on the All-CUSA Defense Second Team.

Mathews now joins Elijah Young, Upton Stout, and Keyshawn Swanson as Hilltoppers who have entered the NFL Draft and the group will await their names to be called this upcoming April to play football at the professional level.

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